Beyond the Old Quarter: Things to do in Hanoi

We spent a month in Vietnam during our gap year travels, and these are some of the activities and places we explored in Hanoi. Hanoi is a city that rewards curiosity and patience. We got lost few times, drank too much coffee and sat on tiny plastic stools to eat something we couldn't pronounce.

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Things to see

Explore Hanoi’s rich history and vibrant culture through its iconic landmarks, museums, and scenic spots that capture the city’s unique charm.

Old Quarter

🕗 3 hours 💵 Free

Even though we're exploring places Beyond the Old Quarter, you have to pay it a visit. The Old Quarter is best explored on foot, and you’ll find colonial architecture, endless scooters, and the best street eats. Give yourself at least half a day; it’s free unless you get tempted by shopping or street food. Don’t miss the chance to stop at one of the hole-in-the-wall noodle shops or browse through small art galleries tucked between souvenir stalls. This is also where the city’s heartbeat feels strongest—chaotic, vibrant, and full of life.

Train Street

🕗 1 hour 💵 Free

Yes, it’s as wild as it looks on Instagram. Twice a day, a train rumbles through a narrow alley lined with cafés—grab an egg coffee and feel the adrenaline as the train passes by. Plan for 1 hour, but you might linger longer for the photos. Be sure to check train times in advance, as authorities occasionally restrict access due to safety concerns. It’s one of those surreal travel moments that blend excitement, spectacle, and community in the most unexpected way.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Museum

🕗 2 - 3 hours 💵 up to 2€

A pilgrimage site for many Vietnamese, the mausoleum is where you can see the preserved body of Ho Chi Minh. The museum next door offers a look at his life and Vietnam’s history. Entry is free for the mausoleum, €0.90–€1.80 for the museum. Allow about 2 hours. The changing of the guard ceremony adds to the solemn atmosphere, and dress modestly out of respect. It’s one of the most symbolic places to understand Vietnam’s modern identity.

Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum

🕗 2 hours 💵 2€

A peaceful escape, this museum showcases traditional and modern Vietnamese art. It’s a great way to understand the country’s creative side. From lacquer paintings to contemporary installations, the diversity of styles and periods is impressive. The shaded courtyard is also a quiet spot to rest and reflect.

Things to do

Immerse yourself in Hanoi’s lively atmosphere by tasting its famous street food, sipping traditional coffees, and experiencing authentic local activities.

Coffee Crawl

🕗 30 min - 3 hours 💵 1€ - 10€

Hanoi’s coffee scene is legendary. Try the famous egg coffee (rich, sweet, and custardy), silver coffee, or coconut coffee. Each cup is about €0.90–€2.75. You could spend a whole morning hopping between quirky cafés in the Old Quarter and French Quarter.
Many of these cafés are tucked down alleyways or perched on rooftops, so exploring them becomes an adventure in itself. Don’t miss Giang Café, the birthplace of egg coffee.

Street food tour

Street Food Tour

🕗 1 - 3 hours 💵 1€ - 18€

Eat your way through Hanoi! Slurp a bowl of pho at a street stall (about €0.90–€1.85), grab a banh mi sandwich (around €0.90), and don’t miss bun cha (grilled pork with noodles). You can do a DIY tour or join a guided one for €9–€18. Give yourself at least half a day. Look for places packed with locals—that’s always a good sign.

Long Bien Bridge & Market

Walk the Long Bien Bridge & Market

🕗 1 hour 💵 Free

This historic bridge offers sweeping views of the Red River and a taste of local life at the nearby market. It’s free, and you can spend 30–60 minutes wandering and people-watching.
Built by the French in the early 20th century, the bridge is a living piece of history. Early mornings are best, when vendors and farmers are in full swing and the light is golden.

Water Puppet Show

🕗 1 hour 💵 3€ - 8€

A uniquely Vietnamese experience, this traditional art form uses puppets on water to tell folktales. The music is performed live using traditional instruments, adding to the atmosphere. It’s a fun, family-friendly way to dive into local storytelling.

Mega Grand World

Mega Grand World or "The Venice" in Hanoi

🕗 45 min - 2 hours 💵 Free

A quirky, modern neighborhood with canals and pastel houses—fun for a stroll and some unusual photos. Though mainly residential, it’s a surprising contrast to traditional Hanoi and offers a peek at modern urban development. Come during daylight for the best photos but don't miss the fireworks at night time!

Hope you enjoyed reading about Things To Do in Hanoi :). We have spent a month in Vietnam and during my time there, I found myself to be in a pickle. You can read about it here.

All the places and activities mentioned in this post are based on my personal experiences. I used an AI assistant by Perplexity, to help streamline the writing process and fine-tune the descriptions—to save time and make the content clearer and more helpful.