18 Things to Do in Hanoi: Must-Try Activities for 2025

Hanoi is a city of wonderful contradictions. Ancient temples sit peacefully next to trendy cafes, and the hum of motorbike traffic is the constant soundtrack to a city steeped in history. It’s a place where tradition and modernity don’t just coexist; they blend into something truly special.

I’m guessing you’re thinking about a trip here, and I want to tell you what a great idea that is. With travel feeling fresh and exciting again, 2025 is the perfect time to visit Hanoi. The city is buzzing with a renewed energy, offering new experiences alongside its timeless charm.

1. Trending Things To Do In Hanoi Vietnam 2025

Step into Incense Village (Quang Phu Cau)

Imagine standing amidst thousands of colorful incense sticks drying under the sun. This village offers an amazing scene for photography and a genuine look into a local tradition that has been alive for more than 100 years. It’s a feast for the eyes and the soul.

The local people here are very welcoming and are happy to let you wander and take pictures. You will find raised platforms that give you the perfect angle to capture the massive, vibrant bouquets of incense from above. Have you ever seen a craft so colorful?

Morning Coffee by Hoan Kiem Lake

There is nothing quite like experiencing Hanoi’s famous café culture at sunrise. Find a small cafe with a view of Hoan Kiem Lake and just watch the city come to life. You’ll see locals practicing the slow, graceful movements of tai chi by the water.

Sipping a strong, sweet Vietnamese coffee as the morning light filters through the trees is a simple, peaceful moment. It’s my favorite way to begin a day of sightseeing in the capital. What’s your go-to ritual when you’re in a new city?

Witness the Buzz of Train Street

This is easily one of Hanoi’s most unique attractions. A fully operational railway track passes through a narrow residential street, with cafes and shops just inches away. The energy and excitement when the train rumbles through is an experience you won’t soon forget.

For 2025, new safety improvements and tourist regulations are in place. This ensures you can still witness the thrilling moment the train passes by, but from safer, designated spots. It keeps the experience special while making sure everyone stays out of harm’s way.

Fall in Love with Hanoi Autumn

Hanoi in the fall is something out of a storybook. The air turns cool, a gentle breeze rustles through the trees, and golden leaves blanket the sidewalks, creating a truly romantic feeling. It’s the perfect weather for spending hours walking around the city.

This beautiful season is becoming more popular, and autumn 2025 is expected to attract many travelers looking for that ideal climate. The comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery make it a fantastic time to visit. Do you have a favorite season for your travels?

Walk Through the Old Quarter

The only way to properly see the Old Quarter is on foot. The narrow streets are a lively mix of street food vendors, French colonial architecture, and hidden alleys that lead to quiet pagodas. It’s a wonderful assault on the senses.

Allow yourself to get a little lost here. That’s how you find the best things. You will stumble upon charming shops and peaceful courtyards that aren’t on any map. What is the most memorable discovery you’ve made just by wandering through a new place? To see how you can combine Hanoi with Ha Long Bay and Sapa, follow our detailed Northern Vietnam Itinerary 7 Days.

2. Places to visit In Hanoi Vietnam

Hanoi has so many layers of history and culture. Once you’ve seen the trending spots, it’s time to check out some of the city’s most significant landmarks. These places give you a deeper appreciation for the capital’s long and fascinating story.

Temple of Literature

This is Vietnam’s first-ever university and a beautiful example of traditional Vietnamese architecture. The Temple of Literature is a peaceful sanctuary with perfectly manicured gardens and courtyards, offering a quiet break from the busy streets of the city.

Walking through the ancient gateways and pavilions feels like stepping back in time. It was a center for learning and Confucian thought for centuries. Can you imagine students walking these same grounds nearly a thousand years ago?

Bat Trang Pottery Village

Just a short trip from the city center lies a village dedicated to the art of ceramics. At Bat Trang, you can watch artisans work their magic on the pottery wheel and even try making your own creation. It’s a fun, hands-on cultural activity.

For an easy and immersive trip to the village, we have a tour that handles all the details for you. The Bat Trang Ceramic & Lacquer Painting tour includes hands-on workshops, letting you create your own unique pieces. This is the perfect place to pick up some unique souvenirs to take home. The sheer variety of pottery, from simple bowls to intricate decorative pieces, is incredible. You get to support local artisans while finding a special memento of your trip.

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

To get a better sense of Vietnam’s incredible diversity, a visit to this museum is a must. It showcases the history, culture, and lifestyles of the nation’s 54 official ethnic groups. The exhibits are thoughtfully presented and super informative.

The outdoor section is my favorite part. It features full-size replicas of traditional village homes from different regions of Vietnam. You can walk through the houses and see firsthand how different communities live, giving you a much richer perspective on the country.

Ba Vi National Park

When you need a break from the city’s energy, Ba Vi National Park is the ideal escape. This mountain retreat offers fresh air, lush forests, and scenic hiking trails. The panoramic views from the top are well worth the journey.

It’s a wonderful day trip that lets you see a different side of northern Vietnam’s natural beauty. The park is home to two temples at the mountain’s summit, adding a spiritual element to your nature walk. What’s your favorite way to reconnect with nature?

3. Things To Do In Hanoi Vietnam At Night

Hanoi transforms when the sun goes down. The heat of the day fades, and a new kind of energy takes over the streets. From bustling beer corners to serene lakeside spots, the city offers a whole different set of experiences after dark.

If you want to see the best of the city’s nightlife without the hassle of planning, a guided tour is a great option. Our Experience Hanoi City After Dark tour shows you the highlights, from amazing food to the liveliest local spots.

Ta Hien Street – The Beer Corner

This is the heart of Hanoi’s nightlife. Ta Hien Street is a loud, busy, and exciting intersection where locals and travelers gather on tiny plastic stools to drink fresh beer and chat. The atmosphere is absolutely electric and incredibly welcoming.

Don’t be shy; just find a seat and join in. It’s one of the best places to meet fellow travelers and soak up the city’s social vibe. The beer is light, refreshing, and unbelievably cheap, making it easy to spend an evening here.

Traditional Water Puppet Show

For a one-of-a-kind cultural experience, you have to see a water puppet show. This is a traditional Vietnamese performance art where skilled puppeteers tell stories of local legends and daily life, using a pool of water as their stage.

It’s a charming and creative spectacle accompanied by live traditional music. The puppets seem to dance on the water’s surface, and it’s amazing to watch. This art form has been practiced for centuries and remains a truly special part of Vietnamese culture.

Evening Chat at St. Joseph’s Cathedral

The area around St. Joseph’s Cathedral becomes a popular gathering spot in the evenings. The neo-gothic church is beautifully lit at night, creating a romantic backdrop. Young people and travelers often sit on the curb, drinking lemon tea and enjoying the cool air.

It’s a much more laid-back vibe compared to Ta Hien street, making it a great spot for a quiet chat and people-watching. This is where you can see a slice of modern local life against a historic setting..

Street Food Heaven at Tong Duy Tan

If you get hungry late at night, Hanoi has you covered. Tong Duy Tan is known as “food street,” and for good reason. It’s a place where you can find delicious Vietnamese dishes served at all hours, as the kitchens here never seem to close.

From steaming bowls of phở to sizzling fried rice, the options are endless. This is the perfect spot for a midnight meal after a night out. It’s a true street food paradise that satisfies any craving you might have.

Lotte Observation Deck

For the best view of Hanoi, head to the Lotte Observation Deck. From the 65th floor, you can see the entire city skyline spread out below you, glittering with millions of lights. It’s a breathtaking sight that puts the scale of the city into perspective.

The glass-floored skywalk is a thrilling addition for those who aren’t afraid of heights. Seeing the city lit up at night from so high up is a truly memorable experience and a fantastic way to end an evening in Hanoi.

4. Food to Try in Hanoi Vietnam

You can’t talk about Hanoi without talking about the food. The city is a street food lover’s dream, with legendary dishes that have been perfected over generations. Every meal here is an opportunity to try something delicious and authentic.

Phở – The National Icon

This is the dish that Vietnam is famous for, and Hanoi is one of the best places to eat it. A simple but perfect combination of a savory broth, soft rice noodles, fresh herbs, and tender beef or chicken.

You’ll find phở being served on every street corner, from simple carts to established restaurants. Every local has their favorite spot. It’s the ultimate comfort food and a bowl of pure Vietnamese goodness.

Bún Chả – Obama’s Favorite Dish in Hanoi

Bún chả became world-famous after President Obama enjoyed it with Anthony Bourdain. The dish consists of grilled fatty pork patties and slices served in a bowl of tangy dipping sauce, accompanied by rice noodles and a basket of fresh herbs.

It’s a lunchtime classic in Hanoi. The mix of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors is completely addictive. This is a dish you absolutely cannot miss when you are in the city.

Bia Hơi – Hanoi’s Fresh Draft Beer

Bia Hơi is more than just a drink; it’s a part of daily life in Hanoi. This light and refreshing draft beer is brewed daily and served ice-cold in small glasses. It’s the perfect way to cool down after a day of walking.

You will find it at street-side stalls all over the city, where locals gather to unwind after work. Pulling up a stool and enjoying a cheap, fresh beer is an essential Hanoi experience.

Chả Cá Lã Vọng – Turmeric Fish with Dill

This is a true Hanoi specialty with a long history. Chả Cá is made with fish marinated in turmeric and galangal, which is then pan-fried with a generous amount of fresh dill and spring onions. You assemble your own bowl with noodles, peanuts, and dipping sauce.

It’s an interactive and incredibly flavorful meal. The dish is so famous that the street it was created on was named after it. It’s a unique taste of Hanoi’s culinary heritage. After experiencing Hanoi, see what the rest of the country has in store by reading our complete guide to the Best Things to Do in Vietnam.

Conclusion

Hanoi in 2025 is a city that perfectly balances its historic charm with a fresh, modern energy. You can spend your mornings in quiet temples and your evenings in lively beer gardens. It’s a place that offers something for every kind of traveler.

If Hanoi sparks your love for this country, it’s also the perfect starting point for a bigger adventure. Our 7-day Northern Vietnam tour can take you from the city’s buzz to the stunning landscapes of Ha Long Bay and the misty mountains of Sapa. My advice is to plan your trip with an open mind and a big appetite. Give yourself time to wander, get lost in the Old Quarter, and try as much of the amazing food as you can. Hanoi is a city that will stay with you long after you’ve left.

FAQs About Things To Do In Hanoi Vietnam