The beautiful and vibrant city of Hanoi. From narrow streets with heavy traffic to large restaurants and street food stalls, from tailors to conical hats, modernity and tradition coexist, revealing a stunning and unique urban life. With its unwavering vitality, the Vietnamese capital sweeps its visitors into a noisy flow of historical, cultural, and culinary discoveries. Embark on a journey to cross its streets, lose yourself to understand it, and be patient to fall in love with it.

In this article, we will review the city's most enigmatic sites: the most popular spots (urban strolling), historical landmarks, and our tips to experience the Hanoi lifestyle—while even discovering a quieter side of the city.

Leisurely Walks in Popular Areas

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1) Stroll Around Hoan Kiem Lake

"Let’s take a walk around the lake."

Hoan Kiem Lake gathers families and friends every day, especially on weekends, in a unique urban celebration. Nestled in the heart of the capital, this green expanse, which houses the Turtle Temple, welcomes the most athletic of us from the first light of dawn until sunset (with the party-goers joining in later) (the two can happen simultaneously). If you're in Hanoi over the weekend, take full advantage of the experience because the roads around the lake and in the Old Quarter are closed to vehicles with more than two wheels. Starting Friday evening, friends and families come together in a great general joy: dance, traditional performances, singing, and the night market... Join the crowd and let yourself be carried by the flow. Sometimes, you won’t have a choice!

2) The Old Quarter of Hanoi

The tourist center of the capital, the Old Quarter, with its maze of tubular houses, will likely be your base during your stay in Hanoi. This small part of the urban landscape is undoubtedly the most dynamic part of the city. The sidewalks are occupied by trees, scooters, street food vendors, and numerous shops whose layout is thoughtfully planned. The 36 streets of the district are named after the 36 trades or craftsmen who once supplied the royal family in the Thang Long Citadel. While things have changed over the last decade, you can still find Flower Street, Scrap Metal Street, Toy Street for children... During your explorations, you will also enjoy appreciating a few historical remnants such as the Ô Quan Chưởng Gate, the Bà Đá Pagoda, or the Saint Joseph Cathedral.

3) Train Street

We don’t have the exact numbers, but we’d bet this is the most photographed place in Vietnam. Train Street attracts many tourists, and for good reason. The train literally passes just a meter from the houses. When it arrives, the residents rush into their homes, but in its absence, the street becomes just like any other. I’ve witnessed a very serious game of Vietnamese chess being played on the "sidewalk." Visiting here is also a great opportunity to have a coffee in a unique setting. Train Street is just a short walk from the Old Quarter. You can even pass through Phung Hung Street to enjoy artistic murals that represent cultural and/or historical aspects of the city.

Historical Sites

4) The Temple of Literature

Let's step away from the constant buzz of the Old Quarter and head to Vietnam's oldest university: the Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu). Founded in 1070, this ancient Confucian school trained the highest-ranking officials in the country for nearly a millennium. You’ll also see steles engraved with the names of the “ancients.” Visitors may also witness students praying here to bring luck to their studies, with prayers supported by those of their parents. Finally, master calligraphers add their personal touch by writing wishes in black ink on beautiful paper—whether for love, health, or happiness, the choice is vast.

5) Hanoi Museum of Ethnology

The long, winding curves of our beautiful country are home to no less than 54 ethnic groups. During your journey, you will undoubtedly meet some of them and maybe even stay with them. The Museum of Ethnology will help you gain insight into the different customs and beliefs that will enrich your journey. Your trip to the northern mountains will be much clearer after this visit, we assure you!

6) Hoa Lo Prison

A poignant and enriching visit. Founded in 1896 by the French colonial administration, Hoa Lo Prison first sealed the fate of communist Viet prisoners after the French defeat, and later held American prisoners of war. Although today it only covers 2,400 m², it once spanned nearly 13,000 m² during its operation. Ironically dubbed the “Hanoi Hilton” by the American prisoners, this detention center in fact stands as a testament to the inhumane conditions inflicted upon its prisoners, regardless of the historical period. Take a detour through the past—one shared by all.

7) The Colonial Quarter and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

"Không có gì quý hơn Độc lập Tự do / Nothing is more precious than Independence and Freedom."

Imagine leaving the Old Quarter to head towards the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. This route, whether by car or on foot depending on your preference, will let you appreciate not only the "quiet" of the district but also a neighborhood that serves as a witness to French Indochina. Here, the buildings are yellow, with green shutters, showing European-style architecture. The traffic is less dense, and the terraces are more spaced out. Once you arrive, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is primarily a place of remembrance for the Vietnamese people, who come to pay their respects throughout the year. You can admire the robust gray block on the outside (built to withstand any weather conditions) or enter to learn more about the life of the illustrious Vietnamese president. If you have young children, be aware that his embalmed body is on display inside.

If you’re not particularly interested in history to the point of seeing the body of your own president, appreciating the surroundings from the outside and the route that takes you there may be the best way to conclude your visit.

Living Our Daily Life

8) Having an Apéro

"Bia hơi / A Fresh Beer"

Today, we’ve probably walked 15-20 kilometers, so it’s time to relax. Back in the Old Quarter, we can feel that Hanoi is in celebration mode. The streets are filled with “groups of friends,” “after work” gatherings, and many plastic tables—especially on Tạ Hiện Street. Everyone is keeping the tradition of bia hơi, a locally brewed beer. Taking a seat on one of the small stools is undoubtedly the best way to meet people and experience a Hanoi evening. Of course, you don’t have to drink beer—you can opt for fresh fruit juice, iced tea, or other beverages... The goal here is to successfully raise a toast 6,000 kilometers away from home while joyfully shouting with your glass raised: “một, hai, ba, dô! hai, ba, dô! hai, ba uống!”

9) Eat Local

15-20 kilometers don’t just make you thirsty. Your stomach starts growling. The good news is, you’re in Hanoi: Pho Bo, Cha Ca, Banh Mi, barbecue, hot pots… Impossible not to find something that suits your taste! If we continue our evening, you’ll see many restaurants serving hot pots, barbecues, or fried pork bites—Nem Chua (the perfect pairing with Bia Hoi). These are very popular dishes here and, most importantly, they’re very social. It’s well-deserved after proudly shouting “một, hai, ba, dô! hai, ba, dô! hai, ba uống!”

While waiting for a dedicated article on the best places to eat, head over to this article for more details on the culinary specialties of northern Vietnam.

10) Wake Up Early

Perhaps we should have started with this part. Don’t worry, it’s not a non-stop party all night long. Here, people rise and sleep with the sun. This means that by 11 PM or midnight, the streets are empty. That’s why we recommend exploring Hanoi early in the morning. No cars. No scooters. The steam from street food vendors just begins to filter through the air. Locals stretch, run, practice yoga or Tai Chi... The urban space gently awakens until you see a jogger you passed a few minutes ago, now in a suit, savoring his morning bowl of pho.

Dare to Cross?

Be patient to love it. From experience, we know that the festive energy of Hanoi can be just as perplexing as our traffic laws. However, with time, we understand that the city is not noisy, but simply alive. Its bustling atmosphere comes from our desire to gather with family or friends whenever the opportunity arises.

If you want to experience Hanoi in its most authentic form, don’t hesitate to visit us at our office: No. 10 Trang An Alley - Trieu Viet Vuong Street - Hai Ba Trung District - Hanoi - Vietnam.

If you have any questions or would like us to organize your trip, please contact Vietnam Insolite !