Things to Do in Hanoi
34 curated spots from Hanoi itineraries
Activities & Attractions
20 curated experiences
Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple
Stroll the lakeside path, watch locals exercising and socializing, then cross the red Huc Bridge to Ngoc Son Temple to learn the legend of the restored sword and enjoy lakeside views.[3][4][5][7]
1h 30m · $2-4
Dong Xuan Market
Browse the city’s best-known market for textiles, souvenirs, household goods, and lively bargaining.
1h 30m · Free to browse
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex
Visit the mausoleum grounds, surrounding monuments, and ceremonial spaces that anchor modern Vietnamese history.
2h · Free
Hoa Lo Prison
Learn about colonial-era detention and wartime history through a focused, well-organized museum visit.
1h 30m · $1-3Hoa Lo Prison Relic
Visit the former colonial prison museum to learn about Vietnamese revolutionary history and wartime stories.
1h 30m · $3-6
Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple
Walk the lake edge, cross the bridge to Ngoc Son Temple, and use the water and tree-lined paths as a gentle first stop.
1h 30m · $1-3
Long Bien Bridge Walk
Take a scenic walk on the historic bridge for river views, commuter scenes, and strong photo angles.
1h · Free
Old Quarter Street Walk
Wander the historic lanes, browse shops and street life, and look for craft stalls, small altars, and classic tube-house architecture.
2h · Free
One Pillar Pagoda
Stop at the small but important pagoda for a quick religious-site visit and a strong photo opportunity.
30m · $1-2
Temple of Literature
Explore Vietnam’s first university, courtyards, altars, and classical architecture for one of Hanoi’s most important heritage sites.
1h 30m · $2-4
Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám)
Explore Vietnam’s first national university dedicated to Confucius, with peaceful courtyards, pavilions, stelae of scholars, and classic traditional architecture; plan around its 8:00 AM–5:00 PM opening hours.[1][5][6][7]
1h 30m · $2-4
Thang Long Imperial Citadel
Explore a UNESCO-listed historical complex with layers of royal, military, and archaeological significance.
2h · $1-3
Train Street
Sip drinks at cafes as trains pass inches away; check schedule for thrill.
1h · $5 or Free
Tran Quoc Pagoda
Visit Hanoi’s oldest pagoda for a peaceful religious site and lakefront views that photograph well in soft morning light.
1h · Free
Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts
See Vietnamese art across traditional, modern, and revolutionary periods in a museum that rewards an unrushed visit.
2h · $2-4
Vietnam National Museum of History & Hanoi Opera House Area
Spend time in the Vietnam National Museum of History exploring more than 200,000 artifacts that trace the country’s past, then walk a few minutes to admire the ornate French-colonial Hanoi Opera House and surrounding boulevards.[5][9]
2h · $3-5
Vietnamese Women’s Museum
See exhibits on family life, dress, work, and women’s roles in Vietnamese society.
1h 30m · $2-4
Water Puppet Theatre
Traditional show on water stage with live music (book premium seats).
1h · $20
West Lake Bike & Tran Quoc Pagoda
Rent bikes for 10km lakeside loop, visit ancient pagoda amid water lilies.
2h · $10
West Lake Promenade
Take an easy lakeside stroll, pause for coffee, and enjoy open water and tree-lined paths as a gentler finale.
1h 15m · FreeRestaurants & Food
14 local favorites
Quan An Ngon
Choose a spread of northern Vietnamese dishes in a comfortable sit-down setting with many regional specialties.
1h 30m · $15-30 per person
Bánh Cuốn Gia Truyền Thanh Vân
Light steamed rice rolls with herbs and dipping sauce; a good quieter breakfast before market time.
45m · $3-8 per person
Banh Mi 25
Legendary local sandwiches; try pate and grilled pork classic.
30m · $5-10 per person
Bún Chả Hương Liên
Order bun cha with herbs and grilled pork; it is an iconic Hanoi dish and a filling midday meal.
1h · $5-10 per person
Bun Thang Ba Duc
Try bun thang, a delicate Hanoi noodle specialty with egg, chicken, herbs, and broth.
1h · $5-10 per person
Cong Caphe
Modern coffeehouse with Vietnamese brews and egg coffee; try ca phe trung.
45m · $10-15 per person
Koto Van Mieu
A relaxed lunch stop near the Temple of Literature; order Vietnamese dishes and sit down in a calm setting.
1h · $10-18 per person
Morning Glory
Upscale Vietnamese cooking school vibe; nem nuong and fresh herbs.
1h 30m · $35-55 per person
Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan
Classic Hanoi pho spot in the Old Quarter; order a bowl of pho bo (beef noodle soup) and join locals on low stools for a quintessential start.
45m · $4-6 per person
Phở Gia Truyền Bát Đàn
Classic Hanoi pho in a famously busy local spot; order pho bo and expect a simple, efficient service style.
1h · $3-7 per person
Pho Thin
Iconic beef pho stall; order pho bo tai rare beef slices.
45m · $8-12 per person
Quan An Ngon Phan Boi Chau
A popular mid-range restaurant serving a wide range of Vietnamese regional dishes in a courtyard setting; try bun cha, fresh spring rolls, and a Vietnamese iced coffee.
1h 15m · $12-20 per person
Red Bean Boutique
Minimalist cafe with fusion Vietnamese; pho bo and craft cocktails.
1h 30m · $30-50 per person
The Hanoi Social Club
A relaxed courtyard meal with Vietnamese and international options; good for a comfortable seated lunch after sightseeing.
1h 15m · $10-20 per person