A couple years ago I had a quarter life crisis, quit my job, and moved overseas to Hanoi. The months that I spent here were the very best in my life! As soon as you get to the city your senses will be overwhelmed. The sight of motorbikes crowding the streets, the smell of the city, and the taste of the fresh food will take you in! After only a short time here I fell in love with the hustle, the people, and the city itself. I’ll tell you all the best things to see in Hanoi.
Can you believe that 8 million people live in this bustling capital city and its larger than 1,000 miles? Most tourists will spend their time in the central part of the city. While some of my favorite activities were meandering through the neighborhoods that laid beyond the center. I hope that this city leaves a lasting impression on you.
This guide includes all of the best things to do on your trip to Hanoi so that you see the highlights and really get to know the city!
Best Things to to Do in Hanoi
#1 Explore Old Quarter
Dating back to the 13th century, Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a maze of streets with bustling commerce throughout. You will see charming cafes, quaint shops, and women with long poles carrying goods along the roads.
Walking through the streets, you may notice how many of the streets are designated to certain trades. For example, Hang Bac translates to silver street and here you will find a plethora of silver stores. At night, many of these streets are closed to vehicle traffic and pedestrians crowd the area.
#2 Admire the Architecture in the French Quarter
Unlike the Old Quarter, you will find charming buildings, wider streets, and quieter areas in the French Quarter. This district is well known for the buildings that were built by the French colonials and still exist today. In this area, you will notice decorative embassies, grand government buildings, and elegant hotels.
Places to see:
#3 Walk Around Hoan Kiem Lake
Children play, groups exercise and people stroll through the park that surrounds Hoan Kiem Lake. On my free days, I would grab a motorbike and head here to relax. This freshwater lake is an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
It has plenty of green space, which is rare in the city, as well as a path that encircles the lake with Ngoc Son Temple on a small island. Meander around the walkways, read on a bench, or enjoy a picnic at this lovely area.
#4 Try the Delicious Eats
Anthony Bourdain talks about how much he loves Vietnamese food on an episode of “Parts Unknown” and Barack Obama famously ate Bun Cha here in the capital of Vietnam. So there is no doubt that you will find plenty of good food to eat and has to be included on a list of things to see in Hanoi.
Eat like the locals, find a restaurant that specializes in one particular food, and pull up a plastic chair to sit upon. When most people think of Vietnamese food, they think of phó, but there are plenty of things to try. Wander through the Dong Xuan Market or haggle with street vendors over local products. Don’t leave the city without having a famous Vietnamese coffee!
Vietnamese Specialties to Try:
- Bun Cha
- Pho
- Banh Cuon
- Ca Phe Trung
- Lau
- Che
#5 Experience the Nightlife
Hanoi may not be well-known for its nightlife, but trust me there are plenty of fun spots that will keep you coming back for more. Spend the night on “beer street” (Ta Hien Street) where you will find plenty of restaurants and bars full of people eating greasy food and sipping bia hoi (the local beer) as they sit on plastic stools.
If you want to get even livelier, then you can find the nightclubs throughout the city to dance the night away. As you walk through the streets you will see vendors that sell balloons full of nitrous oxide, while illegal it is a common indulgence here. After a long night of drinking, stop by a late night restaurant to grab the fried corn (my favorite snack) or get the savory sticky rice from a street vendor!
#6 Learn About Hanoi’s History
Communism, war, and Buddhism have been central parts of Vietnam’s history. The Vietnamese have suffered many tragedies, but they remain resilient. You can learn more about their history at many of the famous sights in town.
Historic Spots to See:
- Hoa Lo Prison– Where John McCain was once imprisoned, a must see for any visitor to the city.
- Temple of Literature – See peaceful gardens and gorgeous temple buildings
- Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum – Visit the spot where Ho Chi Minh is buried
#7 Hop on a Motorbike
Motorbiking is a way of life in Vietnam and it’s the most popular way for people to get around the city. Bikes crowd the streets and during rush hour, take over the sidewalks as well. You’ll see women driving motorbikes covered from head to toe to limit sun exposure and families with pets crammed on one motorbike.
Taking a motorbike through the streets of Hanoi is a rite of passage. If you’re too nervous to drive one yourself, then you can hop on an uber motorbike to get around. The drivers will provide you with a helmet and then will expertly snake their way through traffic. I miss the feeling of the wind in your hair as the city bumps all around.
Was this guide to things to see in Hanoi helpful? Let me know in the comments!
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