So you’ve seen the top tourist spots in Hanoi? Well then, it's worthwhile to explore the city like the locals do. Let me take you gallivanting to the hustle and bustle that is the real hipster Hanoi.
Get a taste of what food the locals adore, though it might get quite eccentric, visit the nooks and crannies of the local markets, witness cultural performances, and explore this bustling city like the Vietnamese.
Hanoi City is the capital of Vietnam and the second biggest city in the country, with a population of more than 5 million people. Once the capital of French Indochina before European influences appeared in the city's architecture, which you will quickly notice. It is sometimes monikered as the Paris of the East.
The name Hanoi actually means ‘River within' and had other charming names in the past, like Thang Long meaning Ascending Dragon or Dong Do, meaning Eastern Metropolis, just to name a few.
The hipster charm has to come from somewhere, right?
My Hotel Recommendations For Hanoi
($$$) Best 5-star hotel in the heart of Hanoi: The Oriental Jade Hotel
The Oriental Jade Hotel, conveniently located in the heart of Hanoi, offers comfortable and well-equipped rooms with modern amenities. Enjoy the outdoor swimming pool, stay connected with free WiFi, and keep up with your fitness routine at the fitness center. The hotel features a restaurant serving a variety of cuisines, including Vietnamese, Asian, and European dishes, with options for vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free preferences.
Check availability & best rates
($$) Best 4-star hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter: Hanoi Pearl Hotel
In the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter, the Hanoi Pearl Hotel is in a prime location to explore the renowned Hoan Kiem Lake and nearby attractions with ease. The hotel provides a comfortable stay, offering modern amenities such as a fitness center and free Wi-Fi. From the well-appointed rooms to the attentive services like laundry and airport shuttle arrangements, you can be sure that your experience at the Hanoi Pearl Hotel will be truly enjoyable.
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Hanoi Chic Boutique Hotel
Hanoi Chic Boutique Hotel, situated in the vibrant Hoan Kiem district of Hanoi, offers comfortable accommodations with modern amenities. With its convenient location near Dong Xuan Market and St. Joseph Cathedral, you can easily explore the city's attractions. The hotel features a 24-hour front desk and a snack bar, providing convenience and comfort for a memorable stay in Hanoi.
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Luxury choice outside of the Old Quarter: Sheraton Hanoi West Lake (where I stayed!)
Exploring Hanoi's numerous hidden gems can be enjoyable, but you will be tired at the end of the day. Worry not, if you need a comfortable place to lay your head, book your stay at Sheraton Hanoi, located on the shores of peaceful West Lake, only 10-15 minutes away from busy downtown.
Surrounded by lush gardens, the Sheraton offers an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, spa, as well as transportation and limousine service. Make sure you wake up early just to sit and devour the delightful breakfast buffet!
Check availability & best rates
Related Article: Where To Stay In Hanoi: The Best Areas & Hotels Revealed
Top Hanoi Hidden Gems
Beyond its famous landmarks and bustling streets, Hanoi hides a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
In this guide, I will unveil some of the must-see spots and top hidden gems of Hanoi, showcasing lesser-known attractions, cultural treasures, and local Hanoi secret spots that will add depth and authenticity to your visit.
1. Have a Coconut or Egg Coffee at The Note Coffee
I am generally starting every day with good coffee because you know what they say, ‘Life begins after coffee.'
Coconut coffee? Egg coffee? Yes, that's definitely something new but isn't that what travelling is all about, exploring the new!
These sweet and creamy coffees are like caffeine and dessert in one. The coconut iced coffee includes coconut milk and condensed milk to add to the sweet taste.
The egg coffee seems to be on a whole new level. It's made of drip coffee, condensed milk and a whipped raw egg yolk that gives it a thick and creamy texture. The egg dominates this drink and gives it a crème brûlée flavour. Yum!
For a cup of these delicious Vietnamese delicacies, head over to The Note Coffee Hanoi, nearby Hoan Kiem Lake, a coffee shop that is as special as the coconut coffee and egg coffee itself.
The colourful walls are covered in post-it notes with messages from travellers all over the globe. Don’t forget to add one there after you have your cup of joy. Perfect to start off a day of exploring the city of Hanoi.
Here are a few more of my favourite coffee places in Hanoi:
- Hidden Gem Coffee: As the name suggests, this café is a true hidden gem tucked away on a small alley off Hang Tre Street. Discover this hidden oasis and unwind with a cup of coffee, surrounded by lush greenery and a peaceful ambiance.
- Café Giang: Located on Nguyen Huu Huan Street, this hidden gem is famous for its traditional Vietnamese egg coffee. Step inside and savor the rich and creamy coffee concoction, prepared with a unique recipe passed down through generations.
2. Discover All Corners and Back alleys of The Old Quarter
The Old Quarter has been a business hub ever since the 13th century. Although the products on sale have changed from silk, cotton and herbs to present-day goods and services, the Old Quarter's charm has remained with its distinctive colonial architecture and well-preserved shop houses.
There are 36 old streets in the quarter, so you will never run out of nooks and corners to explore. All those streets were actually named after the specialised things they sell, such as Bat Su, meaning China bowls, or Cha Ca, indicating roasted fish (which you will surely smell too!), Hang Bac selling silver and jewellery, Hang Dau exhibiting shoes and sandals and many many more.
Do expect crowded streets, narrow empty streets, hidden backyards, sidewalk dining scenes and insights into the life of Vietnamese families as their living room normally leads out to the street and often stands open.
You will be overwhelmed at first, but this part of town will grow on you the more you explore it; that’s a promise!
The Old Quarter has it all, from art galleries to cafes, bars, and restaurants, bakeries, and boutique shops. On one of the main streets of the Old Quarter, you can find the Dong Xuan Market, which is the oldest and largest marketplace in Vietnam.
After you wander the streets of the Old Quarter for a few hours, I highly recommend booking a Vietnamese culinary class in the afternoon. It's an incredible experience!
Book my recommended cooking class here
3. Admire the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Although not exactly a top-secret spot, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum lands this list because it definitely is one of Hanoi's gems.
This mausoleum is to honour their national hero and former president, Ho Chi Minh for aiding the country back to independence and unity.
The Mausoleum was built through donations from all over the country to fund its construction from the exterior granite, the interior wood to the plants and bonsais in its lush gardens.
A day at this historical landmark starts with the raising ceremony of the Vietnamese flag at 6 am by an army of soldiers. If you like to sleep in, opt for the 9 pm flag lowering ceremony.
4. Dive into Street Food Paradise
It’s about time for lunch after so much walking around, don’t you think? And Hanoi is truly a foodie's paradise, especially if you enjoy street food.
You can find little street food stalls all around the Old Quarter, on the main streets, the side streets and little alleys, and especially during the night market. You might be familiar with Pho, a flavourful Vietnamese noodle soup that is served in many restaurants.
There are different ways of serving Pho. Try Pho Ga, which adds chicken to the soup and Pho Bo, one of my personal favourites, which adds thinly sliced beef to the noodles. And then there’s Pho Xao, which is stir-fried noodles usually served with vegetables.
Another street food you cannot go past is the Banh Mi, a Vietnamese sandwich that’s the result of French meets Asian cuisine. The French part is the baguette, and the Asian part is what goes inside, which are cold cuts, pate, cucumber, carrots, daikon, topped off with mayo and hot chili sauce, of course.
Bun Cha, a favourite of locals and travellers alike, is another Hanoi food gem that you shouldn't miss. It literally means grilled pork but in actuality, there is a little more to it. It's like a vermicelli bowl where meat strips and minced pork patties are added. Usually, there is a side of fresh herbs, and red chili, and minced garlic. Mix everything in the soup before eating!
To get a real local perspective on Vietnamese food, I recommend booking a food tour, as this is the only way to find the hidden gems in Hanoi! Joining a food tour was definitely a highlight of my visit to Hanoi.
5. Watch the Chess Players at the Temple of the Jade Mountain
Towards the southern end of the Old Quarter, you will find Hoan Kiem Lake.
Visible from the edges is a small island. This is where the Temple of the Jade Mountain (Ngoc Son Temple) lies. You can get there by walking over a small but beautiful red bridge called the Welcoming Morning Sunlight Bridge.
On the other side awaits a Buddhist temple built way back in the 18th century and is dedicated to General Tran Hung Dao, a 13th-century military commander, to Van Xuong, a Confucian scholar who aided in the temple's restoration, and to La To, the patron saint of physicians.
The temple's pavilion is a favourite spot for old men playing chess.
The best time to visit is early in the morning or late afternoon when you can also see people doing Tai Chi, yoga or work out.
6. Learn about old Vietnamese legends while watching The Water Puppet Show
Hanoi's water puppet show is a spectacle to behold and a perfect thing to see while winding down in the late afternoon.
Dating back to the 11th century, water puppetry has been a traditional art unique to Northern Vietnam. This cultural performance originates centuries back when villagers would entertain each other by putting on shows in flooded rice patties.
Today, this is depicted through puppets' performance over the water in short skits held at the Thang Long Water Puppetry Theater accompanied by live traditional music.
The shows all center on Vietnamese legends and the historic way of life and is definitely something not to be missed in Hanoi.
Book your tickets to the show & skip the line
7. Join the Locals Dance, Run And Perform around Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake is the centre of Hanoi, where the locals meet. It’s a welcome respite from the busy city and all those motorbikes.
There is an interesting legend about this lake that you definitely should discover. One hint? It has to do with tortoises, which are also nurtured in the lake. This a perfect opportunity to chat with the locals and find out!
If you are used to doing your afternoon or even morning exercise, you definitely can join the numerous joggers here, with many already starting to get active around 5 am.
There are also a lot of people doing yoga, tai-chi, and aerobics, as it’s a great place for exercise or for simply observing the Vietnamese way of life if you don’t feel like sweating.
On the weekends, the street around the lake is closed off to pedestrians, and there is a lot more going on with shows, performances and music all day long.
8. Relax at the Temple Of Literature
Just 10 minutes from Hoan Kiem Lake is Vietnam's first national university, The Temple of Literature. It was originally erected to honour Confucius. Today, it is a school where students learn Confucianism, literature, and poetry.
The temple also honours Confucian scholars of the past with their names listed on tombstones atop tortoise backs and also, today's excellent students and top performers in exams.
A well-known practice for students who are about to take important examinations is to visit the Temple of Literature to pray and rub the tortoise heads for guidance and luck.
And for tired travellers like you and me, it’s a tranquil place to relax and unwind. In my case, I had the opportunity to watch a school class on their graduation day and throw their hats, so cool!
9. Cycle around West Lake & View the Sunset
A great way to explore a different side of Hanoi is by bicycle. There are many bicycle rental shops and guided tours that you can join. One of the best routes to take is around West Lake, Hanoi’s largest freshwater lake.
It used to be surrounded by royal palaces, while presently, luxury hotels and premier housing surround the lake.
The bike route will take you through little parks, past sparkling temples, water parks, and various shops and restaurants you can stop in for a bite. There are also some great spots to watch the glorious sunset.
Stop off at Tran Quoc Pagoda situated on a small island in Hanoi's West Lake, this ancient Buddhist temple offers a serene escape from the bustling city. With its beautiful pagoda and picturesque surroundings, it's a hidden gem that offers a peaceful retreat.
10. Shop ‘Til You Drop at Hanoi Night Market
When in Hanoi, do not pass up a chance to check out the weekend night market, where you can perfectly browse for souvenirs and buy yourself some inexpensive clothes.
The market starts around 6 pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday and stretches 3km along Hang Dao from the lake all the way to Dong Xuan Market. The street is closed to traffic and occupied by many different stalls, one after the other.
11. Get a Birdseye Perspective from the Observation Deck at Lotte Center
For an even better view of the city, head over to Lotte Center Hanoi, hop on their high-speed elevator and zip your way to the 65th floor in just 50 seconds.
The panoramic views of the city look even better at night with all the twinkling lights.
Book your tickets to the observation deck & skip the line
The Lotte Center Hanoi was Southeast Asia's first skywalk entirely made of glass adjacent to the observation deck. Check out the Bamboo Path, a simulated walk through bamboo trees with a starry sky overhead.
The observation deck also has a coffee shop and restaurant. Events such as dance contests, live acoustic performances, and magic shows take place here, especially over the weekend and during holidays.
12. Go on an Early Morning Adventure to Long Bien Market & Visit Mosaic Mural Road
Fancy getting up at 3.30 am? Call me crazy, but an early morning city tour is definitely worth dragging yourself out of bed. One place to go to in the early hours is the Long Bien Market, as its main products are fresh fruits and vegetables.
If you think getting there at 4.00 am is an ungodly hour, the market vendors actually arrive here as early as 1.00 am to sell the freshest produce. The place can be very crowded and congested, not just with people and produce but with huge trucks and motorbikes too, so watch your feet.
Remember the delicious Pho, Banh Mi and Bun Cha you had for lunch? The fresh ingredients to make those most likely were bought at Long Bien Market.
After the market, make your way to the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural, an extraordinary artistic endeavor that spans 4 kilometers along the Red River dyke in Hanoi. Comprised of countless ceramic tiles, this stunning mural showcases intricate designs and vibrant colors, depicting scenes from Vietnamese history and culture.
Recognized as the world's largest ceramic mosaic, it is a true masterpiece that showcases the artistic talent and cultural richness of Hanoi.
13. Hanoi Train Street
Train Street in Hanoi is a unique and in recent years pretty popular attraction located in the Old Quarter.
You can find the street on Google by typing in Hanoi Train Street. This narrow alley is famous for its close proximity to the railway tracks where trains pass through multiple times a day.
You can witness the incredible sight of trains passing just inches away from houses and cafes. It's a fascinating experience to see the local residents quickly move their belongings and temporary cafes off the tracks moments before the train's arrival.
Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere, capture memorable photos and enjoy the adrenaline rush as the train rushes by. Train Street offers a glimpse into the daily lives of the locals and provides a thrilling experience as one of the most unique things to do in Hanoi.
Book Your Trip To Vietnam
Book Your Flight
I recommend using Skyscanner as the easiest way to find and compare the best airfares to and within Vietnam.
Book Your Hotel
My top pick for finding the perfect accommodation is Booking.com, as they guarantee the best room rate available, plus you get free cancellation on most bookings.
Book Your Tours & Activities
I like finding and pre-booking tours with Get Your Guide and Viator. You will book with instant confirmation, great customer support, and free cancellation for many activities.
Access Money Overseas Without Hidden Fees
I highly recommend getting a Wise account to withdraw money in Vietnam, pay for meals on the Visa card, or shop in Vietnamese Dong. With Wise, you always pay the real exchange, so you never pay more than you need to.
Stay Connected Anywhere
Getting an eSIM card from Airalo eliminates the need for physical SIM cards, so you can easily switch between mobile networks in over 190 countries worldwide without expensive roaming fees.
Don't Go Without Travel Insurance
Travel with confidence, knowing that Hey Mondo, my preferred travel insurance provider, has your back. Don't let illness, accidents, theft, or cancellations ruin your trip. As a Breathing Travel reader, you also get 5% off any policy purchased!
Top Hanoi Tips
Here are some of my top tips for an unforgettable visit to Hanoi, Vietnam, to make the most of your time in this vibrant and culturally rich city.
- Visit cultural and historical sites: Hanoi is rich in history and culture. Explore the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to learn about the country's past and cultural heritage. Visit the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long and Hoa Lo Prison to gain insight into Hanoi's tumultuous history.
- Be cautious with traffic: Hanoi's streets can be chaotic, with heavy traffic and a constant stream of motorbikes. Exercise caution when crossing the roads and consider booking a local guided tour to navigate the city safely.
- Embrace the local customs: Respect Vietnamese customs and traditions by dressing modestly when visiting temples or religious sites. Be mindful of cultural etiquette, such as removing your shoes before entering someone's home or covering your shoulders in religious places.
- Engage with the locals: Interact with the friendly locals to better understand Hanoi's culture and way of life. Join a cooking class, learn basic Vietnamese phrases, or simply strike up a conversation with a local to experience the warmth and hospitality of the Vietnamese people.
- Take a cyclo ride: Experience a traditional mode of transportation in Hanoi by taking a cyclo ride. These three-wheeled bicycles with a passenger seat in front allow you to leisurely explore the city streets while taking in the sights and sounds. Make sure to negotiate the price beforehand and enjoy a unique perspective of the city.
- Take day trips to nearby attractions: Hanoi serves as a gateway to stunning natural landscapes and cultural sites. Consider taking day trips to places like Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, or travel to Sapa to explore the breathtaking scenery and immerse yourself in the beauty of Vietnam.
Hanoi Hidden Gems – Final Words
Hanoi is not only a captivating city in its own right but also serves as a fantastic gateway to other breathtaking destinations in Vietnam.
From Hanoi, you can embark on an unforgettable overnight stay in Halong Bay, where you'll be treated to stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters. hang dao
Additionally, Hanoi is the perfect starting point for embarking on exhilarating hikes in the picturesque region of Sapa, where you can explore terraced rice fields, encounter ethnic minority communities, and witness breathtaking mountain landscapes.
Whether you choose to uncover the hidden gems of Hanoi or venture further into Vietnam's natural wonders, Hanoi offers a truly remarkable experience for every traveler.
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