5 days ago
The 19 best things to do in Hanoi
Simply put, Hanoi has too much to do. Some travellers spend weeks in Vietnam's cultural capital, but still manage to leave museums unexplored, lakes unvisited and neighbourhoods undiscovered. The key to getting the most out of the capital is tailoring an itinerary based on personal passions, whether that's ambling around centuries-old archaeological sites, gobbling up noodles on a street food tour or exploring the Old Quarter by cyclo.
From puppet shows perfect for families to an overlooked Chinese assembly hall for heritage enthusiasts, and the sights that help demystify Vietnam's catastrophic war years, here are the best things to do in Hanoi.
All our recommendations below have been hand selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best things to do in Hanoi. Find out more below, or for more Hanoi inspiration, see our guides to the region's best hotels, restaurants, bars and coffee houses.
Hoan Kiem Lake
Take an evening stroll
Hoan Kiem Lake overflows with stories, from the myth of the turtle god that snatched a sword from a king, to the episode when anti-imperialists tore down the lake's French-built statue de la liberté. The lake comes into its own on weekend evenings, when teenage hip-hop troupes make TikTok videos and toddlers roam around in remote-controlled mini 4WDs.
Insider tip: If you're not in Hanoi on the weekend, wake up early and explore the lake at dawn instead. This is when traffic is light but the lake is full of life, with dance groups, tai chi practitioners and laughter yogis.
Opening times: All day every day (pedestrianised Friday evening-Sunday evening)
Price: Free
