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Useful Apps to Download
| App | Best for | Why download it | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grab | Cars, motorbikes, and food | Upfront fares and fewer taxi misunderstandings | Set up your card and phone number before arrival |
| Google Maps | Navigation | Place searches, walking routes, reviews, and saved lists | Old Quarter alleys can be easier to finish on foot |
| BusMap | Public buses | Route planning and stop information for Hanoi buses | Live timing may vary |
| be | Alternative ride-hailing | A useful backup for cars, bikes, and delivery | Coverage and pricing vary by time |
| Google Translate | Menus and conversation | Camera, voice, and offline Vietnamese translation | Download Vietnamese before the trip |
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Hoan Kiem Lake & Turtle Tower
The heart of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Returned Sword) is a peaceful oasis in the city centre. According to legend, Emperor Lê Lợi returned a magical sword to the Golden Turtle God here. Turtle Tower sits on a small island in the middle. Walk the lake perimeter at sunrise or on weekend evenings when the surrounding streets close to traffic.
Hanoi Old Quarter
Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a labyrinth of 36 streets named after the guilds that once occupied them (Silk Street, Paper Street, etc.). Each street is lined with tube houses, street food stalls, and shops. Don’t miss Bia Hoi Corner (Ta Hien Street) for cheap draft beer and the nightly street food scene.
Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu)
Vietnam’s first university, founded in 1076. The temple complex features five courtyards, beautiful gardens, and stone stelae mounted on turtles listing the names of doctorate holders. A serene escape from the city noise and a perfect example of traditional Vietnamese architecture.
St. Joseph’s Cathedral
A striking neo-Gothic cathedral built in 1886, resembling Notre-Dame de Paris. The facade is dark and imposing, while the interior features colourful stained glass windows. The surrounding streets are full of cafes with rooftop views of the cathedral — perfect for a coffee break.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
The final resting place of Hồ Chí Minh, the revolutionary leader who unified Vietnam. The grand structure is reminiscent of Lenin’s Mausoleum in Moscow. Visitors file through in silence to see his embalmed body. The surrounding Ba Đình Square is where Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam’s independence in 1945.
Train Street
A narrow residential alley with train tracks running inches from the front doors. When the train approaches, locals quickly pull in their chairs and the street transforms. Cafes line the tracks. Note that access has been restricted in recent years — ask your hotel or a local guide for the best entry point.
Long Bien Bridge
A historic cantilever bridge built by Gustave Eiffel’s firm in 1903, stretching 2.4 km across the Red River. Heavily bombed during the Vietnam War, it still stands as a symbol of resilience. Walk or cycle across for views of river life — vegetable gardens on the banks, fishermen, and children swimming.
Hanoi Opera House
A magnificent French colonial building completed in 1911, modelled after the Palais Garnier in Paris. The exterior is a popular photo spot, and the interior hosts ballet, opera, and traditional Vietnamese performances. Check the schedule in advance — watching a show here is a memorable Hanoi experience.
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
A UNESCO World Heritage site that served as the political centre of Vietnam for 13 centuries. The underground bunker used by North Vietnamese commanders during the war is open to visitors. The archaeological site has unearthed foundations of ancient palaces. The flag tower offers views over the Ba Đình district.
Tran Quoc Pagoda
The oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, dating back to the 6th century. Located on a small island in West Lake (Hồ Tây), the pagoda is connected by a bridge and surrounded by blooming trees. The 11-storey hexagonal stupa is the tallest of its kind in Vietnam. Visit at sunset when the lake reflects the red-gold light.
Dong Xuan Market
Hanoi’s largest covered market, located in the Old Quarter’s northern edge. The cavernous hall sells everything from fresh produce and meat to clothing, electronics, and souvenirs. The surrounding streets form the Weekend Night Market (Friday–Sunday evenings) with hundreds of stalls, street food, and live performances.
Water Puppet Theatre
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is a uniquely Vietnamese art form dating back to the 11th century. Wooden puppets are controlled by puppeteers standing waist-deep in water behind a screen. The show is accompanied by a traditional orchestra and tells folk stories. Book tickets in advance — shows sell out regularly.
Where to Eat
Must-Try Hanoi Specialties
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Phở Hà Nội | The original beef noodle soup |
| Bún Chả | Grilled pork with vermicelli noodles |
| Bánh Mì | Vietnamese baguette sandwich |
| Chả Cá Lã Vọng | Turmeric fish with dill – a Hanoi classic |
| Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng) | Whipped egg yolk over coffee |
| Bia Hơi | Fresh draft beer – only 5,000 VND/glass |
Recommended Restaurants
- Phở Thìn (13 Lò Đúc) – Legendary phở with a loyal local following
- Bún Chả Hương Liên (24 Lê Văn Hưu) – The spot Obama visited with Anthony Bourdain
- Café Giảng (39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân) – The original egg coffee since 1946
- Chả Cá Lã Vọng (14 Chả Cá) – The only dish on the menu – and it is perfect
- Bánh Mì 25 (25 Hàng Cá) – Toasted bánh mì with quality fillings, queues out the door
- Phở Cuốn Hưng Lợi (31 Ngũ Xã) – Fresh phở rolls with grilled pork and herbs
- Xôi Yến (35B Nguyễn Hữu Huân) – Sticky rice with toppings, open for breakfast
- Nhà Hàng Ngon (18 Phan Bội Châu) – Beautiful garden setting with all of Vietnam’s classics in one menu
Cafes & Desserts
- Café Đinh (13 Đinh Tiên Hoàng) – Hidden alley egg coffee, a local secret
- Loading T Café (8 Ngõ Tràng Tiền) – Vintage Hanoi vibes with excellent drip coffee
- Café Nhà Sàn (Nguyễn Du) – Bamboo hut in the middle of a park – very Hanoi
- Trà Chè Hương (Hàng Điếu) – Sweet chè dessert soups with coconut cream
Nightlife
- Bia Hơi Corner (Tạ Hiện) – Plastic stools, fresh beer, buzzing atmosphere every night
- Standing Bar (122B Hàng Bông) – Craft cocktails in a speakeasy setting
- The Haflington (23 Tống Duy Tân) – Live jazz and blues in a basement bar
- Pasteur Street Brewing (1A Đặng Trần Côn) – Vietnamese craft beer with local ingredients
Getting Around
Walking
The Old Quarter is very walkable. Hoan Kiem Lake to St. Joseph’s Cathedral is a 5-minute walk.
Grab
Grab (ride-hailing) is cheap and convenient. Download the app before you arrive.
Cyclo
Traditional cyclos (bicycle rickshaws) are a fun way to tour the Old Quarter. Negotiate price upfront.
Motorbike Taxi
Grab Bike or xe ôm (motorbike taxi) are the fastest way through Hanoi’s chaotic but charming traffic.
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (Mar–Apr): Pleasant weather, blooming flowers
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Cool, dry, best time to visit – golden light for photos
- Summer (May–Aug): Hot and humid, occasional rain
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Cool and dry, temperatures as low as 10°C