Top Things to do in Hanoi: Best Activities & Must-Sees

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By Tina

July 15, 2026

Top Things to do in Hanoi: Best Activities & Must-Sees

Hanoi is the beating heart of Vietnam! Have you always dreamed of visiting Vietnam for a few days or a week? The Vietnamese capital is an unmissable city to visit at least once in your life! Getting lost in the narrow streets of the Old Quarter, sipping an egg coffee while watching local life go by, or enjoying a steaming pho on a street corner… Does that tempt you? You've come to the right place!

Whether you prefer discovering thousand-year-old historical heritage, scootering through the legendary Old Quarter with its 36 streets, or sampling culinary delights in authentic street-food stalls, Hanoi truly has something to satisfy every traveller! It is this explosive mix of ancestral traditions and vibrant modernity that makes the capital so fascinating.

In this detailed guide, Trip.com takes you on a journey to discover the unmissable city of Hanoi for a unique stay! From must-see activities and sites to our food tips and advice on the best neighbourhoods and excursions, here is everything you need to know about this captivating destination!

💡Did you know? Hanoi literally means "the city between the rivers"! Founded in 1010 under the name Thang Long ("Soaring Dragon"), the Vietnamese capital has over 1,000 years of history. It is this richness that has earned it the nickname "Paris of the East", with its tree-lined boulevards and French colonial architecture!

🎯 Popular Things to Do in Hanoi on a Budget

🗓️ What to Do in Hanoi Based on Your Stay

Like any capital city, Hanoi can be visited in just a day or two, or over a full week if you want to explore its surroundings! To help you make the most of your trip, here are some suggested itineraries and activities based on the length and style of your stay!

Length of stay

As a couple

With family

With friends

Solo

1-2 days

Hoan Kiem Lake stroll + Old Quarter on foot + puppet show + great restaurant

Temple of Literature + lake + colourful Old Quarter

Train Street + Old Quarter bars + local bia hoi

Street food tour + Old Quarter + egg coffee

3-4 days

Halong Bay excursion 2D/1N + Old Quarter + museums + massage

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum + cyclo tour + Vietnamese family cooking

Ninh Binh adventure + Ta Hien nights out + scooter rental

Temples + cooking class + café hopping + local life

1 week

Comprehensive Hanoi combo + Halong + Ninh Binh + villages + spa + excursions

All sites + nature excursions + kids' activities + excursions

Total exploration + multiple excursions + hikes + nightlife + excursions

Deep immersion + Vietnamese lessons + volunteering + excursions

🏘️ Must-visit Districts in Hanoi

Hanoi is a city where every district has its own unique atmosphere, and that's what makes it a capital city like nowhere else on earth! From the Old Quarter, where traffic is impossible and horns are constantly blaring, to the quiet, wide avenues of the French Quarter, here is a tour of the must-visit districts and sites you shouldn't miss.

The Old Quarter: welcome to the most fascinating chaos in Vietnam

The Old Quarter

Let's start with Hanoi's flagship district, the Old Quarter! Spoiler alert: the Old Quarter is truly an experience like no other! This maze of 36 streets, each narrower than the last, where scooters zip by in every direction, and the air is filled with the alternating scents of simmering pho and temple incense, has been the historic heart of Hanoi for 1,000 years!​

The famous 36 streets still bear their original names: Hang Bac (the street of jewellers), Hang Ma (the street of colourful votive paper), Hang Gai (the street of silk)... And even today, you'll see that the shops have kept this specialisation, even if it has become a little mixed over time.

From 6am, the atmosphere is magical: street vendors are already out, locals are practising tai chi by the lake, and the scent of pho literally fills the alleyways.

In the evening, the vibe shifts and it’s time to party, especially at the weekend when everything becomes pedestrianised and the Night Market takes over the streets with hundreds of stalls, street food everywhere and a unique atmosphere that lasts late into the night!

📌 Trip.com tip: Get up early (7am-9am) and rent a bike to explore the Old Quarter before the tourist rush; you'll see real local life!

Hanoi Train Street: the city's most touristy photo spot

Hanoi Train Street

Next up is Hanoi's unmissable Train Street! A district that is truly unique in the world. An alley so narrow it's barely 1 metre wide, with houses pressed against the tracks on either side, and several times a day a real passenger train passes literally 20-30 centimetres from the locals' front doors! It's impressive!​

The most amazing part? Between train crossings, life carries on as normal on the tracks (yes, really!): children play, grannies sell their handmade goods, and tourists sip coffee in the tiny cafés set up… all of this literally on the tracks.

Trains generally pass by around 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm

📌 Trip.com tip: arrive 30-40 minutes before it passes, grab a seat at one of the cafés on the tracks, order a delicious iced Vietnamese coffee, and soak up the unique atmosphere!

The French Quarter (Ba Dinh): colonial history and iconic monuments

The French Quarter

The Ba Dinh district, also known as the "French Quarter", is the complete opposite of the Old Quarter! Here, you'll find wide, tree-lined boulevards, beautiful colonial villas, and all the iconic monuments of the city and its history!​

This is where you will find, among other things, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (a huge marble monument where "Uncle Ho" rests), his small stilt house right next door, the 11th-century One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature (Vietnam's first university, established in 1070), and the Presidential Palace with its beautifully maintained gardens. The atmosphere is calm, spacious, green, and refreshing!

📌 Trip.com tip: the Mausoleum is only open in the morning (8am-11am) and is closed on Mondays and Fridays, so plan your day carefully! Do everything in the same morning; it's all walkable!

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Best Hotels in Hanoi

5 star

8.1/10Very Good383 Reviews
Dong Da District-Temple of Literature Hanoi|2.44km from city centre
Booked this primarily for the Pullman brand, but it really only felt like a 4-star hotel. It was decent, nothing spectacular. The room was spacious, but the facilities were a bit old, the lighting was dim, and it only had a bathtub. The service, however, was excellent. The hotel's location isn't in the old town, but you can walk to places like the Temple of Literature, the Fine Arts Museum, and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum within 30 minutes. There's a Highlands Coffee right outside the hotel, and a new shopping mall just down the street.
From€68
9.2/10Great107 Reviews
Hoan Kiem District Hanoi|0.24km from city centre
The staff were friendly and helpful. Can’t do enough for you. Location was very strategic, right in the center of Old Quarters. Everything within easy walking distance. Lots of good food and massage places. Very near the lake. The waiter for breakfast was full of energy and work super fast. Would be good to have someone to help him on the floor. Just to highlight be aware there is road closure on Fridays to Sundays evenings. So if u are arriving or departing, the taxi might not be able to drop or meet you at the hotel. I just had an easy 5 minutes walk to the hotel where I arrive on Friday evening
From€57
8.9/10Very Good152 Reviews
Hoan Kiem District Hanoi|0.69km from city centre
This hotel was a fantastic find! The Guest Relations team was incredibly helpful, recommending great places to eat. The doorman at the front desk was also super friendly, even remembering our room number. The environment is lovely, and it's right in a lively neighborhood. If I ever come back to Hanoi, I'd definitely choose this hotel again! My dad actually stayed here previously and recommended it, and I can truly say my experience was excellent. The entrance is a bit hidden, but that didn't affect our stay at all; in fact, it made the place feel more peaceful and quiet.
From€127
9.4/10Amazing292 Reviews
Hoan Kiem District Hanoi|0.26km from city centre
I recently had the pleasure of staying at The Oriental Jade Hotel, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. From the moment I arrived, I was incredibly impressed by the genuine hospitality and the warm, welcoming attitude of the entire staff. Every team member I interacted with went out of their way to ensure I was comfortable, demonstrating a level of attentive, personalized service that is rare to find. A major highlight of the experience was the hotel breakfast. The food was absolutely excellent—fresh, delicious, and offering a fantastic variety to start the day off right. I really enjoyed every aspect of my stay and left feeling completely refreshed. If you are looking for a hotel with a dedicated team that truly cares about your experience, look no further. I will definitely be returning!
From€97
9.4/10Amazing381 Reviews
Hoan Kiem District Hanoi|0.72km from city centre
We celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary with a family trip to Hanoi and stayed three nights at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. Our Grand Luxury Room in the Heritage Wing truly lived up to the hotel’s reputation, allowing us to fully feel its rich history, and the bedding was excellent. The complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, and happy hour also made our stay even more enjoyable. At the Sunday brunch at Le Beaulieu, I wanted to indulge in oysters, lobster, crab, and foie gras, but there were so many other delicious dishes that it was almost impossible to try everything. I was genuinely happy just eating my way through the buffet. What impressed us most was the service from a staff member named Daphne. From check‑in throughout our entire stay, she consistently looked after our family and proactively asked if there was anything we needed. She not only explained the hotel facilities and nearby area in a very kind and detailed way during check‑in, but also kept checking in with us during our stay and took care of many small details. Her service went far beyond simply responding to requests; she anticipated what we might need and offered thoughtful suggestions, which made us truly feel the high standard of service that the Metropole aims for. Thanks to Daphne, our impression of the Metropole became even more positive, and we would gladly choose this hotel again on our next visit to Hanoi. I sincerely hope the hotel continues to value staff members like Daphne.
From€213

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Business travel

9/10Great99 Reviews
Hoan Kiem District Hanoi|0.71km from city centre
We had a very solid and comfortable stay at the San Premium Hotel, which is perfectly situated right in the heart of the Old Quarter. The location is incredibly convenient, with everything you could possibly need located just a short walk away. The absolute highlight of our experience, however, was the impeccable service. The staff is extraordinarily courteous, welcoming, and proactive. Their English proficiency is excellent, which made communication seamless. When I approached them with several non-standard requests, they handled them with high-level professionalism and genuine politeness, and they were always quick to assist with our luggage. The accommodation itself was highly satisfying. We stayed in a spacious room that featured a wonderfully large terrace. The bathroom was well-appointed and in great condition. Most importantly, the level of cleanliness throughout the room was flawless. The bed and pillows provided a very comfortable night's sleep, and I specifically appreciated the use of proper fitted sheets - a crucial detail for comfort that many hotels surprisingly overlook. It is exactly this kind of attention to basic hospitality standards that makes a property reliable. The only notable area for improvement is the breakfast. The morning buffet was quite monotonous and the food lacked flavor, so I cannot say I was impressed by it. However, if you are only staying for a couple of days, it is completely tolerable, especially considering the abundance of excellent dining options right outside the hotel doors. Overall, the exceptional staff, meticulous room cleanliness, and prime location easily make up for the mediocre breakfast. This is a highly reliable hotel that delivers on the most important aspects of hospitality.
From€30
9.3/10Great137 Reviews
Hoan Kiem District Hanoi|0.51km from city centre
I had a wonderful stay at Hanoi Allure Hotel and would highly recommend it. From the moment I arrived, the excellent hospitality of the staff made me feel truly welcome. They were attentive, friendly, and always ready to help with anything I needed. The hotel is very clean throughout, and the rooms are surprisingly spacious and comfortable. The bed was excellent, and I slept very well every night. A special highlight was my birthday during the stay. The staff somehow found out and surprised me with beautiful birthday desserts in the evening. It was such a thoughtful and heartwarming gesture that made my trip even more memorable. The breakfast was nice with a good variety of options, fresh fruits, and tasty Vietnamese and Western dishes — perfect to start the day. The location is also fantastic. The surrounding area has so many great food spots and spa shops just steps away, making it super convenient for both dining and relaxation. Overall, Hanoi Allure Hotel offers great value, comfort, and genuine care. I’ll definitely return on my next trip to Hanoi!
From€72
9.3/10Great152 Reviews
Hoan Kiem District Hanoi|0.64km from city centre
The solare is in the middle of the old Town but it’s really calm and we had a good Sleep. The rooftop is nice for a sundowner and the breakfast is really good, with a lot of different food. I also had a massage for 60 min in the hotel spa and it was so clean and comfortable. Tea, coffee and every day fresh water in the rooms. The staff is so friendly and helpful and you have a 24 h reception. Lilly from the reception is amazing and such a nice little angel. She helps us with everything and is very competent. Thanks Lilly for your support and the warm welcome. The little pool in the middle of the loud and wild old town is perfect for a little break. Only four sun beds, but we loved it.
From€51
8.7/10Very Good111 Reviews
Hoan Kiem District Hanoi|0.28km from city centre
The hotel service was incredibly attentive and thoughtful. The fruit I brought was beautifully cut for breakfast, which was a pleasant surprise. The breakfast itself was exquisite and delicious! The European dishes were meticulously prepared with care – truly excellent. The location is right in the city center, making transportation convenient, and you can walk to all the attractions. Five-star service!
From€48
9.1/10Great415 Reviews
Hanoi|5.76km from city centre
I rate this hotel a perfect 10/10. 1. I absolutely love the breakfast here. Everything is freshly made by the chef and tastes so good—not your average lazy buffet. I’m totally obsessed with it. 2. The service is great. The staff always go out of their way to help. 3. It’s really good value for money. The suite I booked is cheaper than other hotels, and I’m so glad I found such a great deal.
From€26

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Family friendly

9/10Great51 Reviews
Hoan Kiem District Hanoi|0.62km from city centre
The place was near to the city center and night market! It was very convenient when we are very tired from walking and shopping all day! They also have available Ha Long Bay tours that you can pay through credit card. They also offer airport transfer.
From€27
8.9/10Very Good50 Reviews
Ba Dinh Square/Giang Vo Convention Center Hanoi|1.13km from city centre
Mixed experience with this hotel. First the good things: the location is great, right in between old town and central government buildings, museums etc., the staff are helpful and friendly, there’s a nice bar on the rooftop and a lovely spa too, there’s even a guide of some good restaurants nearby. The not so good: the room we were given had one tiny window (unlike the room pictures on Trip.com) and felt very dark, so we chose to downgrade ourselves to a smaller room with windows on two sides for more light. The walls of the rooms were thin, so we were kept up very late by chatter next door one night then woken up by a screaming child early next morning - not the hotel’s fault, but to be aware. The rooms weren’t that clean (hair hanging off the shower head etc). We were also ridiculously overcharged for a room service item, the staff were very nice and removed it from the bill when we queried, and offered us free breakfast to make up for it, but the breakfast was distinctly not as good (less variety, less fresh, Vietnamese coffee charged extra) as the one we’d had at a similarly priced Saigon hotel the previous days.
From€52
9.5/10Amazing127 Reviews
Hoan Kiem District Hanoi|0.32km from city centre
Very attentive. Fast and efficient staff. It was my mom’s birthday and they went above and beyond to make the day special.  The staff are all friendly . When we needed a shower chair for our senior citizen mother, within minutes it came up to our room.  I felt that this small request made us feel extemely special to them.  The door staff are so attentive and chatty. Its a good feel for making us so special.
From€107
9.1/10Great574 Reviews
Hoan Kiem District Hanoi|0.83km from city centre
Staff is very nice and helpful, room is clean. However it is strange that the facilities is not a really 5 star hotel, very nearly 3.5-4. Rooms are not beautiful as photo shown and looks old, even the wooden door need close carefully as it is not able to lock smoothly. Only very basic/ necessary toiletries like shampoo and soap is provided in room. no teeth brush and lotion. The room have a sign that you may ask for item by request, however frontdesk sometimes forgot and do not provide quickly. it is disappointing that is 5 star rated hotel, top 13 best hotel but not with everything we expected.
From€88
8.9/10Very Good855 Reviews
Hanoi|4.18km from city centre
The hotel rooms are spacious and well-equipped, though a bit old-fashioned. The bathtub isn't very practical for use, but the surrounding area is very convenient. The breakfast offers a rich variety of choices. The service is excellent, with greeters at the entrance and by the elevators. I stay here every time I visit Hanoi.
From€71

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Top 5 Activities and Landmarks in Hanoi

Now that you've explored the city's main districts, it's time for the must-do activities! Here is the Trip.com top 5:

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre: a unique show

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is the one activity you cannot miss in Hanoi! This traditional Vietnamese art form is one of the oldest in Vietnamese culture (over 1,000 years old). On the programme, hand-painted wooden puppets come to life on the water while an orchestra plays traditional music live—it's truly magnificent!

The show lasts about 50 minutes and depicts scenes of rural life in Vietnam, legends, and historical moments: fishing, rice cultivation in the paddies, dragon and phoenix dances, the famous legend of the golden turtle... There are generally 5-6 performances per day, so book in advance, especially during high season.

📌 Trip.com tip: grab seats in the centre (rows 5-8) for the best view of everything. The very front rows are nice, but the viewing angle isn't as good!

Hoan Kiem Lake: a little zen break amidst the ambient noise

Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake ("Lake of the Restored Sword") is truly the lungs of Hanoi! Nestled between the Old Quarter and the French Quarter, this 12-hectare lake is the spot where all Hanoians come to jog, take a stroll, or just wander at sunrise and sunset.​

Legend has it that in the 15th century, Emperor Lê Lợi received a magical sword from a giant golden turtle living in the lake, and this sword allowed him to defeat the Chinese. Once victory was secured, the turtle returned to retrieve its sword by diving back into the lake, which is how the lake got its name! The small Ngoc Son temple on its islet, reached by the magnificent red The Huc bridge, actually houses a real preserved giant turtle.

📌Trip.com tip: definitely go at sunrise (6am), when the locals are out jogging, doing group tai-chi, playing badminton, or dancing together. The atmosphere is super zen and authentic! In the evening, it's more about couples out for a stroll and families with children.

Hanoi Train Street: adrenaline and insane photos

Hanoi Train Street

We introduced it briefly above, but for those who love atypical activities, visiting the famous Hanoi Train Street is a must! In these narrow alleyways, you'll be able to admire local life, accustomed to the passing train, like never before, brushing against the walls and the locals' homes! A magical moment that transports us out of time!

💡For an even more immersive experience, why not treat yourself to a food tour through the narrow streets of the Old Quarter's Train Street with Trip.com.

Lotte Hanoi Sky: a 360° view of the capital

Lotte Hanoi Sky

For a breathtaking view over the whole city, head to the Hanoi Lotte Sky! On the 65th floor of the Lotte Tower (a staggering 272 metres up), this observatory offers an impressive 360° panoramic view of the entire city!

You hop into a high-speed lift that whisks you up to the 65th floor in under a minute! Once at the top, there are several zones to explore: the Sky Walk with its glass floor for those with a head for heights, the observatory with views over West Lake and the Red River, a VR gaming zone, and the SkyL Bar for sipping a cocktail.

The best time is undoubtedly late afternoon, so you can soak up the golden light, the sunset, and Hanoi lit up at night!

St. Joseph's Cathedral: Neo-Gothic elegance in the heart of Hanoi

Saint Joseph Cathedral

St. Joseph's Cathedral (known as St. Joseph Church in English and Nhà thờ Lớn Hà Nội in Vietnamese) is truly THE landmark that highlights French influence in Hanoi! Built between 1884 and 1887 in a Neo-Gothic style that closely resembles Notre-Dame de Paris, this impressive cathedral, with its twin 31-metre-high towers, dominates the district and attracts both worshippers and architecture enthusiasts alike.

The small square in front of the cathedral has become a very popular meeting place, especially in the evenings and at weekends when young Hanoians gather there to chat, take photos, or just soak up the atmosphere. Masses are held regularly (several times a day on weekdays and on Sundays), and it's really interesting to attend one!

💡 Entry is free!

🌤️ Best time to Visit Hanoi

Hanoi has a subtropical climate with 4 distinct seasons:

Season

Weather

Comments

Activities & Festivals

🌸Spring (Mar-Apr)

Mild (18-25°C)

Ideal! Dry weather, clear skies

Hung Kings' Festival, excursions

☀️Summer (May-August)

Hot (28-35°C)

Monsoon, daily showers

Lower prices, fewer crowds

🍂Autumn (Sept-Nov)

Perfect (20-28°C)

THE best time! Dry, blue skies

Mid-Autumn Festival, Halong

❄️Winter (Dec-Feb)

Cool (12-18°C)

Misty, drizzly, bring a jumper

Tet (Vietnamese New Year)

💡The Trip.com recommendation: October, November and early December are truly the perfect time! The weather is magnificent with blue skies, pleasant temperatures (22-26°C), and you'll be able to enjoy all the excursions, especially Halong Bay, in optimal conditions.​

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🚌 Day Trips from Hanoi

Hanoi is also a great base for exploring wonders just a few kilometres from the capital! Our two favourite excursions:

Ha Long Bay: the UNESCO-listed natural wonder

If you really have time while you're there, Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam's unmissable natural sites! A UNESCO World Heritage site, this spectacular bay features nearly 2,000 islets and limestone pillars rising from emerald waters in an absolutely unique landscape.​

A day cruise, or better yet a 2-day/1-night trip, will allow you to explore the local caves (Surprise Cave, Thien Cung Cave), go kayaking in hidden lagoons, swim on deserted beaches, visit floating fishing villages, and admire the sunset from the boat's deck!​

Practical information:

  • Journey: 3.5-4 hours from Hanoi (170 km)
  • Must-sees: Caves, kayaking, floating villages, sunrise Tai Chi
  • Budget: Day trip £25–50 / 2D/1N £70–130

📌 Top tip: definitely opt for a 2D/1N trip to make the most of it, sleep on a junk boat, and avoid a 7-hour drive all in one day!

Ninh Binh: the Halong Bay on land (just as beautiful!)

Ninh Binh is the land-based version of Halong Bay! Nicknamed "Halong Bay on land", this region 100 km south of Hanoi offers landscapes of rice paddies surrounded by dizzying karst peaks, rivers, caves, and temples.​

The Trang An site (also a UNESCO World Heritage site) is best explored by sampan (a traditional boat) on a 2-3 hour trip through low-hanging caves (mind your head!), valleys, and postcard-perfect landscapes. You'll also visit the Bai Dinh Pagoda (the largest Buddhist complex in Vietnam) and the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, and you can climb the 500 steps at Hang Mua for an absolutely incredible panoramic view!

Practical information:

  • Journey: 2 hours from Hanoi (95 km)
  • Must-sees: Trang An, Hang Mua, Tam Coc, Bai Dinh
  • Budget: Day trip £21–34

🍜 Hanoi, a paradise for Vietnamese cuisine and street food

Staying in Hanoi without discovering the local cuisine would be a real shame! The capital is truly the temple of Vietnamese gastronomy, with its unmissable specialities.

The dishes you absolutely have to try:

  • Pho: THE legendary soup of Hanoi! A beef broth simmered for 12 hours, fresh rice noodles, tender meat and plenty of herbs. Try Pho Gia Truyen (49 Bat Dan), open since 1930—the broth is delicious!​
  • Bun Cha: rice vermicelli with charcoal-grilled pork, served in a sweet and savoury broth. It was Obama's favourite dish when he visited! Try Bun Cha Huong Lien (24 Le Van Huu) where Obama ate.
  • Banh Mi: the Vietnamese sandwich served in a crispy baguette inherited from the French, filled with pâté, cold cuts, pickled vegetables, and fresh coriander. The ultimate street food!
  • Egg Coffee (Ca Phe Trung): Vietnamese coffee topped with a creamy foam made from beaten egg yolks. Invented in Hanoi in 1946, it's addictive! Try Giang Cafe (39 Nguyen Huu Huan), the birthplace of the concept!
Hanoi awaits you with its thousand-year-old heritage, the vibrant narrow streets of the Old Quarter, its unique street food, and dream excursions! Whether you are drawn to ancestral temples, water puppet shows, Ha Long Bay, or the legendary steaming pho, the Vietnamese capital is sure to win you over.

Have a great trip to Hanoi!

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