Safety Score
7.4/10
Currency
VND
Language
Vietnamese
Timezone
UTC+7
About Hanoi
Hanoi is a historic city of lakes, French‑colonial buildings, and chaotic streets. The Old Quarter, water puppet shows, and street food attract visitors. The city offers a mix of tradition and growth.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Hanoi is from October to April when the weather is cooler and less humid, ideal for walking the Old Quarter.
Things to Do in Hanoi, Vietnam
Best Things to See & Do in Hanoi
Hoan Kiem Lake
The legendary 'Lake of the Restored Sword' serves as the tranquil heart of Hanoi, featuring the iconic red Huc Bridge leading to Ngoc Son Temple.
Hanoi Old Quarter
A labyrinth of 36 ancient streets where each lane is traditionally dedicated to a specific craft, offering a dense mix of history, street food, and commerce.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
The final resting place of Vietnam's most iconic leader, this grand granite monument is a site of deep national reverence.
Temple of Literature
Founded in 1070, this well-preserved complex served as Vietnam’s first national university and is dedicated to Confucius.
Hanoi Train Street
A narrow residential alleyway where a high-speed train passes just inches away from doorstep cafes and local homes.
Hoa Lo Prison Museum
Known ironically as the 'Hanoi Hilton' by American POWs, this former colonial prison displays the harrowing history of Vietnamese revolutionaries.
St. Joseph's Cathedral
A stunning 19th-century Neo-Gothic cathedral modeled after Notre Dame in Paris, serving as the center of Hanoi's Catholic community.
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
A UNESCO World Heritage site consisting of ancient royal palaces and a subterranean war bunker used during the Vietnam War.
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
A comprehensive museum showcasing the diverse cultures of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups, featuring full-scale traditional houses in its outdoor garden.
Tran Quoc Pagoda
The oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, perched on a small island on the shores of the scenic West Lake.
Long Bien Bridge
A historic cantilever bridge across the Red River, designed by Gustave Eiffel's firm and surviving numerous wartime bombings.
West Lake (Ho Tay)
The largest lake in Hanoi, surrounded by upscale gardens, high-end hotels, and some of the city's most beautiful pagodas.
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
A traditional Vietnamese art form dating back to the 11th century, featuring puppets performing over a pool of water with live music.
Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural
A Guinness World Record-holding mural spanning nearly 4km, made of ceramic mosaic tiles depicting Vietnamese history and folklore.
Phung Hung Mural Street
A revitalized railway viaduct featuring 3D murals that depict scenes of old Hanoi life, popular with young locals for photos.
Dong Xuan Market
Hanoi's largest indoor market, housed in a Soviet-style building and selling everything from textiles to local snacks.
Lotte Observation Deck
A high-tech observation deck on the 65th floor offering 360-degree views of Hanoi and a "Sky Walk" glass floor.
Truc Bach Lake
A smaller, quieter neighbor to West Lake, famous as the site where John McCain was captured and now a hub for craft beer and snacks.
Things to Do in Hanoi - Top 18 Attractions
Planning a trip to Hanoi? Discover the 18 best things to do in Hanoi, Vietnam. From iconic landmarks and historic sites to local markets and outdoor adventures, our guide covers the top attractions and must-see sights that make Hanoi one of the most popular destinations in Vietnam.
Top things to see in Hanoi include Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and 2 more incredible sites. Each offers a unique glimpse into what makes Hanoi special for first-time visitors and seasoned travellers alike.
Whether you're visiting Hanoi for a weekend break or a longer stay, there are things to do for every type of traveller — cultural experiences, historic sightseeing, outdoor activities, and local food markets. Most visitors recommend spending at least 2–3 days to cover the main highlights of Hanoi.
Browse the full list of Hanoi attractions below, save your favourites, and build a personalised itinerary that matches your pace and interests. Our free Hanoi travel guide is updated regularly so you always have the most current recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hanoi
What are the must-see attractions in Hanoi?
Hanoi offers numerous iconic attractions. Our curated list includes top-rated landmarks, museums, and hidden gems. Browse our recommendations above to plan your perfect sightseeing itinerary.
How do I skip the lines at popular attractions in Hanoi?
To avoid long queues, visit popular attractions early in the morning or book skip-the-line tickets online. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
Are there free attractions in Hanoi?
Yes, Hanoi has many free attractions including parks, historic neighborhoods, and sometimes free museum days. Check our tips section for money-saving advice.
Explore More of Hanoi
About Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi is one of Vietnam's most visited destinations, celebrated for OldQuarter, Food, Lakes, History. The city draws travellers who come to experience its unique blend of history, culture, and modern life — a character shaped over centuries that few destinations in Asia can match. Whether you're planning a short city break or a longer trip, Hanoi has enough depth and variety to reward every type of visitor.
Our free Hanoi guide covers 18 attractions and points of interest, from iconic landmarks and historic sites to local markets, parks, and neighbourhood highlights. The city's top attractions span a broad range of interests — museum lovers will find world-class collections and gallery spaces, while those who prefer open-air exploration can discover historic quarters, waterfront districts, and green spaces that reveal Hanoi's everyday character. Most major sights are reachable on foot or by public transport, making it easy to combine several stops in a single day without needing to hire a car or join an organised tour.
The food scene in Hanoi is one of the city's enduring draws. Our guide features 25 handpicked restaurants and dining spots, ranging from street food stalls and neighbourhood eateries serving authentic Vietnam cuisine to mid-range bistros and higher-end dining with atmosphere and views. Eating well in Hanoi doesn't require a large budget — some of the most memorable meals come from simple local places that most visitors walk straight past. Taking the time to explore different areas and neighbourhoods quickly reveals how Hanoi's food culture reflects the broader personality of the city and its people.
Choosing where to stay shapes the entire experience of a Hanoi visit. Our guide includes 25 vetted accommodation options across the city's main districts, covering budget-friendly hostels, mid-range hotels, boutique properties, and apartments suited to longer stays or families. Staying centrally puts the main sights within easy walking distance, but choosing a quieter neighbourhood a little further out often delivers better value and a more authentic local feel. The right area depends on what matters most to you — whether that's access to key attractions, good public transport links, proximity to the best restaurants, or simply finding a part of Hanoi that fits your pace.
A few practical details worth knowing before you travel: the local language is Vietnamese; the currency is VND; the best time to visit is The best time to visit Hanoi is from October to April when the weather is cooler and less humid, ideal for walking the Old Quarter.. Getting around Hanoi is generally straightforward — most cities in Vietnam offer a reliable mix of metro, bus, and tram networks, with central areas compact enough to cover on foot. Local customs, tipping etiquette, safety advice, and money-saving strategies are all covered in the dedicated Hanoi travel tips section of this free guide, which is updated regularly to reflect current conditions on the ground.
