“What should I do on my first day in Hanoi?” or “The city feels so big — where do I even begin?” If this is your first time visiting Vietnam’s thousand-year-old capital, you’ve probably asked yourself the same thing. And honestly, it makes sense. Hanoi is packed with energy, stories, and little surprises tucked into every street corner.
So this guide to exciting things to do in Hanoi isn’t just about the famous places. It’s filled with simple, everyday experiences that local people enjoy and visitors often miss. These moments help you feel the true heartbeat of the city. Whether you’re here for a whole week or just a few hours, Hanoi has a way of pulling you in and staying in your memory long after you’ve gone.
Let’s Explore 20 Exciting Things to Do in Hanoi Vietnam That’ll Make You Fall in Love
Start your morning with a steaming bowl of Bún Thang
Things to do in Hanoi Vietnam
When you think of breakfast in Vietnam, your mind probably goes straight to a hot bowl of phở, right? But today, let’s try something a little different. I’ll take you to enjoy bún thang, a lesser-known Hanoi specialty that locals love just as much. It’s light, delicate, and full of flavor. Perfect for a slow morning in the city.
You might come across a small eatery tucked along a quiet street, where the steam rises from big pots and the air smells like herbs and broth. Grab a seat, watch the city slowly come to life, and take your time with each spoonful. It’s more than just breakfast; it’s a peaceful moment in the middle of a lively city. And if you’re looking for exciting things to do in Hanoi Vietnam, tasting local dishes like this is a delicious place to start.
Here are some spots where locals and old-timers love to go, and you can also go there:
- Bún thang 29 Hàng Hành: 29 Hàng Hành, Hoàn Kiếm
- A few doors down is Bún thang Hàng Hòm: 11 Hàng Hòm, Hoàn Kiếm
- Around the Old Quarter, head to Bún Thang Bà Đức: 48 Cầu Gỗ, Hoàn Kiếm
- Bún Thang Ngọc Tuyết: 20 Cầu Gỗ, Hoàn Kiếm
2. Join locals for a morning workout at the park
Things to do in Hanoi Vietnam
When the sun has just started to rise and the air still feels fresh, Hanoi’s parks begin to come alive. If you step outside early enough, you’ll see something quite special. Groups of people, young and old, gather at places like Thống Nhất Park, Lenin Park, or by the shores of Hoàn Kiếm Lake to move, stretch, and breathe.
Some people move slowly with tai chi under the trees. Others dance in groups to fun music. You’ll also see older uncles and aunties stretching and smiling, talking to each other as they go. The nice thing is, anyone can join. You don’t need to register or bring anything. Just walk over, join in, and enjoy the fresh morning energy with everyone around you.
3. Stroll through the Old Quarter and snack on Hanoi street food
Things to do in Hanoi Vietnam
One of the best ways to feel the real heartbeat of Hanoi is by walking through its Old Quarter. The narrow streets are full of life, with scooters weaving past, vendors calling out, and the smell of something tasty always floating in the air. As you wander, you’ll find all kinds of snacks waiting for you on almost every corner.
Maybe you’ll stop for a crispy bánh gối, a deep-fried dumpling filled with meat and veggies. Or try a warm bowl of cháo sườn, rice porridge with tender pork ribs, served right on the sidewalk. You might even stumble upon a stall selling nem chua rán, little fried pork rolls that are salty, sour, and perfect with a cold drink. These are just a few bites from the world of Hanoi street food, and the more time you spend here, the deeper you’ll fall in love with it.
When you immerse yourself here, you’ll notice that this walk feels special because of the way people enjoy their food. They gather on small stools, share stories over tasty bites, or simply sit and watch the busy street life. Around every corner, there’s something new to discover, and each snack you try has its own little story.
4. Linger at a “Quán Nước” and watch people pass by
Things to do in Hanoi Vietnam
If you’re looking for things to do in Hanoi that let you slow down and really take in the city, find a spot at a small “quán nước” — one of those tiny sidewalk tea or coffee stalls. They’re everywhere, usually just a few plastic stools, a kettle, and a friendly vendor who might ask if you’d like green tea or a strong local brew.
These spots are nothing fancy, but that’s what makes them feel real. You sit on small plastic stools, close to the street where bikes buzz by and people walk past. On a hot day, you might sip some iced tea. When it’s cooler, maybe a warm coffee feels just right. As you sit there, the city moves around you: a flower seller pedals by, kids laugh as they head home from school, and an old man quietly flips through his newspaper.
5. Visit the Women’s Museum
Things to do in Hanoi Vietnam
There are many things to do in Hanoi, and visiting the Women’s Museum is something that often surprises travelers in the best way. From the outside, it might look like just another quiet building in the city. But once you step inside, you’ll find stories that stay with you long after you leave.
Each floor brings you closer to the lives of Vietnamese women, from their roles in family and community to their strength during war. You’ll see photos, traditional clothing, woven baskets, and even wedding customs from different ethnic groups. Some visitors say it’s one of the few places where they truly felt connected to the heart of Vietnam’s history.
Here’s what you need to know about the Women’s Museum before you go:
- Location: 36 Lý Thường Kiệt, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi
- Opening hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Ticket price: Adults: 40,000 VND (about $1.50), Students/Children: 10,000 VND (about $0.40), and free for kids under 6.
6. Step into history at Hoa Lo Prison Museum and learn about its past
Things to do in Hanoi Vietnam
If someone asked me where I’d go first in Hanoi, I’d say it without thinking is the Hoa Lo Prison Museum.
It might not be the happiest place in the city, but it’s one of the most important. Walking through its gates, you’ll step into a part of Vietnam’s history that is often hard to imagine. The cold walls, narrow hallways, and old prison cells tell stories of courage, pain, and resilience. This place once held Vietnamese revolutionaries during French rule, and later American pilots during the war, including John McCain.
The person was one of the American pilots held here after his plane was shot down over Hanoi in 1967. He spent over five years inside these walls. His story, like many others, shows how difficult life was behind these walls. As you walk through the museum, you’ll see old photos and displays that help you picture those years. The rooms were small and dark, with almost nothing for comfort. People endured not just physical pain, but also deep emotional struggles.
So if you’re thinking about meaningful things to do in Hanoi, this museum is one place that will leave a mark. It’s powerful, raw, and something you won’t forget.
These are useful details for your visit:
- Location: 1 Hoả Lò Street, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi
- Opening hours: Daily from 8 am to 5 pm
- Ticket price: Adults: 30,000 VND (around 1.20 USD), and free for children under 15.
7. Wake up with the buzz of Quang Ba Flower market and smell the fresh blooms
Things to do in Hanoi Vietnam
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Hanoi that most travelers miss, try waking up while the city still sleeps and heading to Quang Ba Flower Market.
As early as 3 or 4 in the morning, the narrow lanes come alive with flower sellers unloading big bundles of roses, lilies, daisies, and orchids. The air is filled with the scent of fresh blooms, and soft voices calling out prices. You’ll see shop owners, street vendors, and even young couples picking out the perfect bouquet before sunrise.
Even if you don’t buy anything, just walking through the market is a lovely way to feel a softer, quieter side of Hanoi. You can sip a hot cup of tea or a simple breakfast nearby and watch the sky slowly turn blue as the city wakes up. Moments like these help you feel more connected to local life and remind you that beauty often starts in the early hours.
- Location: 236 Âu Cơ, Quảng An, Tây Hồ District, Hanoi
- Opening hours: You can visit any time from 11 PM to 6 AM, but if you come between 3 and 5 AM, you’ll catch the market at its liveliest.
- Local tips for you: take a flashlight, bring cash, and be ready to bargain or just wander.
8. Find the sunken B-52 at Huu Tiep Lake
Things to do in Hanoi Vietnam
If someone hadn’t told you, you might walk right past this small lake in the middle of a quiet neighborhood in Ngoc Ha village. But if you stop and take a closer look, you’ll see something surprising: the wreckage of a massive B-52 bomber lying partly above the water.
This isn’t just any crash site. It’s part of a powerful chapter in Vietnam’s history. During the American War, 34 B-52 bombers were shot down, and the one that landed here marked a turning point. It was the last to fall during the intense bombing campaign of 1972, a victory the Vietnamese call “Điện Biên Phủ trên không” – (Dien Bien Phu in the air).
Today, the wreckage still lies partly submerged in the water, surrounded by quiet houses and narrow alleys. It’s not a crowded tourist spot, but many curious visitors still make their way here to see it with their own eyes. Some come to learn, some to reflect. And if you take a moment to just stand there and look, you might feel the weight of history in the stillness.
What’s truly surprising is that even after more than 50 years, the remains of the plane haven’t changed much. You can still clearly see the large metal parts, and they don’t seem very rusty at all. It feels almost frozen in time, like a quiet reminder of a powerful moment in history that still lives on today.
- Location: Hữu Tiệp Lake, Ngọc Hà Street, Ba Đình District, Hanoi
- Tip for you: Go early in the morning for a peaceful walk through the neighborhood.
9. Sip “Trà chanh” by the St. Joseph’s Cathedral and listen to the street sounds
Things to do in Hanoi Vietnam
One of the easiest things to do in Hanoi is to sit down with a glass of trà chanh, or lemon tea, in front of St. Joseph’s Cathedral. You’ll find people sitting on small plastic stools, chatting with friends or just watching the world go by. This spot is really popular with local students and young people. It’s not fancy, but that’s what makes it special. The tea is cheap, the view is beautiful, and the street sounds make you feel like you’re part of the city. It’s a simple way to slow down and enjoy a quiet moment in the middle of busy Hanoi.
10. Dine among the murals at Phung Hung and feel the trains rumble past
Things to do in Hanoi Vietnam
If you’re looking for things to do in Hanoi that feel both local and a little unexpected, make your way to Phung Hung Street.
This quiet street comes to life with colorful murals that tell stories of Hanoi’s past. You will see scenes of old markets, street food sellers, and daily moments that locals still treasure today. You can stop by a small stall, grab a bowl of noodles or a cup of tea, and sit down to enjoy the view. As you enjoy your meal, a train might suddenly rumble by on the bridge above. It might surprise you, but it makes the moment feel even more real. It’s one of those small but special memories you’ll take home from Hanoi.
11. Spend an afternoon at a Cafe apartment and savor a cup of egg coffee
Things to do in Hanoi Vietnam
In Hanoi’s Old Quarter, some of the best places are hidden above street level. The buildings may look quiet from the outside, but inside, you’ll often find tiny cafes, shops, or even someone’s home. You just have to look a little closer. One of the most loved spots is Cafe Dinh at 13 Dinh Tien Hoang. It’s small and a bit old, but it feels warm and full of memories. Grab a seat by the balcony, order a creamy egg coffee, and take in the slow, peaceful vibe of the city.
Sitting here with an egg coffee in hand, you’ll understand why locals love these hidden spots so much. It’s the perfect way to slow down, take a breath, and enjoy a quiet moment in the middle of a busy city. If you’re looking for unique things to do in Hanoi, don’t skip this simple pleasure.
12. Go for a late night “Mì Gà Tần”
Things to do in Hanoi Vietnam
If you’re still out wandering the streets of Hanoi late at night and start to feel a little hungry, this is the perfect time to try something locals truly love – a bowl of hot mì gà tần. You’ll often spot small street stalls or tiny shops with bubbling pots, the smell of herbs and simmering broth drifting through the cool air.
Mì gà tần is made with black chicken, slow-cooked in a rich broth full of medicinal herbs like mugwort. The taste is earthy, slightly bitter at first, but comforting and full of depth. Locals believe it’s good for your health, especially after a long day. So if you’re looking for local things to do in Hanoi after dark, go follow the scent of simmering broth and let a bowl of mì gà tần end your night just right.
13. Taste “Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm” and watch locals chat over lunch
Things to do in Hanoi Vietnam
Locals often say that if you can handle bún đậu mắm tôm, then you’re well on your way to becoming a real Hanoian. It might sound like a joke at first, but there’s some truth to it. Bún đậu mắm tôm is a simple plate of rice noodles, crispy fried tofu, herbs, and sometimes boiled pork or chả cốm, a green rice pork patty. But the star of the dish is the mắm tôm, a fermented shrimp paste that’s mixed with lime, sugar, and chili until it turns foamy and fragrant. To some, it’s an acquired taste. To others, it’s unforgettable.
You’ll often find small eateries packed with locals during lunchtime, sitting elbow to elbow on tiny stools, dipping each bite into the purple sauce, and chatting away. It’s noisy, friendly, and full of flavor, both in the food and the atmosphere.
14. Hop on a public bus and see the city from a local’s view
Things to do in Hanoi Vietnam
You might not think of taking a bus when you’re exploring a new city. But in Hanoi, it’s one of those little things that can surprise you. Step on board, find a spot by the window, and you’ll start to see the city from a different view. As the bus moves through neighborhoods, you pass school kids chatting in their uniforms, vendors setting up their morning stalls, and locals hopping on and off with ease. It’s slow, sometimes noisy, but full of life.
When you reach your destination, you don’t need to call the driver to stop; you just need to press the button near the door as a signal to let them know you want to get off, and the driver will stop at the station for you.
This is a quick tips for you to take the bus in Hanoi easest:
- Download the ‘Bus Map Hà Nội’ app or use Google Maps to find routes and stops
- Buses usually run from 5 AM to 9 PM
- A ticket costs around 7,000 VND (about 30 cents) and pay in cash on board
- Try bus number 86 from the Old Quarter to the airport or bus 09 to explore West Lake
15. Cycle or walk the quiet side of West Lake
Things to do in Hanoi Vietnam
If you want to slow down and really feel the rhythm of the city, try cycling in Hanoi, especially around the quiet side of West Lake. This is where the city takes a breath. As you ride along the peaceful paths by the water, far from the noise and crowds, everything starts to feel more relaxed.
The road curves gently by the lake, shaded by tall trees and dotted with lotus ponds, tiny shrines, and cozy cafés. As you keep pedaling, you’ll pass moments of daily life that feel almost timeless, that is a woman sweeping leaves, an old man fixing his fishing net, or a group of students laughing on a bench. The breeze off the water keeps you cool, even on warm days, and the slow pace helps you notice little things you might miss on a motorbike.
16. Pick up fresh fruit and chat with a friendly vendor at a street stall
Things to do in Hanoi Vietnam
One of the easiest ways to feel like you belong in Hanoi is to stop by a small street stall and buy some fresh fruit. These stalls are everywhere on busy corners, in quiet alleys, right outside schools and markets. You’ll spot piles of bright mangoes, juicy lychees, rambutans with their funny red hairs, and tiny sweet bananas, all laid out neatly in baskets or on pushcarts.
When you walk up, the vendor might greet you with a warm smile and a quick offer to taste. Don’t worry if you don’t speak much Vietnamese. A smile and a few hand gestures are usually enough. Many vendors love to chat, even if just a few words, and they’ll often give you a better deal if they see you’re curious and friendly.
And, fresh fruit is one of the cheap things to buy in Vietnam, just a few thousand đồng can get you something sweet, healthy, and picked in season. So if you’re thinking about things to do in Hanoi, don’t skip these everyday moments. They’re often the ones that stay with you longest.
17. Roam a local wet market take in the morning rush
Things to do in Hanoi Vietnam
If you really want to feel the rhythm of daily life in Hanoi, head to a local wet market early in the morning. As the sun rises, the streets come alive with the sound of vendors calling out their prices, motorbikes weaving through narrow alleys, and baskets full of fresh herbs, meat, fish, and vegetables being laid out for the day.
While Dong Xuan Market is big and busy, the smaller neighborhood wet markets give you a closer look at how people live day to day. As you walk through, you’ll see locals picking out fresh vegetables, herbs, meat, and fish for their meals. The aisles can get crowded, and the smells might be strong, but that’s all part of the experience.
You’ll hear sellers chatting with familiar faces and calling out prices, sometimes singing them like a melody. It might feel a bit overwhelming at first, but if you slow down and look around, you’ll start to notice the beauty in these little routines. This is where Hanoi’s daily life quietly unfolds, and if you’re looking for real things to do in Hanoi, this kind of moment is worth waking up early for.
18. Get lost in Hanoi’s alleyways and discover everyday moments
Things to do in Hanoi Vietnam
You don’t need a map to enjoy Hanoi. Sometimes, the best way to explore the city is to follow your curiosity. Same Saigon alleyways, you can step off the busy roads and into the narrow alleyways in Hanoi. At first, they might seem quiet or even a little hidden, but as you walk deeper in, the city slowly opens up in a new way.
You’ll pass tiny homes with open doors, smell meals cooking in shared kitchens, and hear soft conversations echoing through the walls. A small coffee stand might appear around the corner, with an old man sipping his morning brew. A cat naps on a step. A little boy waves hello.
These quiet, everyday moments are part of what makes Hanoi feel so alive. If you’re looking for things to do in Hanoi that go beyond tourist spots, just take a slow walk into one of these little streets. It’s where the heart of the city lives.
19. Snack on “Bánh gối” or “Bánh rán” at the after-school crowd
Things to do in Hanoi Vietnam
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If you’re wandering through a school neighborhood in Hanoi around 4 or 5 in the afternoon, you’ll likely spot a small crowd gathering around a street cart. The smell of something hot and crispy fills the air, and curious hands reach out with a few thousand đồng ready. This is snack time, a daily ritual for many students. And right at the center of it are two local favorites: bánh gối and bánh rán.
These are popular fried Vietnamese snacks. Bánh Gối is a savory fried pastry filled with minced pork, mushrooms, and glass noodles. Bánh Rán is a sweet, glutinous rice doughnut, sometimes filled with mung bean paste. Both are cheap and widely loved.
For some of the best ones in town, you can try Bánh Rán Ô Quan Chưởng near the old city gate, or Bánh Rán Ngọt Hàng Chiếu, a humble cart that’s become a local favorite. These spots are tiny and easy to miss, but once you taste that warm, nutty sweetness, you’ll understand why people keep coming back.
20. Wander through a “Chợ Cóc” to feel the pulse of a Pop-up market
Things to do in Hanoi Vietnam
In Hanoi, not all markets have signs or gates. Some simply appear on a street corner in the early morning, as if the city is quietly waking up and laying out its daily life. Locals call them chợ cóc, a tiny pop-up markets that come and go with the rhythm of the day.
You might spot one outside a school, beside a quiet alley, or tucked between houses. There’s no loud announcement, but you’ll know you’ve found it when you see baskets of fresh vegetables on the ground, a vendor slicing papaya by hand, or a pot of sticky rice steaming on a bike.
These markets aren’t built for tourists. They’re where neighbors catch up over breakfast, where people buy just enough for the day, and where the morning feels full of movement and color.
If you want to find a chợ cóc, try walking through residential areas like Khâm Thiên Street, Pháo Đài Láng, or the maze of alleys around Chợ Hôm and Chợ Nguyễn Công Trứ. Go early, between 6 and 8 AM, when the markets are most lively. Just follow the sound of voices and the smell of fresh herbs, they’ll lead you there.
So if you’re thinking about things to do in Hanoi that let you experience real local life, take a quiet morning walk through a chợ cóc. It might be one of the simplest moments of your trip, but it’s also one that will stay with you.
Ready to Explore the Best Things to Do in Hanoi with Us?
Would you believe me if I told you that all the things to do in Hanoi I’ve shared so far can be experienced in one simple bike ride?
Yes, really. With just a bicycle and a bit of curiosity, you can weave through flower markets at dawn, stop by a quiet lake with a sunken bomber, sip egg coffee in a hidden corner café, and taste sizzling street food while watching school kids rush by. Hanoi may seem busy at first, but once you’re on two wheels, it starts to feel more like a small town, full of hidden corners, warm smiles, and surprises waiting around every turn.
And not just in Hanoi, we also offer Cycling tours in Ho Chi Minh City. So whether you’re in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, just connect with us, and you’ll experience all the best adventures. I promise, because our routes and stories are truly unique.
So if you’re wondering how to truly see the city, hop on a bike. Let your journey be slow, unplanned, and open to whatever Hanoi wants to show you.
