Hanoi is an exciting combination of culture, history, and local life! Whether it’s visiting ancient temples, exploring the streets of the Old Quarter, tasting street food, or watching water puppet shows, there is something to enjoy in the capital.
Wander Around The Old Quarter
- Location: Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Meandering through Hanoi Old Quarter is like walking through a living museum. The Old Quarter’s narrow streets, configured like a maze, French architecture, and chaotic street scene provide the most authentic look at the essence of the city. On any street, there might be different specializations for commerce from silks and silver to spices and street food. With every turn, you’ll be making new discoveries.
Walking through the hustle and bustle, you’ll hear the sound of buzzing scooters, vendors talking, and food sizzling. You’ll probably want to stop at the local egg coffee shop or a sidewalk eatery for a steaming hot bowl of pho. The Old Quarter is not just a place to see; it is a place to feel, taste, and experience Hanoi for all time.
Watch The Train Pass On Hanoi Train Street
- Location: Tran Phu Street or Phung Hung Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
An experience truly like no other when experiencing Hanoi is Train Street, a narrow residential alley where a train stops inches from houses, cafes, and onlookers! It’s thrilling and surreal when you sit at a coffee shop as the train rolls on by rumbling through the narrow space between buildings.
This spot has become a popular spot for travelers to visit for those memorable photos and to take in a small part of local life. Make sure to look up the train schedule and follow safety instructions since this is an active railway.
Visit Ba Dinh Square And Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
- Location: Hung Vuong Street, Dien Ban Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
If you’re looking to know where to go in Hanoi, Ba Dinh Square is a must-see. As a national symbol of pride and history, it has significant cultural meaning. In the center of the square is the truly impressive Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. It is solemn and has a great meaning for everyone in Vietnam, and most Vietnamese people hope to visit Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum at least once in their lives. Ba Dinh Square is also the venue for major national events such as the National Day celebrations (2nd September), state ceremonies, and cultural or sports events.
Stroll Around Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street
- Location: Hoan Kiem Lake, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
The walking street surrounding the historic and romantic Hoan Kiem Lake is one of Hanoi’s most exciting locations. The large area allows for significant open space, and the lively atmosphere attracts thousands of locals and visitors, especially on weekends. If you’re looking for things to do in Hanoi and not sure what to do, this is a great space to take in some cultural performances, enjoy on-street music, participate in fun public games, or just eat your way through delicious local snacks along the way.
Relax At Thu Le Park
- Location: Buoi Street, Thu Le Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
If you’re looking to relax in fresh air and greenery in Hanoi, you will find a great place to do it at Thu Le Park. Located just next to the historic West Lake and Ba Dinh area, this expansive park provides a chance to get away from the noise and activity of the city. The park has shady tree-lined paths, a calm river in the middle, and cute landscaped gardens.
Families, couples, and solo visitors can all enjoy a peaceful walk, a picnic under the trees, or just sit and enjoy the peacefulness of the park. Even a small zoo is located in the center of the park, which attracts many children and animal lovers.
Step Back In Time At The Temple Of Literature
- Location: 58 Quoc Tu Giam Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi
The Temple of Literature is what to see in Hanoi if you are looking to experience the ancient traditions and scholarly spirit of the place. This historical destination was Vietnam’s first national university, dating as far back as the 11th century. It was originally dedicated to Confucius and the countless generations of scholars who were educated here.
With its peaceful courtyards and stone steles bearing the names of doctorate laureates, it is designed for meditation. A stroll past lotus ponds will whet your curiosity about the educational and cultural history of Vietnam. Walking in the Temple is like walking in the scholarly soul of old Hanoi.
Enjoy The Romantic Views Of West Lake
- Location: Tay Ho District, Hanoi
Located in the heart of Hanoi, West Lake is one of the largest and most beautiful natural lakes in the city. Its calm environment and attractive landscapes provide a breathtaking oasis from the craziness of the city streets. Locals and tourists alike come here to unwind, stroll along the waterfront, enjoy boating, and watch the sunset over the lake. West Lake includes quaint cafés, lakeside restaurants, and social hangouts, such as the Korean Wharf, a popular evening first-date venue in the city.
Discover History And Honor National Heroes At Hoa Lo Prison
- Location: 1 Hoa Lo Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Hoa Lo Prison, or “Maison Centrale” in French, is a significant historic site from the late 19th century. It was originally constructed by the French to hold Vietnamese political prisoners. It became another form of prison during the Vietnam War, and today it is a museum that displays historical items and narratives that demonstrate the sacrifice and endurance of those who fought for the independence of Vietnam. A visit to Hoa Lo is somber, but meaningful. It gives one the opportunity to think about its tumultuous past and the sacrifices made by its national heroes.
Feel The Sacred Spirit At Tran Quoc Pagoda
- Location: Thanh Nien Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi
The Tran Quoc Pagoda, which is situated alongside the picturesque shores of West Lake, is the oldest Buddhist pagoda in Vietnam and the oldest in Hanoi. During the Ly and Tran dynasties, it served as a sacred center, and it continues to be a significant location of Vietnam’s rich religious history. The pagoda communicates its antiquity through its rustic architecture, sacred scenery, and beautiful red-tower pagoda.
All together, this is a peaceful place to escape the buzz of the city that surrounds it. Whether you happen to find inspiration spiritually or are simply strolling around admiring its historical beauty, you must stop into Tran Quoc Pagoda on your trip to Hanoi.
Admire The Iconic One Pillar Pagoda
- Location: Doi Can, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
The One Pillar Pagoda is one of Hanoi’s most unique and historical Buddhist temples, which was originally constructed in the 11th century during the Ly Dynasty. The One Pillar Pagoda is unique in terms of design, being one single pillar rising from a stone base, and is intended to be a lotus flower blooming in the center of a pond. The original pagoda was constructed with elaborate carvings and was intended to reflect the beauty of ancient Vietnamese culture as well as embody the spiritual location it represents.
Explore The Historic Thang Long Imperial Citadel
- Location: 19C Hoang Dieu, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
If you’re considering things to do in Hanoi, especially with respect to history and culture, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel may be a perfect place to go. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient complex was the political and cultural capital of Vietnam for over a millennium. The site is home to wonderful remnants from several feudal dynasties, including stone foundations, ancient roads, and artifacts discovered through excavation. As you walk through the citadel, you are able to experience Vietnam’s rich imperial legacy while also seeing the architectural features of the time.
Enjoy Timeless Music At Hanoi Opera House
- Location: 1 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
With its majestic French-colonial style architecture, the Hanoi Opera House is one of the most famous cultural buildings in the city. It also serves as the primary venue for many important performance art activities, such as classical music concerts, ballet shows, and other national events.
In addition to the important role that the Opera House has as a venue for these performances, the building serves as a cultural center, usually hosting exhibitions, conferences, and activities related to the arts. All of these reasons make it a truly vital space for anyone wanting to experience the rich cultural life that Hanoi has to offer.
Unwind All Night At Ta Hien Beer Street
- Location: 18 Ta Hien, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Ta Hien Beer Street is a fun and fantastic area for both locals and tourists looking to taste the role of Hanoi’s lively nightlife scene. Located in the heart of the Old Quarter, it is a narrow street that transforms at night into an exciting orchestration of bustling bars, beer joints, and street food stands.
If you are wondering what to do in Hanoi at night, it is the perfect place to hang out with an ice-cold jug of local draft beer, listen to live music, and mingle with people from all parts of the globe. The atmosphere is fun, lively, and youthful, appealing to night owls and patrons of nightlife.
Checkin At Bai Da Song Hong
- Location: 264 Au Co, Hanoi
Bai Da Song Hong is a hidden gem along the Red River where locals and curious travelers get to enjoy nature and escape the hustle and bustle of the city! This riverside area is well known for its colorful flower gardens, grassy fields, and beautiful backdrops for photos, which is perfect for couples, families, and solo travelers wanting to have the perfect outdoor day.
Whether you’re planning a picnic, walk, or just want awesome destination photos for your social media pages, Bai Da Song Hong is the perfect option that will help you escape the city and is only a short distance from downtown Hanoi.
Discover The Beauty Of Dinh Le Book Street
- Location: 19/12 Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Just behind the famous Hoan Kiem Lake, Dinh Le Book Street is a quaint getaway for any book lover located right in the center of Hanoi. With many small book stores and colourful stalls, Dinh Le Book Street offers an array of Vietnamese and international titles at a great price.
Whether you are looking for classical masterpieces, educational informative books, or modern novel bestsellers, you can usually find a good find at Dinh Le Book Street. It is also an ideal stretch of street to take a peaceful walk to capture the essence of Hanoi’s intellectual and artistic life.
Final Thoughts: Is Hanoi Worth Visiting?
In addition to being a unique place to visit, Hanoi offers a rich history, bustling street life, and scenic lakes. Explore the streets of the Old Quarter, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and discover street food and local culture. Seni World can help you discover the best of Hanoi, Vietnam, and make your journey remarkable!
