Hanoi is one of the oldest capital cities globally, known for its historic colonial buildings, ancient temples, and interesting museums. There’s plenty to do here, like trying out tasty street food, exploring old buildings, and experiencing local culture.
If you are looking for the top things to do in Hanoi, you have come to the right place. Here, you will find 13 fun things to do in Hanoi in 2024.
1. Explore the Old Quarter
The Old Quarter of Hanoi, also known as Hanoi Old Quarter, is a renowned attraction in the city. It’s a captivating area filled with colonial-style buildings lining narrow streets. Here, you’ll experience a bustling scene with a constant flow of scooters, bikes, and cars weaving around street vendors selling fruits, souvenirs, and local delicacies.
Hanoi Old Quarter brings to life what many people imagine what Hanoi is. One of the top activities here is exploring on foot, although you can also rent bicycles or take a cyclo ride to navigate the charming streets.
2. Enjoy street food
Vietnamese people take great pride in their food, and you’ll find it readily available throughout Hanoi, both in restaurants and on the street. Street food stalls line the sidewalks, with plastic stools set up for diners. Each stall specializes in a particular dish, all freshly prepared. Dining at these stalls offers a delicious taste of local cuisine and an authentic experience of Hanoi.
3. Visit Hoan Kiem Lake
A visit to Hoan Kiem Lake is a must for travelers exploring Hanoi. Legend has it that King Le Thai To was given a holy sword by the Sea God to fend off invaders. Later, he returned the sword to the depths of the lake, giving rise to its name, “Hoan Kiem,” meaning “Lake of the Returned Sword,” or Sword Lake.
Hoan Kiem Lake is a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike. Surrounded by lush greenery in the heart of the bustling city, it offers a serene escape. Locals often come here for traditional exercises and community events, while visitors enjoy leisurely strolls around the lake, admiring the iconic Turtle Tower, and capturing the picturesque scenery in photographs.
4. Visit the Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature, or Van Mieu in Vietnamese, is a renowned landmark in Hanoi. Established in 1070, it served as Vietnam’s first national university for around 700 years, nurturing countless scholars and talents for the nation.
The temple is dedicated to Confucius, scholars, and sages. A notable feature is the area with stone tablets carried by stone turtles. These tablets have the names of excellent scholars engraved on them. Many students touch the turtles’ heads, believing it will bring them good luck and success in their studies.
5. Visit Long Bien Bridge
One more famous landmark to visit in Hanoi is the Long Bien Bridge, which spans across the Red River. Constructed from 1898 to 1902, it suffered damage during the conflicts with the French and Americans. Despite this, it has been carefully restored and serves as a testament to resilience.
While walking on this bridge, you’ll get a special view of Hanoi’s river scene and city view, especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.
6. Try Bia Hoi on Ta Hien street
Ta Hien Street, also called the “Beer Street,” is the liveliest spot for nightlife in Hanoi. If you want to dive into the bustling social vibe of the city, this is the spot to visit.
Ta Hien Street is renowned for its numerous bars, pubs, and eateries. Here, you can enjoy a wide range of Vietnamese street food and the famous “Bia Hoi,” a light and refreshing local draft beer. Having a cold beer and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the street is a must-do experience when visiting Hanoi.
7. Watch water puppet show
The traditional water puppet show in Hanoi is a must-see experience. You can enjoy this unique Vietnamese art form at several theaters in the city. The Thang Long Puppet Theater is considered the original and best venue for this captivating performance. Delicate puppets gracefully dance and glide across a water stage, controlled by skilled puppet masters hidden behind a screen.
8. Experience the famous Hanoi train street
Visiting Hanoi Train Street is another fascinating activity to do in the city. This unique street has gained worldwide fame for its photos and videos capturing the extraordinary sight of shop owners, café proprietors, and residents calmly clearing their belongings to make way for a passing train.
Due to safety regulations, several coffee shops along the train street had to close down. However, you can still explore this exceptional railroad track passing through the residential area. Just remember to stay cautious as there are actual trains running on this track.
9. Take a cyclo tour of the city
Exploring Hanoi by taking a cyclo tour is a fantastic way to soak in the city’s atmosphere. You’ll get to visit iconic spots like Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, and the French Quarter, all while immersing yourself in the vibrant street scenes and local culture. It’s an unforgettable way to experience the charm of Hanoi.
10. Explore the Imperial City of Thang Long
Exploring the Imperial City of Thang Long is a must when visiting Hanoi, as it provides a window into the country’s rich history and culture. This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases centuries-old buildings like the majestic Hanoi Flag Tower and the stunning Doan Mon Gate. Wander through expansive courtyards and gardens, marvel at ancient relics, and discover the stories of the dynasties that once governed the area.
11. Visit traditional villages
There are several traditional villages near Hanoi that provide insights into rural Vietnamese life and crafts. Bat Trang is famous for ceramic pottery, Van Phuc for silk weaving, and Dong Ho for woodblock printing. Visitors can witness traditional production methods and buy handmade items directly from the skilled artisans.
12. Shop at Dong Xuan Market
Exploring Dong Xuan Market is a top activity in Hanoi, giving you an authentic taste of Vietnamese life and culture. This bustling market offers a wide array of goods including souvenirs, clothing, accessories, and food. It’s also a perfect spot to sharpen your bargaining skills and snag some fantastic deals.
13. Explore Ninh Binh in a day
Taking a day tour from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is a favorite among those seeking a break from the city hustle to relish the serene countryside. Opt for a boat trip along Tam Coc or Trang An to soak in the stunning karst scenery. Don’t miss the Mua Cave viewpoint for breathtaking panoramas. For a deeper immersion, cycling through the countryside offers an up-close encounter with local life and landscapes.
