Things to do in Hanoi

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Photo provided by PhotoJoy
Temple of Literature showing a temple or place of worship, religious elements and interior views
Hoan Kiem Lake which includes a lake or waterhole, heritage architecture and a monument
Hanoi which includes a city, motorbike riding and signage
Hoan Kiem Lake featuring a lake or waterhole
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Hanoi must see attractions

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 showing a monument, heritage architecture and a lake or waterhole

2. 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 theater scenes and heritage architecture

3. 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 monument and a park

4. 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 showing heritage architecture, markets and heritage elements

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 which includes interior views, performance art and theater 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 a city, street scenes and markets

What to do in Hanoi

Discover the most popular places to visit in Hanoi

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

Hoan Kiem Lake

4.5/5(908 reviews)

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
Hanoi Opera House showing theater scenes and heritage architecture

Hanoi Opera House

4.5/5(335 reviews)

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
Tran Quoc Pagoda

West Lake

4/5(6 reviews)

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
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum which includes a monument and a park

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

4.5/5(500 reviews)

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

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
St. Joseph Cathedral showing heritage architecture, markets and heritage elements

St. Joseph's Cathedral of Hanoi

4.5/5(427 reviews)

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
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre which includes interior views, performance art and theater scenes

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

4.5/5(439 reviews)

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
#Train travel around Southeast Asia is kind of fun and cool, but hopelessly impractical. The only ride I took in #Vietnam 🇻🇳 was between #Hanoi and Ninh Binh. It was cheap, but took about twice as long as the bus would have. If you’re in no special rush, it’s a great experience. Sadly, I am so rarely in no special rush these days. #LifeAtExpedia

Train Street

5/5(5 reviews)

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
Dong Xuan Market showing a city, street scenes and markets

Dong Xuan Market

4.5/5(408 reviews)

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

Dong Xuan Market
Hanoi Old City Gate showing night scenes and street scenes

Quan Chuong Gate

4.5/5(312 reviews)

The attractive shape of the only city gate remaining in Hanoi harks back to a time when the city was under siege.

Quan Chuong Gate

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Hanoi

Hanoi which includes street scenes

Old Quarter

Historical civic urban core, the Old Quarter boasts specialized trade streets, 18th and 19th-century shophouses, and historic sights like Mã Mây Temple and Quan Chưởng gate. Explore the vibrant commercial heart of Hanoi.

Old Quarter
Hoan Kiem showing a city, street scenes and signage

Hoan Kiem

4.5/5(1,808 area reviews)

Explore the Old Quarter's narrow streets and traditional atmosphere, with merchants specializing in goods like silver and jewelry. Don't miss attractions such as Hanoi Opera House, Thăng Long Water Puppet Theatre, and St. Joseph's Cathedral.

Hoan Kiem
Hanoi showing signage, street scenes and night scenes

French Quarter

The abundant dining options and 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
St. Joseph Cathedral which includes religious elements, a church or cathedral and a city

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 featuring a monument and a park

Ba Dinh

4/5(129 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
Tay Ho featuring 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

Popular day trips from Hanoi

Photo by The Queer Nomad

Hoa Binh

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 vacation 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 neighborhoods on foot. Only 2 kilometers from central Hanoi is Hoan Kiem and Old Quarter is 2 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Hanoi with kids?
Whether you're traveling 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 neighborhoods, 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.

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