An intoxicating blend of the old-world nostalgia and break-neck modern development, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of things to do in Hanoi!

Choosing just a select few is impossible, but in just 3-4 days, you can get a good overview of Hanoi (and most likely quickly start planning another trip!).

For each traveler, Hanoi represents a chance to create your own adventure – to get lost in the labyrinth-like old town, discover delicious pho on a tiny stool by the side of the road or sip cocktails and sample fusion food in hip restaurants.

However you choose to visit Hanoi is up to you, but you will quickly find no matter how much time you have in this captivating city, there is always more to discover.

Vietnam’s second-largest city – but perhaps it’s most authentic, Hanoi tempts you with a captivating blend of East-meets-West, merging traditional Sino-Vietnamese motifs with French styles and strong communist overtones. Surprisingly unscathed from decades of war, Hanoi is now proudly entering a new phase of life – and as the current building boom shows – it is one of the most rapidly developing cities in Asia. 

While Hanoi does not have the cachet — yet — of nearby destinations like Toyko, Seoul, Hong Kong, or Singapore, it is quickly becoming one of the world’s most popular travel destinations. Inevitably that means crowds of tourists – but with my help, you can still unearth a few spots of quiet solitude here. 

Explore at your own pace, and don’t feel compelled to follow the beaten track, but here are a few of our favorite discoveries and things to do in Hanoi if you need some inspiration or aren’t yet convinced! Whether you are traveling solo or looking to try one of Vietnam’s best tour companies, Hanoi cannot be missed! 

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#1. Hanoi Cooking Class

What better way to get to know the local culture than through their cuisine – luckily, Hanoi and Vietnam, in general, has some of the world’s best food (and it’s surprisingly easy to make yourself!). Sign up for a Vietnamese cooking class, head to the local market to source your freshest ingredients and try your hand at folding spring rolls, making rich soups, or even try cocktail-making using traditional liquors.

Besides – making a meal from scratch back home is a far better way to show off to your friends than a two-hour photo slide!

#2. Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum

Pay your respect to the greatly admired liberator of Vietnam preserved for all eternity in a potent cocktail of formaldehyde ala Lenin and Mao.

Strictly no photography is allowed inside, and the lines can get crazy long in the peak holiday periods so head early in the morning and be prepared to wait. This is no joke, and talking — or anything akin — is not permitted in his presence, even hands must be removed from pockets at all times.

For a less intense experience, you can see the changing of the guard outside the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum daily – in itself quite the spectacle – or head to the nearby Ho Chi Minh Museum for a slightly glorified look into Uncle Ho’s life and the flourishing of revolutionary socialism in Vietnam.

#3. Municipal Water Puppet Theatre Hanoi

No trip to Hanoi would be complete without stopping by for a showing of the world-famous ancient art of water puppetry — and the best place to see a performance is the multiple showings at the Municipal Water Puppet Theatre right in the heart of the old town.

Imagine puppet shows in a flooded rice paddy complete with fireworks, singing, and a fair few mythical animals, and you will have an idea of what to expect.

Tickets are surprisingly cheap and often available last minute – but seats for the front sell out in advance, so swing by their office if you can for an up-close view or book online in advance for your date with hotel delivery sorted when you arrive.

#4. The Note Coffee Hanoi

We considered not writing about this because, in all honesty, we didn’t think the coffee or food was outstanding —but we loved the staff’s energy, warmth, and get up. So, we just could not skip them from our things to do in Hanoi round-up.

Sure, it’s been done before – but never like this – step into their multi-level premise and every surface including the tables, chairs, roofs, and lamps are covered in thousands and thousands of brightly colored notes from previous guests all over the world going back years.

We spent over an hour at Note Coffee Hanoi just reading all the delightfully upbeat quotes, sayings and stories, and we didn’t even leave our corner of the room. The coffees also come with a personalized message from the barista, and they have fast WiFi with views out over the lake, so overall …

You should at least pop in for a dose of warm and fuzzies at the note cafe.

#5. Hanoi Opera House

Dripping with French colonial decadence, this elegant venue is a must-see – even just for its ornate facade and history. Among other interesting tidbits, in 1945, it was from the Opera House balconies that the Viet Minh declared they had taken over Hanoi.

Performances take place most nights still of either orchestra or opera and are well worth viewing if you get the chance. Check the Hanoi Opera House website in advance to reserve tickets and see what’s on. While opera often has an association with expensive tickets, as we also found out in Riga, Vienna, and Minsk — that is most certainly not always the case. 

#6. Tay Ho (West Lake)

Take a wander – or a bike – around West Lake, the largest in Hanoi. With plenty of popular restaurants and boutique shops along the way and a fair few temples, it can take a whole day to explore this 13-kilometer round journey.

However, you can also explore it in sections if you are a little lazy like I am. Don’t judge…

An up-and-coming area preferred by many expats and the nouveau rich of Viet Nam. We loved the new bike pathway, the wind in our hair, and escape from the relentless moto-chaos that inevitably ensues when you wander around anywhere else in Hanoi.

#7. Craft Beer Tasting In Hanoi

While beer is easily the poison de jour in Vietnam, the craft beer scene here has been surprisingly slow to develop, and Hanoi does still lag behind Ho Chi Minh City in this respect.

Still, there are a few relaxed microbreweries to check out, and if helping the burgeoning craft beer scene in Hanoi isn’t a worthy cause — I don’t know what is!

p>There is a Hanoi Craft Beer Pub in the Old Town serving a good selection with live sports and terribly slow service, but for a more authentic experience head to Hoa Vien Brauhaus for Czech style beer (thanks Soviet connections) or Furbrew, a cool microbrewery, and an on-site tasting room.

If your really keen – or don’t want to go at it alone – there is a highly rated Hanoi Craft Beer tour you can check out too!

#8. Tay Ho Pagoda

One of the most famous temples in Hanoi overlooking West Lake, the smell of incense and offering to the Mother Goddess, is strong here.

Particularly popular with locals around auspicious dates and lunar holidays, many tourists skip it because of the location, but there is no entry fee and plenty of photo ops. If you’re still not sold – the vendors were selling turtles and goldfish by the entrance help to add a point of difference.

However, this is not exactly the nature retreat many people told us it would be. It’s crowded, hot, and the lake is not exactly appealing to swimmers. To really get out and see the other side of life here, you need to head to the Vietnam countryside. Our recommendation would be the remote, challenging but always worth the reward, lesser know Mai Chau Valley since this area renowned for its single-track paths, undulating rough jeep trails, and steep climbs.

The ride passes through traditional villages, across lush rice paddies. Above a valley, for stunning views and on a multi-day hike here, you really get to know the local hill tribe people – the White Tai – and their culture better, including homestays and visits to far less touristy temples…

#9. Vietnam Military History Museum

One for the history buffs, in this very communist museum, you can get an overview of the struggle during the colonial French period of Vietnamese history and an in-depth dissection of the American / Vietnamese war — if a bit one-sided. Not that the alternative side showcased in Washington DC is particularly impartial either… 

There is also plenty of Soviet and Chinese military hardware on display, and a few American ”trophies” including a bizarre B-52 art sculpture and the ticket includes access to the Flag Tower, a symbol of Hanoi, which makes for a great photo op.

#10. Lifted Coffee & Brunch

An accidental discovery when we were slightly sick of the traditional hotel breakfasts; Lifted Coffee & Brunch in Hanoi is newly opened, offering a perfectly executed brunch concept with a chilled atmosphere, indoor/outdoor dining, innovative ingredients, and delicious drinks.

The service was fabulous; its location discrete enough, so only those in the know tend to wander in and the food.

It was one of our favorite places to eat in Hanoi with the pulled pork eggs benedict or giant dirty shakes tempting us back for a second visit.

#11. Hanoi Citadel / Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long

The hub of Vietnamese military power for over 1000 years, Hanoi Citadel, or the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long was built in the 11th century during the Ly Viet Dynasty on the remains of a 7th-century Chinese fortress.

Dripping in history with plenty of small museums, shrines, look-outs, and photo spots – the Hanoi Citadel was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status in 2010 and has since seen a significant overhaul.

An icon of the city and the country that should not be missed!

#12. Temple of Literature

A Confucian temple constructed in 1070, this was Vietnam’s first university and housed within are plenty of photogenic pavilions, halls, statues, and inscriptions on stelae of doctors who passed the notoriously tricky exams here.

Featured on the back of the 100,000 Vietnamese dong banknote, the Temple of Literature has undergone three renovations in the last century and today stands as one of the finest examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. It can’t be left off any self-respecting Hanoi things-to-do list!

#13. Unicorn Cafe Hanoi

For those of you who have missed the trend, Unicorn Cafe’s are taking the world by storm, and Hanoi is no exception. Cute and adorable with an almost sickly level of glitter and pink, they actually serve delicious coffee, tea, and food and offer a great atmosphere to chill in (and escape the chaotic traffic).

Our favorite Unicorn cafe in Hanoi was nearby the Temple of Literature (turn left out of the main entrance and its 150 meters on the opposite side of the road) but for a more full-on experience, there is the Unicorn Kafe at 16 Cửa Bắc, Ba Đình, Hà Nội where they even have onesies you can try on. At the same time, you sip your custom coffee with images printed on the top.

Not your traditional things to do in Hanoi, but one of our favorites!

#14. Hanoi Train Street

Probably one of the best things to see in Hanoi.

Ignore everything your mum and education ever taught you and wander the Hanoi train street where local life is on full display and is only slightly inconvenienced by the freight and passenger trains the barrage through here.

There are a few little entrepreneurial coffee shops that have opened up to cater to tourists waiting for the next train. Otherwise, you can wander the section of tracks leading all the way to the northern entrance of the Hanoi Train Station and peep into hair-salons, people’s homes, or even massage parlors (hard to imagine a less relaxing location right?). 

One of our most beloved memories was sipping a hot bowl of pho as the train whooshed past just a meter away! Much like the abandoned Ho Thuy Tien Waterpark in Hue, authorities are cracking down on this attraction as tourists flock to it, but there are still ways to enjoy it — safely. 

#15. Cộng Cà Phê

Coffee with attitude, Cộng Cà Phê is a semi-themed coffee bar taking Hanoi by storm with a chic military get-up, delicious coffee at affordable prices. It is seemingly popular with locals and a few expats in the know.

Hoping to be the next Starbucks of Vietnam (and far superior to Highlands Coffee – a blatant Starbucks rip-off in our opinion, but ubiquitous in Vietnam), they have expanded into franchise stores. For an authentic experience, you should head to the busy roundabout in the Old Quater for your morning coffee hit in Hanoi.

I was sitting on the Cộng Cà Phê third-floor balcony enjoying a fresh brew, croissant with condensed milk and a view over Hoàn Kiếm Lake and the crazy traffic below…perfection!

#16. Halong Cruise From Hanoi

One of the natural wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site – Halong Bay is probably the most famous tourist attraction in Vietnam, and it is a circus out there!

Don’t expect to have the place to yourself, but if you book an excellent Halong cruise in advance, you can expect a luxurious night on a boat, kayaking around the karst giants and delicious cocktails, food and maybe even a cooking class thrown in. The best way to see Halong Bay is undoubtedly on an overnight cruise, but as for Halong bay cruise recommendations?

Well, book in advance as the best-rated cruises sell out fast and know your stuff: We have a few recommendations here, and if you book through a reputable online agency it’s nice to know you have an international middle-man with a great reputation to fall back on if something were to go wrong.

Otherwise, relax, order a few mojitos and watch as these megalithic giants pass by your cabin window!

#17. St. Joseph Cathedral

A potent symbol of French colonialism in the heart of Hanoi Old Town, the St Joseph Cathedral is a stunning example of the 19th-century Gothic Revival / Neo-Gothic style.

It is also the main church for roughly four million Catholics in Vietnam.

Closed until 1990 by communist authorities, the church has yet to be fully restored to its former glory, not that that stops worshippers regularly spilling out onto the plaza and streets for Sunday mass.

#18. Polite & Co Hanoi Cocktail Bar

One of our favorite finds in Hanoi tucked away on a side-street: Polite & Co is one of the best cocktail bars in Hanoi. It also doesn’t hurt that this Hanoi cocktail bar has a legendary Happy Hour from 4 till 8 pm every day where pretty much everything half-price!

These are world-class cocktails served in a trendy speak-easy with a wooden bar, upscale decor and waiters and bartenders all dressed straight out the Great Gatsby.

Innovative and delicious, Polite & Co Hanoi Cocktail Bar has an extensive selection of traditional and newly invented cocktails. Our favorites were the Spicy Paloma with Jalapeno-infused Tequila, Grapefruit Juice, Lime, Salt, and Soda or the Hula Hula with Jackfruit-infused Rum, Vanilla cachaca, banana liqueur, tamarind paste and spiced agave in a refreshing Tiki cup!

This is one spot to plan your evening around if you want to see the Hanoi nightlife — though it’s almost guaranteed you will end up spending longer than you expected here!

#19. Nexy Hostel Hanoi

Bonding with other travelers over cheap happy hour specials at the Nexy Hostel or get travel advice, recommendations, and more from the super-helpful front desk!

Nexy Hostel is our choice for the best place to stay in Hanoi for those looking for chic & social accommodation smack bang in the middle of everything (and yet conveniently located on a quiet side-street!). A modern design hostel with high-quality dorms and private rooms – including some with terraces and city views – you really can’t go past a stay at Nexy, and we made plenty of travel friends, shared stories, made plans and had a few crazy nights out!

Nexy Hostel even has multiple social areas, including a games room, lounge/cinema, and roof-top terrace with some of the best views over Old Hanoi (well, we didn’t manage to find any better!).

We also loved the local street artwork within the rooms, super-clean facilities, fast WiFi, and friendly staff willing to help with anything. When you travel, you want to remember everything – and make as many memories as possible – and Nexy seems to get that with the staff interested in how your day went, providing great views and just generally designing a hostel based on social environments and guest interactions.

No need to wonder where to stay in Hanoi anymore, the Nexy Luxury Boutique Hostel is waiting!

#20. Hanoi Weekend Night Market

It wouldn’t be Vietnam without incredible street food, and Hanoi does not disappoint! While there are plenty of delicious options dotted all over town.

If you can time your visit to Hanoi over a weekend, you’re in for a treat with the Hanoi Weekend Night Market. Discover the best options with this fabulous Hanoi Food Market Tour, or wait until Hoi An where they have one of the world’s best food tours…

A crazy collection of sellers and street food in Hanoi starting from Hang Dao Street and going to the edge of Dong Xuan Market; you’re sure to find everything and anything your heart desires. Take a camera as everything is so photogenic (the camera eats before you right?) – but be careful in crowds as we heard reports of pick-pockets operating sadly.

Ideas For Exploring More Outside Of Hanoi…

While we don’t personally believe it’s even possible to ever truly want to leave Hanoi, at some point, you’re probably going to want a break from all the incredible coffee, sensory overloads, and yes, motor-traffic mayhem.

Sadly the reputation of pretty much every Hanoi tourism shop in tatters. We heard of nightmare arguments over frequent over-switched tours, scams, or even fake names in order to trade off better competitor’s names. Therefore we recommend booking tours in advance for peace of mind through a trusted source, or a reputable Vietnam tour company.

It might cost a small fraction more, but for peace of mind and to ensure quality (plus having an international middle-man in case anything goes wrong), we think it is totally worth it. The same things go for booking transport in Vietnam — so be careful. 

Plus, who really wants to shop around twenty different shops in Hanoi to save a buck, when you could be relaxing with a beer instead…

• Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Explore Vietnam’s ancient capital city, Hoa Lu, then take stunning photos on your own Tam Coc river voyage – a real treat for budding nature photographers. Discover the full diversity of Vietnamese natural landscapes as you pass through limestone karsts and stone caves, then visit the temples of Dinh and Le dynasties and explore what remains of the ancient relics at Hoa Lu.
• Trang An – See the largest pagoda in Vietnam – the Bai Dinh Pagoda, completely only recently in 2015. Then explore the Trang An Cave Complex, a scenic area renowned for its boat cave tours before taking a break over an authentic Vietnamese lunch where you can try local specialties. Or why not stay longer and discover all the fantastic things to do in nearby Ninh Binh.

• Sapa Trekking – Explore Vietnam’s beautiful countryside on an immersive two day Sapa trek where you can see gorgeous natural landscapes: from mountains and valleys to green meadows and waterfalls. Take the time to learn about the simple life in local villages and chat with residents while tasting an array of authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Delicious — and one of the top highlights of Vietnam. 
• Halong Bay – Explore beyond Halong Bay with a fun tour that combines both the majestic Halong Bay and the beautiful Cat Ba Island. Relax and cruise aboard a traditional junk boat on peaceful, tranquil waters while you see nature at its best. Trek through the Cat Ba National park and try a host of different activities from swimming, kayaking, visiting caves, cooking classes, and squid fishing!

And there you have it! All the top things to do in Hanoi guaranteed to help you see the best of this diverse and complex city! I’m sure you will love it just as much as we did! A special thanks to Nexy Boutique Hostel for hosting us – through all opinions are, of course, are our own. If you have longer in Vietnam, you could also read our other guides to Ninh Bihn Eco-Tourism and wonderful Hoi An!

Just to get you even more inspired…

And if you still haven’t figured out how to travel onwards from Hanoi, we recommend you try Bookaway – a travel search engine for ground transportation, which enables travelers to find, compare and book tickets online easily. Boasting an outstanding user experience and a 24/7 support team that works closely with local suppliers, you can easily simplify the travel planning process in Vietnam and make travel ticket booking easy.

Phong Nha. Nha Trang. Da Lat. Ho Chi Minh. Sapa. Hue. Ha Long Bay… You name it, Bookaway has the most options and a straightforward solution for you.