What to do in Hanoi

Activities, attractions and tours

A woman in a yellow dress and a conical hat riding a bicycle along a riverside path with orange flowers and a green fence.
A temple interior with red statues, incense burners, and floral arrangements.
A historic tower by a lake with surrounding trees and modern buildings.
A busy street with a white car, motorcycles, and people riding bicycles. There are buildings with signs, including one that says "KAKA".
A traditional pavilion by a lake with a flag, surrounded by trees and buildings in the background.

Things to do

Hanoi Food Tour with Train Street Visit

Hanoi: Guided Food Tour with Train Street Visit

Rp332.012
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Hanoi: Guided Food Tour with Train Street Visit
Picture 9 for Activity Hanoi: Ninh Binh, Bai Dinh/Hoa Lu, Trang An, & Mua Cave Tour

Hanoi: Ninh Binh, Bai Dinh/Hoa Lu, Trang An, & Mua Cave Tour

Rp818.410
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Hanoi: Ninh Binh, Bai Dinh/Hoa Lu, Trang An, & Mua Cave Tour
Ha Long Bay Cruise Day Tour-Cave, Kayaking,Ti top island & Lunch

1 Day Ha Long & Ti Top Island on 5* Cruise

Rp907.822
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
1 Day Ha Long & Ti Top Island on 5* Cruise
Ninh Binh Day Tour: Hoa Lu, Tam Coc & Mua Cave

Ninh Binh Day Tour: Hoa Lu, Tam Coc & Mua Cave

Rp739.786
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Ninh Binh Day Tour: Hoa Lu, Tam Coc & Mua Cave
Trang An Hoa Lu Mua Cave Tour [Japanese guide, limousine bus, lunch and dinner included]

Tran Hoa Lu Mua Cave Tour [Includes Japanese guide, incense sticks, limousine bus, lunch and dinner]

Rp954.973
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Tran Hoa Lu Mua Cave Tour [Includes Japanese guide, incense sticks, limousine bus, lunch and dinner]
Hanoi: Guided Street Food Tour

Hanoi: Eat Like a Local Small Group Street Food Tour

Rp435.766
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Hanoi: Eat Like a Local Small Group Street Food Tour
Hanoi: 2-Day Lan Ha & Halong Bay 5 Stars Cruise with Balcony

Hanoi: 2 Days Lan Ha & Halong Bay 5-Star Cruise with Balcony

Rp2.354.265
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Hanoi: 2 Days Lan Ha & Halong Bay 5-Star Cruise with Balcony
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Top places to visit

1. Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoàn Kiếm Lake is a popular meeting spot in Hanoi and the location of one of the city’s most picturesque temples. Just a short walk from the old town, the lake provides a leafy escape from the city crowds and heat. Join the locals for a game of chess, stroll around the lake or pack a picnic lunch to enjoy beneath the trees.
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A traditional temple with a dragon roof, surrounded by lush greenery and a calm lake.

2. St. Joseph's Cathedral of Hanoi

St. Joseph Cathedral is a 19th-century neo-Gothic church built with the Notre Dame of Paris in mind. The church is a gathering place for the large Roman Catholic community of Hanoi and is also popular with tourists. Constructed when the French first occupied the city, St. Joseph Cathedral is a striking example of colonial architecture in Hanoi.
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A Gothic cathedral with twin towers, a large rose window, and a cross at the top.

3. Hanoi Opera House

Admire the architecture of the Hanoi Opera House from the outside or buy a ticket to one of the shows to really appreciate this grand venue.
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A classical building with white columns and yellow accents, featuring ornate decorations and a balcony with a balustrade.

4. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

When the former Viet Minh leader died in 1969, his body was embalmed and placed in the grand Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. This site is a place of great importance to many Vietnamese, and one of Hanoi’s most visited attractions.
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A large building with columns, surrounded by well-maintained gardens and trees.

5. Dong Xuan Market

Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi’s biggest marketplace, is a cavernous building full of tiny aisles. Built by the French at the end of the 19th century, the covered market today has stalls selling anything from household items and food, to clothes and shoes. Tourists visit the market mainly for the experience rather than the shopping.
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A market with various stalls selling snacks and beverages.

6. Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

The Vietnamese art of water puppetry is a true cultural experience that is not to be missed while in Hanoi. Performed entirely in Vietnamese, the music and gesturing puppets tell a story that can be interpreted by all.
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A stage with performers in costumes, a water feature, and a dark background.

What to do in Hanoi

Stay near popular Hanoi attractions

A traditional temple with a dragon roof, surrounded by lush greenery and a calm lake.

Hoan Kiem Lake

9.2/10 (5,833 reviews)
This legendary lake holds Hanoi's heart with its ancient turtle storey and iconic red bridge. Stroll the lakeside paths at dawn to witness locals practising tai chi against the misty water backdrop.
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Where to stay in Hanoi

Find the best Hanoi areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Hanoi
Learn more about Hanoi
A red bridge over a body of water with a city skyline in the background.

Old Quarter

Old Quarter is beloved for its panoramic lake views. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Hoan Kiem Lake and Hang Gai Street.

A serene lakeside scene with a pagoda, palm trees, and a traditional bridge.

Tay Ho

The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are top of the list for many visitors to Tay Ho. A stop by West Lake or Tran Quoc Pagoda might round out your trip.

A traditional pavilion with a tiled roof, surrounded by lush greenery and a calm water body.

Ba Dinh

The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are just a few popular features of the neighbourhood. Make a stop by Ho Chi Minh Museum or Ba Dinh Square while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Cầu Giấy Station to get around town.

A historic building with traditional architecture, illuminated by artificial lighting at night.

French Quarter

The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are top of the list for many visitors to French Quarter. A stop by Hoan Kiem Lake or Lý Thái Tổ Monument might round out your trip.

A cityscape with a prominent tower, a river, and a cloudy sky.

Hai Ba Trung

Hai Ba Trung is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Vincom Center and Hom Market.

Day trip destinations from Hanoi

A mountainous temple complex with traditional architecture, terraced pathways, and a winding road.

Tu Son

A mountain range partially obscured by clouds.

Phuc Yen

A traditional temple surrounded by water bodies and lush greenery.

Viet Tri

Frequently asked questions

Is Hanoi worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Hanoi is visit Ta Hien Street. Check this leading sight off your itinerary, then experience more of the area's views and history.
How do I spend a day in Hanoi?
Ta Hien Street and Vietnam Military History Museum are two awesome places to begin your holiday adventures. Be sure to check out the dining and shopping options in Hanoi while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Hanoi?
The top tourist attraction in Hanoi is Ta Hien Street, so don't forget to add it to your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Hanoi?
Three days will give you enough time to tick off many city sights, including Ta Hien Street, Vietnam Military History Museum and Ho Tay Water Park. The average stay in Hanoi is three days. If you feel the urge to extend your getaway, Tay Ho isn't far away.
Is Hanoi a walkable city?
Some top attractions in Hanoi, such as Ta Hien Street and Vietnam Military History Museum, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Only 2 kilometers from central Hanoi is Hoan Kiem and Old Quarter is 2 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Hanoi with kids?
Whether you're travelling with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities makes a big difference. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Hanoi with kids.
What to do in Hanoi for adults?
Train Street and Hang Ma Street are just a couple of the things to do in Hanoi. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Hanoi?
One of the easiest ways to find free things to do in Hanoi is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can experience without reaching into your pocket. Ta Hien Street is one spot that doesn't have an entrance fee.