What to do in Hanoi

Activities, attractions and tours

Photo provided by PhotoJoy
Photo provided by PhotoJoy
Temple of Literature showing a temple or place of worship, religious aspects and interior views
Hoan Kiem Lake showing a monument, heritage architecture and a lake or waterhole
Hanoi featuring signage, motorcycle riding and a city
Hoan Kiem Lake which includes a lake or waterhole
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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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Hoan Kiem Lake featuring a lake or waterhole, a monument and heritage architecture

2. 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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Hanoi Opera House which includes heritage architecture and theatre scenes

3. 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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Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum which includes a monument and a park

4. 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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St. Joseph Cathedral showing heritage architecture, markets and heritage elements

5. 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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Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre which includes theatre scenes, interior views and performance art

6. 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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Dong Xuan Market showing markets, a city and street scenes

What to do in Hanoi

Popular places to visit

Hoan Kiem Lake featuring a lake or waterhole, a monument and heritage architecture

Hoan Kiem Lake

4.5/5(160 reviews)

Wander around the banks of this peaceful lake and discover an historic temple, observe locals going about their daily life or enjoy a picnic lunch under the shade.

Hoan Kiem Lake
Tran Quoc Pagoda

West Lake

5/5(4 reviews)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at West Lake during your travels in Hanoi. Amble around this culturally rich area's lakeside or seek out the local tours.

West Lake
Hanoi Opera House which includes heritage architecture and theatre scenes

Hanoi Opera House

4.5/5(79 reviews)

This historic building is the centerpiece of Hanoi’s French Quarter and host to shows by many of Vietnam’s premier singers, dancers and musicians.

Hanoi Opera House
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum which includes a monument and a park

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

4/5(95 reviews)

This massive tomb houses the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh, a former Vietnamese president.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
St. Joseph Cathedral showing heritage architecture, markets and heritage elements

St. Joseph's Cathedral of Hanoi

4/5(117 reviews)

At the heart of Hanoi stands a weathered neo-Gothic Roman Catholic church, a contrary sight in this predominantly Buddhist city.

St. Joseph's Cathedral of Hanoi
Train Street

Train Street

4/5(7 reviews)

You can take time to visit Train Street during your travels to Hanoi. Make time for the shops and local tours in this culturally rich area.

Train Street
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre which includes theatre scenes, interior views and performance art

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

4.5/5(63 reviews)

Stories from local legends are told at this theater with hand-carved wooden dolls and colorful dragons that perform on a stage on the water.

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
Dong Xuan Market showing markets, a city and street scenes

Dong Xuan Market

4/5(113 reviews)

Browse hundreds of stalls in Hanoi’s biggest marketplace in the heart of the Old Quarter.

Dong Xuan Market
Hanoi Old City Gate which includes night scenes and street scenes

Quan Chuong Gate

4.5/5(82 reviews)

The attractive shape of the only city gate remaining in Hanoi harks back to a time when the city was under siege.

Quan Chuong Gate

Explore areas of Hanoi

Hanoi featuring street scenes

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.

Old Quarter
Hoan Kiem showing a city, signage and street scenes

Hoan Kiem

4.5/5(549 area reviews)

The historic center of Hanoi, this maze of streets offers the city’s most traditional food, best souvenir shopping and lively nighttime entertainment.

Hoan Kiem
Hanoi which includes street scenes, night scenes and signage

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 Vietnam Revolution Museum might round out your trip.

French Quarter
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum showing a monument and a park

Ba Dinh

4/5(44 area reviews)

The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are top of the list for many visitors to Ba Dinh. A stop by Ho Chi Minh Museum or Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum might round out your trip.

Ba Dinh
St. Joseph Cathedral showing a city, religious elements and a church or cathedral

Hang Trong

If you're spending some time in Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem Lake and Hang Gai Street are top sights worth seeing.

Hang Trong
Tay Ho featuring a lake or waterhole

Tay Ho

Escape the city and relax on the shores of Hanoi’s biggest lake. Enjoy local delicacies, gardens, historic sights, Buddhist temples and other attractions.

Tay Ho

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.