Things to Do in Hanoi
14 curated spots from Hanoi itineraries
Activities & Attractions
6 curated experiences
Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple
Stroll the lakeside path, watch locals exercising and socializing, then cross the red Huc Bridge to Ngoc Son Temple to learn the legend of the restored sword and enjoy lakeside views.[3][4][5][7]
1h 30m · $2-4
Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám)
Explore Vietnam’s first national university dedicated to Confucius, with peaceful courtyards, pavilions, stelae of scholars, and classic traditional architecture; plan around its 8:00 AM–5:00 PM opening hours.[1][5][6][7]
1h 30m · $2-4
Train Street
Sip drinks at cafes as trains pass inches away; check schedule for thrill.
1h · $5 or Free
Vietnam National Museum of History & Hanoi Opera House Area
Spend time in the Vietnam National Museum of History exploring more than 200,000 artifacts that trace the country’s past, then walk a few minutes to admire the ornate French-colonial Hanoi Opera House and surrounding boulevards.[5][9]
2h · $3-5
Water Puppet Theatre
Traditional show on water stage with live music (book premium seats).
1h · $20
West Lake Bike & Tran Quoc Pagoda
Rent bikes for 10km lakeside loop, visit ancient pagoda amid water lilies.
2h · $10Restaurants & Food
8 local favorites
Banh Mi 25
Legendary local sandwiches; try pate and grilled pork classic.
30m · $5-10 per person
Cong Caphe
Modern coffeehouse with Vietnamese brews and egg coffee; try ca phe trung.
45m · $10-15 per person
Morning Glory
Upscale Vietnamese cooking school vibe; nem nuong and fresh herbs.
1h 30m · $35-55 per person
Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan
Classic Hanoi pho spot in the Old Quarter; order a bowl of pho bo (beef noodle soup) and join locals on low stools for a quintessential start.
45m · $4-6 per person
Pho Thin
Iconic beef pho stall; order pho bo tai rare beef slices.
45m · $8-12 per person
Quan An Ngon
Garden-villa with street food stalls; order bun cha and fresh spring rolls.
1h 15m · $20-30 per person
Quan An Ngon Phan Boi Chau
A popular mid-range restaurant serving a wide range of Vietnamese regional dishes in a courtyard setting; try bun cha, fresh spring rolls, and a Vietnamese iced coffee.
1h 15m · $12-20 per person
Red Bean Boutique
Minimalist cafe with fusion Vietnamese; pho bo and craft cocktails.
1h 30m · $30-50 per person