Things to Do in Hanoi: Attractions, Food & Day Trips

By TaraKai
October 1, 2026

Hanoi brings together historic streets, lakes, temples, museums, local food, cafés, and traditional performances. Many of the best things to do in Hanoi are around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter, while Ba Dinh has several important historical landmarks.
This guide covers the top Hanoi attractions, local experiences, food, day trips, and useful travel tips for your visit.
Things to Do in Hanoi: Quick Guide
Activity | Best For | Location | Suggested Time |
|---|---|---|---|
Hoan Kiem Lake | Walking and sightseeing | Hoan Kiem | 1 hour |
Hanoi Old Quarter | Food, shopping and local streets | Hoan Kiem | 2 to 4 hours |
Temple of Literature | History and architecture | Dong Da | 1 to 2 hours |
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex | History | Ba Dinh | 1 to 2 hours |
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long | History and heritage | Ba Dinh | 1.5 to 2 hours |
Hoa Lo Prison Relic | Museums and history | Hoan Kiem | 1 to 2 hours |
Water Puppet Show | Vietnamese culture | Hoan Kiem | Around 1 hour |
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology | Culture and families | Nghia Do | 2 to 3 hours |
St. Joseph's Cathedral | Architecture and photos | Hoan Kiem | 30 minutes to 1 hour |
Hanoi Opera House | Architecture and performances | Hoan Kiem | 30 minutes to 2 hours |
West Lake | Relaxing walks and cafés | Tay Ho | 1 to 3 hours |
Hanoi Food Experience | Local food | Old Quarter | 2 to 4 hours |


















1. Walk Around Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is one of the easiest places to start exploring Hanoi. The lake sits close to the Old Quarter and is surrounded by walking paths, cafés, shops, and historical attractions.
Look for Turtle Tower in the middle of the lake, then walk across the red The Huc Bridge to visit Ngoc Son Temple.
About Hoan Kiem Lake
- Location: Hoan Kiem District
- Cost: Free for the lake area
- Best For: Walking, photography and first-time visitors
- Best Time: Early morning or evening
🎉 Pro Tip: Visit during the weekend if you enjoy a livelier atmosphere around central Hanoi.
2. Explore Hanoi Old Quarter

Hanoi's Old Quarter is one of the city's most interesting areas to explore on foot. Its narrow streets are known for shops, cafés, restaurants, traditional businesses, street food, and historic buildings.
You can explore areas around Hang Bac, Hang Gai, Hang Ma, Ta Hien, and Dong Xuan Market.
Things to Do in Hanoi Old Quarter
- Try local street food
- Shop for souvenirs and handicrafts
- Visit Dong Xuan Market
- Walk along Ta Hien Street
- Drink Vietnamese coffee
- Explore small temples and historic buildings
- Walk to nearby Hoan Kiem Lake
Location: North of Hoan Kiem Lake
Cost: Free to explore
Best For: Food, shopping, nightlife and local culture
3. Visit the Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature, or Văn Miếu Quốc Tử Giám, is one of Hanoi's important cultural landmarks. It was established in 1070, while Quốc Tử Giám was founded several years later and is commonly regarded as Vietnam's first national university.
Inside, visitors can see traditional courtyards, gardens, gates, historic structures, stone steles, and areas connected to Vietnam's educational history.
About the Temple of Literature
- Location: 58 Quoc Tu Giam Street, Hanoi
- Best For: History, architecture and culture
- Suggested Time: 1 to 2 hours
- Admission: Ticket required
❤️ Pro Tip: Check the latest opening hours and ticket information before visiting, especially during public holidays.





4. See the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is one of the main historical landmarks in Ba Dinh. It stands near Ba Dinh Square and forms part of a larger sightseeing area.
Nearby attractions include:
- Ba Dinh Square
- One Pillar Pagoda
- Presidential Palace area
- Ho Chi Minh Museum
- Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House
The One Pillar Pagoda is especially easy to combine with the mausoleum because the two attractions are close together.
Best For: History and first-time visitors
Suggested Time: 1 to 2 hours
❤️ Pro Tip: The mausoleum follows specific visiting hours and may close for maintenance or official events. Dress respectfully when visiting.
5. Explore the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important place for understanding Hanoi's long political and royal history.
The heritage complex contains archaeological remains and historic structures from different periods of Vietnamese history.
Places to See
- Doan Mon Gate
- Kinh Thien Palace foundations
- Hau Lau
- Bac Mon
- 18 Hoang Dieu archaeological site
About the Imperial Citadel
- Location: Hoang Dieu Street, Ba Dinh
- Best For: History, archaeology and architecture
- Suggested Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Admission: Ticket required
Check the official attraction website for the latest ticket price and opening hours before your visit.
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Hotel in Hanoi6. Visit Hoa Lo Prison Relic

Hoa Lo Prison Relic is a historical museum in central Hanoi. The exhibits include photographs, documents, artifacts, and preserved prison areas connected to different periods of its history.
It can be an emotional visit, so allow enough time to read the displays and understand the historical context.
About Hoa Lo Prison Relic
- Location: 1 Hoa Lo Street, Hoan Kiem
- Best For: History and museums
- Suggested Time: 1 to 2 hours
- Admission: Ticket required
7. Watch a Traditional Water Puppet Show

Watching a water puppet performance is one of the classic cultural things to do in Hanoi.
This traditional art uses wooden puppets moving across a water stage while musicians and performers tell stories inspired by Vietnamese village life, folklore, and legends.
The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is conveniently located near Hoan Kiem Lake.
About the Water Puppet Show
- Location: 57B Dinh Tien Hoang Street
- Best For: Families, culture and first-time visitors
- Duration: Usually around 1 hour
- Cost: Depends on the seat category and performance
🎭 Pro Tip: Popular evening performances can sell out, so book your preferred time in advance.
8. Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is worth visiting if you want to learn more about Vietnam's cultural diversity.
Its collections introduce the clothing, traditions, tools, houses, crafts, and everyday lives of Vietnam's ethnic groups.
The museum also has an outdoor area featuring traditional architectural structures.
About the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
- Location: Nguyen Van Huyen Street, Nghia Do
- Best For: Families, culture and educational trips
- Suggested Time: 2 to 3 hours
- Admission: Ticket required
Check the museum's official website for current opening hours and admission fees before visiting.
9. Take Photos at St. Joseph's Cathedral

St. Joseph's Cathedral is one of central Hanoi's most recognisable buildings. Its Neo-Gothic architecture creates a different atmosphere from the temples and traditional buildings found around the Old Quarter.
The surrounding streets are also popular for cafés, restaurants, and small shops.
About St. Joseph's Cathedral
- Location: Nha Chung Street, Hoan Kiem
- Cost: Free to view
- Best For: Architecture and photography
- Suggested Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Remember that it remains an active religious site, so dress respectfully and avoid disturbing services.
- One way
- Round-trip
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10. See the Hanoi Opera House

The Hanoi Opera House is a well-known landmark near the French Quarter.
Built in the early 20th century, the building is known for its European-inspired architecture and continues to host concerts, performances, and cultural events.
Even if you do not attend a show, you can see the exterior while walking around Trang Tien Street.
Location: 1 Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem
Best For: Architecture, performances and photography
11. Relax Around West Lake

West Lake, or Hồ Tây, offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared with the busy Old Quarter.
The large lakeside area has cafés, restaurants, walking routes, and sunset views. It is a good place to spend a slower afternoon or evening.
One of the best-known landmarks around the lake is Tran Quoc Pagoda.
Things to Do Around West Lake
- Walk beside the lake
- Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda
- Stop at a lakeside café
- Watch the sunset
- Explore the Tay Ho area
- Try local or international restaurants
Best For: Couples, cafés, relaxing walks and sunset views
12. Try Hanoi's Local Food

Eating is one of the best things to do in Hanoi. The city has everything from small street stalls to traditional restaurants and modern cafés.
Hanoi Food to Try
- Phở: Vietnamese noodle soup
- Bún chả: Grilled pork served with noodles, herbs and dipping sauce
- Chả cá: Fish cooked with herbs and seasonings
- Bánh cuốn: Thin steamed rice rolls with savoury fillings
- Bánh mì: Vietnamese baguette sandwich
- Xôi: Sticky rice served with different toppings
- Egg coffee: Vietnamese coffee topped with a creamy egg mixture
The Old Quarter is one of the easiest areas for a self-guided food walk.
Best Day Trips From Hanoi
Hanoi is also a convenient base for exploring other destinations in northern Vietnam.
Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh is popular for limestone scenery, rivers, temples, and boat trips. Trang An and Tam Coc are among the best-known areas.
- Best For: Nature, photography and boat rides
- Suggested Time: Full day
Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is famous for its limestone islands and cruises.
A day trip is possible from Hanoi, but staying overnight gives you more time to enjoy the bay.
- Best For: Cruises, scenery and couples
- Suggested Time: Full day or overnight
Sapa
Sapa is farther from Hanoi and works better as an overnight trip.
Visitors come for mountain scenery, trekking, villages, and views around the Hoang Lien Son range.
- Best For: Mountains, trekking and longer trips
- Suggested Time: At least 2 days
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Suggested One-Day Hanoi Itinerary
Morning
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex
- One Pillar Pagoda
- Temple of Literature
Lunch
- Try bún chả or phở
Afternoon
- Hoa Lo Prison Relic
- St. Joseph's Cathedral
- Hoan Kiem Lake
Evening
- Explore Hanoi Old Quarter
- Watch a water puppet show
- Try egg coffee
- Enjoy a local street food dinner
Secure Your Stay in Hanoi
5 star
Business travel
Family friendly
Hot spring
Gym
Swimming pool
Breakfast
Tips for Filipino Travelers in Hanoi
- Stay near Hoan Kiem Lake or the Old Quarter if it is your first visit.
- Use Grab for convenient transport around Hanoi.
- Keep some Vietnamese dong for street food, markets, and small shops.
- Wear comfortable shoes because many central attractions are best explored on foot.
- Hanoi traffic can be busy, so cross roads carefully.
- Bring a light jacket during the cooler months.
- Carry an umbrella during rainy periods.
- Dress respectfully when visiting temples, pagodas, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
- Check attraction opening hours before visiting.
- Keep mobile data available for maps, translation apps, and transport bookings.
FAQs About Things to Do in Hanoi
-
What is the best area to stay in Hanoi for first-time visitors?
Hoan Kiem and the Old Quarter are convenient because many attractions, restaurants, cafés, and shops are nearby. -
Is Hanoi expensive for Filipino travelers?
Hanoi can be budget-friendly, especially for local food, public attractions, and transport. Costs depend on your hotel, activities, and travel style. -
What is the best time to visit Hanoi?
October to April is popular for cooler weather, while May to September is warmer and more humid with a higher chance of rain. -
Can I use Grab in Hanoi?
Yes. Grab is commonly used in Hanoi for car and motorbike rides, which can be convenient for getting around the city. -
Do I need cash when traveling around Hanoi?
It is useful to carry some Vietnamese dong for street food, markets, small shops, and places that may not accept cards.
Related products
Things to Do in Hanoi
- ● Things to Do in Hanoi: Quick Guide
- ● 1. Walk Around Hoan Kiem Lake
- ● 2. Explore Hanoi Old Quarter
- ● 3. Visit the Temple of Literature
- ● 4. See the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex
- ● 5. Explore the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
- ● 6. Visit Hoa Lo Prison Relic
- ● 7. Watch a Traditional Water Puppet Show
- ● 8. Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
- ● 9. Take Photos at St. Joseph's Cathedral
- ● 10. See the Hanoi Opera House
- ● 11. Relax Around West Lake
- ● 12. Try Hanoi's Local Food
- ● Best Day Trips From Hanoi
- ● Suggested One-Day Hanoi Itinerary
- ● Tips for Filipino Travelers in Hanoi
- ● FAQs About Things to Do in Hanoi
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