Best Things to Do in Hanoi: A Local’s Guide to Unforgettable Experiences

From ancient temples to vibrant street food, the best things to do in Hanoi reflect the city’s deep-rooted culture and buzzing urban life. Whether you’re a first-timer or returning visitor, Hanoi offers an unforgettable mix of heritage, charm, and modern flair. In this guide, we’ll explore what makes the Vietnamese capital so enchanting – beyond just the popular tourist spots.

1. Wander Around the Old Quarter

The Old Quarter is Hanoi’s historical soul and arguably the most iconic area to begin your journey. With 36 ancient streets named after traditional trades, this maze of narrow lanes is alive with scooters, markets, and street-side vendors. Be sure to try a hot bowl of pho or crispy banh cuon from one of the time-honored family-run eateries.

Insider Tip: Visit early in the morning for a peaceful walk and enjoy a traditional egg coffee at a historic café.

2. Catch a Water Puppet Show

 

This unique art form originated in Northern Vietnam and is a must-see in Hanoi. The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre near Hoan Kiem Lake stages nightly performances that portray Vietnamese folk tales, accompanied by live traditional music. It’s an excellent family-friendly experience that captures Vietnam’s rural life and spirit.

3. Explore the Temple of Literature

Dating back to 1070, the Temple of Literature is Vietnam’s first university and a serene escape from Hanoi’s hustle. Its manicured gardens, pavilions, and ancient stone stelae make it a peaceful spot to reflect and understand the value Vietnamese place on education and Confucian teachings.

4. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

One of the most significant landmarks in the country, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum houses the embalmed body of Vietnam’s revolutionary leader. While the experience is solemn, it’s also educational and offers insight into the country’s political history. Dress modestly and arrive early – lines can get long.

5.Stroll Around Hoan Kiem Lake

 

Right at the heart of Hanoi lies Hoan Kiem Lake, a favorite gathering spot for locals. On weekends, the surrounding streets are closed to traffic, creating a pedestrian zone where music, games, and performances take place. Don’t miss the Ngoc Son Temple on the small island in the lake’s center.

6. Try Hanoi Food Tour

Hanoi is a street food paradise. Instead of sticking to restaurants, join a local food tour and sample dishes like bun cha (grilled pork with noodles), cha ca (turmeric fish with dill), and endless types of che (Vietnamese sweet soup). The best food is often found in unexpected places.

7.Visit Local Markets

 

Markets like Dong Xuan Market and Quang Ba Flower Market offer a raw, unfiltered look at Hanoi life. From sunrise flower vendors to midnight food stalls, each market has its own rhythm and energy.

Why Travel with Heera Travel?

While it’s possible to explore Hanoi on your own, traveling with Heera Travel helps you discover the city’s hidden stories and authentic experiences that most tourists miss. Our expert local guides bring history to life, lead you to off-the-beaten-path culinary gems, and ensure your journey is smooth and meaningful.

Whether you want a private tour through Hanoi’s historical landmarks, a full-day food crawl, or a day trip to Ninh Binh or Bat Trang Village — Heera Travel has you covered.

Planning Your Trip to Hanoi?

Get inspired with our full Hanoi Travel Guide – your complete resource for where to go, what to eat, and how to make the most of your stay.

More of the Best Things to Do in Hanoi: Culture, Nightlife, and Day Trips

8. Discover Hidden Cafés and Art Spaces

Behind Hanoi’s weathered façades lie a growing number of hidden indie cafés and art houses. From converted French villas to tucked-away alley coffee shops, these venues offer more than just caffeine — they offer an atmosphere. Try Tổ Chim Xanh or Cà Phê Thái for a fusion of local creativity, music, and storytelling.

Don’t miss the Hanoi Grapevine website to catch upcoming art exhibitions, performances, and cultural happenings across the city.

9. Enjoy a Motorbike Tour Like a Local

Forget the typical tour bus. Seeing Hanoi from the back of a motorbike — guided by a local — is one of the most thrilling and authentic ways to explore the city. Cruise through narrow alleyways, over historic bridges, and into areas tourists rarely see. Heera Travel’s signature motorbike tours combine safety with storytelling, giving you a ride you’ll never forget.

10. Relax in West Lake (Hồ Tây)

West Lake offers a different pace of life. This area is quieter, more spacious, and perfect for biking, jogging, or enjoying lakeside cafés at sunset. Visit the Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the oldest in Vietnam, or take a quiet boat ride on the lake’s calm waters. West Lake is also home to Hanoi’s expat scene and some of the best international cuisine in town.

11. Dive Into Hanoi’s Nightlife

As the sun sets, Hanoi lights up with activity. Start with a drink at a rooftop bar overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake, then wander to Ta Hien Street — Hanoi’s version of “Beer Street” — for lively bars and backpacker vibes. Prefer something more refined? There are jazz bars, speakeasies, and live acoustic venues hidden throughout the city.

12. Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

For those interested in Vietnam’s ethnic diversity, this museum is a must. Located slightly outside the city center, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology offers both indoor and outdoor exhibits, showcasing the customs, homes, and clothing of Vietnam’s 54 recognized ethnic groups. It’s both educational and visually engaging, ideal for all ages.

13. Take a Day Trip from Hanoi

Hanoi is also the perfect base for day trips to explore the stunning countryside:

• Ninh Binh: Often called “Halong Bay on land,” this area features dramatic limestone karsts, ancient temples, and serene rivers. Book a sampan ride through Tam Coc or Trang An for breathtaking scenery.
• Bat Trang Ceramic Village: Just 30 minutes from Hanoi, this village lets you explore centuries-old pottery techniques and even create your own ceramic piece.
• Perfume Pagoda: A spiritual escape nestled in the mountains, perfect for nature lovers and pilgrims alike.

Heera Travel – Your Trusted Hanoi Companion

At Heera Travel, we don’t just offer tours — we offer immersive, personalized experiences. Our bilingual guides, flexible itineraries, and passion for Vietnamese culture ensure that you don’t just see Hanoi, you feel it.

Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with a group, we help you find the right balance between classic highlights and hidden gems. Let us show you where the locals eat, how they celebrate, and why Hanoi continues to charm visitors from all over the world.

Planning your full trip? Be sure to explore our full Hanoi Travel Guide 2025 for detailed insights on what to do, eat, and see — curated by Heera Travel.

Final Thoughts

Hanoi’s charm lies not just in its historic landmarks, but in its details — the sizzle of street food, the rhythm of traffic, the warmth of its people. Whether you have two days or two weeks, there’s always something new to discover.

Ready to uncover Hanoi’s best? Contact Heera Travel today and let us help you design your perfect Hanoi experience.