What to Do in Hanoi: 15 Must-See Attractions
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam since 1010, is a city with ancient roots and endless things to do. As one of the oldest cities in the world, it boasts architectural gems from centuries past, such as the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, and Tran Quoc Pagoda. Here, we’ve curated the best things to do in Hanoi.
Located in northern Vietnam, Hanoi is known for its cultural influences from French and Chinese traditions. It’s also famous for its tourist attractions that blend history, religion, culture, and cuisine. There’s something for every type of traveler.
This list of things to do in Hanoi can be done in 2 days, as it takes at least 2 full days to see the main attractions of Hanoi. If you have 3 days, you’ll have more time to explore at a relaxed pace.
Read also: Vietnam Travel Guide: 15-Day Itinerary from North to South.
1. HOAN KIEM LAKE AND NGOC SON TEMPLE
Hoan Kiem Lake, located in the center of Hanoi, and its iconic red bridge are must-sees. The lake is a postcard image of Hanoi and a landmark in the Old Quarter.
A legend tells of a magical sword given to the warrior Le Loi by a golden turtle, which helped him defend Vietnam from the Ming Dynasty. This legend gives Hoan Kiem its name, the “Lake of the Restored Sword,” making it one of Hanoi’s top attractions.
The Ngoc Son Temple, founded in the 9th century, sits on an island in Hoan Kiem Lake. It was built to commemorate the achievements of Tran Huong Dao, a military commander during the Tran Dynasty who led the Vietnamese army to defeat the Yuan Dynasty in the 13th century. Entry costs 30,000 VND, and visitors must cover shoulders and knees.
2. TRAN QUOC PAGODA
Tran Quoc Pagoda is Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist temple, with over 1,500 years of history. It was built in 545 and is located on an island between Truc Bach Lake and West Lake, just minutes from the Old Quarter.
The pagoda is where many famous monks have come to practice their faith. It also houses numerous statues of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas with artistic value, including a gold-painted wooden statue of the reclining Buddha Shakyamuni, considered the most beautiful in Vietnam.
In the temple courtyard, there’s a sacred Bodhi tree gifted by India. The pagoda is open daily from 8 am to 4 pm, with free entry. Visitors should cover shoulders and knees. Read more: Tran Quoc Pagoda: The Oldest Place in Hanoi.
3. TEMPLE OF LITERATURE
Visit the Temple of Literature, founded in 1070 to honor the Chinese philosopher Confucius. In 1076, it became home to the Imperial Academy, reserved for elite students. It was Vietnam’s first university, operating for around 700 years and producing hundreds of well-known scholars and mandarins. It is one of the top things to do in Hanoi.
Located south of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu) preserves cultural values and unique architecture, despite the impacts of wars. Entry costs 30,000 VND, and the site is open from 8 am to 5 pm. Visitors must cover shoulders and knees.
4. HO CHI MINH MAUSOLEUM
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum was built between 1973 and 1975, inspired by Lenin’s Mausoleum in Moscow but with Vietnamese architectural elements.
Located in Ba Dinh Square, it is the final resting place of President Ho Chi Minh. In the morning, visitors can view the president’s tomb (arrive early as there may be a line), and at noon, they can watch the changing of the guard. Throughout the day, you can also visit the One Pillar Pagoda in the same complex.
The mausoleum is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, from 8 am to 10:30 am. Admission is free, but shoulders and legs must be covered to the ankles, and backpacks should be stored in lockers.
Read also: 10 Essential Tips for Your First Trip to Vietnam | Top Things to Do in Sapa.
5. ONE PILLAR PAGODA
The One Pillar Pagoda gets its name from being built on a single pillar to resemble a lotus flower. According to legend, the king was very old and childless. After many prayers, he had a vision, and the queen became pregnant. The pagoda was built as a gesture of gratitude from the king. It’s one of the most significant attractions in Hanoi.
Built in 1049, the One Pillar Pagoda is considered a symbol of Hanoi. Popular belief also suggests that if you wish for a child, you should climb the steps of this pagoda. It is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm, with free entry, but shoulders and legs must be covered up to the ankles.
6. OLD QUARTER
The Old Quarter of Hanoi is the heart and soul of the city. With its narrow, bustling, and noisy streets, it holds centuries of history, as Hanoi has been the capital since 1010.
Each street specializes in a different product: bars, clothing, flowers, medicinal items, and religious artifacts. Amidst all this, there’s always a good coffee spot. Although the Old Quarter is also known as the 36 Old Streets, it actually has 70 streets. The best way to get an overview of this area is by taking a cyclo tour, which lasts about an hour.
7. BEER STREET
Visiting Beer Street is a must in Hanoi, even if you’re not a fan of beer. In the evening, Ta Hien Street (Beer Street), a street just 200 meters long, comes alive. Starting at 5 pm, bars open, but around 7 pm, it can be challenging to find a seat. We visited the corner bar in a yellow building with green windows, Loi Beo, where beer costs 20,000 VND.
On Hanoi’s Beer Street, you can sit on small plastic stools that double as tables and try the local Bia Hanoi beer. You can also sample Vietnamese street food, as all the restaurants offer these options. It’s a lively place that attracts both locals and foreigners, and everything is very affordable!
8. ROOFTOP BARS
Hanoi transforms at night, making it a great time to end the day at a rooftop bar. In the Old Quarter, the best options include the Terrace Skybar, facing the lake, the Diamond Sky Bar, the Soul Rooftop Bar, both across from Beer Street, and the Cloud Sky Bar, near Train Street. They all open from 5 pm.
The Lighthouse Skybar is just outside the Old Quarter and has more of a party vibe. If you simply want to enjoy the city view from above, you can visit the Sky Lotte Observation Deck, offering a panoramic view from the 65th floor.
Read also: What to Do in Ho Chi Minh: 18 Attractions and Tours | 2-Day Ninh Binh Itinerary.
9. TRAIN STREET
Train Street in Hanoi is a narrow street where a train passes just inches from the surrounding houses. Located near the Old Quarter, it runs between Phung Hung and Ly Nam De streets, with the address being 5 Trần Phú.
The street’s popularity began when a local woman opened a café along the tracks, leading to the opening of several others. The street was closed from 2019 to late 2022 due to safety concerns. Now, visitors can only enter if accompanied by a local guide who takes them to a café or through a food tour that also includes the French Quarter.
10. SHOPPING AT DONG XUAN MARKET AND WEEKEND MARKET
Dong Xuan Market, located in the Old Quarter, was built in 1889. It’s an enormous covered market with around 4,000 shops.
At Dong Xuan Market, you can find souvenirs, accessories, and clothing. It’s also a great place to try some local food.
The Hanoi Weekend Night Market attracts both tourists and locals along a street lined with hundreds of stalls. You can find everything from souvenirs, clothing, and accessories to food and drinks. The market stretches from Hang Dao Street to the Dong Xuan Market gate, and it’s open from Friday to Sunday, 6 pm to midnight.
11. KEM TRANG TIEN ICE CREAM
Kem Trang Tien Ice Cream is a Hanoi icon. Made by hand since 1958 without preservatives, the store always has a line, whether it’s summer or winter. It has a small outdoor counter, but the courtyard inside is decorated with murals and makes a great photo spot, plus there are some benches to sit on.
No place is more recommended for ice cream in Hanoi, especially the vanilla flavor. It’s the must-try treat in town. You can choose between a cone or a popsicle.
12. HANOI CAFÉS
Vietnam is the second-largest coffee producer in the world, after Brazil. Thanks to French influence, the country has a tradition of excellent coffee shops.
The Note Coffee is a colorful and fun spot to enjoy a coffee in Hanoi. Here, customers are invited to write a note on a sticky note and leave it on the wall, hence the name ‘The Note Coffee’. It’s a three-story building with walls covered in colorful notes.
In Hanoi, we recommend The Note Coffee, Loading T Café, and Cong Ca Phe. At Loading T, the coziest spot, they serve egg coffee, a type of sweet egg custard coffee.
Photo: @Loading T Café
13. THANG LONG WATER PUPPET THEATRE
By Hoan Kiem Lake is the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, where you can witness the ancient Vietnamese tradition of water puppetry. The stage is a themed pool, with the performers hidden behind a bamboo curtain, controlling the puppets that act out scenes on the water’s surface.
The theater is known as one of Hanoi’s oldest buildings. Performances happen daily, and tickets range from 100,000 to 200,000 VND. There’s an additional fee for taking photos with a camera.
14. FRENCH QUARTER
The French Quarter in Hanoi is known for its colonial architectural heritage. It features numerous yellow buildings with red roofs and green shutters. Located next to the Old Quarter and bordering Hoan Kiem Lake, it has a unique charm.
Here, you’ll find St. Joseph’s Cathedral, a neo-Gothic church built in 1886 by the French, making it the oldest church in Hanoi. The area also houses Hoa Lo Prison, originally built by French colonists during the Indochina period when Vietnam was still at war. It held political prisoners as well as American POWs during the Vietnam War.
Additionally, the Grand Opera House, a historic and architectural landmark built by the French between 1901 and 1911, remains active today, hosting opera, classical music concerts, and traditional Vietnamese plays. You’ll also find the luxury Trang Tien Plaza and various art galleries in the area.
15. VIETNAM MUSEUM OF ETHNOLOGY
The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology was built in 1997 to showcase the country’s 54 ethnic groups. Both the indoor and outdoor exhibits give insight into the customs and traditions of each group, providing a comprehensive understanding of the diverse culture in Vietnam.
For those traveling from north to south, it’s an excellent place to gain an overview of Vietnam and learn about each region’s cultural nuances. The museum is open daily from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, and the entry fee is 40,000 VND.
GOING ON A TRIP? THEN BOOK HERE!
Did you know that when you make a booking using the blog’s link, we receive a small commission? You don’t pay anything extra, you get discounts, and you help the Eduardo and Mônica blog produce complete and quality articles.
Help the blog that helps you!
• Accommodation: Booking.com
• Tours and Tickets: Get Your Guide
• Transport: 12go (Asia, Brazil, Europe, and Australia)
Follow our tips on Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.
"This post is a translated version of the original content from our website www.eduardo-monica.com"
