Hanoi, the heart of Vietnam, offers an enchanting blend of ancient traditions and modern vibrancy. Strolling through the Old Quarter, you'll be captivated by narrow streets lined with colonial architecture and bustling markets. The aroma of street food wafts through the air, inviting you to savor local delights like pho and banh mi, each bite telling a story of rich culinary heritage. The city is steeped in history, with landmarks such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature showcasing Vietnam's profound cultural roots. Don't miss a leisurely walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, where locals practice tai chi at dawn, creating a serene atmosphere amidst the urban buzz. Art enthusiasts will appreciate Hanoi's thriving art scene, with galleries featuring contemporary works alongside traditional crafts. The city's vibrant nightlife, from rooftop bars to lively street performances, ensures there's always something happening after sunset. For a unique experience, consider visiting during the Tet Festival, when the city transforms with colorful decorations and festive activities. Hanoi is not just a destination; it's a captivating experience that leaves a lasting impression. Did you know that Hanoi is home to one of the oldest universities in Asia, founded in 1070? This rich educational history adds another layer to the city’s charm.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Top things to do in Hanoi
60 attractions, landmarks and museums worth your time, ranked by traveler reviews.
Old Quarter
28,854 reviews
The Old Quarter is the chaotic, intoxicating heart of Hanoi, a dense tangle of narrow streets where, traditionally, each lane specialised in a single trade, a pattern you can still read in street names and clusters of shops selling silk, tin, herbs, or paper offerings.
Temple Of Literature
24,161 reviews
Vietnam's first university, a serene Confucian temple with ancient pavilions and stone stelae.
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
23,168 reviews
A traditional water puppet theater in Hanoi, showcasing ancient Vietnamese folk tales with live music.
Hoa Lo Prison Relic
22,399 reviews
Visit the infamous 'Hanoi Hilton' prison, now a museum documenting the Vietnamese struggle for independence and the experiences of American POWs.
Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum
20,498 reviews
The final resting place of Vietnam's revolutionary leader, set in a monumental square in central Hanoi.
Hanoi Zoo
17,817 reviews
A historic zoo and park in Hanoi offering animal exhibits, a lake, and recreational activities for families.
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
15,264 reviews
A fascinating museum in Hanoi showcasing the diverse cultures of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups through artifacts, exhibits, and an outdoor village.
West Lake (Hanoi)
13,819 reviews
Hanoi's largest freshwater lake is ringed by gardens, pagodas, and upscale restaurants, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Hoàn Kiếm Lake
13,819 reviews
Stroll around Hanoi's iconic lake, cross the red bridge to Ngoc Son Temple, and see Turtle Tower.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
11,930 reviews
The marble mausoleum of Vietnam's revered leader Ho Chi Minh, a solemn pilgrimage site in Ba Dinh Square.
Temple of Literature, Hanoi
11,311 reviews
Vietnam's first university and a serene Confucian temple dating to 1070, famous for its stone stelae on tortoises.
Hỏa Lò Prison
11,028 reviews
A museum in a former prison documenting French colonial and Vietnam War history.
Hanoi Old Quarter
9,875 reviews
A bustling labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways in central Hanoi, known for its vibrant street life, traditional shops, and local cuisine.
Apron Up Cooking Class
4,994 reviews
The top-rated cooking class in Hanoi, where you learn to prepare authentic Vietnamese dishes in a market setting.
Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum
4,834 reviews
A leading museum in Hanoi showcasing Vietnamese fine arts from ancient to contemporary, with a focus on modern works and folk art.
Hanoi Museum
4,555 reviews
A modern museum in Hanoi showcasing Vietnam's history and culture through extensive exhibits, including artifacts, dioramas, and multimedia displays.
St. Joseph's Cathedral, Hanoi
3,052 reviews
A neo-Gothic cathedral built in 1886, a prominent landmark in Hanoi's Old Quarter.
Hanoi Flagtower
2,509 reviews
A towering symbol of Hanoi's resilience, this 19th-century flagpole offers panoramic city views from its base.
Bat Trang Pottery Village
1,698 reviews
A historic village on the outskirts of Hanoi famous for its centuries-old tradition of handcrafted ceramics and pottery, where visitors can watch artisans at work and try their hand at the wheel.
One Pillar Pagoda
1,686 reviews
Visit the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, a wooden temple perched on a single stone pillar symbolizing a lotus rising from water.
Bach Ma Temple
1,386 reviews
A historic Buddhist temple on Hanoi's Sword Lake, known for its iconic red bridge and turtle symbolism.
Hanoi Opera House
1,375 reviews
Admire French colonial architecture and catch a classical performance at Hanoi's historic opera house.
Ho Chi Minh Museum
1,288 reviews
Dive into Ho Chi Minh's life through vivid exhibits and personal artifacts at this modern museum in Hanoi.
Ngọc Sơn Temple
1,234 reviews
A historic temple on an island in Hoàn Kiếm Lake, reached via the iconic red Huc Bridge.
Dền Ngọc Son
1,208 reviews
Trấn Quốc Pagoda
1,196 reviews
Hanoi's oldest Buddhist temple sits on a small island in West Lake, offering serene lake views and ancient architecture.
Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts
1,147 reviews
Discover Vietnamese art from ancient folk paintings to modern masterpieces by artists like Bui Xuan Phai in a colonial-era building.
JM Spa Hanoi
890 reviews
Blue Butterfly Cooking Class
871 reviews
Lang Toi - My Village by Lune Production
809 reviews
Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long
806 reviews
A UNESCO World Heritage site revealing Hanoi's political history through excavated ruins and ancient palaces.
Omamori Spa Ha Nội
630 reviews
Vietnam National Museum of History
575 reviews
Explore Vietnam's past from prehistoric times to the modern era through artifacts like the Ngoc Lu bronze drum and Champa sculptures.
Flag Tower of Hanoi
519 reviews
A 33-meter-tall military observation tower from the 19th century now stands as an iconic symbol of Hanoi.
Peridot Spa (grand)
434 reviews
Serene Signature Spa
400 reviews
Nola Cafe
363 reviews
An handmade Hang Manh - Ethnic Craft Station
311 reviews
Hanoi Old Quarter Travel
295 reviews
Ca Tru Thang Long
288 reviews
Be Wellness Spa
274 reviews
Serene Spa
242 reviews
Sword Lake Octagon House
223 reviews
A historic octagonal pavilion on a small island in Hoan Kiem Lake, offering scenic views and a glimpse into Hanoi's past.
The Memorial House of Ho Chi Minh
208 reviews
Preserved residence of Ho Chi Minh in Hanoi, offering insight into the life of Vietnam's revolutionary leader.
Ly Thai To Park
199 reviews
Hanoi Spa Paradise
183 reviews
Ca Tru Ha Noi
152 reviews
Salon Van Nguyenx
150 reviews
Anh Village Silk
144 reviews
Orchid Cooking Class
138 reviews
Hoa Fashion
121 reviews
O'SPA Hang Dao
119 reviews
Vietnam National Tuong Theatre
117 reviews
Livitrans
113 reviews
Ho Tay Water Park
104 reviews
Yolo Spa
103 reviews
Pheva Chocolate - Hanoi
77 reviews
The Huc Spa
75 reviews
Natural Spa
73 reviews
TiredCity 2D Ly Quốc Su
66 reviews
Tickets & tours
Skip the queue in Hanoi
Compare live prices for entry tickets, guided tours and day trips from trusted local operators.
Some booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.