Synonymous with street food, culture, and motorbikes, Hanoi, Vietnam, is a city brimming with energy and history.
From the bustling Old Quarter to serene lakes and ancient temples, Vietnam’s capital delivers an adventure for every traveller.
If you’re planning your trip and wondering about the best things to do in Hanoi, Vietnam, this guide covers it all: from classic attractions to unique gems, plus itineraries, nightlife, kid-friendly activities, and travel tips.
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📚 Table of Contents:
- Day 1: Hanoi Old Quarter & Historical Wonders
- Day 2: Culture, Food & Local Life
- Day 3: Unique Experiences & Shopping
- Where to Stay in Hanoi
- Travel tips for exploring Hanoi
- Hanoi FAQs
Day 1: Old Quarter & Historic Highlights
1. Breakfast at Pho Suong
Image credits: Phở Sướng Phố Cổ HN
Start your Hanoi adventure the right way: with steaming hot pho. Pho Suong is a family-run favourite in the Old Quarter that’s known for its rich broth, tender beef, and fresh herbs. Arrive early or be prepared to queue.
- Address: 24B Ng. Trung Yên, Phố cổ Hà Nội, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
- Opening Hours: 5:30 AM – 12:15 PM, 5 PM – 9:30 PM, daily.
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2. Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
Image credits: Hotel de Syloia
A UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 11th century, the citadel is a slice of Vietnam’s royal past. Wander through ancient ruins and artefacts before heading to your next stop.
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3. St. Joseph’s Cathedral
Image credits: VinWonders
This neo-Gothic cathedral looks straight out of Europe but sits right in the chaos of Hanoi. Its stained glass and towering facade are a photographer’s dream.
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4. Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple
Image Credits: Asia King Travel
Right in the heart of the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake is a calm oasis. Walk around the water, then cross the iconic red bridge to Ngoc Son Temple. Remember: modest dress is required.
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5. Heritage House
Image Credits: DIYdly Travel
A short stroll from the lake, Heritage House showcases traditional Vietnamese architecture with antique furniture, courtyards, and decorative details that will transport you back in time.
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6. Coffee Break at giao mùa
Image credits: @vuongiaomua on Instagram
Take a well-deserved break at giao mùa, a charming cafe that offers panoramic views of the city! We love its quirky Gaudian-esque exterior and its variety of drinks and sweet treats for you to enjoy.
- Address: 77 P. Lò Sũ, Lý Thái Tổ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
- Opening Hours: Wed – Mon, 6:30 AM – 6 PM, Tues, 10 AM – 6 PM
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7. Hop on (and off) the rails at Train Street
Image Credits: VinWonders
One of Hanoi’s most Instagrammable spots — where trains run inches away from cafes and homes. From a distance, it can look pretty surreal, almost like a scene from a Ghibli movie. Grab a drink at a trackside cafe and wait for the train to barrel through.
💡 Pro tip: the quieter stretch between Tran Phu and Dien Bien Phu gets you closer to the action.
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8. Dinner at Pizza 4P’s
Image credits: Pizza 4P’s
We know that pizza may feel like an odd choice in Vietnam, but hear us out. Pizza 4Ps is a cult favourite here in Hanoi, with several branches country-wide. Try the seafood okonomiyaki and the burrata parma ham pizza, which are both *chefs kiss*.
Wash it all down with a pint of one of their house-brand craft beers, and don’t forget dessert!
- Address: 11B P. Báo Khánh, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
- Opening Hours: Daily, 10:30 AM – 11 PM
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9. A Themed Nightcap at Bee’znees Speakeasy
Image Credits: Ken Design
After spending an afternoon out and about, an evening of relaxation and delicious cocktails is in order! Make your way down to Bee’znees Speakeasy, an art deco-inspired cocktail bar that’s been creating a considerable buzz in Hanoi’s nightlife.
Image Credits: Lê Thị Thu Hà
Expect prohibition-inspired classics plus inventive drinks made with seasonal Vietnamese herbs and fruits — giving you a taste of the city unlike before. If you’re lucky, you may get the chance to try out their limited-time specials or even be part of their themed nights!
- Address: 163 P. Phùng Hưng, Cửa Đông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
- Opening Hours: Sun – Thurs, 7 PM – 12 AM, Fri & Sat, 7 PM – 2 AM
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Day 2: Culture, Food & Local Life
10. Brunch at Hanoi Social Club
Photo credit: HappyCow
This cosy cafe in a 1920s French villa serves Melbourne-style breakfasts (avocado toast, French toast, vegan-friendly options). Check out their weekly Tiny Music Club nights if you’re into live music.
💡 Check out their weekly Tiny Music Club nights if you’re into live music. Up-and-coming musicians get to play their tunes live every Tuesday.
- Address: 6 Ng. Hội Vũ, Hàng Bông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
- Opening Hours: 8 AM – 11 PM, daily.
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11. One Pillar Pagoda & West Lake
Photo credit: Vietnam Airlines
The One Pillar Pagoda is a Buddhist temple designed to represent a lotus blossom, with plenty of thought going into its unique architecture. Spend some time wandering around the grounds before making your way to West Lake, the city’s largest lake, for a leisurely, slow or even scenic bike ride.
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12. Egg Coffee at Café Dinh
Image Credits: Fallon Travels
A Hanoi classic — egg coffee is like liquid tiramisu. Café Dinh does it best. Grab a window seat and people-watch.
- Address: 13 P. Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
- Opening Hours: 7 AM – 10 PM, daily.
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13. Tap into your artsy side at Hanoi Opera House
Image credits: Local Vietnam
Make your way down to the Hanoi Opera House, an architectural gem inspired by Paris’s Palais Garnier. our the building or, better yet, catch a live performance.
💡 Tip: We’d recommend making a reservation in advance to avoid any disappointment!
- Address: 1 Tràng Tiền, Phan Chu Trinh, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
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14. Dong Xuan Market & Old Quarter Weekend Night Market
Photo credit: Tour in Hanoi
Begin at Dong Xuan Market. Hanoi’s largest indoor market sells everything from produce to souvenirs. The layout is reminiscent of Tekka Centre here in Singapore, and has been divided into different sections for ease of exploration!
Then, head to Hanoi Old Quarter Weekend Night Market for enless street food stalls. But, if your trip doesn’t happen over the weekend, then the Nha Xanh Night Market is a great alternative that’s open daily.
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15. Chow down at Bun Cha Dac Kim
Image Credits: KYspeaks
If you’re still feeling hungry, head over to the unassuming Bun Cha Dac Kim for a bowl (or two) of bun cha, a vermicelli noodle with grilled pork dish. The star of the show is its light broth, juicy pork, and the fried-to-perfection crab spring rolls.
This Michelin-approved establishment serves up some of the city’s best, so be prepared to wait in line!
- Address: 1 P. Hàng Mành, Hàng Gai, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 9 PM, daily.
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16. Cheers to 50-cent beers at Ta Hien Street!
Image credits: Silk Path
Wind down at Ta Hien Street a.k.a. Beer Street, where 50-cent beers flow and backpackers mix with locals. Grab a stool and pair your pints with some skewers and barbecued seafood. Who knows — you may end up making friends with your tablemates as you dine elbow to elbow!
- Address: Tạ Hiện, P. Lương Ngọc Quyến, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 9 PM, Fri – Sun.
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Day 3: Shopping & Unique Experiences
17. Banh Mi Long Hoi
Photo credit: La Siesta’s Guides
Kickstart your morning with a delicious banh mi from Banh Mi Long Hoi. This popular shop offers a wide variety of sandwiches, but our favourite has to be the ‘Successful’ Bread, which is stuffed with pate, char siu, meatballs, grilled meat, and a variety of herbs.
If you want something a little lighter, then opt for the ‘Lucky’ Bread which comes with considerably fewer ingredients, but tastes just as good. Bring your banh mi to Long Bien Bridge for breakfast with a view.
- Address: 1 P. Hàng Dầu, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
- Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM, daily.
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18. Bat Trang Pottery Village
Photo credit: Vietjet Air
Make your way to one of the oldest ceramic-making villages in Vietnam. Bat Trang Pottery Village was established sometime during the 14th or 15th century, and is known for some of the finest craftsmanship there is.
Wander through the ancient village, shop for handmade pottery, or try making your own piece.
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19. Salt Coffee at Salt Mate
Photo credit: @hungboo on Lemon8
Don’t knock it till you try it: salt enhances the coffee’s sweetness, making it smoother, mellow, and well-rounded. Salt Mate is the go-to spot.
- Address: 5 P. Lý Thái Tổ, Lý Thái Tổ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
- Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 10:30 PM, daily.
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20. Vintage Shopping on Dong Cac Street or Designer Crafts at Liu Lo
Photo credit: @nonnahsneiur on Lemon8
Head to P. Ba Trieu Street for its wide variety of boutiques (perfect for corporate girlies and the like), and Dong Cac Street for its popular thrift shops.
If you’re looking for fun and unique gifts that are quite uniquely Vietnamese, check out Liu Lo for its wide variety of fun and cutesy items created by local designers! They even run workshops, so if you’re lucky, you might be able to snag a spot.
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21. Dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien
Photo credit: ADOR
End your Hanoi trip like Obama and Bourdain did – with bun cha at this iconic spot, Bun Cha Huong Lien. Savour the iconic bun cha Obama, and maybe even take a photo with the glass box that features (and preserves) the table and chairs used by the duo.
- Address: 24 P. Lê Văn Hưu, Phan Chu Trinh, Hai Bà Trưng, Hà Nội, Vietnam
- Opening Hours: 8 AM – 8 PM, daily.
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Where to Stay in Hanoi
- Concon House – boutique charm in the Old Quarter, from S$48/night
- Lotte Hotel Hanoi – luxury skyscraper views, from S$155/night
- Pan Pacific Hanoi – lakeside sunsets, from S$189/night
- Somerset Grand Hanoi – family-friendly convenience, from S$190/night
Travel tips for exploring Hanoi
- Best time to visit: October–April for cooler weather
- Getting around: Grab app = cheap + easy
- Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND). Pro tip: Use YouTrip to get the best exchange rates and avoid FX fees.
Hanoi FAQs:
Q: Is 3 days in Hanoi enough?
Yes! Three days is perfect to explore the Old Quarter, historical sites, and nightlife. For side trips to Ha Long Bay or Sapa, add extra days.
Q: What is Hanoi most known for?
Hanoi is famous for its street food (pho, bun cha, egg coffee), French colonial architecture, and the vibrant Old Quarter.
Q: Is Hanoi a cheap city?
Yes. Hanoi is budget-friendly with meals under S$3, beers under S$1, and affordable accommodation.
Q: What are the unique things to do in Hanoi?
- Join a street food tour with locals.
- Take a calligraphy workshop at the Temple of Literature.
- Explore hidden rooftop cafes overlooking Train Street.
- Visit the Vietnamese Women’s Museum for an often-overlooked perspective.
- Try a cooking class to master pho or spring rolls.
Q: What are the things to do in Hanoi Old Quarter?
- Try endless street food: bun cha, pho, banh mi, and che desserts.
- Wander the 36 guild streets — each historically dedicated to a specific trade.
- Shop quirky finds at boutique stores.
- Hop on a cyclo ride for a throwback sightseeing tour.
Q: What are the things to do in Hanoi at night?
- Ta Hien Beer Street — cheap beers, endless vibes.
- Hanoi Night Market — weekend shopping and street eats.
- Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre — a cultural must-do with kids or adults.
- Rooftop Bars — Diamond Sky Bar is a crowd favourite.
Q: What are the things to do in Hanoi with kids?
- Water Puppet Show — colourful, interactive, and engaging.
- Hoan Kiem Lake — weekend pedestrian zones with games and performances.
- Train Street — thrilling for children (and adults).
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex — history made accessible.
- Bat Trang Pottery Village — hands-on fun with clay.
Your Hanoi adventure awaits!
From steaming bowls of pho to pottery villages and speakeasies, Hanoi is a city that surprises at every corner. With this 3D2N Hanoi itinerary, you’ll get a perfect mix of food, culture, shopping, and nightlife.
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Happy travels!
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