Things to do in Hanoi

Activities, attractions and tours

Hanoi featuring cycling as well as an individual female
Hanoi featuring cycling as well as an individual female
Temple of Literature showing interior views, a temple or place of worship and religious aspects
Hoan Kiem Lake featuring heritage architecture, a lake or waterhole and a monument
Hanoi showing signage, a city and motorcycle riding
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Top places to visit

1. Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoàn Kiếm Lake is a popular meeting spot in Hanoi and the location of one of the city’s most picturesque temples. Just a short walk from the old town, the lake provides a leafy escape from the city crowds and heat. Join the locals for a game of chess, stroll around the lake or pack a picnic lunch to enjoy beneath the trees.
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Hoan Kiem Lake featuring a monument, heritage architecture and a lake or waterhole

2. St. Joseph's Cathedral of Hanoi

St. Joseph Cathedral is a 19th-century neo-Gothic church built with the Notre Dame of Paris in mind. The church is a gathering place for the large Roman Catholic community of Hanoi and is also popular with tourists. Constructed when the French first occupied the city, St. Joseph Cathedral is a striking example of colonial architecture in Hanoi.
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St. Joseph Cathedral featuring heritage elements, heritage architecture and markets

3. Hanoi Opera House

Admire the architecture of the Hanoi Opera House from the outside or buy a ticket to one of the shows to really appreciate this grand venue.
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Hanoi Opera House showing theatre scenes and heritage architecture

4. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

When the former Viet Minh leader died in 1969, his body was embalmed and placed in the grand Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. This site is a place of great importance to many Vietnamese, and one of Hanoi’s most visited attractions.
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Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum which includes a garden and a monument

5. Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

The Vietnamese art of water puppetry is a true cultural experience that is not to be missed while in Hanoi. Performed entirely in Vietnamese, the music and gesturing puppets tell a story that can be interpreted by all.
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Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre featuring theatre scenes, performance art and night scenes

6. Dong Xuan Market

Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi’s biggest marketplace, is a cavernous building full of tiny aisles. Built by the French at the end of the 19th century, the covered market today has stalls selling anything from household items and food, to clothes and shoes. Tourists visit the market mainly for the experience rather than the shopping.
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Dong Xuan Market showing interior views and markets

What to do in Hanoi

Popular places to visit

Hoan Kiem Lake featuring a monument, heritage architecture and a lake or waterhole

Hoan Kiem Lake

Wander around the banks of this peaceful lake and discover an historic temple, observe locals going about their daily life or enjoy a picnic lunch under the shade.

Hoan Kiem Lake
Evening view in Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi Old Town Night Market

During your trip to Hanoi, you can do some window-shopping at Hanoi Old Town Night Market. Stroll along the lakeside or experience the fascinating museums in this culturally rich area.

Hanoi Old Town Night Market
Beautiful pagoda in Hanoi... possible to walk but recommend to have a motorbike take you as it’s just outside of the main city area and easy to rent or hail someone to take you. Worth the views!

West Lake

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at West Lake during your travels in Hanoi. Amble around this culturally rich area's lakeside or seek out the local tours.

West Lake
St. Joseph Cathedral featuring heritage elements, heritage architecture and markets

St. Joseph's Cathedral of Hanoi

At the heart of Hanoi stands a weathered neo-Gothic Roman Catholic church, a contrary sight in this predominantly Buddhist city.

St. Joseph's Cathedral of Hanoi
Hanoi Opera House showing theatre scenes and heritage architecture

Hanoi Opera House

This historic building is the centerpiece of Hanoi’s French Quarter and host to shows by many of Vietnam’s premier singers, dancers and musicians.

Hanoi Opera House
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum which includes a garden and a monument

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

This massive tomb houses the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh, a former Vietnamese president.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Train street

Train Street

You can take time to visit Train Street during your travels to Hanoi. Make time for the shops and local tours in this culturally rich area.

Train Street
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre which includes interior views, performance art and theatre scenes

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Stories from local legends are told at this theater with hand-carved wooden dolls and colorful dragons that perform on a stage on the water.

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
Dong Xuan Market showing street scenes, markets and a city

Dong Xuan Market

Browse hundreds of stalls in Hanoi’s biggest marketplace in the heart of the Old Quarter.

Dong Xuan Market

Areas of Hanoi

Hanoi showing street scenes

Old Quarter

Old Quarter is beloved for its panoramic lake views. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Hoan Kiem Lake and Hang Gai Street.

Old Quarter
Hoan Kiem showing motorbike riding, street scenes and signage

Hoan Kiem

4.5/5(549 area reviews)

The historic center of Hanoi, this maze of streets offers the city’s most traditional food, best souvenir shopping and lively nighttime entertainment.

Hoan Kiem
Hanoi showing street scenes, night scenes and signage

French Quarter

The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are top of the list for many visitors to French Quarter. A stop by Hoan Kiem Lake or Hanoi Municipal Party Committee might round out your trip.

French Quarter
View from our Apricot Hotel Hanoi

Hang Trong

If you're spending some time in Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem Lake and Hang Gai Street are top sights worth seeing.

Hang Trong
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum showing a garden and a monument

Ba Dinh

4/5(44 area reviews)

The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are top of the list for many visitors to Ba Dinh. A stop by Ho Chi Minh Museum or Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum might round out your trip.

Ba Dinh
Ho Tay showing a lake or waterhole

Tay Ho

Escape the city and relax on the shores of Hanoi’s biggest lake. Enjoy local delicacies, gardens, historic sights, Buddhist temples and other attractions.

Tay Ho
CHIỀU SÀO NÁY

Kim Boi

Frequently asked questions

Is Hanoi worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Hanoi is visit Ta Hien Street. Check this leading sight off your itinerary, then experience more of the area's views and history.
How do I spend a day in Hanoi?
Ta Hien Street and Vietnam Military History Museum are two awesome places to begin your holiday adventures. Be sure to check out the dining and shopping options in Hanoi while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Hanoi?
The top tourist attraction in Hanoi is Ta Hien Street, so don't forget to add it to your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Hanoi?
Three days will give you enough time to tick off many city sights, including Ta Hien Street, Vietnam Military History Museum and Ho Tay Water Park. The average stay in Hanoi is three days. If you feel the urge to extend your getaway, Tay Ho isn't far away.
Is Hanoi a walkable city?
Some top attractions in Hanoi, such as Ta Hien Street and Vietnam Military History Museum, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Only 2 kilometres from central Hanoi is Hoan Kiem and Old Quarter is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Hanoi with kids?
Whether you're travelling with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities makes a big difference. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Hanoi with kids.

What to do in Hanoi for adults?
Train Street and Hang Ma Street are just a couple of the things to do in Hanoi. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Hanoi?
One of the easiest ways to find free things to do in Hanoi is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can experience without reaching into your pocket. Ta Hien Street is one spot that doesn't have an entrance fee.