From culture to cuisine: 10 unmissable to-do things while visiting Hanoi

1. Enjoy the street food and beverages

Tourists eat out at night in Ta Hien in Hanoi. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy

If you want to immerse yourself in the culture of Hanoi, then start by trying the local cuisine like a true local.

The capital is famous for its food scene with street food stalls, bustling markets, and neighborhood cafes all in on the action. Whether enjoying a traditional meal at a family-owned restaurant or nibbling on snacks from a market vendor, embracing Hanoi’s food culture is the perfect way to connect with its heart and soul.

The bustling streets are filled with food shops offering iconic dishes like pho at Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su (10 Ly Quoc Su Street, Hoan Kiem District), bun dau mam tom at Bun dau mam tom Hang Khay Co Tuyen (31 Hang Khay Street, Hoan Kiem), and banh cuon at Banh Cuon Gia An (21A Lo Duc Street, Hai Ba Trung District), each brimming with flavors that reflect Hanoi’s rich culinary heritage.

Sipping a glass of bia hoi, the city’s famous fresh beer, alongside locals at a street-side café provides a genuine taste of everyday life.

During his first visit to Hanoi from the U.S., Gavin expressed his newfound love for bun dau mam tom, a dish consisting of vermicelli noodles (bun) served with fried tofu (dau) and a strong, pungent shrimp paste dip (mam tom).

"I love bun dau mam tom. It’s so good, I don’t even know what people are talking about when they say the smell is too much, I think the smell is very good, haha!

"I really liked the food, of course. I also really liked sitting on the little plastic chairs and how many things are semi-outdoors. Everything tastes fresh, feels fresh, and is just so lively."

2. Experience Hanoi’s coffee culture

People drink coffee on a sidewalk in Hanoi's Old Quarter. Photo by Shutterstock/Minh Tan

Coffee in Hanoi is more than just a drink, it brings locals together.

While trendy cafes that serve espresso-based drinks are on the rise, traditional coffee shops like Giang Cafe at 39 Nguyen Huu Huan Street and Dinh Cafe at 13 Dinh Tien Hoang Street offer local brews like egg coffee, iced coffee with condensed milk, and coconut coffee and are the heart and soul of the culture.

Traditional cafés, often tucked away in the old quarter, serve strong, flavorful Vietnamese drip coffee, perfect for sipping slowly while people-watching.

These cafes are common gathering spots where locals come together to relax, chat, and connect.

Whether sitting on a small plastic stool by the street or in a café, exploring Hanoi’s coffee culture provides a deeper connection with the city’s rhythms and charm.

Terje Midthus, a tourist from Norway, said: "I have tried many cafe shops in Hanoi. Some of the coffee is too eggy and creamy, some are just too bitter. The egg coffee at Giang Cafe is just right. It’s good."

3. Try the pedal swan boats on West Lake

West Lake, Hanoi’s largest, offers a picturesque setting perfect for leisure activities, and one of its most charming attractions is the pedal swan boat experience.

These swan-shaped boats provide a unique way to explore the tranquil waters while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding greenery, historic landmarks, and vibrant cityscape.

It blends relaxation with light exercise and is ideal for couples, families, and friends. Whether you are seeking a romantic outing or a fun adventure, pedaling a swan boat on West Lake is an enchanting way to immerse yourself in Hanoi's natural beauty and cultural charm.

The rentals are around VND200,000 (US$7.86) for a larger boat suitable for a family, and VND100,000 ($3.93) for a smaller one for couples. The boats are available daily from 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and tickets can be purchased directly at the ticket counters near the dock.

4. Experience a cyclo ride around Hoan Kiem Lake

Cyclo and tourists near the Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi, July 7, 2016. Photo by Shutterstock/MinhHue

A cyclo ride around Hoan Kiem Lake is a charming way to slow down and enjoy the moment at a relaxed pace. You will be gently pedaled through the vibrant streets of the old quarter and offered a unique view of locals’ daily life.

Along the way, you will also see the tranquil waters of Hoan Kiem Lake, the iconic Ngoc Son Temple, and the shaded walkways where locals gather for their aerobic exercises. Whether it is morning or night, a cyclo ride offers an intimate and unforgettable way to explore Hanoi.

The cost of a cyclo ride around Hoan Kiem Lake is typically VND100,000-150,000 ($4-6) for a standard 1-hour ride through the Old Quarter and near the lake. Private cyclo tours or extended rides can cost between VND200,000 and 500,000 ($8 to $ 20), depending on the duration and stops. Since prices can fluctuate, it is best to agree on the fare before starting to avoid any misunderstanding.

5. Explore the night market

Foreign tourists visit a street food stall at a night market in Hanoi's Old Quarter, 2019. Photo by VnExpress/Vo Huyen

During a trip to Hanoi, besides exploring renowned historical and cultural landmarks, a visit to the Hanoi Weekend Night Market is also high on the list of must-do activities. The market stretches through the heart of Hanoi’s old quarter, with colorful stalls lining the streets and offering everything from handicrafts to trendy fashion items.

As you stroll through the bustling lanes, you will be surrounded by the sights, sounds, and scents that capture the essence of Hanoi's vibrant street culture.

This lively market offers a chance to savor authentic local foods, browse for distinctive souvenirs, and dive into the city’s energetic nightlife. The Hanoi Night Market typically opens on Friday and runs through Sunday evening. It starts around 6:00 p.m. and closes by midnight.

6. Take a Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour around Hanoi

People queue up to get on the Hanoi City Tour double-decker in Hanoi on April 29, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Anh Duy

The Hanoi Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour, also known as the Hanoi City bus tour, offers a simple way to explore the city’s top attractions at your own pace.

With a convenient route covering many attractions like Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Opera House, and the Imperial Citadel, the tour offers a wonderful sightseeing experience in the heart of the capital. Visitors can hop on and off the bus whenever they like to visit a site or take photos. Audio guides in various languages provide commentary about Hanoi’s history and culture, making it a perfect choice for tourists looking for an informative way to explore the city.

Tickets cost VND100,000 ($3.93) for a one-hour ticket, VND300,000 ($11.79) for four hours, and VND450,000 ($17.68) for 24 hours.

The buses that run daily pick up customers at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square during weekdays and the Hanoi Opera House on weekends.

7. Cross the Long Bien Bridge

A walk across Long Bien Bridge is an engaging way to explore Hanoi’s heritage and natural beauty. This century-old structure, designed and built by the French in 1902, stretches over the Red River, offering views of the waters below and the surrounding farmlands, and life along its banks.

During the Vietnam War, the bridge played a crucial role as a vital transportation link for goods and supplies, making it a strategic target for U.S. bombing campaigns.

Despite being badly damaged on several occasions, the bridge was repeatedly repaired by the Vietnamese.

A visit to Long Bien Bridge is a must for anyone looking to experience Hanoi's history, culture, and landscapes, and will leave one with a deeper appreciation for the city's resilience and charm.

8. Sign up for a scooter tour

Tour guides carry foreign tourists to explore Hanoi on vintage motorbikes. Photo courtesy of Hanoi Backstreet Tours

One can explore the vibrant streets of Hanoi by joining a scooter tour led by an expert guide, experiencing the energy while also visiting landmarks such as the Hanoi Cathedral, Train Street, Hoa Lo Prison, and the Opera House. The tour also winds across Long Bien Bridge and around West Lake with a stop at Tran Quoc Toan Pagoda. Every stop on the tour reveals a new layer of the city’s charm.

By the end of the tour, one would have explored Hanoi’s major landmarks and also gained a deeper appreciation of its vibrant culture and history.

Some highly rated tours popular among tourists include the Hanoi Motorbike Tour - Food, Culture & Fun by Vintage Motorbike, offered by Hanoi Backstreet Tours, and the Hanoi By Night Foodie Motorbike Tour, led by women and organized by Motorbike City Tours. They cost $55.00 and $65.00.

9. Learn how to cook traditional dishes

Enjoy the local cuisine? Then try stepping up by learning the art behind every dish in a traditional dishes cooking class. Guided by skilled local chefs, participants learn to make dishes like pho, spring rolls, and sizzling thin pancakes banh xeo using fresh ingredients sourced from local markets.

Beyond cooking techniques, these classes also provide insights into the cultural significance of Vietnamese cuisine and its role in daily life. Whether a seasoned foodie or a curious beginner, the cooking class offers one a hands-on opportunity to savor the city's flavors and take a taste of Vietnam home.

Two highly rated cooking classes are Hidden Gem—Hanoi Cooking Class and Apron Up Cooking Class, which cost $35.07 and $45.00, respectively.

10. Go on a Jeep tour

Foreign tourists riding a Jeep in Hanoi. Photo courtesy of Hanoi Backstreet Tours

Experience the highlights and hidden gems of Hanoi like never before on this half-day sightseeing tour in a classic army Jeep.

Riding in a vintage open-air Jeep, one winds through the bustling old quarter and visits cultural treasures like the Temple of Literature and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Along the way, knowledgeable guides share stories about Hanoi's history, culture, and architecture.

With its blend of excitement and rich storytelling, a Jeep tour provides a unique perspective of the city, making it a memorable experience for travelers seeking adventure.

You can find these Jeep tours on websites like hanoijeeptour.com and tripadvisor.com, and their prices generally range from $48 to $72 for a three- to four-hour tour.