Hanoi is one of those cities that immediately grabs your attention. The streets buzz with motorbikes, locals gather on tiny plastic stools for meals, and hidden cafés seem to appear around every corner. During my first visit, I quickly realized that Hanoi isn't a city you simply check off a list. It's a place to slow down, wander, and let each street lead you somewhere unexpected.

If you're searching for the bestthings to do in Hanoi, Vietnam, this guide covers the experiences I genuinely enjoyed, along with a few iconic attractions worth adding to your itinerary. Whether you're spending two or three days here or joining one of our Under30Experiences Vietnam trips, Hanoi is the perfect introduction to Vietnam's history, food, and culture.

If you're planning your first trip to Vietnam, check out our Vietnam First Timer Guide for a complete overview before diving into this city guide. You can also explore our Under30Experiences Vietnam Trip, where Hanoi is the first stop on an unforgettable journey through northern and central Vietnam.

Table of Contents

• Best Things to Do in Hanoi, Vietnam
• Explore the Old Quarter
• Join a Hanoi Old Quarter Street Food Tour
• Walk Around Hoan Kiem Lake
• Visit Ngoc Son Temple
• Try Hanoi's Famous Egg Coffee
• Spend an Evening on Beer Street (Bia Hoi)
• Visit Train Street
• Explore the Temple of Literature
• Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
• What to Eat in Hanoi
• Practical Tips for First Time Visitors
• Hanoi Itinerary: How Many Days Should You Spend in Hanoi?
• Solo Travel in Hanoi
• Should You Visit Hanoi Solo or With a Group?
• Frequently Asked Questions

Best Things to Do in Hanoi, Vietnam 

Hanoi has plenty of attractions, but what I enjoyed most wasn't checking off famous landmarks. It was simply exploring the city at my own pace. Between the lively Old Quarter, incredible food, and relaxed café culture, I found that some of my favorite moments happened while wandering without a strict plan.

Here are the places and experiences I think are worth your time.

Explore the Old Quarter

If there's one place every first time visitor should experience, it's Hanoi's Old Quarter.

This historic neighborhood is the heart of the city, made up of narrow streets filled with cafés, local restaurants, souvenir shops, street vendors, and endless streams of motorbikes. 

Every turn seemed to reveal something different, whether it was a hidden coffee shop, a small family run restaurant, or locals going about their daily routines. I never felt like I needed a strict itinerary because simply wandering the streets became part of the experience. 

I spent hours simply walking without a destination, and it ended up being one of my favorite parts of Hanoi. Instead of rushing from attraction to attraction, I found it much more enjoyable to take my time, stop whenever something caught my attention, and soak in the atmosphere.

The Old Quarter also becomes even more lively in the evening, making it one of the best places to experience Hanoi's energy after sunset.

Join a Hanoi Old Quarter Street Food Tour

One of the highlights of my time in Hanoi was joining a street food tour through the Old Quarter.

Vietnamese food is incredible, but walking through busy streets filled with dozens of food stalls can feel overwhelming if it's your first time in the city. Having a local guide made the experience much easier because I could focus on enjoying the food instead of wondering where to eat.

Throughout the tour, I tried local dishes, learned about the stories behind them, and visited places I probably would have walked right past on my own.

It also gave me much more confidence ordering food for the rest of my trip.

If you're traveling solo, it's a great way to meet other travelers while experiencing one of Hanoi's biggest highlights. It's also one of the reasons the food scene felt much more approachable than I expected.

Walk Around Hoan Kiem Lake

After spending time exploring the busy Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake offered a completely different atmosphere. I found myself slowing down almost immediately. 

It's the perfect spot to take a break between sightseeing, grab a coffee, or simply watch everyday life unfold.

If you're visiting early in the morning, you'll often see locals practicing tai chi or exercising around the lake, while evenings bring couples, families, and street performers together.

No matter what time of day you visit, it's worth setting aside at least an hour to enjoy the slower pace.

Visit Ngoc Son Temple

Located on a small island in Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple is one of Hanoi's best known landmarks.

Visitors reach the temple by crossing the iconic red Huc Bridge, making it one of the most photographed spots in the city.

Even if you're only spending a short time around the lake, it's worth stopping by to admire the architecture and learn a little about the temple's history and cultural significance.

Try Hanoi's Famous Egg Coffee

Before visiting Vietnam, I couldn't imagine coffee made with egg tasting good.

After trying my first cup in Hanoi, I completely understood why it's one of the city's signature drinks.

The creamy egg mixture creates a rich, dessert like texture that feels somewhere between coffee and custard. It's sweet, smooth, and unlike anything I'd tried before.

One of my favorite parts of Hanoi was discovering small cafés tucked away above busy streets. Many of them feel hidden from the noise outside, making them the perfect place to slow down after exploring the city.

Even if you're not usually a coffee drinker, I'd still recommend trying egg coffee at least once while you're in Hanoi.

Spend an Evening on Beer Street (Bia Hoi)

If you want to experience Hanoi after dark, spend an evening on Beer Street.

Rows of tiny plastic stools fill the sidewalks as both locals and travelers gather over fresh bia hoi, Vietnam's famous draft beer. The atmosphere is casual, lively, and surprisingly welcoming.

I enjoyed sitting outside, watching the city come alive, and simply soaking in the atmosphere. It wasn't just about the beer, it was about the conversations, the people watching, and the feeling of being part of the city's evening routine.

It's also one of the highlights included on the Under30Experiences Vietnam trip, making it an easy way to get to know your fellow travelers on your very first night in Vietnam.

Visit Train Street

Train Street has become one of Hanoi's most famous attractions, where trains pass just inches away from cafés and homes lining the narrow tracks.

Access rules can change depending on safety regulations, so it's worth checking the latest information before planning a visit.

If it's open during your trip, arriving with plenty of time before the scheduled train allows you to enjoy one of Hanoi's most unique experiences while supporting the local cafés along the tracks.

Explore the Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature offers a quieter side of Hanoi.

Originally built in 1070, it's considered Vietnam's first national university and remains one of the country's most important historical sites.

The peaceful courtyards and traditional architecture provide a welcome contrast to the busy streets of the Old Quarter, making it a worthwhile stop for travelers interested in Vietnam's history and culture.

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is one of Hanoi's most significant landmarks and an important stop for travelers interested in Vietnam's history.

The complex includes Ho Chi Minh's preserved mausoleum, gardens, and several historical buildings connected to his life. If you plan to visit, arrive early in the morning, as queues can become long later in the day, and remember to dress respectfully by covering your shoulders and knees.

Even if you don't go inside the mausoleum itself, the surrounding grounds are well worth exploring and offer a different perspective on Hanoi beyond the bustling Old Quarter.

What to Eat in Hanoi

Hanoi is one of the best food cities I've ever visited. Some of my favorite memories weren't just the attractions, they were the meals I stumbled across while exploring the city.

If it's your first time in Hanoi, these are the local specialties I'd recommend trying.

Bun Cha

One of my favorite meals in Hanoi was bun cha, a dish of grilled pork served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a flavorful dipping sauce. It's simple but incredibly satisfying, and it's easy to see why it's one of Hanoi's signature dishes.

Pho

Although pho is famous around the world, trying it in Vietnam is a completely different experience. Whether you choose beef or chicken, it's one of those meals that feels comforting any time of day.

Egg Coffee

Even if you only have time for one coffee stop, make it egg coffee. It was unlike anything I'd tasted before and quickly became one of my favorite drinks in Vietnam.

Bia Hoi

Fresh bia hoi is one of Hanoi's most unique experiences. It's inexpensive, refreshing, and best enjoyed while sitting on a tiny plastic stool watching the city pass by.

Practical Tips for First Time Visitors

A few simple tips can make your first visit to Hanoi much easier.

Getting Around

The Old Quarter is very walkable, and I found that exploring on foot was the best way to discover hidden cafés, local shops, and street food stalls.

For longer distances, I used Grab, which was affordable, convenient, and much easier than trying to negotiate taxi fares.

Crossing the Streets

One of the biggest surprises in Hanoi is the traffic.

Crossing the street can look intimidating at first because motorbikes rarely stop completely. The trick is to walk at a steady pace and let the traffic flow around you rather than making sudden movements.

After a day or two, it started to feel much less intimidating than I expected.

Cash

Many restaurants, cafés, and larger businesses accept cards, but I found it helpful to carry cash for street food, small shops, and local markets.

SIM Cards / eSIM 

I found it helpful to have mobile data for using Grab and Google Maps around the city.

Can You Drink the Tap Water?

No.

It's best to drink bottled or filtered water throughout your trip.

Most hotels provide bottled water, and refill stations are becoming more common at some accommodations.

Where Should First Time Visitors Stay?

If it's your first time in Hanoi, I'd recommend staying in or near the Old Quarter or Hoan KiemOd Quarter or Hoan Kiem district.

You'll be within walking distance of many of the city's top attractions, cafés, restaurants, and nightlife, making it easy to explore without spending much time on transportation.

Hanoi Itinerary: How Many Days Should You Spend in Hanoi?

For most first time visitors, two to three days is the perfect amount of time.

Here's a simple itinerary:

Day One

• Explore the Old Quarter
• Join a Hanoi street food tour
• End the evening on Beer Street

Day Two

• Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake
• Visit Ngoc Son Temple
• Try egg coffee
• Visit the Temple of Literature

Day Three (Optional)

• Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
• Explore Train Street (if open)
• Shop for souvenirs or enjoy another relaxing café before continuing your journey

This gives you enough time to experience Hanoi without feeling rushed.

Solo Travel in Hanoi

As someone visiting Hanoi, I found it to be a welcoming city for travelers.

The Old Quarter is always busy, cafés are comfortable places to relax alone, and joining a street food tour made it easy to meet other travelers while discovering local food.

Like any large city, it's still important to stay aware of your surroundings, keep an eye on your belongings, and use common sense, especially in crowded areas.

If you'd like more practical advice, check out our Vietnam Safety Guide before your trip.

Should You Visit Hanoi Solo or With a Group?

Hanoi is a fantastic city whether you're traveling independently or with friends, but I also think it's one of the best places to begin a group trip.

One of my favorite experiences was exploring the Old Quarter through a street food tour. It introduced me to dishes I probably wouldn't have ordered on my own and gave me much more confidence trying local food throughout the rest of my trip.

The same goes for Beer Street. Sitting around small tables, sharing bia hoi, and talking with other travelers made the experience much more memorable than simply visiting on my own.

If you're looking for an easy way to experience Hanoi while meeting like minded travelers, our Under30Experiences Vietnam Trip begins right here. You'll start with the city's incredible food, culture, and nightlife before continuing to destinations like Ninh Binh, Hue, and Hoi An.

A Local's Take on Hanoi

We asked one of our Under30Experiences Vietnam Trip Leaders:

"What's one thing first-time visitors shouldn't miss in Hanoi?"

"If you only have time for one experience in Hanoi, make it a street food tour. It's one of the best ways to experience the city's culture, discover local dishes you might never order on your own, and see a different side of Hanoi beyond the main attractions." 

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do you need in Hanoi?

Two to three days gives you enough time to explore the Old Quarter, visit major attractions, experience the local food scene, and enjoy Hanoi's café culture without feeling rushed.

Is Hanoi worth visiting?

Absolutely. Hanoi combines fascinating history, incredible street food, unique cafés, and a lively atmosphere that makes it one of Vietnam's most rewarding cities for first time visitors.

What is Hanoi known for?

Hanoi is known for the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, egg coffee, bun cha, pho, Train Street, Beer Street, and its rich history as Vietnam's capital.

Where is the best area to stay in Hanoi?

For first time visitors, staying in the Old Quarter or around Hoan Kiem Lake offers easy access to many of Hanoi's top attractions, restaurants, and cafés.

Is Hanoi safe and walkable?

Yes. Hanoi is generally considered a safe destination for travelers and is very walkable, especially around the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake. Just stay aware of traffic when crossing the streets and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.

Ready to Experience Hanoi?

Hanoi was one of the highlights of my Vietnam trip because it introduced me to everything I came to love about the country, its incredible food, welcoming café culture, fascinating history, and energetic streets.

Whether you're exploring the Old Quarter, trying egg coffee for the first time, or sharing bia hoi with new friends, Hanoi is a city that rewards curiosity and slowing down long enough to enjoy the little moments.

If you're ready to experience it for yourself, check out our Under30Experiences Vietnam Trip. Hanoi is the first stop on our itinerary, and you'll experience many of the highlights from this guide before continuing your adventure through Ninh Binh, Hue, and Hoi An.