Want to understand Hanoi deeper but need help figuring out where to start? This is the bucket list of the 25 best things to do in Hanoi for your future Hanoi tours. We will give you more details about famous attractions in Hanoi, must try food in Hanoi, and top things to do and see.
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1. Join the emotional “Night Tour” at Hoa Lo Prison
One successful and pervasive tourism product is the “night tour” of the Hoa Lo Prison relic. During the 70-minute journey “backward” to the past, visitors will witness the harsh life in hell on earth that former political prisoners had to endure.
The stories of political prisoners are recreated through many scenes and combined with candles, lights, noises, and music, making this experience so real.
However, visitors need to book tickets about 3-4 days before the show time not to miss this one-of-a-kind experience.
- Address: 1 Hoa Lo, Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Entrance ticket price: 30,000 VND/person ($1.28)
- Opening hour: 08:00 AM – 05:00 PM
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2. Wander around Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake (or Sword lake) stays in the Hanoi city center and is the intersection of the three most commonly accessed routes. Sword Lake occupies an irreplaceable position because of its volume of culture and history stored for thousands of years.
A mythological story associated with the unmistakable name of this lake is when King Le Loi used the magic sword, which belongs to the King of the sea, to drive away invaders. When the land was safe, he returned the sword to where it belonged.
Nowadays, the Sword lake area has been remodeled. One of the best things to do in Hanoi is freely participating in activities like enjoying live music or dance performance at Sword Lake walking street on the weekend.
Related tour: Vietnam Family Holiday (15 DAYS)
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3. Drop by the Museum of Ethnology
How can you leave Hanoi without dropping by the Museum of Ethnology? The museum was formed and maintained by the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences. This place is the crystallization of knowledge and documents about the culture and activities of 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam.
Visitors can look at many items that hold deep traditional values in the museum. The Museum of Ethnology also provides many seminars and presentations for visitors to have practical cultural experiences. There are also information boards in each location in many languages for you to follow. On the other hand, you can have an indoor English/France tour guide for 100.000 VND.
- Website: http://www.vme.org.vn/en
- Address: Nguyen Van Huyen, Quan Hoa, Cau Giay, Hanoi
- Opening hour: 8.30 – 17.30 from Mon-Sat
- Entrance ticket price:
- 40,000 VND/ person
- 15,000 VND/ student ($0.6) (with a student card)
- 10,000 VND/ pupil (Pupil from 6 to 18)
- 20,000 VND/ for people with severe disabilities, elderly people, minority ethnic people (with valid identity card required).
- Free for children under the ages of six
Related tour: Best Of Vietnam And Cambodia Tour Package (14 DAYS)
4. Take the best view from Lotte Tower
Another best thing you can do besides seeing Hanoi from a height of 272m in Lotte Tower: Dating. It has a lounge area that includes an exhibition of paintings for you to enjoy with your loved one. Watching the sunset from the top of Hanoi is also recommended.
The tower has other services, such as restaurants, hotels, and markets. You can explore the building, buy some souvenirs and go to the observation deck to catch all of Hanoi in sight.
- Website: https://observationdeck.lottecenter.com.vn/en/index/
- Address: Floor 65, 54 Lieu Giai, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
- Opening hour: 09:00 – 24:00 Daily (Ticket Counter closes at 23:00)
- Entrance ticket price
- 230,000 VND/ Foreigner adults
- 170,000 VND/ Foreigner children ( 3 – 12 years old)
- Free for children under the age of 3
Related tour Vietnam Holiday Package 12 Days (HANOI – SAI GON) (12 DAYS)
One more best things to do in hanoi is taking the best view from Lotte Tower (Source: Internet)
5. Taste egg coffee Hanoi
One of the best things to do in Hanoi is to become an early bird and sip egg coffee while watching the streets of Hanoi gradually become bustling. The culture of enjoying coffee is widely spread in Vietnam. Therefore, you can easily catch the roadside cafes that are always packed with customers in the early mornings.
Many people think that this drink will have an unappealing taste. But don’t worry. You will only feel the aroma of coffee and the greasy layer of whipped eggs combined with milk. The first egg cafe in Hanoi, Giang Cafe, is the best place to have this beverage. You can enjoy this excellent drink with just one dollar while chatting with your friends.
- Address: 39 Nguyen Huu Huan, Ly Thai To, Hoan Kiem
- Opening hour: 07:00 – 20:00 Daily
- Price: 30,000 VND – 120,000 VND
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Egg coffee has a delicious taste that you cannot ignore when traveling to Hanoi (Source: Internet)
6. Admire the Imperial Citadel
The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Hanoi has maintained its position of political power for 30 years. The structure, built in the 11th century, clearly reflects the unique interference of Chinese architecture and the ancient Champa Kingdom in the south. For carrying a heroic historical story and preserving various archeological sites and monuments, UNESCO has certified this place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The best thing to do in Hanoi Imperial Citadel is to visit the five most prominent monuments here, including Flag Tower (Cot Co Hanoi), Kinh Thien Palace, Hau Lau, Doan Mon, and Bac Mon.
- Address: 19C Hoang Dieu, Dien Bien, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 08:00 – 17:00 Daily
- Entrance ticket price: 30,000 VND | Children under 15 are free of charge.
- Website: http://hoangthanhthanglong.com/
Related tour: Twilight Hanoi Street Food Tour (Vegan & Vegetarian Food Tour Available Upon Request)
The largest ancient gate of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel (Source: Internet)
7. Tour the Fine Arts Museum of Vietnam
The Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts is a cultural institution responsible for storing unique collections of art treasures dating from all eras of life. This place focuses on preserving and sharing the historical value of artworks.
You can find precious pottery pieces from fine arts of antiquity; priceless paintings considered Vietnamese treasures and countless other features that those who want to delve deeply into the culture won’t leave for just one day.
- Website: https://vnfam.vn/en/
- Address: 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Dien Bien, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 08:30 – 17:00 Daily
- Entrance ticket price:
- 40,000 VND/ Adults
- 20,000 VND/ Vietnamese students (with identity card)
- 10,000 VND/ Children between the ages of 6 and 16
- Children under 6 and disabled people are free of charge.
Related tour: Chasing Rice Terraces & Hill Tribes (10 DAYS)
The museum displays Vietnamese fine arts from antiquity to the present (Source: Internet)
8. Shopping in the Hanoi Old Quarter
Many international friends have evaluated Hanoi as the city that holds the history of Vietnam when all historical vestiges are carved on the residential area here.
The street’s name in this area can also tell you about the main items the place sells. For example, Hang Gai Street inherently has such a name because, in the past, it specialized in selling hemp ropes, jute ropes, and hammock ropes. Similarly, Hang Bong Street will sell bedding items. Currently, this may not be the case anymore. However, this is also a unique feature that makes Hanoi’s town stand out.
You can find and buy handmade gifts from Hanoi handicraft villages. In addition, Hanoi Old Quarter is also a place for culinary experiences when gathering countless delicious local eateries.
Every weekend from 18:00 – 23:00, the old town night market will occur in the Dong Xuan area. You can easily access it while strolling around the walking street at Sword Lake.
Related tour: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Ha Long Bay (5 DAYS AND 4 NIGHTS)
9. Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda
Tran Quoc Pagoda is nearly 1500 years old, making it the oldest temple in Thang Long – Hanoi. Its name, “Tran Quoc,” is the wish that the country is always peaceful and unaffected by natural disasters.
In 1998, the hexagonal lotus-shaped Bao Thap was built, and in 2003 it was completed to form the temple’s tower garden. The tower is 15m high, including 11 floors. Each tower floor has a precious white stone Amitabha Buddha image in each arched doorway. In particular, on the top is a 9-story lotus tower carved with precious stones, creating a softly majestic beauty.
- Address: 46 Thanh Nien, Truc Bach, Tay Ho, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 07:30 – 11:30 | 13:30 – 17:30 Daily
- Entrance ticket price: Free of charge.
Related tour: Hanoi & Ha Long Bay Discovery (4 DAYS)
Tran Quoc Pagoda is regarded as a symbol of Hanoi’s capital (Source: Internet)
10. Take photos at the Hanoi Opera House
Hanoi Opera House is a unique architectural work with outstanding history, culture, architecture, and fine arts values. A rare component of urban and capital architecture contributes to creating the face of our country today in the field of culture.
The Opera House is a place to perform art programs and one of the best things to do in Hanoi. When buying tickets to visit the theater, you will get to discover the architecture and history of the Opera House and see the performing arts show in the theater.
- Website: https://hanoioperahouse.org.vn/
- Address: 1 Trang Tien, Phan Chu Trinh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 10h30 – 12h00 (Mon – Fri)
- Entrance ticket price: 400.000 VND – Discount 50% for students
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11. Pho – Hanoi culinary imprint
Pho is Vietnam must try food and one of the most famous dishes in Vietnam and the world. This simple yet appealing blend of sweet broth of meat, rice noodles, herbs, and spices blends together to create a beautiful, nutritious and delicious meal.
12. Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is also known as Uncle Ho’s Mausoleum. This is a popular tourist attraction in Vietnam. You will see a spacious complex here surrounded by lovely gardens. You will look out over a large marble building. Inside is a glass coffin and Ho Chi Minh’s remains are in it.
Besides you will also explore Ho Chi Minh Museum. This is the place to help you hear the full life story of the most outstanding leader in Vietnamese history and have a gallery of his artifacts.
- Address: 8 Hung Vuong, Dien Bien, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
- Entrance ticket price: Free
- Opening hour: 07:30 AM – 07:30 PM
13. Enjoy the performance in Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
When you come to Thang Long Water Puppet Theater – the best places to visit in Hanoi Vietnam. You will see a stage with a large waist-high lake where puppeteers perform. They will control puppets attached to long bamboo sticks and look like they are dancing lively on the water.
The performance here will tell you about local legends, and popular folk or agricultural stories in Vietnam. This type of performance originated in rural Vietnam, where many fields were flooded after the rain, and locals would dance with water puppets for entertainment.
- Website: http://thanglongwaterpuppet.com/
- Address: 57B Dinh Tien Hoang Ward, Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Entrance ticket price: Standard Ticket: 100,000 VND ($4.2); Deluxe Ticket: 150,000 VND ($6.4) and VIP Ticket: 200,000 VND ($8.5) for per person
- Opening hours: 07:30 AM – 07:30 PM
14. Let’s try Old Quarter Banh mi
The Old Quarter Banh mi is a must-try food in Hanoi and has many other delicious dishes such as pan bread or dumplings. However, the most attractive thing at the stand is the traditional version with ingredients from homemade jambon to pate and char siu at a reasonable price. You should use homemade sauce according to the family recipe for an even more delicious taste. This is one of the things to do in Hanoi for you.
15. Come to the Vietnamese Women’s Museum
The Vietnam Women’s Museum is home to stories about the role of women in local society. The museum will take you through the history and culture of women in Vietnamese society. You also find many galleries about the role of women in the Vietnam War.
You will admire colorful local clothes, traditional handicrafts and textiles made by different ethnic minorities in Vietnam. This is a recommended place for you how to get around in Vietnam when you want things to do in hanoi.
- Website: https://baotangphunu.org.vn/
- Address: 36 Ly Thuong Kiet Ward, Hang Bai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Entrance ticket price: 40,000 VND/adult ($1.7) and 10,000 VND/children ($0.4) below 16
- Opening hour: 08:00 AM – 05:00 PM
16. Sightseeing at Long Bien Bridge
Architects from Paris designed the Long Bien Bridge and the bridge was built around 1899 – 1902. This is a steel bridge that played a strategic role during the Vietnam War and had an important historical influence on Hanoi.
Try going to Long Bien Bridge in the evening when it is illuminated in the inky sky of Vietnam. There is a pedestrian path on the bridge that also has quite a few street food carts selling delicious snacks. And this is the best time to visit north Vietnam so let’s take a trip and get the things to do in hanoi.
17. Walking in Hanoi Old town Quarter
Hanoi Old Quarter still retains the characteristics of a small local residential area.
The names of the streets will help you identify which stores are there. If you are looking to buy souvenirs or local gifts here are the things to do in hanoi. You’ll also find popular local eateries here. There is also a local night market operating in this area from Friday to Sunday every week. This is the best place to visit in North Vietnam for you to visit the things to do in hanoi.
18. Have a drink at Longer Than a Summer Bar
The Longer Than a Summer Bar is a hidden gem in the heart of Hanoi with homemade drinks. The bar exists in an underground place with less than 15 seats, no hype, no menus, and no branding on Google Maps. Only craft whiskeys and other informal beverages are available upon request. The bar impresses with its small, quiet space and personalized drinks. But Whiskey is always the most popular here so these might be the place of things to do in hanoi for you.
You can ask for the address and make a reservation at:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/longerthanasummer/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/longerthanasummer/
19. Visit the Military History Museum in Hanoi
If you’re interested in Military History then head to this prestigious Military History Museum in Hanoi. Here you will see historic weapons and aircraft that were downed during the Vietnam War. You’ll also see Soviet planes, tanks and even MiG military aircraft on display.
Many galleries help you learn more about military history with information boards and small screens. You can also find a flagpole located outside.
- Address: 28A Dien Bien Phu, Dien Bien, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
- Entrance ticket price: 20,000 VND/adult ($0.8) and 10,000 VND/children ($0.4) below 16
- Opening hour: 08:00 -11:30 AM & 01:00 -04:30 PM
20. Dine with Bun Cha Ha Noi
Bun Cha is a traditional Vietnamese delicacy with a special taste. This is a favorite dish of locals as well as tourists and one of the things to do in hanoi you must try.
Bun Cha combines sweet and sour flavors and is made with grilled pork rolls, vermicelli and raw herbs. Most of the dining establishments that sell bun cha also add crab spring rolls to their menus.
21. Admire the beauty of West Lake
West Lake is also the famous and largest freshwater lake in Hanoi with 17 km. This is one of the most attractive destinations in Hanoi and you can visit the historical monuments here. For example, Tran Quoc Pagoda is located on a small island in the middle of a lake, Quan Thanh Temple dates back to the 11th century,… One of the great experiences of things to do in Ganoi is renting a boat and going boating on West Lake.
- Address: Tay Ho district, Hanoi city
If you want to rent and row a boat in West Lake, you can refer to a few places:
- Entrance ticket price: 200,000 VND ($8.5) – 250,000 VND ($10.6)
- Opening hour: 05:00 AM – 8:30 AM & 4:30 PM – 06:30 PM
- Address:
- West Lake Racing Club: 292 Lac Long Quan Street, Tay Ho, Hanoi
- Umove SUP Club: 29 Nguyen Dinh Thi, Tay Ho, Hanoi
- Hanoi Kayak Club: No. 267, Trich Sai Ward, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
22. Have a meal with Banh Xeo
The name Banh Xeo comes from the sound of “sizzling” when pouring pancakes into the pan. The mixture of Banh Xeo is a blend of coconut milk, rice flour,… They will make a thin cake in a circle on a north pan with a high flame. The filling inside the cake is usually pork, shrimp, green beans and bean sprouts. Finally, turn the pancake half upside down and serve with vermicelli, raw vegetables and sweet fish sauce.
23. Try Bun Dau Mam Tom in Ha Noi
The rice noodle are served in rectangles. Tofu will be cut into small squares and fried in hot oil until it puffs and is crispy outside. Finally, the shrimp paste, smells a little bit pungent and very salty, like any other Vietnamese sauce. However, you can decrease the smell and the salty flavor by adding sugar, slices of chili, and lemon for a better taste. Slowly mix it until the mixture has combined into one and voila, you can never forget the taste of Bun Dau Mam Tom. More addition, you can Bun dau mam tom is served with cucumber slices, herbs and a drink from pickled dracontomelon.
24. Visit the Bach Ma Temple in Hanoi
Bach Ma Temple is the most famous ancient temple in the city and is hidden in the old quarter of Hanoi. The temple has been renovated for many years since the 18th century and these things to do in Hanoi you should come. Originally, Bach Ma Temple was built in the 11th century under Emperor Ly Thai To. The meaning of this is in honor of a white horse that is said to have led him to the construction site. In addition, the Emperor ordered the construction of the wall and there is also a statue of Confucius which has been built since 1839.
- Address: 76 Hang Buom Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City.
- Opening hour: 09:00 AM – 5:30 PM every day of the week
25. Come to the Temple of Literature
Temple of Literature is one of the most famous places in Hanoi. The Temple of Literature with a history dating back to 1070, is part of a larger complex that includes the beautifully named Lake of Literature. There are Doctoral Steles and you will see about 82 carved green stone turtles which are known as sacred creatures in Vietnam.
If you are a writer, publisher, translator,… new to the profession so these are a place things to do in Hanoi. You can pray at the temple of literature in the hope that one day you will publish a masterpiece or an excellent work.
- Website: http://vanmieu.gov.vn/vi/
- Address: No. 58, Quoc Tu Giam Ward, Dong Da, Hanoi
- Open hour: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Entrance ticket price:
- 30,000 VND/adult ($1.2)
- 15,000 VND/student ($0.6) (with a student card)
- 15,000 VND ($0.6) for people with severe disabilities, elderly people (Vietnamese citizens full 60 years old and above, with identity cards)
- Free for children under 15 years old
26. Take a trip to Quang Phu Cau Incense Village
The Quang Phu Cau Incense Village is one of the handicraft villages near Hanoi, about 30 km from Hanoi city center. This village has been supplying incense to the North of Vietnam for more than a hundred years and expanded the market to neighboring countries with our country. In the East, incense is mainly used to burn the dead and is usually used on the 1st and 15th days of the lunar calendar. Besides, incense also prays for super in the New Year and other spiritual events.
Quang Phu Cau village today is attracted by the long tradition of making fragrant cakes and the typical beauty of rural life. Take a trip to the village to see firsthand the whole village filled with the vibrant pink color from the incense sticks.
- Address: Quang Phu Cau commune, Ung Hoa district, Hanoi city
- Ticket price for photography: about 100,000 VND/person ($4.2)
FAQs about best things to do in Hanoi?
What are the best things to do in Hanoi?
You can visit and participate in recreational activities at Temple Of Literature, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, Hanoi Opera House, Hoa Lo Prison Relic, Ngoc Son Temple, West Lake, Hanoi Old Quarter, Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, Longer Than a Summer Bar,…You can find more places and the best things to do in Hanoi in Ftrip’s article.
What are famous places in Hanoi?
There are many things to do and see in Hanoi such as Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Bach Ma Temple, Temple of Literature, Long Bien Bridge, Quang Phu Cau Incense Village,… and there are many other famous places in Hanoi mentioned in the article of Ftrip.
What is the best Food in Hanoi you must try?
The best food in Hanoi you must try: Pho, Banh mi, Bun Dau Mam Tom, Bun Cha, Banh Xeo,... You can enjoy many other local cuisines in Ftrip’s article.
How to explore Hanoi?
You can get in touch with Ftrip and book outstanding tours: Hanoi tours, Ha Giang Loop Tour (3 days 2 nights). Photography tour Vietnam. Vietnam holiday packages 2023 (17 days). When traveling around Hanoi, you can explore the city by bus, motorbike, taxi or car.
That is our list of the best things to do in Hanoi. This article writes about famous places in Hanoi to let you discover and enjoy Food in Hanoi now. Besides, you can refer to Ftrip’s tours to make the trip even more convenient and wonderful.
