10 Best Things to Do in Hanoi for First-Time Visitors (Local's Guide 2026)
16/06/2026
I've lost count of how many times I've played tour guide in Hanoi.
Whenever friends visit Vietnam for the first time, Hanoi is usually one of their first stops—and almost everyone asks me the same question: “What should I actually do in Hanoi?”
The truth is, there are hundreds of attractions, museums, cafés, and restaurants across the city. But if you only have a few days, trying to see everything can quickly become overwhelming.
After years of living here and showing visitors around, I've narrowed it down to ten experiences that I genuinely think are worth your time. They cover the essentials: history, culture, food, and a few uniquely Hanoi moments that you'll probably remember long after your trip ends.
The best part? You can enjoy everything on this list for less than 900,000 VND (around 35 USD).
Top 10 Experiences You Shouldn't Miss in Hanoi
1. Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (Free)
If I had to choose one landmark that best represents Hanoi, this would be it.
Google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9tVGp5xMMXUJzZb97
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is one of the most important historical sites in Vietnam and a place I always recommend to first-time visitors. Beyond the mausoleum itself, the entire complex offers a fascinating look into Vietnam's modern history. You can also explore the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House, and the iconic One Pillar Pagoda nearby.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
My advice is to arrive early in the morning. The weather is cooler, the lines are shorter, and you'll have plenty of time to explore the area before the crowds arrive.
2. Take the Hanoi City Tour Bus – 150,000 VND (~6 USD)
I usually prefer exploring Hanoi on foot, but the city tour bus is surprisingly useful for first-time visitors.
Hanoi City Tour Bus
The route covers many of Hanoi's biggest landmarks, including Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, Hanoi Opera House, and Temple of Literature. Sitting on the upper deck gives you a completely different perspective of the city and helps you get familiar with the layout before diving deeper into specific neighborhoods.
Hanoi City Tour Bus Tickets
If you're only spending two or three days in Hanoi, this is one of the easiest ways to see a lot in a short amount of time.
3. Experience the Temple of Literature Night Tour with 3D Mapping – 299,000 VND (~11 USD)
This is probably the most underrated activity on this list.
Google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7bE3iqLFeAwaBbRF8
Most tourists visit the Temple of Literature during the day, but the night tour offers a completely different atmosphere. Historic courtyards are transformed with artistic lighting, storytelling projections, and cultural performances that bring the site's history to life.
Temple of Literature night tour
Most tourists visit the Temple of Literature during the day, but the night tour offers a completely different atmosphere. Historic courtyards are transformed with artistic lighting, storytelling projections, cultural performances, and impressive 3D Mapping shows that bring the site's history to life.
The tour opens from 6:30 PM (18:30), making it a great option for travelers looking for unique things to do in Hanoi at night. Ticket prices are approximately 299,000 VND for adults and 149,000 VND for children between 1m and 1.3m in height.
To secure your preferred time slot and avoid sold-out sessions on weekends, it is recommended to book in advance through the following channels:
- Online: Reserve tickets and select your 3D Mapping showtime via the official Van Mieu Night Tour channels or Facebook platform.
- At the ticket counter: Purchase tickets directly at the Temple of Literature heritage site, 58 Quoc Tu Giam Street, Hanoi. If buying on-site, it is best to arrive from 6:30 PM to secure seats for the earliest showtimes.
I've taken several visiting friends here over the years, and many ended up enjoying it more than some of Hanoi's more famous attractions.
Temple of Literature night tour
4. Try Egg Coffee at Cafe Giang – 40,000 VND (~1.5 USD)
Google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xuiATE3NZ6w39RN76
Whenever someone visits Hanoi, egg coffee is always near the top of my recommendations. It is also considered one of Vietnam's most famous desserts.
Cafe Giang Signage
Cafe Giang is widely known as the birthplace of egg coffee, and despite the countless cafés that now serve it, I still think the original version is worth trying. The drink is rich, creamy, and surprisingly smooth, almost like a coffee-flavored dessert.
Egg cafe at Cafe Giang
Most visitors are skeptical before taking their first sip. Almost all of them end up ordering a second cup before they leave.
5. Watch the Thang Long Water Puppet Show – 100,000–200,000 VND (~4–8 USD)
I'll admit that I wasn't particularly excited the first time I attended a water puppet show.
Google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5A4NKibwpZ2Lu3vT7
Fortunately, I was wrong. Water puppetry is one of Vietnam's most unique cultural traditions, and watching the performance with live traditional music creates a surprisingly memorable experience.
Thang Long Water Puppet Show
The show lasts less than an hour, making it an easy addition to any itinerary. For anyone interested in Vietnamese culture, I think it's absolutely worth seeing at least once.
For families planning to bring children, a few practical tips can make the experience smoother:
- Weekday performances are usually less crowded than weekends.
- Shows run daily from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with an additional 9:15 PM performance on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.
- There is currently no booking app, so it is best to call the hotline in advance or purchase tickets directly at the theater to secure seats.
- Children under five years old can usually sit on a parent's lap without needing a separate ticket.
- If possible, make it a family outing—grandparents often enjoy the traditional stories and live music just as much as the children do.
6. Explore Hoa Lo Prison Relic – 50,000 VND (~2 USD)
If you're interested in history, Hoa Lo Prison should be on your list.
Google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Vfe9nq8N4eKe4Uqi6
Hoa Lo Prison Relic Outside
Originally built by the French colonial government, the prison later became famous during the Vietnam War. Walking through the exhibits provides valuable context about Vietnam's complex past and helps visitors better understand the country's history.
In addition to the daytime visit, Hoa Lo Prison also offers a highly popular night tour that combines guided storytelling, historical reenactments, and live theatrical performances throughout the site. The immersive experience brings historical events to life in a way that many visitors find both moving and memorable.
Hoa Lo Prison Relic Night Show
Tickets are limited and often sell out in advance, so booking ahead is strongly recommended. Prices typically range from 400,000 to 600,000 VND (approximately 16–24 USD), depending on the program and schedule.
It's not necessarily the most cheerful attraction in Hanoi, but it is one of the most meaningful.
7. Visit the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – 100,000 VND (~4 USD)
The Imperial Citadel doesn't always receive as much attention as other attractions, but I think it deserves more recognition.
Google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rebd1LNzK3d7GcVq7
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it represents more than a thousand years of Vietnamese history. Ancient gates, archaeological remains, and royal structures tell the story of dynasties that once ruled the country from Hanoi.
Archaeological remains at Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
If you're interested in Vietnam beyond the typical tourist highlights, this is a fascinating place to spend a few hours.
8. Take a Cyclo Ride Through Hanoi Old Quarter – 150,000–300,000 VND (~6–12 USD)
Some locals might consider cyclo rides a bit touristy these days, but for first-time visitors, I still think they're fun.
Cyclo Ride Through Hanoi Old Quarter
The Old Quarter can feel chaotic when you're navigating it on foot or by motorbike. Sitting back in a cyclo allows you to absorb the atmosphere at a slower pace while passing through narrow streets filled with food vendors, souvenir shops, and colonial architecture.
Cyclo Ride Through Hanoi Old Quarter
Just make sure to agree on the price before the ride begins.
9. Eat Bun Cha Hanoi – Around 45,000 VND (~2 USD)
If there's one dish that defines Hanoi, it's bun cha.
Grilled pork, rice noodles, fresh herbs, and dipping sauce might sound simple, but the combination is unforgettable. It's the meal I find myself recommending most often because it captures the flavors of Hanoi perfectly.
Bun cha Hanoi Michelin
Even years later, many of my friends still mention bun cha as one of their favorite meals from Vietnam.
Bun cha Hanoi
If you're looking for the best places to try it, you can also check out some of the most famous and highly rated bun cha restaurants in Hanoi here:
https://maytredan.vn/blogs/best-bun-cha-in-hanoi.html
10. Try Ngan Chay Toi (Garlic Roasted Duck) – Around 50,000 VND (~2 USD)
Unlike pho or bun cha, garlic roasted duck isn't something every tourist knows about.
Ngan Chay Toi (Garlic Roasted Duck)
That's exactly why I enjoy recommending it. The duck is crispy, flavorful, and packed with garlic, making it one of the most satisfying local dishes in Hanoi. It's especially popular among locals looking for a casual evening meal.
Vietnamese Duck Dishes
If you're willing to step slightly outside the usual tourist food checklist, this dish is well worth trying.
How Much Do These Experiences Cost?
One thing I love about Hanoi is how affordable many of its best experiences are.
Even if you complete all ten activities on this list, you'll spend roughly 884,000 VND, which is around 35 USD. In many major cities around the world, that would barely cover the cost of a single attraction ticket.
For budget-conscious travelers, Hanoi offers incredible value without sacrificing quality or authenticity.
If It Were My First Time in Hanoi, Here's Exactly How I'd Spend 2 Days
Day 1: History, Culture, and Hanoi Classics
Morning
- 7:30 AM – Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Ba Dinh Square
- Explore Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House and the Presidential Palace grounds
- Stop by the iconic One Pillar Pagoda
Lunch
- Enjoy a bowl of traditional Hanoi pho at a local restaurant
- Try Vietnamese iced coffee (ca phe sua da) for a midday boost
Afternoon
- Visit the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Continue to Hoa Lo Prison Relic to learn about Hanoi's colonial and wartime history
- Take a short walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple
Dinner
- Experience a Vietnamese dining restaurant serving classic dishes such as spring rolls, grilled fish, stir-fried vegetables, and clay-pot specialties
Evening
- Join the Temple of Literature Night Tour and admire the beautifully illuminated courtyards and cultural performances
Day 2: Local Life, Food, and the Old Quarter
Morning
- Take the Hanoi City Tour Bus for an overview of the city's major landmarks
- Stop at the Hanoi Opera House and French Quarter area for photos
Lunch
- Try bun cha, Hanoi's famous grilled pork and noodle dish
- Sample fresh Vietnamese spring rolls or banh cuon (steamed rice rolls)
Afternoon
- Explore the Old Quarter by cyclo
- Wander through the bustling streets and local shops
- Stop at Cafe Giang to taste the original egg coffee
Late Afternoon
- Relax around Hoan Kiem Lake or visit Train Street if timing permits
Dinner
- Choose between garlic roasted duck (ngan chay toi), cha ca (Hanoi turmeric fish), or a Vietnamese dining experience featuring multiple local specialties
Evening
- Watch the Thang Long Water Puppet Show
- End the night with a stroll through the Old Quarter's lively streets and night market (weekends only)
If you only have two days in Hanoi, this itinerary provides a well-rounded introduction to the city's history, culture, iconic landmarks, and most famous local dishes.
Where I Tell Friends to Stay in Hanoi
Whenever friends ask me where they should stay in Hanoi, my answer is usually simple: stay somewhere near the Old Quarter.
Most of the attractions on this list are either within walking distance or only a short ride away. Staying centrally located makes the entire trip more convenient and allows you to experience the atmosphere of Hanoi long after the daytime crowds disappear.
One hotel I often recommend is Meritel Hanoi.
What I like most about Meritel Hanoi is its location. You're close to the Old Quarter, Train Street, Hoan Kiem Lake, and many of Hanoi's most popular attractions, making it an excellent base for first-time visitors.
Beyond its convenient location, the hotel offers a range of facilities that can make a stay in Hanoi even more enjoyable. The rooftop swimming pool is a welcome escape after a long day of sightseeing, while the spa provides a relaxing place to unwind. Guests can also maintain their fitness routine at the gym, enjoy Vietnamese cuisine at the restaurant, or end the evening with a drink at the bar. For couples, families, and solo travelers alike, it strikes a nice balance between comfort, convenience, and modern amenities.
If it were my first trip to Hanoi, staying somewhere with this kind of location and full-service facilities would probably be one of the smartest decisions I could make.
Final Thoughts
Hanoi isn't a city that reveals itself all at once.
Some memories come from famous landmarks like Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Others come from sitting in a hidden café, sipping egg coffee while watching the city move around you. That's part of what makes Hanoi special.
If you're visiting for the first time, these ten experiences will give you a well-rounded introduction to the city. More importantly, they'll help you experience Hanoi the way I usually introduce it to visiting friends: through its history, food, culture, and everyday charm.
And who knows? You might leave with your own list of favorite Hanoi memories.
