By editorial team · Prices and opening hours checked October 2026 · Last updated: October 21, 2026
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The best things to do in Hanoi mix living history, street food and everyday city life: walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, wander the Old Quarter, visit the Temple of Literature and Hoa Lo Prison, eat a bowl of bun cha, and finish the day with a water puppet show. Most travelers need two to three days to cover the highlights. This guide ranks 20 top picks, shows current ticket prices in USD and VND, flags the closures that catch first-timers out, and gives you ready-made one-, two- and three-day plans.
Key Takeaways
- Best first-timer picks: Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison, a street food tour and a water puppet show.
- Time needed: 2 to 3 days in the city, plus 1 to 2 more if you add Ninh Binh or Ha Long Bay.
- Heads-up for 2026: the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed for annual maintenance until November 2 and reopens on November 3. It is also closed every Monday and Friday.
- Cost: the seven paid sights listed in this guide add up to about 380,000 VND (roughly $15) in total.
- Best base: the Hoan Kiem Lake and Old Quarter area, where most sights are a short walk or ride away.
- Best time to visit: October to November and March to April, when the weather is usually most comfortable.
Hanoi at a Glance
Hanoi is compact at its center. Most first-timer sights are walkable from Hoan Kiem Lake, while the two big museums in the west (Ethnology and Military History) need a taxi or Grab ride.
Best Time to Visit Hanoi
October–November and March–April are generally the most pleasant months. Summers are hot, humid and rainy, often above 90°F (32°C). Winters are cool and often overcast, and temperatures can fall into the 50s°F (10–15°C), so pack a light jacket for December to February. Weather varies year to year, so check a forecast before you fly.
How Many Days Do You Need?
Two full days cover the main sights. Three days let you add the western museums or slow down for food and cafés. If you want a day trip to Ninh Binh or Ha Long Bay, plan four or five days in total.
Money and Prices in This Guide
Prices below are foreigner entry prices in Vietnamese dong (VND), converted at roughly 26,000 VND per US dollar. Exact exchange rates move daily, and ticket prices can change, so treat the USD figures as approximate.
Top Things to Do in Hanoi
History and Culture
1. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Ba Dinh Square
Ba Dinh Square is where Ho Chi Minh read Vietnam’s Declaration of Independence on September 2, 1945. The mausoleum itself is free, but it opens to visitors only on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday mornings. Under the 2026 schedule, hours run about 7:30–10:30 a.m. through October 31 and roughly 8:00–11:00 a.m. from November 1.
The mausoleum also closes once a year for maintenance, and the dates change. In 2026 it is closed from September 4 to November 2 and reopens on November 3. The square, the Ho Chi Minh Museum, the stilt house and the One Pillar Pagoda stay open to walk around, with small separate fees (roughly 25,000–40,000 VND per site). Dress conservatively with shoulders and knees covered, and expect a bag scan.
2. Temple of Literature
Built in 1070, the Temple of Literature is widely described as Vietnam’s first university. Its courtyards, gates and the Khue Van Pavilion make it one of the most photographed sights in the city. Tickets cost 70,000 VND (about $2.70), and it is typically open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Go early. The temple is mostly outdoors and gets crowded with tour groups and photoshoots by late morning. The Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum is across the street, so the two pair well.
3. Thang Long Imperial Citadel
The Thang Long Imperial Citadel is a UNESCO-listed archaeological site that traces more than a thousand years of Vietnamese royal history. The official ticket price is 100,000 VND (about $4), and it is generally open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is closed on Mondays.
It sits beside Ba Dinh Square, so combine the two on the same morning. Allow about 90 minutes.
4. Hoa Lo Prison (the “Hanoi Hilton”)
Hoa Lo Prison began as a French colonial prison and later held American pilots during the Vietnam War, which gave it its nickname. Today it is a museum covering both the colonial and wartime periods. Tickets cost 50,000 VND (about $2), and it is generally open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Allow about 90 minutes. Go in the morning before tour groups arrive, and pair it with the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, which is nearby.
5. Hanoi Opera House
Opened in 1911, the Opera House is Hanoi’s finest example of French colonial architecture. You can admire the exterior for free, and the plaza in front is a popular meeting point in the evening. To see the interior, you generally need a ticket to a performance, so check the current program.
Museums
6. Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
Often called the best museum in Hanoi, the Museum of Ethnology explores the cultures of Vietnam’s many ethnic groups. The outdoor garden has full-size traditional houses you can walk through. Tickets cost 40,000 VND (about $1.50), and it is open Tuesday to Sunday, roughly 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It is closed on Mondays.
It is about 8 km west of the Old Quarter, so take a Grab. Plan two hours, and try to visit on a dry day.
7. Vietnamese Women’s Museum
This museum covers women in the family, in history and in fashion across three floors, with displays in Vietnamese, French and English. It is generally open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. Tickets are roughly 40,000 VND (about $1.50), though some sources list a lower price, so confirm at the counter.
It is air-conditioned and close to Hoa Lo Prison, which makes it a good midday break from the heat.
8. Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum
The national art museum spans ancient sculpture, lacquer paintings and modern works. Tickets are about 40,000 VND for adults (about $1.50), and it is typically open 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Plan up to two hours. It is directly across from the Temple of Literature, so it is an easy pairing.
9. Vietnam Military History Museum
The museum moved to a large new site in Hanoi’s Nam Tu Liem district in November 2024. Tickets are 40,000 VND (about $1.50). Per the museum’s announced schedule, it is open 8:00–11:30 a.m. and 1:00–4:30 p.m., and closed every Monday and Friday.
It is far from the center, so pair it with the Museum of Ethnology on a single “west Hanoi” day and use Grab between them.
Old Quarter and City Streets
10. Old Quarter Walking Tour
The Old Quarter is a maze of historic guild streets where each street traditionally sold one kind of goods. Walk it without a strict plan: look for temples tucked between shopfronts, stop for a coffee, and visit Dong Xuan Market, the area’s large wholesale market. It is free, busy and best explored in the morning or early evening.
If you prefer a guide, browse Hanoi walking and food tours on GetYourGuide.
11. Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple
Hoan Kiem Lake is the heart of Hanoi and the best place to start your first morning. The path around it makes an easy loop of about 20 to 30 minutes, and locals exercise here at sunrise. Ngoc Son Temple, on a small island reached by a red bridge, charges about 30,000 VND (roughly $1.15).
On weekends, streets around the lake are often closed to traffic, which makes it lively but crowded.
12. Hanoi Train Street
Train Street is a railway line running between rows of homes and cafés, with trains passing just feet from your table. Be aware that it is not an official attraction. Access has changed repeatedly, with authorities restricting it at times, and trains have been reduced since an agreement in February 2026 to cut passenger services in the area.
There are two main sections: one near Phung Hung Street, closer to the Old Quarter, and one along Le Duan Street, south of the station, which is often quieter. Entry is usually through a café where you buy a drink, and train times shift often, so ask staff for the current schedule. Always follow staff instructions and keep clear of the tracks when a train approaches.
13. Long Bien Bridge
This French colonial-era steel bridge opened in 1903 and crosses the Red River. A walk at sunrise or late afternoon gives good views and a look at local life, with motorbikes and cyclists sharing the deck. Take care on the uneven surface, and consider it a short, free outing of about an hour.
14. Weekend Night Market
On weekend evenings, the streets of the Old Quarter fill with a pedestrian night market selling souvenirs, clothing and snacks. Prices are negotiable, so bargain politely. It runs on weekend evenings (typically Friday to Sunday), and it is free to walk through.
Food and Drink
15. Hanoi Street Food Tour
Hanoi is one of Vietnam’s best food cities. Dishes to try include pho, bun cha (grilled pork with noodles), banh mi and cha ca. A guided street food tour is the easiest way to sample several dishes safely and learn what you are eating. Compare Hanoi food tours on GetYourGuide.
If you go on your own, choose busy stalls with high turnover and look for places where locals are eating.
16. Egg Coffee
Egg coffee (ca phe trung) is a Hanoi specialty made by whisking egg yolk with sugar and pouring it over strong Vietnamese coffee. It originated in the city in the 1940s and tastes like a warm, creamy dessert. Order it at any café in the Old Quarter, usually for just a few dollars.
17. Bia Hoi Junction
Bia hoi is fresh draft beer, one of the cheapest drinks in Hanoi, served on low plastic stools. The best-known spot is the junction in the Old Quarter around Ta Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen streets, which gets packed in the evening. Go for the atmosphere, keep your valuables close, and pay attention to what you are charged.
Evenings and Outdoors
18. Water Puppet Show
Water puppetry is a traditional Vietnamese art form, and Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, a short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake, is the best-known venue. Shows last about 50 minutes and run several times a day. Tickets are tiered by seat row, and on booking platforms they start at roughly $9 for standard seats, with VIP seats up to about $16.
The theatre can sell out, especially from November to March, so book ahead. Check water puppet show tickets on GetYourGuide.
19. St. Joseph’s Cathedral
Built in the late 19th century, this neo-Gothic cathedral stands just west of Hoan Kiem Lake and is lit up at night. The streets around it are lined with cafés, so it is a nice place to sit and people-watch. Check service times if you want to attend Mass, as schedules change.
20. West Lake and Tran Quoc Pagoda
West Lake is Hanoi’s largest lake, and its shoreline offers a quieter side of the city, with cafés and walking paths. Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist temples, sits on a small peninsula and is typically free to enter. Dress modestly, and be polite but firm if vendors outside pressure you to buy a shawl.
Free Things to Do in Hanoi
You can fill a lot of Hanoi’s schedule without paying admission:
- Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake (best at sunrise)
- Explore the Old Quarter and Dong Xuan Market
- See the Hanoi Opera House exterior and plaza
- Walk across Long Bien Bridge
- Browse the weekend night market
- Admire St. Joseph’s Cathedral
- Stroll along West Lake
- Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum when it is open (free entry, mornings only)
Sample Hanoi Itineraries
If You Have 1 Day
Start at Hoan Kiem Lake, walk through the Old Quarter for lunch (bun cha), visit the Temple of Literature or Hoa Lo Prison, then catch an early-evening water puppet show and end with egg coffee.
If You Have 2 Days
- Day 1: Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, Old Quarter walk, lunch, Hoa Lo Prison and Women’s Museum, water puppet show, evening street food.
- Day 2: Ba Dinh Square and the Thang Long Imperial Citadel (check mausoleum days), Temple of Literature and Fine Arts Museum, St. Joseph’s Cathedral at dusk.
If You Have 3 Days
- Day 1: Hoan Kiem Lake, Old Quarter and Dong Xuan Market, Hoa Lo Prison, water puppet show, bia hoi or night market.
- Day 2: Ba Dinh Square, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Temple of Literature, Fine Arts Museum, egg coffee, Opera House.
- Day 3: Museum of Ethnology and Military History Museum (by Grab), or swap in a day trip to Ninh Binh.
Monday warning: the mausoleum, the Citadel, the Museum of Ethnology and the Military History Museum are closed on Mondays, and the mausoleum and Military History Museum are also closed on Fridays. Use Mondays for the Old Quarter, the lake, Hoa Lo Prison and food.
Best Day Trips from Hanoi
Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh is known for limestone scenery, rice fields and boat rides at Trang An and Tam Coc, plus the climb at Mua Cave. It is typically about 2 to 2.5 hours from Hanoi by road, and trains also run on the route. If you can spare the time, stay one or two nights instead of rushing a day trip. See Ninh Binh day trips from Hanoi.
Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is a famous bay of limestone islands. The journey from Hanoi is long, so an overnight cruise is more relaxing than a rushed day trip. Check the length of the transfer before you book.
Bat Trang Ceramic Village
A shorter outing, Bat Trang is a village known for ceramics, where you can browse workshops and shops. It is a good half-day option if you want something less crowded than the Old Quarter.
Practical Tips for First-Timers
A few simple habits will make your first days in Hanoi smoother.
- Crossing the street: walk at a slow, steady pace and let motorbikes flow around you. Do not run or stop suddenly.
- Getting around: use the Grab app for taxis and motorbike rides. Agree on prices or confirm the meter before you ride a regular taxi.
- Dress code: cover shoulders and knees at temples, pagodas and the mausoleum.
- Money: Vietnam is largely cash-based for small purchases. Carry small bills and use ATMs inside banks where possible.
- Connectivity: an eSIM or local SIM helps with maps and Grab.
- Common scams: overcharging by some taxis and street vendors, and inflated prices when no price is shown. Ask the price first.
- Closures: always double-check opening days, especially Mondays and Fridays, before planning your route.
Where to Stay in Hanoi
For first-timers, the Hoan Kiem Lake and Old Quarter area is the most convenient base, with food, cafés and most sights within walking distance. The French Quarter, east of the lake, is quieter and more upscale. Compare Hanoi hotels on Booking.com.
Travel Insurance for Vietnam
Covering medical costs, delays and lost baggage is worth considering for any international trip. SafetyWing offers flexible travel insurance designed for travelers. Compare coverage and exclusions before you buy.
Before You Go: Vietnam Visa
Most travelers need to sort out entry requirements before arriving in Hanoi. Check the latest rules for your nationality, and apply early. See our Vietnam visa guide for current options. If you are landing at Noi Bai International Airport, an airport fast-track service can shorten the wait at immigration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Hanoi?
Two to three days is enough to see Hanoi’s main sights, eat well and catch a water puppet show. Add one or two more days if you want a trip to Ninh Binh or Ha Long Bay.
What is the best time to visit Hanoi?
October to November and March to April are generally the most comfortable months. Summers are hot and humid with frequent rain, while winters are cool and often overcast.
Is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum open?
It is closed for annual maintenance from September 4 to November 2, 2026, and reopens on November 3. When open, it is closed every Monday and Friday and operates in the morning only. Dates change each year, so check before you go.
What are the best free things to do in Hanoi?
Walking around Hoan Kiem Lake, exploring the Old Quarter, crossing Long Bien Bridge, visiting St. Joseph’s Cathedral and browsing the weekend night market are all free.
Is Hanoi safe for tourists?
Hanoi is generally considered safe for travelers. The main risks are heavy traffic, petty theft in crowded areas and overcharging. Stay alert, keep valuables secure and agree on prices before you buy or ride.
What are the best things to do in Hanoi at night?
Catch a water puppet show, walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, browse the weekend night market, drink bia hoi in the Old Quarter or see St. Joseph’s Cathedral lit up.
Final Thoughts
Hanoi rewards curious travelers who mix big sights with slow wandering. Start with Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter, add two or three museums, build in time for food and cafés, and check opening days before you go. When you are ready to plan the rest of your trip, read our other Vietnam travel guides and sort out your visa early.
