Things to Do in Hanoi: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a city of motorbikes and temples, French colonial boulevards and narrow Old Quarter streets once named after the goods they sold. Lakes, pagodas and some of Asia's best street food make it the natural start for Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh.
This guide covers the best things to do in Hanoi, 3, 5 and 7-day plans with Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay and Sapa, plus what to eat and where to stay.
Top things to see in Hanoi
Old Quarter
Thirty-six streets of shops and stalls.
Hoan Kiem Lake
Red bridge and Ngoc Son Temple.
Temple of Literature
Vietnam's first university.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Ba Dinh Square and the stilt house.
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
Traditional performance.
West Lake
Pagodas and lakeside cafés.
Hoa Lo Prison
History museum.
Long Bien Bridge
Iron bridge over the Red River.
Hanoi in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Old Quarter and the lake
Start at Hoan Kiem Lake, cross the red Huc Bridge to Ngoc Son Temple and watch locals exercise by the water. Have lunch on a plastic stool with bun cha. In the afternoon get lost in the Old Quarter's streets, visit the Heritage House at 87 Ma May and climb to a café terrace for egg coffee. In the evening see a water puppet show and walk the weekend night market.
2Day 2 · Imperial Hanoi
Visit Ba Dinh Square, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the stilt house and the One Pillar Pagoda in the morning. Have lunch nearby. In the afternoon explore the Temple of Literature, then the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a UNESCO site. End with a street food tour through the Old Quarter at night.
3Day 3 · West Lake and the French Quarter
Cycle around West Lake to Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest in the city, and stop at a lakeside café. Have lunch in Tay Ho. In the afternoon visit Hoa Lo Prison museum, the Opera House and the French Quarter boulevards, then walk across Long Bien Bridge at sunset.
Hanoi in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Ninh Binh
Take a day trip to Ninh Binh, where rowing boats glide past rice fields and karst cliffs at Trang An or Tam Coc. Climb the steps of Hang Mua for the view, have lunch with goat meat, a local specialty, and return in the evening.
5Day 5 · Ha Long Bay
Travel to Ha Long Bay or quieter Lan Ha Bay for a cruise among limestone islands, kayaking and caves. Have lunch on board and, ideally, spend the night on the boat before returning.
Hanoi in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Craft villages
Visit Bat Trang pottery village and the silk village of Van Phuc, or the Perfume Pagoda in the hills. Have lunch in a village restaurant and return for a final evening of street food.
7Day 7 · Last day
Have pho for breakfast, buy coffee, lacquerware and silk in the Old Quarter and enjoy a farewell lunch. Noi Bai International Airport is about forty-five minutes from the center by taxi.
What to do in Hanoi on a weekend
For a weekend in Hanoi, combine the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Temple of Literature and a food tour.
Add Ninh Binh with a third day.
What to do in Hanoi in the evening
Evenings mean water puppets, street food on Ta Hien Street, the weekend walking street around the lake and rooftop bars.
The Old Quarter stays busy late.
Hanoi for couples
Couples will enjoy sunset at West Lake, an overnight cruise in Lan Ha Bay and egg coffee on a hidden terrace.
Hanoi with kids
With kids, try water puppets, Hoan Kiem's walking street on weekends, the Museum of Ethnology and a Ninh Binh boat ride.
What to eat in Hanoi
Pho
Hanoi's famous noodle soup.
Bun cha
Grilled pork with noodles.
Egg coffee
A Hanoi invention.
Banh cuon
Steamed rice rolls.
Cha ca
Turmeric fish with dill.
Where to stay in Hanoi: best areas
Old Quarter
Central and lively.
French Quarter
Elegant hotels.
Tay Ho
Quieter lakeside.
Ba Dinh
Near the monuments.
What to do in Hanoi when it rains
On rainy days, visit the Museum of Ethnology, the Women's Museum, Hoa Lo Prison, a cooking class or cafés.
How much does a trip to Hanoi cost?
Expect $30–120 per night, $3–10 for street food and about $100–200 for an overnight bay cruise.
Practical tips for Hanoi
Best time to visit
October to December and March to April.
Getting around
Walking, ride-hailing apps and taxis.
Our practical tips
- Use a ride-hailing app.
- Cross streets slowly and steadily.
- Carry cash in dong.
- Book bay cruises with good reviews.
- Cover shoulders in temples.
- Check visa rules.
Mistakes to avoid
- Unlicensed taxis.
- Visiting the mausoleum on a closing day.
- Rushing Ha Long in one day.
- Drinking tap water.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in Hanoi?
Explore the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake and the Temple of Literature.
How many days do you need?
Three days, a week with the bays.
Is Ha Long Bay a day trip?
Possible, but an overnight cruise is better.
When is the best time?
Autumn and spring.