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25 Best Things to Do in Hanoi

From timeless temples and lakes to vibrant street life and incredible local food, explore Vietnam’s captivating capital with Hanoi-based travel experts.

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What are the best things to do in Hanoi?

Hanoio blends ancient heritage with modern energy. Wander the atmospheric Old Quarter, enjoy peaceful lakes, explore historic sites, taste world-class street food, and experience Vietnam's rich culture. Whether you have a day or a week, this guide highlights the must-do experiences you won't want to miss

Key Takeaways

A mix of history, food, culture and local life

Easy to explore on foot, by bicycle or private vehicle

Experiences for every budget and travel style

Best time to visit: Mar-Apr & Sep-Nov

At a Glance

Activity Type What to Expect Best For Suggested Time Typical Cost
Historic & Cultural Sites Temples, museums and iconic landmarks History lovers and culture seekers 2–4 hours $–$$
Food & Local Experiences Street food, markets and cooking classes Foodies and curious travellers 2–3 hours $–$$
Walking & Sightseeing Lakes, the Old Quarter and hidden corners All travellers Half day Free–$
Shows & Traditional Arts Water puppetry and cultural performances Families and couples 1–2 hours $–$$

Essential Hanoi Experiences

Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter

Walk through historic commercial streets, hidden temples, family-run shops and small food stalls.

Culture

2–3 hours

Free

Walk Around Hoan Kiem Lake

Visit Ngoc Son Temple, cross The Huc Bridge and observe Hanoi’s morning and weekend life.

Relaxation

1–2 hours

Free–$

Visit the Temple of Literature

Discover one of Hanoi’s most important educational and architectural heritage sites.

History

1–1.5 hours

$

Understand History at Hoa Lo Prison

A compact museum that presents difficult chapters of Vietnam’s modern history.

History

1–1.5 hours

$

Explore the Ho Chi Minh Complex

Combine Ba Dinh Square, the Mausoleum, Stilt House and One Pillar Pagoda.

Culture

2–3 hours

Free–$

Watch a Water Puppet Show

Enjoy a distinctive Vietnamese performance inspired by rural stories, music and folklore.

Families

1 hour

$–$$

Experience Hanoi Through Its Food and Coffee

Vietnamese Cooking Class

1 hour

$–$$

Shop for ingredients, prepare traditional dishes and enjoy a meal with a local host.

Families

Hanoi Street Food

Taste pho, bun cha, banh cuon and seasonal dishes while learning the stories behind them.

Foodies

2–3 hours

Egg Coffee Experience

Try Hanoi’s signature drink and compare historic cafés with modern speciality coffee shops.

Coffee lovers

1–2 hours

Local Market Visit

See how ingredients are selected, sold and used in everyday Vietnamese cooking.

Local life

1–2 hours

Vietnamese Cooking Class

Shop for ingredients, prepare traditional dishes and enjoy a meal with a local host.

Hands-on

3–4 hours

Authentic and Less-Touristic Things to Do in Hanoi

Vietnamese Cooking Class

1 hour

$–$$

Shop for ingredients, prepare traditional dishes and enjoy a meal with a local host.

Families

Local Market Visit

Local life

1–2 hours

See how ingredients are selected, sold and used in everyday Vietnamese cooking.

Local tip: Visit around sunset.

Hanoi Street Food

Taste pho, bun cha, banh cuon and seasonal dishes while learning the stories behind them.

Hanoi Street Food

Local tip: Visit around sunset.

Taste pho, bun cha, banh cuon and seasonal dishes while learning the stories behind them.

Truc Bach & West Lake

Walk quiet lakeside streets, small temples and neighbourhood cafés.

Local tip: Visit around sunset.

Red River Cycling

Ride through riverside landscapes and communities beyond central Hanoi.

Local tip: Start early in warm weather.

Morning Hanoi

See markets, breakfast stalls, exercise groups and flower deliveries.

Local tip: Begin between 05:30 and 07:00.

Local Neighbourhoods

Discover daily life beyond the Old Quarter in quieter residential areas.

Local tip: Respect private entrances and residents.

Artisan Workshops

Meet craftspeople working with ceramics, lacquer, paper or textiles.

Local tip: Choose hands-on, fairly paid visits.

Things to Do in Hanoi for Every Type of Traveller

For Families

Museums, water puppetry, crafts and family-friendly food experiences.

For Couples

Lakeside walks, private dining, coffee experiences and sunset views.

Free Things to Do

Old Quarter walks, Hoan Kiem Lake, parks and neighbourhood exploration.

Hanoi at Night

Street food, walking streets, live music and evening cultural shows.

Rainy-Day Activities

Museums, cafés, indoor markets, cooking classes and galleries.

Sustainable Travel

Walking, cycling, local businesses and responsible community visits.

How to Plan One, Two or Three Days in Hanoi

Morning: Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake

Afternoon: Temple of Literature and Hoa Lo Prison

Evening: Water puppetry and street food

1 DAY

Hanoi in One Day

See the essentials and experience the city’s atmosphere.

1 DAY

Hanoi in One Day

See the essentials and experience the city’s atmosphere.

Morning: Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake

Afternoon: Temple of Literature and Hoa Lo Prison

Evening: Water puppetry and street food

2 DAY

Hanoi in Two Days

Add historical sites, coffee culture and local neighbourhoods.

Day 1: Central Hanoi and essential landmarks

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh Complex, West Lake and food

3 DAY

Hanoi in Three Days

Combine iconic sights, local life and a nearby excursion.

Day 1: Old Quarter and historical Hanoi

Day 2: Markets, museums and neighbourhoods

Day 3: Craft village or countryside experience

Best Day Trips and Short Escapes from Hanoi

$

Free–$

Explore the Ho Chi Minh Complex

Combine Ba Dinh Square, the Mausoleum, Stilt House and One Pillar Pagoda.

2–3 hours

Culture

Ninh Binh

Rivers, limestone karsts, temples and countryside cycling.

Full day

Nature

Ha Long, Lan Ha or Bai Tu Long Bay

Compare iconic routes, quieter waters and overnight cruise options.

Scenery

1–3 days

Bat Trang Ceramic Village

Meet pottery makers and try a practical ceramics activity.

Half day

Crafts

Duong Lam Ancient Village

Walk through historic lanes, communal houses and rural landscapes.

Full day

Heritage

Discover More Things to Do Across Vietnam

$

Free–$

Explore the Ho Chi Minh Complex

Combine Ba Dinh Square, the Mausoleum, Stilt House and One Pillar Pagoda.

2–3 hours

Culture

Northern Vietnam

Mountains, culture & timeless charm. Explore Sapa, Ninh Binh, Ha Giang and more.

Central Vietnam

Beaches, heritage & vibrant cities. Diccover Hoi An, Hue, Da Nang and beyond.

Southern Vietnam

Dynamic cities & tropical adventures. Experience Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta and more.

Best Things to Do in Vietnam

Top experience across the country. Curated highlights for  every traveler.

Practical Information for Visiting Hanoi

How Many Days?

2-4 days is ideal to see Hanoi's highlights and enjoy local experiences.

Best Areas to Stay

Old Quarter for culture, West Lake for calm, Ba Dinh for landmarks.

How to Get Around

Walk, cycle, or use Grab. Taxis are affordable and widely available.

What to Wear

Light, breathable clothes. Comfortable shoes for walking and exploring.

Safety in Hanoi

Hanoi is generally safe. Stay aware of your belongings as anywhere.

Responsible Travel

Respect local culture support local businesses and reduce plastic use.

Frequently asked questions About Things to Do in Hanoi

  • What should I not miss in Hanoi?

    First-time visitors should prioritise the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison, Hanoi street food and a traditional water puppet performance.

  • How many days are enough for Hanoi?

    Two full days cover the essential landmarks. Three days allow more time for food, museums, quieter neighbourhoods and a craft village or countryside experience.

  • What are the best free things to do in Hanoi?

    Walking through the Old Quarter, circling Hoan Kiem Lake, exploring West Lake and visiting public parks or neighbourhood streets are among the best free activities.

  • What can you do in Hanoi when it rains?

    Visit museums, attend a cooking class, explore covered markets, enjoy a coffee experience, watch water puppetry or visit local art galleries.

  • Which day trips are possible from Hanoi?

    Ninh Binh, Bat Trang, Duong Lam and selected Ha Long Bay day cruises are possible. Mai Chau and Pu Luong are generally better as overnight trips.

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