Hanoi is where timeless traditions meet the buzz of modern life. It’s a city full of surprises at every corner. As the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is filled with a kind of energy that is vibrant and nonstop.
Whether you’re wandering through the busy streets of the Old Quarter, sipping on a cup of local egg coffee, or soaking up centuries-old culture—Hanoi has charming attractions for every kind of traveler. Plus, it’s become a hot spot for Bangladeshi travelers, thanks to its close proximity and unique experiences just a 5-hour flight away.
Keeping this in mind, Zaara Tourism & Travels has curated a guide to the 25 top things to do in Hanoi for 2024, along with must-see attractions and hidden gems for an unforgettable trip. Let’s get started!
Explore the Old Quarter
As the name suggests, “Old Quarter” has an ancient architecture. It would be ideal to start your Hanoi adventure by wandering through the maze-like streets of this place. It’s filled with quirky shops and endless street food, and this is where Hanoi’s soul truly lives.
Take a Cyclo (rickshaw) Ride
For a more leisurely way to explore the Old Quarter, hop on a traditional cyclo (rickshaw) and let the driver pedal you through the vibrant streets.
Escape to the Perfume Pagoda
The Perfume Pagoda is a complex of Buddhist temples built into limestone mountains. It’s located just outside of Hanoi and is a great day trip for those looking to escape the city and enjoy nature.
Attend a Cooking Class
This is an excellent opportunity for you to recreate those delicious Vietnamese dishes back home. Tourists love taking cooking classes in Hanoi to master traditional dishes from local chefs, and you can join in on the fun too!
Some popular cooking classes in Hanoi include:
- Apron Up Cooking Class
- Rose Kitchen
- Cà Phê Sử Quán – Sử Quán Roastery (coffee workshop), etc.
Spend Time at the Hanoi Train Street
For a thrilling experience, visit Hanoi Train Street. This narrow street is home to cafés and homes just inches from train tracks, where you can see the train pass right before your eyes.
Indulge in a Hanoi Street Food Tour
Hanoi is a paradise for food lovers. So, take a street food tour and try local dishes like pho, bun cha, and egg coffee (such as Cafe Giang). Trust us, your taste buds will thank you!
And if you’d like a tour guide to help you uncover the best street food spots, consider booking a tour with local companies like HA Food Tours.
Wander Through the Hanoi Weekend Night Market
Make sure to explore the lively Hanoi Weekend Night Market, which is a must-see tourist spot in the Old Quarter. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the streets come alive with vendors selling everything from local handicrafts and souvenirs to street food and fashion. It’s a great place to soak in the vibrant atmosphere, pick up unique local finds, and even try your hand at bargaining!
Find the Hidden Café Scene
Hanoi’s café culture is thriving. Tourists love a sip of Vietnamese coffee. You too can discover hidden gems tucked away in alleys and narrow streets, where you can relax and enjoy trendy fusion drinks.
Catch a Water Puppet Show
Water puppetry is a traditional art form that originated in the rice fields of Vietnam. The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre holds performances regularly, where puppets dance on water and tell ancient tales. Sounds majestic, doesn’t it? A visit to this place will be a unique experience.
Drop by the Museum of Ethnology
If there’s anything to do in Hanoi that would let you dive deep into Vietnam’s cultural diversity, it’s the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. This amazing museum showcases the different ethnic groups living in the country through fascinating exhibits and artefacts.
Check out the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, is a symbol of Hanoi’s long-standing history and a must-see for history buffs.
Rent a Swan-Boat at West Lake
Hanoi’s largest freshwater lake is a perfect place for a quiet escape. Just head over to the West Lake, where you can rent a swan boat, visit the Tran Quoc Pagoda, or dine at one of the lakeside restaurants to fill your appetite with amazing local flavours.
Shop at Dong Xuan Market
Your “things to do in Hanoi” bucket list would be absolutely incomplete without shopping. And for an authentic local experience, you can shop from Dong Xuan Market, which is the largest market in Hanoi. From clothing to souvenirs, this is the place to grab a bargain.
Walk Around Hanoi’s French Quarter
In order to experience a different side of Hanoi, you need to go to the French Quarter where wide boulevards and colonial-era buildings can be found. You can also visit the Hanoi Opera House and have a coffee at one of the elegant nearby cafés.
Go to the Hoa Lo Prison Museum
Known as the “Hanoi Hilton,” the Hoa Lo Prison Museum provides an insight into the Vietnam War and the country’s struggle for independence. Keep in mind that over various periods, Vietnam fought for its independence from multiple countries, including the United States, the Soviet Union, France, China, among others.
Take a Day Trip to HaLong Bay
Although technically not in Hanoi, HaLong Bay is just a few hours away and is one of the most breathtaking places in Vietnam. It would be ideal to book a day cruise to explore the emerald waters and limestone islands.
See St. Joseph’s Cathedral
For Goth enthusiasts, the St. Joseph’s Cathedral is an ideal place to soak in its hauntingly beautiful architecture. It is located near the heart of the Old Quarter. Don’t forget to stop by one of the cafés nearby to enjoy the view with a cup of Vietnamese coffee.
Cycle Across the Long Bien Bridge
Designed by Gustave Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame), the Long Bien Bridge is a symbol of Hanoi’s resilience and history. In order to get a unique perspective of the city, consider walking or cycling across it.
Step Into the Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts
Art lovers will enjoy the Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts. It showcases beautiful works from Vietnamese artists—including ancient artefacts and contemporary art.
Dive Into the Vietnam Women’s Museum
Learn about the significant role women have played in Vietnam’s history and culture at the Vietnam Women’s Museum, a hidden gem not to be missed.
Enjoy Hanoi’s Nightlife
Hanoi may be traditional, but it knows how to have fun. From buzzing rooftop bars to late-night street food stalls, the city’s nightlife offers something for everyone.
Admire the Ceramic Mosaic Mural
The Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural is the longest ceramic mural in the world. It stretches for miles along the Red River and is a beautiful piece of public art that tells the tale of Vietnam’s history.
Look up Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Ho Chi Minh is Vietnam’s most iconic leader and tourists often pay respect to him at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Here, you can also explore the Presidential Palace and the serene One Pillar Pagoda nearby.
Visit the Temple of Literature
Dedicated to the Chinese Philosopher Confucius and other scholars, the Temple of Literature is a peaceful escape and a must-see spot in Hanoi. It’s Vietnam’s first university, which makes it a great place to soak up the country’s rich academic history.
Gaze Over Hoan Kiem Lake
A refreshing thing to do in Hanoi is to gaze peacefully over Hoan Kiem Lake and take in its serene beauty. It is located in the centre of Hanoi. The famous red bridge in this lake leads up to the iconic Ngoc Son Temple, which is on a small island in the middle of the lake.
