Things to do in Hanoi

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and one of Southeast Asia’s most charming cities, where ancient traditions meet modern energy. If you’re visiting for the first time, you might wonder about the best things to do in Hanoi – from cultural landmarks and scenic spots to local food adventures and hidden gems. In this guide, we’ll take you through the top activities and places to visit in Hanoi so you can make the most of your trip and experience the city like a local.

Explore the Old Quarter

Wandering through Hanoi’s Old Quarter is like stepping into a living museum of Vietnamese culture. Along its narrow, bustling streets, you’ll find traditional craft shops, colorful market stalls, cozy cafés, and countless food vendors serving up iconic local dishes. Take time to walk around Hoan Kiem Lake – especially in the early morning or late afternoon – to witness the city’s peaceful rhythm, from locals practicing tai chi to students gathering after class.

Tips for first-time visitors:

• Wear comfortable walking shoes.
• Be cautious when crossing busy streets – traffic rarely stops.
• Bring cash; small shops and food stalls may not accept cards.
• Watch out for street vendors overcharging tourists – always ask the price first.
• Visit early if you prefer a quieter vibe, or come in the evening for a lively, festive atmosphere.
• Consider joining a local food or walking tour to explore deeper with a guide.

Experience Hanoi’s unique coffee culture

One of Hanoi’s most iconic drinks, egg coffee is a rich and velvety blend of strong Vietnamese coffee topped with a creamy layer of whipped egg yolk and sweetened condensed milk. Warm, aromatic, and surprisingly smooth, it offers a dessert-like experience that captures the creativity and charm of Hanoi’s coffee culture.

Egg coffee

To experience the authentic taste of Hanoi’s egg coffee, you can visit some of the city’s most well-known spots, such as:

• Café Giảng (39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Hoàn Kiếm): The original birthplace of egg coffee, dating back to 1946. A true legend.
• Đinh Café (13 Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hoàn Kiếm): A nostalgic, old-school café with views of Hoan Kiem Lake – strong coffee, vintage vibes.
• Loading T Café (8 Chân Cầm, Hoàn Kiếm): A charming colonial-style café offering a smoother, cinnamon-infused version of egg coffee.

Train street coffee

Tucked between the narrow buildings of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Train Street is one of the city’s most unique and thrilling attractions. This narrow railway runs right through a residential neighborhood, with cafés lining both sides of the tracks – so close, in fact, that the train passes just inches from the tables.

Sipping coffee here offers an unforgettable mix of adrenaline and charm. Many cafés provide the perfect view of the approaching train, and it’s a photographer’s dream. You can enjoy your drink while chatting with locals, taking in the surreal scene of daily life unfolding beside an active railway line.

Important safety tips:

• Never walk or stand on the tracks, especially for photos – it’s extremely dangerous.
• Visit a café that’s located inside the approved safety zones. These cafés manage access and ensure guests move to safety when the train approaches.
• Consider going with a local guide or booking a seat in advance, as access to certain parts of Train Street may be restricted by local authorities.

Sidewalk Coffee

Hanoi’s sidewalk cafés – small plastic stools, low tables, and a no-fuss setting – offer one of the most authentic local experiences. Sit among locals, sip strong black coffee or cà phê sữa đá (iced coffee with condensed milk), and watch the city pulse around you. It’s the perfect way to slow down and soak up Hanoi’s daily rhythm.

For the best local atmosphere, head to popular sidewalk café areas such as:

• Nguyễn Du Street (near Thiền Quang Lake, Hai Bà Trưng District)
• Triệu Việt Vương Street (Hai Bà Trưng District)
• Lý Thường Kiệt Street (Hoàn Kiếm District)
• Hàng Hành Street (just off Hoan Kiem Lake, Hoàn Kiếm District)
• Nhà Thờ Street (around St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Hoàn Kiếm District)

Enjoy Hanoi’s famous bia hoi (fresh beer)

No visit to Hanoi is complete without sitting down for a cold glass of bia hơi – Vietnam’s iconic draft beer brewed fresh daily and served in simple street-side stalls. Light, crisp, and incredibly affordable (often less than $0.50 a glass), bia hơi is more than just a drink – it’s a social experience. Locals and travelers gather on plastic stools, clinking glasses and enjoying snacks as scooters zoom by and the city hums around them.

Some popular spots to enjoy bia hơi in Hanoi include:

• Tạ Hiện Beer Street – the liveliest area in the Old Quarter for night-time drinking
• Bia Hơi 50 Bát Đàn – a well-known local joint with a casual atmosphere
• Bia Hơi Hải Xồm – a long-standing chain with several locations across the city
• Or simply pull up a plastic stool at any roadside beer stall – the experience is just as authentic

See Hanoi from the top deck of a double-decker bus

Exploring Hanoi on a double-decker bus is a fun and easy way to take in the city’s top sights without breaking a sweat. With its open-top design and wide city route, the Hanoi City Tour bus gives you a comfortable panoramic view of iconic landmarks such as Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, the Hanoi Opera House, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Whether you choose to stay on for the full loop or hop on and off to explore at different stops, this experience is perfect for first-time visitors, families, or anyone looking for a relaxing overview of the capital.

Ticket prices:

• One round trip (60 mins): $7
• 4-hour Hop-On, Hop-Off pass: $13
• 24-hour full-day pass: $20

Note: You can purchase tickets directly at the departure point or book in advance via the official website: https://hopon-hopoff.vn

Discover Hanoi from a cyclo ride

Taking a cyclo ride through Hanoi’s bustling streets is a charming way to slow down and see the city from a different angle. These traditional three-wheeled pedicabs, once a common mode of transport in Vietnam, now offer a nostalgic journey through the Old Quarter’s narrow alleys, French-colonial architecture, and lively markets.

Sitting back as your driver pedals past street vendors, cafés, and historic landmarks, you’ll experience Hanoi’s vibrant rhythm at a more leisurely pace — perfect for photos and people-watching.

Cyclo tours typically last 30 to 60 minutes, with prices ranging from 100,000 to 200,000 VND depending on the route and duration. You can arrange a ride directly with a driver in the Old Quarter or book a tour in advance through local travel agencies or your hotel.

Watch a traditional water puppet show

Water puppetry is one of Vietnam’s most unique and captivating art forms, dating back nearly 1,000 years. Performed on a shallow pool of water, these shows bring to life stories of village life, legends, and folklore using wooden puppets skillfully controlled by hidden puppeteers.

Accompanied by traditional live music, the colorful characters dance, glide, and splash across the water’s surface – delighting both children and adults with their charm and creativity.

In Hanoi, the most famous venue is the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, located right next to Hoan Kiem Lake.

• Showtimes: Several performances daily
• Ticket price: From 100,000 to 200,000 VND, depending on seat location
• Address: 57B Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District

Note: Booking in advance is recommended, especially during weekends and holidays.

Hanoi is a city that promises unforgettable experiences for every kind of traveler. From exploring its thousand-year-old cultural heritage to soaking in the vibrant energy of its streets, there’s no shortage of exciting things to do in Hanoi. Whether you’re admiring ancient temples, sipping coffee by the lake, or watching the city come alive at night, Hanoi invites you to see it from every angle – and fall in love with it a little more each time.

If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam and looking for expert guidance, let Style Travel accompany you. As a trusted international tour operator, we’re here to help you create a personalized, seamless, and truly memorable journey.