Hanoi is chaotic, charming, loud, peaceful, and completely unforgettable all at once. Vietnam’s capital is a city where scooters buzz past ancient temples, lakeside strolls turn into late-night street food feasts, and coffee is taken very seriously. I spent several days exploring Hanoi and quickly realized: this city is SO FUN and has so much to explore.
Whether you’re in Hanoi for a quick stop or easing into a longer Vietnam itinerary, here are the best things to do in Hanoi, Vietnam including the must-sees, the must-eats, and a few magical moments you won’t want to miss.
1. Wander the Old Quarter (and Embrace the Chaos)
If Hanoi has a heartbeat, it’s in the Old Quarter. This maze of narrow streets is where the city truly comes alive – honking scooters, sizzling street food, shopfronts overflowing with color, and tiny plastic stools spilling onto the sidewalks.
Each street was historically dedicated to a trade (silk, silver, paper – you get the idea), and while that’s evolved over time, the energy hasn’t. Wander without a plan, dodge scooters like a local, and let Hanoi introduce itself properly.
Don’t miss:
- Hang Ma Street for lanterns and decorations
- Late afternoon wanderings when the city is at its liveliest
- A cold drink at a street-side bia hơi spot
2. Visit Train Street (Responsibly!)
Yes, Hanoi Train Street is that tourist spot and yes, it’s just as wild in real life. A working train runs directly through a narrow residential alley lined with cafés, and watching it pass mere inches away is unforgettable.
Access rules change often, so the easiest way to visit is by going with a café host or guided tour. I visited around 9am on a weekday and it was very quiet and no one tried to hassle me so it was a seamless experience however I had found some horror stories during my research. I had heard that southern train street was less intense however I visited north train street and had no issues.
My advice would be to ask your hotel for the train schedule and have an idea of which cafe you would like to go to (but you can always change your mind when you get there). The easiest way to visit would be to join a food tour that includes a visit to Train Street to ensure you get a great spot and don’t have any issues.
📸 Pro tip: Get there at least 20 minutes before the train to get a good spot, keep your camera ready, follow local instructions, and stay seated until the train has gone.
3. Walk Around Hoàn Kiếm Lake (Especially at Sunrise or Sunset)
For a moment of calm amid the chaos, head to Hoàn Kiếm Lake, right in the heart of the city. Locals gather here early in the morning for tai chi, jogs, and quiet reflection and at sunset, the golden light is beautiful.
It’s the perfect place to slow down, people-watch, and catch your breath between adventures.
4. Visit NgOc SOn Temple
Sitting on a small island in Hoàn Kiếm Lake, Ngọc Sơn Temple is connected to the shore by the iconic red Huc Bridge. It’s a quick visit, but a lovely one – especially if you’re already walking the lake loop.
The temple is dedicated to General Trần Hưng Đạo and offers a peaceful glimpse into Hanoi’s spiritual side.
5. Try Egg Coffee
You can’t visit Hanoi without trying egg coffee — a surprisingly delicious blend of strong Vietnamese coffee topped with a thick, creamy egg foam.
I tried mine at Note Coffee, one of the most fun cafés in the city. Every surface is covered in handwritten notes from travelers around the world, and sipping egg coffee while reading them feels so wholesome.
☕ Other popular egg coffee spots:
- Café Giảng (the OG)
- Đinh Café (with balcony views)
6. Watch a Traditional Water Puppet Show
One of the most unique cultural experiences in Hanoi is a water puppet show. This centuries-old art form originated in rural Vietnam, and the performances are charming, funny, and surprisingly moving.
Shows are usually under an hour and easy to fit into your evening plans.
🎭 Book Tickets in Advanced: Thăng Long Water Puppet Theatre Tickets
7. Explore the Temple of Literature
Dedicated to Confucius, the Temple of Literature is one of Hanoi’s most beautiful and important historical sites. It was also Vietnam’s first national university, dating back to the 11th century.
The courtyards, ponds, and traditional architecture make this a peaceful escape from the city and a must for history lovers.
8. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & One Pillar Pagoda
A visit to Ba Đình Square is an important stop for understanding Vietnam’s modern history.
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: A solemn, fascinating experience (dress modestly and be prepared for security checks).
- One Pillar Pagoda: Just steps away, this tiny but symbolic pagoda is one of Hanoi’s most iconic landmarks.
Even if you don’t go inside the mausoleum, the area itself is worth visiting.
9. See Tran Quoc Pagoda
Located on a small island on West Lake, Trấn Quốc Pagoda is the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi and easily one of the prettiest.
Visit around sunset when the pagoda glows in the soft light and locals gather by the water. It’s calm, scenic, and a lovely contrast to the Old Quarter buzz.
10. Eat Your Way Through Hanoi (Starting with Bánh Mì)
Hanoi is a food lover’s dream. Street food here is affordable, flavorful, and unforgettable and bánh mì is the perfect place to start. A great way to find all the best Vietnamese foodie spots to try is joining a food tour like this one.
🥖 Must-try foods in Hanoi:
- Bánh mì (crispy, fresh, life-changing)
- Phở (especially phở bò)
- Bún chả (Obama-approved!)
- Nem rán (fried spring rolls)
- Fresh spring rolls with herbs
Pull up a tiny plastic stool, point at what looks good, and trust the process.
Optional Extras If You Have More Time
If your Hanoi itinerary allows, also consider:
- West Lake cafés for a quieter coffee break
- Dong Xuan Market for local shopping
- Vietnam Museum of Ethnology for cultural context
- Rooftop bars for sunset city views
Why Hanoi Is Unforgettable
Hanoi isn’t a city you simply visit – it’s one you experience. It’s noisy and soulful, chaotic and calm, historic and modern, all tangled together in the best way possible. From sipping egg coffee at Note Coffee to wandering the Old Quarter and watching the train rush past on Train Street, Hanoi leaves a mark.
If Vietnam is on your list, start here. Hanoi will welcome you with open arms, endless flavor, and a story you’ll be telling long after you leave.
Vietnam Helpful Links
Where to stay in Hanoi
Budget: Hanoi Capsule Station Hostel
Mid-Range: Golden Moon Suite Hotel & Travel
Luxury: La Siesta Classic Hang Thung
Top Tours/Day Trips in Hanoi
– Hanoi: Guided Food Tour with Train Street Visit
– Hanoi: Water Puppet Show Tickets
– Hanoi: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
– Hanoi: Incense Village, Hat, and Lacquer Artisanal Tour
– Hanoi: Ninh Binh, Bai Dinh/Hoa Lu, Trang An, & Mua Cave Tour
How to Get Around Vietnam: Grab & 12Go
Getting around Vietnam is incredibly easy once you download the right apps.
Grab is Vietnam’s version of Uber and is hands-down the best way to get around cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. You can book motorbikes, cars, and even food delivery, all with upfront pricing (no haggling required).
For longer journeys between cities, 12Go is a lifesaver. It lets you book trains, buses, and ferries across Vietnam in advance – perfect for planning trips between places like Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An. I booked my VIP sleeper bus from Ninh Binh to Sapa and would definitely recommend.
👉 Check out 12Go here
Vietnam SIM Card: Airalo eSIM
Staying connected in Vietnam is a must for maps, transport apps, bookings, and Googling “best pho near me” (trust me). I used Airalo, an eSIM app that lets you download a Vietnam data plan before you even land.
There’s no need to swap physical SIM cards or hunt down a store at the airport. Just activate your eSIM and you’re online the moment you arrive – easy, affordable, and super convenient.
👉 Get your Vietnam eSIM with Airalo here
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links – at no extra cost to you
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Jess at Sea 
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