Top 20 Best Things to Do in Hanoi in 2025

Hanoi, known as Vietnam’s capital, is a cultural hub that attracts visitors from around the world. With a rich background spanning over 1,000 years of history, you would have countless things to do in Hanoi. From those activities, you will get an insightful look of this wonderful old town. 

Explore the Old Quarter

As the city develops, Hanoi Old Quarter still retains its ancient beauty throughout the years. Tourists will find themselves amazed by the old streets, with thousands of local shops named after the products traditionally sold there, and small roads connected like a spider web. For example, Hang Ma, where paper-made items are sold, is often decorated with hundreds of red lanterns along the street. Or Hang Bac, known for its many jewelry stores, mainly offers silver bracelets and necklaces.

Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake

The weekend walk is a perfect choice for those who enjoy a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Vietnamese families often spend their weekends around the Hoan Kiem Lake area, where numerous activities are organized for both children and adults. Foreign tourists will especially enjoy traditional children's games like “ô ăn quan”, “nhảy dây” (jumping rope), or “kéo co”,... Another great aspect of this area is that no motorbikes or other vehicles are allowed to enter the Hoan Kiem Lake zone during the weekends.

Visit the Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature is a good place to start if you want to learn more about Vietnam's intellectual and cultural heritage. Originally the nation's first university, this historic site was constructed in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius. Visitors can read the names of royal scholars carved into centuries-old stone steles, stroll through historic courtyards, and take in traditional Vietnamese architecture. Far from the bustling streets of Hanoi, the serene gardens and ancient trees foster a contemplative atmosphere.

Tour the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

In order to commemorate the sacrifice of President Ho Chi Minh’s whole life to the liberation of the Vietnamese people, the Vietnamese government had the Ho Chi Minh Complex established inside Hanoi capital city. Situated right in Ba Dinh street where the great father Uncle Ho read the Independence Declaration on September 2nd, 1945, Ho Chi Minh Complex consists of a variety of building structures that go along with their own purposes, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, President Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s Residence, One Pillar Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh Museum.

Watch a Water Puppet Show

A traditional water puppet show is a must-do while visiting Hanoi. The rice paddies of northern Vietnam are the birthplace of this unusual art form, which has been practiced for almost a thousand years. You can see a performance of wooden puppets dancing on water today at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, which is close to Hoan Kiem Lake. The puppeteers are skilled and hidden behind a screen. Both children and adults will enjoy the lively and charming shows, which feature folk tales, live music, and scenes from rural life.

Try Hanoi Street Food

Hanoi’s streets are a paradise for food lovers, with something delicious waiting on every corner. From steaming bowls of pho enjoyed at low plastic tables to smoky plates of bun cha grilled over charcoal, the city’s food scene is bold, flavorful, and deeply rooted in local life. Don’t miss out on iconic bites like banh mi, nem ran (fried spring rolls), and che (Vietnamese sweet soup). Eating on the street is an unique experience with busy sidewalks, the clang of metal spoons, and the buzz of everyday Hanoi unfolding all around you.

Beer night on Ta Hien Street

For international visitors, especially the younger crowd, you might find yourself ending up on Ta Hien Street in the evening for a fun night out. Ta Hien is a small street in the Old Quarter, easily recognizable thanks to its lively, crowded atmosphere after dark. What could be more exciting than sitting on tiny plastic stools, enjoying cold beer, and singing along to your favorite hit songs while listening to live performances in the heart of Hanoi?

Shop at Dong Xuan Market

The biggest and busiest indoor market in Hanoi is Dong Xuan Market, which is situated in the center of the Old Quarter. Everything from electronics, dried foods, and household goods to textiles, souvenirs, and handicrafts can be found inside. It's a great place to find deals or buy gifts like traditional herbal products, conical hats, or embroidered fabrics. Even if you're not making a purchase, you can get a genuine, unvarnished look at Hanoi's daily business by meandering through the tiny lanes and watching the bustle of local vendors.

Visit the Hoa Lo Prison Museum

The Hoa Lo Prison Museum, formerly known as the "Hanoi Hilton," provides a powerful and sobering look into Vietnam's colonial and wartime past. During the Vietnam War, it housed American prisoners of war after being founded by the French in the late 19th century to hold Vietnamese political prisoners. Original prison cells, old photos, artifacts, and testimonies that describe the hardships and tenacity of those incarcerated are on display at the museum. A deeper understanding of Vietnam's turbulent past and an experience that provokes thought are provided by visiting this site.

Explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

With exhibits on more than 50 ethnic groups, including interactive displays, traditional costumes, and full-scale architectural models, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology offers a remarkable overview of the nation's rich cultural diversity. The museum, which features stilt houses and ceremonial houses from different regions, is situated in a lush complex close to West Lake and combines indoor galleries with an outdoor area. For anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam's multi-ethnic heritage, this educational and visually stunning destination offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the music, art, and everyday objects of the country's minority cultures.

Relax at West Lake (Tay Ho)

The largest freshwater lake in Hanoi, West Lake, also known as Tay Ho, is a popular getaway destination for both residents and tourists seeking a tranquil respite from the bustle of the city. The lake offers a distinctive blend of sophistication and tranquility, encircled by leafy boulevards, hip cafés, historic pagodas, and luxurious homes. West Lake is the ideal spot to take it slow and see a different side of Hanoi, whether you're cycling along the lakefront, enjoying coffee while taking in the scenery, or visiting Tran Quoc Pagoda at sunset.

Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda

The oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, Tran Quoc Pagoda, is over 1,500 years old and situated on a small island in West Lake. The pagoda provides a serene setting for contemplation and photography with its eye-catching red stupa, serene gardens, and picturesque lake views. Vietnam's long-standing spiritual traditions are reflected in the temple grounds' ancient statues, bonsai trees, and halls filled with incense. Tran Quoc Pagoda is a significant cultural destination in the center of the capital, whether you visit for its history, architecture, or tranquility.

Experience the Night Market in the Old Quarter

Hanoi's Old Quarter, which stretches from Hang Dao Street to Dong Xuan Market, comes alive every weekend as a night market. Around 6 PM, the area is closed to traffic and transformed into a busy pedestrian park with live performances, food vendors, and souvenir shops. You can buy handicrafts, sample street food like sticky rice and grilled skewers, or just take in the lively ambiance with locals and other tourists.

Enjoy Egg Coffee at a Local Café

A must-try Hanoi specialty, egg coffee astonishes many newcomers with its deep, smooth flavor. It was created in the 1940s and is made by whipping egg yolks with sugar and coffee to produce a rich foam that is layered on top of strong Vietnamese espresso. The end product has a comforting, strong, and sweet flavor. Visit a little-known café in the Old Quarter, such as Giang Café, where this famous beverage originated, for a genuine experience. It's worthwhile to take your time sipping egg coffee in a quaint café in Hanoi.

Join a Cooking Class

A fun and interactive way to engage with Vietnamese culture through food is to take a cooking class in Hanoi. Most classes begin with a visit to a local market, where you will learn about local ingredients and select fresh herbs, vegetables, and spices. When you return to the kitchen, a local chef will show you how to make traditional dishes like bun cha, spring rolls, and pho. Both novice and seasoned home cooks will find it to be a fulfilling activity.

Take a Cyclo Ride Through the Streets

One of the most charming ways to take a slower tour of Hanoi's Old and French Quarters is by cyclo. You can enjoy the city's bustling street life, colonial architecture, and secret alleyways without the rush when you sit in front of the three-wheeled bicycle and your driver pedals behind you. It's perfect for first-time tourists who wish to experience Hanoi's rhythm and take pleasure in a nostalgic form of transportation that was once widely used in the city.

Explore Hanoi Train Street 

One of the most unique sights in the city is Hanoi Train Street, where rows of residences and cafes are situated inches from a functioning railroad track. This tiny alleyway, which is situated between Le Duan and Kham Thien streets, is particularly well-liked when the train goes through because it provides an exciting and memorable sight. While waiting for the train's rumble, tourists can sit at the small cafés that line the track, enjoy egg coffee, and strike up conversations with locals. Even though access is occasionally limited for security reasons, you can still get a close-up look at this distinctively Hanoi moment with guided tours and special viewing locations.

Visit the Hanoi Opera House

The Hanoi Opera House, a shining example of architecture and cultural prestige in the center of the city, was constructed in 1911 during the French colonial era. Enter to take in its magnificent interior, elaborate chandeliers, and graceful exterior. Next, see a live performance, like a ballet or symphony concert, a traditional opera, or even a classical Vietnamese orchestra. There's a lovely square outside that's perfect for taking pictures. This famous site is a window into Hanoi's creative spirit in addition to being a cultural treasure.

Check Out Hanoi St Joseph's Cathedral

Entering the neighborhood surrounding St. Joseph's Cathedral in the center of Hanoi is like entering a little piece of Paris. Constructed during the French colonial era in 1886, the church features remarkable neo-Gothic architecture featuring pointed arches, twin bell towers, and vibrant stained-glass windows. The square in front of the cathedral comes alive in the evenings when young residents and visitors swarm to check in. It is a gathering place that embodies contemporary Hanoi.

Take a Day Trip to Bat Trang Pottery Village

Bat Trang Pottery Village, a thriving community of artisans with a 700-year history of ceramic craftsmanship, is located just 13 kilometers southeast of Hanoi. You can walk past workshops here where families create traditional pottery by hand-shaping and hand-painting it. Visitors can try their hand at the potter's wheel and even glaze their own piece to take home from many studios. Live pottery classes are held daily, and local artists are delighted to let guests try their hand at using the potter's wheel, molding clay by hand, and painting their own creations.