Things to do in Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam’s bustling capital, offers a tapestry of cultural, historical, and culinary experiences for visitors to explore. From wandering through the labyrinthine streets of the Old Quarter and marveling at the serene beauty of Hoan Kiem Lake to delving into the city’s rich history at landmarks like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature, there’s no shortage of captivating sights to behold. Indulging in the vibrant street food scene with dishes like pho and banh mi, attending a traditional water puppet show, and immersing oneself in the bustling energy of Dong Xuan Market are just a few of the myriad experiences awaiting travelers in this dynamic city. With its blend of tradition and modernity, Hanoi promises a memorable journey filled with cultural immersion, culinary delights, and unforgettable moments.

Explore the list of Places to Visit in Vietnam.

List of Things to do in Hanoi

Here are some things you can do while exploring Hanoi:

1. Explore the Old Quarter: Wander through the narrow streets of the Old Quarter, where you can discover ancient temples, traditional shops, and bustling markets selling everything from local handicrafts to street food.
2. Visit Hoan Kiem Lake: Take a leisurely stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, visit Ngoc Son Temple located on a small island in the lake, and witness the iconic red bridge, Thê Húc Bridge.
3. Discover Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Pay your respects to Vietnam’s revolutionary leader at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where Ho Chi Minh’s embalmed body is preserved. Nearby, you can also visit the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House.
4. Experience Temple of Literature: Explore Vietnam’s first national university at the Temple of Literature, a serene complex dedicated to Confucius and scholars. Admire the traditional architecture and peaceful gardens.
5. Try Vietnamese Street Food: Indulge in Hanoi’s famous street food scene by trying local delicacies like pho (noodle soup), bun cha (grilled pork with noodles), banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), and egg coffee at one of the many street food stalls or restaurants.
6. Attend a Water Puppet Show: Experience the unique art form of water puppetry at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, where wooden puppets dance on the water accompanied by live traditional music.
7. Explore Hanoi’s Museums: Visit museums like the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to learn about the country’s diverse ethnic groups, or the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum to admire Vietnamese art through the ages.
8. Take a Cyclo Ride: Enjoy a leisurely cyclo (bicycle rickshaw) ride through the streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, allowing you to soak in the sights, sounds, and smells of the city.
9. Shop at Dong Xuan Market: Browse through the stalls of Dong Xuan Market, one of the largest covered markets in Hanoi, where you can find a wide range of goods including clothing, souvenirs, household items, and more.
10. Experience Hanoi’s Nightlife: Explore Hanoi’s vibrant nightlife scene by visiting rooftop bars, live music venues, or joining a night market tour to sample street food under the neon lights.

Know more about the Places to Visit Near Me.

These are just a few of the many experiences that await you in Hanoi, a city that effortlessly blends tradition with modernity, offering something for every traveler to enjoy.