15 Best Things to Do in Hanoi Old Quarter

Oh man, Hanoi! It’s this super cool capital of Vietnam, where the old-school traditions mix perfectly with the lively modern scene. If you’re anything like me, an American just soaking in all the awesome stuff this beautiful place has to offer, you’ve gotta check out the heart of Hanoi—the Old Quarter. That’s the spot where you really feel the city’s vibe, packed with history, culture, amazing food, and some hidden treasures. Seriously, Hanoi Old Quarter is a complete attack on your senses—in the most positive way. And voilà—things that you really need to see in Hanoi Old Quarter:

1. Walking Around Hoan Kiem Lake

Your tour starts from Hanoi Old Quarter around Hoan Kiem Lake, which acts like a chill eye in the middle of the crazy city. Catch the early morning locals around to see them relaxed, doing Tai Chi, jogging, or simply having a cup of coffee while sitting over here. During the evening, the reflections of red lights of the famous Huc Bridge and the Ngoc Son Temple present a colorful pattern across the lake. It is so nice, so pleasant—a great spot to relax and feel the vibe of the city.

Pro Tip:

Take an egg coffee from one of the cafes and take a walk around the lake, sipping it—hot and full of the ideal Hanoi atmosphere.

2. Witness the History at Ngoc Son Temple

A visit to Hoan Kiem Lake will not be complete without visiting Ngoc Son Temple. Situated on this tiny island and accessible by the small red bridge of Huc, this little beautiful temple is dedicated to the national hero, General Tran Hung Dao. Providing insight into Vietnamese culture, the temple also forms a great backdrop for photos.

3. Get Utterly Lost Within the Insane Streets of the Old Quarter

The Old Quarter has all those 36 old streets, each carrying down their loads of silk, jewelry, or herbal medicine. It is a real walk down a path into the past. There is nothing quite like a walk down those narrow, snaking lanes. You'll get peeks at street hawkers, zooming motorbikes, small temples squished between imposing French colonial buildings, and more.

Don't Miss:

Hang Gai Street: For silk and souvenirs.

Ta Hien Street: "Beer Street," where it's ideal to taste the Hanoi local beer, Bia Hoi.

4. You’ve Gotta Try Vietnamese Egg Coffee at Giang Café

Literally, one cannot go to Hanoi and not have egg coffee. This creamy, frothy goodness was invented right in the heart of the city. Get it at Giang Café, the place where this awesome drink was born. Dessert in a cup—very rich, sweet, and oh-so-yummy.

Fun Fact:

It was the milk shortage in the 1940s that gave rise to coffee with eggs.

5. Visit the Hanoi Weekend Night Market

You really have to experience Hanoi Night Market this weekend in Hanoi—running from Hang Dao Street right up to Dong Xuan Market, this is literally a hub of the Old Quarter, fully energized with clothes, souvenir items, and lots of street foods. Great atmosphere, especially after sundown.

6. Check Out Dong Xuan Market

So, for the markets, Dong Xuan Market is the biggest indoor one in Hanoi. It could be interesting to visit for buying clothes or maybe some electronics or local products. There is also a quite well-organized food court inside with typical Vietnamese dishes, like pho, bun cha, and nem ran.

7. Take a Cyclo Tour

When it gets too exhausting to walk, jump into a cyclo—three-wheeled bicycle taxi—which is a fun, relaxed way to see the Old Quarter without getting lost. Many of the cyclo drivers are fairly good guides, too, and you can pick up some good tidbits about Hanoi as you go.

Cyclo Riding Tip:

Make sure to haggle before you get onto a cyclo. A good price is about 100,000 VND ($4-5 USD) for a half-hour ride.

8. Explore Hanoi's Best-Kept-Secret Cafes

For coffee lovers, Hanoi turns out to be nothing but a dream come true. There are plenty of cozy cafes in the Old Quarter, sneakingly hidden either in some small alleys or upstairs. One place I really like is Café Pho Co; it has a very stunning view of Hoan Kiem Lake. Another wonderful place is Note Coffee, which is famous for cute, colored notes left by people all around the world.

9. Explore the Infamous

Train Street is, like, one of the coolest spots for photos in Hanoi. Imagine you're chillin', having some coffee, and—whoosh!—there's a train just passing you by, super close! It's such an exciting vibe; you'll remember it, for sure. Just be smart and do what the locals do to stay safe.

Safety Tip:

Trains pass at appointed times, so check with cafe owners for safe viewing times.

10. Explore Street Food Heaven

Hanoi's Old Quarter is literally a dream come true for street food enthusiasts. A couple of must-tries include the renowned Beef Noodle Soup and the tasty Vietnamese Baguette Sandwich—your palate will thank you! Seriously, try either the Grilled Pork with Noodles or even the Sweet Vietnamese Dessert Soup.

Foodie Faves:

Pho Thin: For authentic pho.

Banh Mi 25: For a classic banh mi.

Quan An Ngon: Serves a wide range of Vietnam's specialty dishes.

11. Don't Miss the Ancient House at 87 Ma May

The Ma May Ancient House is a cool old-school 19th-century pad and a great example of classic Vietnamese architecture. It's a quick trip, but you'll really get an interesting look at how people in Hanoi lived way back when.

12. Attend a Water Puppet Show

You really can't come to Hanoi and not catch a Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre—this tradition is from the 11th century, with colored puppets dancing on water to the accompaniment of live music.

13. You Have to See St. Joseph's Cathedral

This neo-Gothic cathedral reminds me completely of Notre-Dame de Paris and is one of the oldest churches in Hanoi. Within walking distance of famous Hoan Kiem Lake, St. Joseph's Cathedral is something architecture buffs and Instagram enthusiasts will appreciate.

14. Relax at Ta Hien Street (Beer Street)

Ta Hien Street, which everyone calls the "International Crossroad," is this awesome place where travelers and locals hang out over some cheap beers. When night falls, the street comes alive with music, laughter, and clinking beer glasses. It's the perfect place to chill out after a day of exploration.

15. How About a Trip to Bat Trang Pottery Village?

If time allows, join the half-day tour to Bat Trang Pottery Village, which is only 30 minutes away from the Hanoi Old Quarter. You can also try to make pottery, buy some lovely souvenirs, and even bring home a part of your 'masterpiece.'