Hanoi, Vietnam Travel Guide: Top Attractions, Things to Do & Can't‑Miss Experiences

Hanoi is a city where centuries of history unfold at street level. As Vietnam’s capital for more than a thousand years, it reflects layers of imperial dynasties, French colonial influence, wartime resilience, and modern urban life. Lakes, temples, and narrow streets coexist with scooters, cafés, and constant movement.

Unlike many large capitals, Hanoi feels intimate once explored on foot. Neighborhoods shift character quickly—from the commercial Old Quarter to leafy boulevards in the French Quarter and the calm shores of West Lake. Understanding these contrasts is key to enjoying the city.

The attractions below are ordered by popularity first, then grouped by proximity to help structure walkable, logical days. Each stop highlights what to see, how to get there, and how much time to allow for a rewarding experience.

Top Attractions & Experiences

Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Hoan Kiem Lake is Hanoi’s symbolic heart and a daily gathering place for locals. Surrounded by shaded paths, it offers a calmer rhythm than surrounding streets. Ngoc Son Temple sits on a small island, reached by a red bridge, and reflects the lake’s spiritual significance tied to local legend.

• Things to do or see there
  • Walk the lakeside paths
  • Visit Ngoc Son Temple
  • Watch morning exercise or evening strolls
• How to get there Central location; walk from the Old Quarter.
• How much time to spend there 1–1.5 hours.
• Address Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam. Google map
• Notes Early morning offers the most local atmosphere.

Old Quarter walking tour

The Old Quarter is Hanoi at its most intense and fascinating. Originally organized by trade guilds, its narrow streets are still named after traditional crafts. Walking here reveals daily life up close, from street vendors and workshops to cafés tucked into centuries-old buildings.

• Things to do or see there
  • Explore historic trade streets
  • Observe local daily routines
  • Discover hidden cafés and shops
• How to get there Walk from Hoan Kiem Lake.
• How much time to spend there 2–4 hours.
• Address Old Quarter, Hanoi, Vietnam. Google map
• Notes Guided walks help explain history and layout.

Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature is Vietnam’s first university and a peaceful retreat from busy streets. Dedicated to Confucius, the complex features courtyards, pavilions, and ancient stone steles honoring scholars, reflecting Vietnam’s long respect for education and learning.

• Things to do or see there
  • Walk the historic courtyards
  • View scholar steles
  • Learn about Vietnam’s academic traditions
• How to get there Taxi or short ride from the Old Quarter.
• How much time to spend there 1–1.5 hours.
• Address Van Mieu, Dong Da District, Hanoi. Google map
• Notes Quieter than most central attractions.

Train Street

Train Street is one of Hanoi’s most unusual sights, where trains pass through extremely narrow residential lanes. Homes and cafés sit inches from the tracks, highlighting the city’s adaptability and density.
Visits are brief but memorable.

• Things to do or see there
  • Watch a train pass through
  • Photograph the narrow corridor
  • Observe daily life along the tracks
• How to get there Taxi or walk from the Old Quarter.
• How much time to spend there 30–45 minutes.
• Address Train Street, Hanoi, Vietnam. Google map
• Notes Access rules change—follow local guidance.

Hanoi Opera House

The Hanoi Opera House reflects the city’s French colonial past with its elegant neoclassical design. Located at the edge of the French Quarter, it stands as one of Hanoi’s most refined buildings and contrasts sharply
with the nearby Old Quarter’s intensity.

• Things to do or see there
  • Admire the exterior architecture
  • Attend a performance if available
  • Walk the surrounding boulevards
• How to get there Walk or taxi from Hoan Kiem Lake.
• How much time to spend there 30–60 minutes.
• Address Trang Tien Street, Hanoi, Vietnam. Google map
• Notes Evening lighting enhances photos.

French Quarter

The French Quarter offers wide boulevards, colonial villas, and a slower pace than the Old Quarter. It showcases a different chapter of Hanoi’s history and works well for relaxed walking and café stops.

• Things to do or see there
  • Walk shaded streets
  • View colonial architecture
  • Relax at cafés
• How to get there Walk south from Hoan Kiem Lake.
• How much time to spend there 1–2 hours.
• Address French Quarter, Hanoi, Vietnam. Google map
• Notes Best explored at a leisurely pace.

West Lake (Tay Ho)

West Lake is Hanoi’s largest lake and a welcome escape from traffic-heavy districts. Its shoreline hosts pagodas, cafés, and walking paths, making it popular for sunsets and evening outings.

• Things to do or see there
  • Walk or bike along the lake
  • Visit lakeside pagodas
  • Watch sunset over the water
• How to get there Taxi from central Hanoi.
• How much time to spend there 1.5–3 hours.
• Address Tay Ho District, Hanoi, Vietnam. Google map
• Notes Evenings are cooler and more relaxed.

Hanoi Street Food tour

A street food tour is one of the best ways to understand Hanoi’s culinary culture. With guidance, visitors sample iconic dishes while learning how food reflects local history, seasons, and daily routines.

• Things to do or see there
  • Sample traditional dishes
  • Learn food etiquette
  • Visit trusted local spots
• How to get there Tours usually start in the Old Quarter.
• How much time to spend there 3–4 hours.
• Address Old Quarter, Hanoi. Google map
• Notes Come hungry and pace yourself.

Bia hoi corner

Bia hoi corners are informal beer spots where locals gather on small stools to drink fresh draft beer. The atmosphere is social, casual, and distinctly Hanoi, especially in the early evening.

• Things to do or see there
  • Enjoy fresh local beer
  • Watch evening street life
  • Socialize casually
• How to get there Common around the Old Quarter.
• How much time to spend there 45–90 minutes.
• Address Ta Hien area, Hanoi, Vietnam. Google map
• Notes Evenings are busiest.

Night market

Hanoi’s night market transforms parts of the Old Quarter into a lively pedestrian zone.Stalls sell clothing, souvenirs, and street food, creating a festive end to the day.

• Things to do or see there
  • Browse market stalls
  • Try evening street snacks
  • Enjoy a car-free atmosphere
• How to get there Old Quarter streets near Hoan Kiem Lake.
• How much time to spend there 1–2 hours.
• Address Hang Dao Street area, Hanoi. Google map
• Notes Weekends are busiest.

Hidden Gems & Local Favorites

Morning Lake Walks & Local Cafés

Early mornings reveal a softer side of Hanoi, with tai chi by lakes and cafés opening quietly. This is an ideal time to experience local routines before traffic builds.

• Things to do or see there
  • Watch morning exercise
  • Drink Vietnamese coffee
  • Enjoy calm streets
• How to get there Walkable around central lakes.
• How much time to spend there 1–2 hours.
• Address Central Hanoi. {gmap(“Hoan Kiem morning Hanoi”)}
• Notes Best before 8am.

Photography Hotspots

• Hoan Kiem Lake at sunrise
• Old Quarter street scenes
• Train Street corridor
• Hanoi Opera House façade
• West Lake at sunset

Pro Tips & Local Secrets

• Walk where possible. Many areas are compact.
• Cross streets confidently. Traffic flows around pedestrians.
• Start early. Mornings are cooler and calmer.
• Group sights by area. Reduces transit time.
• Stay hydrated. Heat and humidity add up.

Hanoi rewards travelers who slow down and observe daily life alongside major sights. From lakeside walks and historic temples to street food and evening markets, the city offers constant contrast. For those searching for the best things to do in Hanoi,thoughtful pacing and neighborhood exploration turn sensory overload into meaningful discovery.