If you’re after a city that feels alive day and night, Hanoi delivers. From the bustling Old Quarter to tranquil lakes and hidden cafes, there’s something for every kind of traveler. We wandered alleys lined with street food, watched locals dance at Hoan Kiem Lake, and slurped unforgettable pho. It’s gritty, charming, and endlessly photogenic, a place where tradition meets everyday chaos in the best way possible.
I don’t care about the attractions… Just let me see the itinerary.
What are the best things to do in Hanoi?
Iconic attractions in Hanoi
1. Hanoi Train Street
2. Shopping at Old Quarters
3. Bat Trang Ceramics Village
4. Thrifting at Cho Hang Thung Dong Tac
5. A Chef’s Tour
6. Chef Duyen’s Home Cooking Classes
7. Get a haircut at Viet Dreamers Barber Shop
8. Hit up the bar streets
Cafes in Hanoi
9. (á) the matcha space
10. Giao Mua Coffee
11. ikigai coffee
12. Eastern and Oriental Tea House and Coffee Parlour
Things to eat in Hanoi
13. Pizza 4P’s Au Co
14. Bun Cha Ta
15. Bun Bo Nam Bo
16. Tam Vi
Museums & exhibitions
17. Vietnam Military History Museum
18. Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
19. Hanoi Museum
20. Bao Tang I-Museum
21. Vietnam National Museum of History
22. Thang Long Art Gallery
Bucketlist Attractions
23. Ngoc Son Temple
24. Tran Quoc Pagoda
25. Quan Thanh Temple
26. Ho Chi Minh’s Mausolem
27. Temple of Literature
28. Statue of Lenin
29. Hanoi Flagtower
Day trips from Hanoi
30. Ha Giang Loop
31. Ha Long Bay
32. Sapa
33. Ninh Binh
Iconic attractions in Hanoi
1. Hanoi Train Street
One of the most popular things to did in Hanoi was sitting just inches from a railway track while a train speeds past! The cafes along Train Street are super welcoming (and safe as long as you comply with safety regulations).
It’s surreal and oddly peaceful between train times. Just check the schedule and come early, some entrances get blocked off unless you go through a cafe.
Location: 3 P. Trần Phú, Hàng Bông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000
Opening hours: 24 hours
2. Shopping at Old Quarters
Getting lost in Hanoi’s Old Quarter is part of the fun. Each street has its own specialty: silk, (counterfeit) shoes, spices, you name it. It’s a great place for your traditional handmade souvenirs, but here’s what we recommend.
- Coffee and tea from Max Coffee
- Matcha and Hojicha at Son Hai The Coffee & Tea House
- Ceramics from Gom Phu Quy, one of the rare places that sells matcha bowls and mugs
- Handmade goods from Thanh An Art Souvenir (offering more unique offerings than most of the other souvenir stores we’ve shopped at)
- Reworked secondhand apparels at Lon Xon
- Vintage spectacles and shades at CSCB Vintage Eyewear
On the weekends, the Hanoi Night Market comes to life. In addition to the brick and mortar stores, pop-up tents will occupy the main road, where you can browse through countless perfume dupes, luxury bag dupes, figurines, handmade crafts, and more.
Location: Phố cổ Hà Nội, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi
3. Bat Trang Ceramics Village
If you want to stock up on ceramics, mainly traditional teapots and teacups, with a smaller selection of vases and decors, you have to hit up Bat Trang Ceramic Village. Everything here is made locally, and you can easily spend 3-4 hours here just shopping.
If you don’t mind the dust, we actually recommend shopping at these “10k shops” right outside the village first, as most of their ceramics are priced at VND 10,000 due to minor defects, which aren’t that noticeable unless you’re an artisan potter.
Bat Trang Ceramic Village is also located a few streets from Bat Trang Ceramic Museum, where you can admire ceramic artifacts, as well as try your hands on the potting wheel.
Location: Bát Tràng, Gia Lâm, Hanoi 12423
Opening hours: 8.30am-6pm
4. Thrifting at Cho Hang Thung Dong Tac
This thrift market is chaotic, but we found some seriously cool stuff buried in the piles. Think vintage jackets, old tees, and even designer labels if you’re lucky. It’s dusty and raw, but if you like the thrill of the hunt, this place delivers.
Location: Unnamed Road, 101 P. Đông Tác, Kim Liên, Đống Đa, Hà Nội
Opening hours: 8am-10pm
5. A Chef’s Tour
We ate our way through Hanoi with a local chef and it was unreal. From secret alley grills to tiny, no-name spots serving the best bun cha, everything was honestly so delicious.
We didn’t just eat though. We experienced the chaos of Hanoi’s wet market in the wee hours — we’re talking 4am — learning the stories behind each dish and met the people who cook them. It was like discovering a side of Hanoi most tourists miss.
The tour is priced at roughly $95 per person, available on A Chef’s Tour.
6. Chef Duyen’s Home Cooking Classes
Most tourists would pig out on the affordable Vietnamese food in Hanoi, but have you considered cooking your own?
Book a no-frills cooking class in Hanoi in Chef Duyen’s cosy home kitchen. She took us to a wet market first (so much fun), then we prepped everything from scratch, with her guiding us every step.
The menu varies, but you can expect the typical Vietnamese dishes such as spring rolls, papaya salad, and a pork stew. Plus, she shares all her recipes, so you can recreate them at home.
7. Get a haircut at Viet Dreamers Barber Shop
Not many people know this, but Vietnam is actually pretty famous for their haircuts. With an impressive 5 star review on Google, we knew we had to give Viet Dreamers Barber shop a try.
The vibe is cool and laid-back — with a touch of retro — and the barbers are total pros. Fresh fades, a wash, with styling included only cost us VND 120,000 ($6).
Location: 51 P. Phùng Hưng, Hàng Mã, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 10000
Opening hours: 9am-8pm
8. Hit up the bar streets
Cheap beer and good vibes litter the streets of Hanoi. If you don’t have a specific bar in mind, just head down to Ta Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen streets, which are known as the bar streets of Hanoi.
Location: 16 P. Tạ Hiện, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
Best cafes in Hanoi
9. (á) the matcha space
If you’re a matcha fan, this quiet little spot is heaven. Tucked down a narrow alley, (á) the matcha space serves everything matcha. We loved the minimalist space and calming vibe.
Prices are fair (around VND 60,000 for drinks), and the best part is — you can top up additional matcha for just VND 10,000 per gram.
It’s a small place, so either visit them during off-peak periods, or expect a queue.
Location: 93b Ng. 91 P. Trần Quang Diệu, Quang Trung, Đống Đa, Hà Nội
Opening hours: 9am-10pm
Love matcha? Check out our ultimate matcha cafe guide in Hanoi
10. Giao Mua Coffee
If we can describe Giao Mua Coffee in one phrase, it’ll be “mystical elf cottage”.
One photo doesn’t do its architecture and decor justice, because every floor has a different layout, with a slightly different vibe. But the highlights had to be their rooftop, which seemed like the Garden of Eden, and its facade… which allure can’t exactly be described with words.
The drinks? Excellent. Try the Salted Coffee or Kumquat Cold Brew, both averaging at VND 50,000.
Location: 77 P. Lò Sũ, Lý Thái Tổ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000
Opening hours: 7.30am-10pm
11. ikigai coffee
This cafe gave us Tokyo vibes right in the heart of Hanoi.
ikigai’s clean aesthetic and peaceful courtyard made it the perfect morning stop, and it’s one of the few cafes in Hanoi that serve proper V60 filter coffees, if you’re into third-wave coffee.
Location: 43 Ng. 38 P. Phương Mai, Kim Liên, Đống Đa, Hà Nội 100000,
Opening hours: 7am-11pm
12. Eastern and Oriental Tea House and Coffee Parlour
For something completely different, this tea house along Westlake was a whole new experience. Think old-world charm with wooden panels, soft lighting, and elegant glass teapots. But it’s their menu that truly stands out, featuring cakes and pastries that originate from the Middle East and Central Asia.
Location: 46 P. Quảng An, Quảng An, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội
Opening hours: 7.30am-10pm
Cafe-hopping in Hanoi? Check out our extensive cafe guide here
Best restaurants to eat at in Hanoi
13. Pizza 4P’s Au Co
Pizza 4P’s probably on everyone’s Hanoi bucketlist at this point, but not everyone knows this. All their cheese and made in Vietnam, with cows that are reared in the country as well.
Location: 1A Đ. Âu Cơ, Quảng An, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội 11207
Opening hours: 10.30am-11pm
14. Bun Cha Ta
If you’re looking for an iconic Vietnamese dish that isn’t pho, try Bun Cha instead.
Bun Cha Ta is famous among tourists, despite its slightly higher price, due to the cleanliness and spaciousness of the restaurant. Their noodles come with a slightly portion of grilled pork as well, so I’d say it’s worth the higher price.
Location: 21 P. Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Lý Thái Tổ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
Opening hours: 8am-10pm
15. Bun Bo Nam Bo
This dish is a flavour bomb with stir-fried beef, vermicelli, herbs, fried shallots, and crushed peanuts, all drenched in savoury fish sauce base. Just think of it as a flavourful salad.
In addition to Bun Bo Nam Bo, we also recommend their Black Chicken Soup and Fried Fermented Pork.
Location: 73-75 Hàng Điếu, Cửa Đông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
Opening hours: 7.30am-10.30pm
16. Tam Vi
Looking for homestyle Vietnamese food in a peaceful, nostalgic setting? Tam Vi nails it. The decor feels like stepping into an old Vietnamese home, and the menu highlights traditional dishes rarely found elsewhere.
Prices are mid-range, with dishes around VND 100,000.
Location: 4b P. Yên Thế, Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám, Ba Đình, Hà Nội
Opening hours:
Monday: 11am–2.30pm, 5–9pm
Tue-Thu: Closed
Fri-Sun: 11am–2.30pm, 5–9pm
Museums & exhibitions in Hanoi
17. Vietnam Military History Museum
If you’re into tanks, fighter jets, and war history, this museum is a must. The outdoor area is stacked with actual aircraft and wreckage, including a crashed B-52. But the true gems are on the inside, with multiple exhibits walking you through Vietnam’s long battle history, from ancient resistance to the American War.
If you’re a history buff, you can actually spend the entire day here. Tickets cost VND 50,000 per person.
Location: Km6+500, CT03, Xuân Phương, Hà Nội
Opening hours:
Monday: Closed
Tue-Thu: 8am-4.30pm
Friday: Closed
Sat-Sun: 8am-4.30pm
18. Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
This museum in Hanoi goes beyond mere exhibits and artifacts It dives into Vietnam’s diverse ethnic groups with traditional costumes, tools, and customs. The best part? The outdoor area with full-scale ethnic houses you can enter and explore. Everything’s well-labelled in English and super informative. Great for families or anyone curious about Vietnam’s cultural roots.
Tickets cost VND 40,000 per person.
Location: Đ. Nguyễn Văn Huyên, Quan Hoa, Cầu Giấy, Hà Nội 100000
Opening hours:
Monday: Closed
Tue-Sun: 8.30am-5.30pm
19. Hanoi Museum
The Hanoi Museum contains historical relics, traditional crafts and urban development plans. Not all exhibits are well lit or curated, but it is quiet and spacious. The indoor exhibits were limited in variety, mainly featuring traditional drums in ancient Hanoi. But we did enjoy learning and playing multiple rounds of Sun Chess, a game that’s invented in Vietnam.
The museum also includes an outdoor
Tickets cost VND 40,000 per person.
Location: Đ. Phạm Hùng, Mễ Trì, Nam Từ Liêm, Hà Nội 100000
Opening hours:
Monday: Closed
Tue-Sun: 8am–11.30 pm, 1.30–5pm
20. Bao Tang I-Museum
We stumbled on this sleek little spot and were surprised by how much we loved it. It’s more contemporary with blending art, architecture, and Vietnamese heritage with immersive installations. Think mood lighting, interactive tech, and a more curated feel. It’s compact, so you won’t need more than an hour, but worth visiting if you like indie museums with a design-forward twist.
Location: 24 P. Hai Bà Trưng, Tràng Tiền, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Opening hours:
Mon-Fri: 9.30am-8.30pm
Sat-Sun: 9.30am-9.30pm
21. Vietnam National Museum of History
Housed in a gorgeous colonial-era building, the museum traces Vietnamese civilisation from prehistoric times to the end of the Nguyen Dynasty. Highlights include bronze drums, Cham sculptures, and royal artifacts. Some displays need updating, but it’s rich in content and worth a slow wander.
Location: 1 Tràng Tiền, Phan Chu Trinh, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
Opening hours:
Monday: Closed
Tue-Sun: 8am–12pm, 1.30–5pm
22. Thang Long Art Gallery
If you’re hunting for authentic Vietnamese art to take home, pop into this small gallery in the Old Quarter. It showcases lacquer paintings, watercolours, and oil works by both established and emerging Vietnamese artists. No pressure to buy, but prices are reasonable if you’re collecting.
Location: 41 P. Hàng Gai, Hàng Gai, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
Opening hours:
Mon-Sat: 8am-8pm
Sunday: 9am-6pm
Bucketlist attractions to tick off your Hanoi itinerary
23. Ngoc Son Temple
Located on a small island in Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple is a peaceful cultural stop right in the middle of the city buzz. We crossed the bright red bridge, soaked in lake views, and explored the shrine dedicated to General Tran Hung Dao. It’s compact but charming, with plenty of photo spots.
All visitors have to wear appropriate attire, mainly your knees have to be covered, to be allowed to enter the temple
Location: P. Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Opening hours:
Mon-Thu: 7am-7pm
Fri-Sun: 7am-10pm
24. Tran Quoc Pagoda
Hanoi’s oldest pagoda, Tran Quoc sits beautifully by West Lake, and it’s one of those spots that feels timeless. We loved the reflection of the pagoda in the water and the serene vibe, even with visitors around. The central stupa and bonsai trees make for great photos. Come at sunset if you can; it’s golden hour perfection. Entry’s free, and you don’t need long to explore.
Location: Đ. Thanh Niên, Yên Phụ, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội
Opening hours: 7.30–11am, 1.30–5pm
25. Quan Thanh Temple
Just down the road from Tran Quoc Pagoda, this quiet temple is often overlooked, but we found it atmospheric and rich in history. It’s home to a massive bronze statue of Tran Vu, the god of the north.
The leafy courtyard and ancient trees gave it a peaceful feel. It’s a quick visit (30 minutes tops), but pairs well with a stroll around West Lake.
All visitors have to wear appropriate attire, mainly your knees have to be covered, to be allowed to enter the temple.
Entry fee is VND 10,000 per person.
Location: 190 P. Quán Thánh, Quán Thánh, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 118810
Opening hours: 8am-5pm
26. Ho Chi Minh’s Mausolem
Seeing Uncle Ho is a surreal experience. Security is tight, and the line moves fast, you’ll shuffle past his preserved body in silence. It’s formal, respectful, and oddly moving. The surrounding Ba Dinh Square and Presidential Palace grounds are also worth a walk. Make sure you check opening hours before going; it’s only open in the morning and closed Mondays and Fridays.
Location: 1 Hùng Vương, Điện Biên, Ba Đình, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Opening hours:
Monday: Closed
Tue-Thu: 7.30-10.30am
Friday: Closed
Sat-Sun: 8-11am
27. Temple of Literature
This place is a must if you love history and calm vibes. Originally Vietnam’s first university, it’s now a beautiful complex of courtyards, ponds, and old architecture dedicated to Confucius. We wandered through red gates, admired stone turtle steles, and enjoyed the peaceful gardens. It’s photogenic, educational, and a break from the city’s chaos.
Location: 58 P. Quốc Tử Giám, Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám, Đống Đa, Hà Nội
Opening hours: 8am-5pm
28. Statue of Lenin
This statue is more of a quirky photo op than a major attraction, but we stopped by while walking between various landmarks in the area.
Location: 28A Điện Biên Phủ, Điện Biên, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 100000
Opening hours: 24 hours
29. Hanoi Flagtower
The Hanoi Flag Tower is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Visiting feels like stepping back in time, with its sturdy brick walls and prominent national flag waving above. From the top, you get clear views of the surrounding Old Quarter and city life bustling below. You can easily walk there from the Old Quarter (about 15–20 minutes) or take a short Grab ride.
Location: 28A Điện Biên Phủ, Điện Biên, Ba Đình, Hà Nội
Opening hours: 8am-5pm
Day trips from Hanoi
30. Ha Giang Loop
Ha Giang Loop was pure adventure from start to finish. You get to ride through winding mountain roads, pass limestone peaks, rice terraces, and coloruful hill-tribe villages.
Getting to Ha Giang from Hanoi usually takes 6–7 hours by bus or car. Most travellers take an overnight sleeper bus, arriving early in the morning ready to start the loop.
The ideal journey itself typically takes 2-3 days, but there are 1-day tours if you’re short on time.
31. Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is about 2.5 to 3.5 hours drive from Hanoi.
We spent two days exploring Ha Long Bay, and it’s easy to see why it’s such a famous spot in Vietnam. Sailing past those massive limestone cliffs and little islands covered in greenery felt surreal, especially when you pick the right agency.
We recommend Indochina Junk for a better experience. It’s small group, and they have access to exclusive areas where you can completely avoid the crowd. We explored limestone caves, kayaked in lagoons, and visited floating fishing villages, without seeing any other tourists.
Evenings on the boat were just as memorable, with fresh seafood dinners and sunsets that lit up the whole bay.
Here’s our detailed experience of our cruise with Indochina Junk
32. Sapa
Sapa is a great destination for trekking enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone interested in experiencing Vietnam’s rich ethnic culture.
It’s perfect for exploring terraced rice fields, such as the ones in Lao Cai Village, meeting local hill-tribe communities, and enjoying the cooler mountain climate.
You can reach Sapa from Hanoi in about 5–6 hours by express bus or limousine van, which goes directly to the town center. Another option is the overnight train to Lao Cai, followed by a 1-hour bus or taxi ride up to Sapa.
Planning a trip to Sapa? Here’s our extensive 2D1N itinerary for you to follow!
33. Ninh Binh
We took a trip to Ninh Binh and it really lived up to the “Ha Long Bay on land” nickname. Riding a small boat along the river, we passed between huge limestone cliffs and through dark, echoing caves. We spent the rest of the day cycling past rice fields, stopping at little temples, and enjoying the slower pace compared to Hanoi.
Ninh Binh is about 2 hours from Hanoi by car, bus, or train. The fastest and easiest option is a limousine bus, which drops you right in the city or near popular spots like Tam Coc.
Location: Ninh Binh Province
5D4N Hanoi itinerary
Day 1
- Breakfast at Giao Mua Coffee
- Ngoc Son Temple
- Bat Trang Pottery Museum (lunch here)
- Bat Trang Ceramics Village
- Explore the Ancient Quarters
- Dinner at Bun Cha Ta
- Shopping Hanoi Old Quarters / Hanoi Night Market (on weekends)
Day 2
- Breakfast at Oleoleo Coffee Books & Cats
- Tran Quoc Pagoda (15 mins)
- Quan Thanh Temple (15 mins)
- Ho Chi Minh’s Mausolem (30 mins)
- Lunch at Tam Vi
- Temple of Literature (1 hour)
- Statue of Lenin + Hanoi Flagtower
- Hanoi Train Street
Day 3
- Breakfast at ikigai coffee
- Thrift shopping at Cho Hang Thung Dong Tac
- Lunch at Pizza 4P’s Vincom Phan Ngoc Than
- Vietnam Military History Museum
- Dinner at Circle K or supermarkets (trust me, it’s an experience)
- Watch a movie in Vietnam
Day 4/5
- Day trip(s) of your choice
Best hotels in Hanoi
If you’re looking for hotel recommendations in Hanoi, here are three types of hotels you can consider: a hostel, a boutique hotel, and a luxurious hotel with proper amenities.
- Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel: Conveniently located in the city centre, at $13 per night, with 4.8 stars on Google review
- Eliana Signature Hanoi Hotel: Boutique hotel in Hanoi with gorgeous rooms and the nicest staff; also conveniently located in Old Quarter
- InterContinental Hanoi Westlake: A luxurious hotel that offers refuge from the bustling city life, but still conveniently located near many popular tourist attractions
Check out our review of InterContinental Hanoi Westlake
Travelling to Vietnam? Check out our guides before you plan your trip:
