12 Unique Things To Do in Hanoi: 2026 Guide

Most people treat Hanoi like a layover. Two nights, a bowl of pho, a lap around Hoan Kiem Lake, then straight to Ha Long Bay or south to Hoi An. We didn’t do that.

We ended up staying in Hanoi for a few weeks (mainly to build our Gay Hanoi Guide). Long enough to get yelled at by traffic, find our regular pho lady, and learn why the coffee here is borderline unhinged. Yes, we did the tourist stuff. But we also ended up in hidden cafés behind silk shops, neighborhood gyms, and parts of the city most visitors never see.

If you’re the kind of traveler who wants to understand a place instead of just photographing it, this is for you. You’ll leave knowing what Hanoi actually feels like day to day, what’s worth your time, what’s skippable, and a few very local things you won’t hear on a walking tour.

Quick tip before you keep reading: Hanoi makes more sense once you stop fighting the chaos and start moving with it. That’s when the city opens up.

So let's get right into our favorite things to do in Hanoi.

Where to Stay in Hanoi

Your base in Hanoi shapes your experience. Choose a neighborhood that matches your travel style. Whether you want to be in the heart of the action or a peaceful retreat, here are our top picks:

• For First-Timers & Nightlife: Stay in or near the Old Quarter. You'll be in the heart of the action, steps from food and streets to explore. We recommend well-located, friendly spots like the May De Ville Lakeside Hotel or the May De Ville Crown Hotel.

• For a Local, Relaxed Vibe: We loved staying in the Truc Bach area, near West Lake. It's quieter, more residential, and filled with authentic local cafés and restaurants that are half the price and just as good as the restaurants in the Old Quarter. It offers a great balance if you're staying for more than a few days.

The Soul of Vietnam's Capital: 12 Unique Things to Do in Hanoi

Hanoi is understandably chaotic, but that is what makes the city such a thrilling place. It's a city where ancient tradition hums alongside modern life, every cup of coffee tells a story, and surprising moments await around every corner. To truly experience its unique soul, here are 12 essential things to do in Vietnam's capital city:

1. Jump Headfirst Into the Old Quarter's Chaos

Think tiny streets, scooters literally everywhere, street food sizzling on every corner, and locals calling out with big smiles. The Old Quarter is messy, noisy, and absolutely addictive. Skip the map, put away your phone, and just walk and turn corners. Let Hanoi's energy carry you. You'll discover hidden shops, serene temples wedged between houses, and the real pulse of the city. It's the best and only way to start your trip.

During the weekends and starting around 7 pm, you'll come across the famous night market and finally, a street closed to pedestrians. Make sure to check it out and get your shopping in during this period.

2. Sip Coffee Where It Was Invented (And Try Egg Coffee)

Hanoi's coffee culture is legendary, and it's honestly ruined us in the best of ways (we boastfully carry around our phin coffee filter wherever we travel now).

It's not just about the strong, dark Vietnamese brew, but the ritual and variety. My favorite is egg coffee (cà phê trứng), a creamy, sweet concoction that tastes like liquid tiramisu. Ryan's favorite is the coconut iced coffee (cà phê dừa).

The birthplace of egg coffee, Café Giảng in the Old Quarter, is decent, but we actually prefer Café Phố Cổ. It's tucked away behind a silk shop, has a better brew, and offers stunning views of Hoàn Kiếm Lake from its upper floors.

But in all honesty, you can roll into most coffee shops in Hanoi and will have a damn good coffee experience.

3. Experience the Magic of Hoàn Kiếm Lake at Dusk

Hoan Kiem Lake: This is the heart and soul of Hanoi. As the sun sets, the lake comes alive with locals exercising, couples strolling, and friends gathering. Walk the perimeter, cross the iconic red Húc Bridge, and visit the Ngoc Son Temple (Turtle Temple) on the island. The energy here is always positive and completely captivating.

It also makes for one of the few places we could go for a run around in the city.

4. Take a Guided Tour to Truly Understand Hanoi

Don't just see Hanoi...understand it. We think a guided tour is the best way to grasp the city's complex layers of history, religion, and colonialism, connecting landmarks like the Hanoi Cathedral (St. Joseph's) to the stories behind them.

For a deep cultural dive and to really get an off-the-beaten-path experience, we recommend the tour we did with Gay Hanoi Tours. Our guides took us to local neighborhoods (all by scooter), a serene community garden by the Red River (Banana Island), and even shared the fascinating story of the Bodhi Temple (Chùa Bồ Đề). We also tried our first life-changing bún bò on this tour.

5. Watch a Train Rush Through a Residential Street

One of Hanoi's most surreal experiences is Hanoi's Train Street. You sit in a café literally centimetres from the train tracks, sipping a local beer or coconut coffee. Then, the warning sounds, chairs are pulled back, and a massive train thunders past, shaking everything in its path.

To be honest, we found it a bit overrated. It's mostly tourists drinking and waiting around for the train to pass. Plus, there's talk that authorities may shut it down soon due to safety concerns. That said, it's still a pretty cool and unique experience...so if you're in Hanoi, we'd say do it before it potentially closes for good.

6. Explore the Elegant French Quarter

Just south of the Old Quarter, Hanoi shows its elegant side. Stroll down wide, tree-lined boulevards past yellow colonial buildings, the grand Opera House, and high-end boutiques. The pace is slower here, offering a beautiful contrast to the organised chaos nearby. It's the perfect place for a leisurely coffee and some people-watching.

7. Eat Your Way Through Hanoi's Street Food

We love Vietnamese food, especially in Hanoi. It's fresh, balanced, and packed with flavor. Here's your must-try list in Hanoi:

• Pho: The famous noodle soup, best eaten for breakfast at a local spot.
• Bún Chả: Grilled pork patties served with noodles, herbs, and a dipping sauce.
• Bún Bò: A fragrant beef noodle salad with fresh herbs, peanuts, and a tangy dressing.
• Banh Mi: The perfect crusty baguette sandwich, a French-Vietnamese fusion.
• BBQ Street Food: Find skewers grilling over coals on small street-side stalls.

Our Top Picks for Authentic Bites

• Bún Bò Nam Bộ Hải Sẹo: This is where we fell in love with bún bò. A simple, no-frills spot with the most fragrant beef noodle salad. Our guide from Gay Hanoi Tours took us here, and it was a highlight.
• Cửa Bắc Bún Chả Que Tre: For the iconic Hanoi dish bún chả (grilled pork with noodles), this local favorite is the real deal. It's all about the smoky, sweet, and savory flavors.

For others, we've included our favorite restaurants on the map below.

8. See a Traditional Water Puppet Show

This is a uniquely Vietnamese art form you won't find anywhere else. At the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, skilled puppeteers make wooden puppets dance and glide over water, telling folk tales accompanied by live traditional music. It's touristy, yes, but also genuinely enchanting and a beautiful glimpse into local culture. Shows are short (about 45 minutes), making it a perfect evening activity.

Plan ahead by booking through Booking.com. Arriving early ensures prime seating for this spectacular 1,000-year-old ceremony. We didn't and we were pushed very far towards the back 😅.

9. Take a Scenic Day Trip to Ninh Binh (Ha Long Bay on Land)

You can't come to Northern Vietnam without seeing its stunning natural beauty. Ninh Binh, often called "Ha Long Bay on land," is the perfect and most accessible escape. Just a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Hanoi, it offers a breathtaking landscape of dramatic limestone karsts rising majestically from emerald rice paddies and winding rivers.

The essential experience here is a serene boat ride. Glide through the peaceful waterways of Tam Coc or Trang An, where rowers (often using their feet!) will guide you through incredible natural caves carved through the mountains. It's a slow, magical journey that feels worlds away from the city's buzz.

Beyond the boat, you can cycle through rural villages, hike up to the Mua Caves viewpoint for a panoramic vista of the region, and explore ancient temples like Bai Dinh Pagoda.

10. Discover Local Life by the Red River

Venture to the Red River banks and Banana Island to see a different, local side of Hanoi. Areas like Phuc Tan feature creative community art projects made from recycled materials.

You'll see locals fishing, farming on silt islets, and going about their daily lives with the modern city skyline as a backdrop. You may even spot naked bathers in the Red River.

On the day we went to Banana Island, it was pouring with rain, which only added to the enchantment and isolation of the area. It is so close to the city, yet just feels like a completely different natural world.

For the best experience, visit with a local guide who can explain the area's significance. Again, we recommend Gay Hanoi Tours, as they will take you there.

11. Enjoy a Wild Night Out

Hanoi's nightlife is energetic, diverse, and surprised us in the best of ways! For a night out that rivals any European city, seek out unique venues like Peach (also called Savage), known for its themed parties and fantastic drag shows in a multi-story old mansion. The crowd is welcoming and mixed. Alternatively, find a rooftop bar in the Old Quarter or by West Lake for sunset drinks with a view.

We can't express it enough, but our favorite rooftop spot is R7, as it is very inclusive and just brings good vibes.

The city comes alive after dark but don't forget exploring the best Hanoi Night Markets.

12. Find Peace in the Temple of Literature

Escape the city's buzz at the Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu). As Vietnam's first national university, its peaceful courtyards, ancient stone stelae, and quiet gardens offer a moment of calm. Walk slowly here, admire the traditional architecture, and breathe in the scholarly atmosphere...it feels like stepping into Vietnam's rich history.

Hanoi Map: Save This Before You Go

Hanoi Trip Essentials: Quick Practical Guide

Before you dive into the city's chaos and charm, here are a few practical tips from our own experience to help you plan a smooth trip.

Must-Have Apps

• Grab: Your go-to for motorbike taxis (GrabBike), cars, and food delivery. It’s cheap and super efficient.
• Google Maps: Works reliably for navigation and finding spots.
• Zalo: The main local messaging app. For a short trip, WhatsApp works fine, but Zalo is good for connecting with locals.

The Best Time to Go to Hanoi

• Best (October-November): Cool, dry, and sunny. Perfect weather for exploring. However, the first week we were in town in early November, it was raining every single day, so just beware that weather is inconsistent in places like Hanoi.
• Good (March-April): Pleasant spring weather, though it can be humid.
• Avoid (May-September): Hot, humid, and the rainy monsoon season. (Though we've heard this can be a unique time for a bold swim in the Red River!).

Visas & Entry For Vietnam

Check if your country is on Vietnam's visa exemption list for up to 45 days (like Italy and the UK are). If not, you'll need a visa. The e-visa is the easiest option for most travelers.

Getting In & Connected

• From Noi Bai Airport: A Grab taxi is the easiest ride into the city (45 mins). For a real bargain, the public Bus 86 goes straight to the Old Quarter (this is what we took and there were no problems).

• Staying Online: We used eSIMs from Trip.com, which worked perfectly. For the best local rates, grab a cheap prepaid SIM from Viettel or Vinaphone at the airport.

Getting Around Hanoi

• On Foot: The Old Quarter is very walkable—just watch out for scooters!
• Like a Local: GrabBike motorbike taxis are the fastest, cheapest, and most fun way to zip through traffic. Don't be shy; just wear the helmet.
• By Car: Grab also offers car rides for a bit more comfort and safety.

Money & Safety in Hanoi

• Cash is Key: Have Vietnamese Dong (VND) for markets, street food, and small shops. Cards work in hotels and nicer restaurants.
• Stay Healthy: Stick to bottled or filtered water. Pharmacies are common and affordable, but always have travel insurance.
• Stay Safe: Violent crime is rare. Just keep an eye on your belongings in crowds, as petty theft can happen.

Quick Cultural Tips in Hanoi

• Tipping: Not expected.
• Language: English is common in tourist spots. Learning a simple "xin chào" (hello) or "cảm ơn" (thank you) is appreciated.
• Power: Sockets are Type A, C, and F (220V). A universal adapter is a good idea.

Ready to Explore More of Asia?

Hanoi is a city that stays with you, a vibrant mix of ancient traditions, buzzing streets, and incredible flavors. Whether you spend your days sipping egg coffee, wandering the Old Quarter, or taking a boat through the karst landscapes of Ninh Binh, it's an experience that captures the heart of Southeast Asia.

And if you find yourself wanting to keep the adventure going, why not cross the border? From Northern Vietnam, it's a fantastic launchpad to continue into Southern China. We did just that and explored the stunning landscapes of Guangxi. You can follow our journey in our guide to the iconic Guilin to Yangshuo Li River cruise.