Hanoi is Vietnam's most significant cultural hub, containing physical and intangible cultural monuments. Its history spans more than a thousand years, starting with the construction of the Thang Long fortress and continuing to the present day.

The villages, as well as Buddhist and French architecture, may be sprinkled throughout the city, which piques the attention of tourists in the cultural aspects of this bustling metropolis. Below is a comprehensive guide to Hanoi, filled with suggestions for things to do in Hanoi

Go to the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh.

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is widely regarded as one of the most noteworthy tourist attractions in both Vietnam as a whole and the city of Hanoi in particular.

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is open for business in the morning on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, as well as on Saturdays and Sundays.

Visitors are required to comply with certain demands, such as dressing appropriately, refraining from bringing electronic devices that may be used to record, and standing in line before entering the tomb.

It is imperative that you pay attention to the notice and proceed in the prescribed manner in order to access the tomb.

You will go by a different door after you leave this room since there is only one way to go. You will arrive to Uncle Ho's fish pond and stilt home if you enter via this entrance.

You are free to explore the natural beauty that can be found in Uncle Ho's garden at this time; however, you will need to be mindful of the places that you are not permitted to visit.

You resume your tour of the Ho Chi Minh museum by beginning at the ground level and following the instructions of the management board.

Go see the Temple of Literature.

One of Hanoi's many attractions is the Temple of Literature.  The Temple of Literature, also known as Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam, is a renowned historical landmark of Hanoi and a center for the preservation of Vietnamese culture and heritage.

The combined territory of Van Mieu and Quoc Tu Giam is known as Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam.

Confucius (551–479), the founder of Chinese Confucianism, is revered in Van Mieu. Chu Van An, the most revered educator in Vietnam, is honored at Quoc Tu Giam, the country's first university.

The Temple of Literature is now a tourist hotspot in Hanoi where outstanding pupils are recognized with prizes. Many students go to the Temple of Literature just before major examinations to seek divine intervention.

Try Egg Coffee

It is highly recommended that you include trying egg coffee on your list of things to do while in Hanoi.

This breakfast pastry, which is traditionally made with egg yolks, sugar, condensed milk, and robusta coffee, is just what you need to get your day off to a good start in the nation's capital. Egg coffee may be found at Giang Cafe, which is well-known across Hanoi. Egg coffee was popularized by this establishment, so ordering it there will give you the whole experience of how it came to be.

Explore the Old Quarter of Hanoi.

The Old Quarter in Hanoi is considered to be the city's "heart and soul."

There are 36 streets in Hanoi that are lined with historic buildings that have managed to preserve their appearance from the 19th century. The Old Quarter of Hanoi is a great place to spend the day wandering about, taking in the local culture and appreciating the calm and quiet environment of Hanoi.

Notably, during the fall, which is one of the greatest seasons to visit Hanoi, it will be much more pleasurable to stroll about the city owing to the pleasant weather and gorgeous golden leaves that are in plenty.

Additionally, there are a number of stores offering fine art handicrafts and rattan products; thus, it is highly recommended that you purchase some of these items as mementos for your friends and family. 

Enjoy a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake

An historic turtle tower can be found on a tiny peninsula in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake, which is another reason why this lake is a popular tourist destination in Hanoi. Hoan Kiem Lake is located in the heart of the city center.

You may locate some of Hanoi's most beautiful architectural achievements and priceless cultural relics close to Hoan Kiem Lake. These include the But Tower, the Nghieng Tower, and The Huc Bridge, which leads to the Ngoc Son Temple.

Ly Thai To Monument

The historical landmark known as Ly Thai To can be found on the southwestern shore of Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi. This structure has been there for one thousand years.

When Ly Thai To was king of Vietnam, he made the decision to relocate the capital from Hoa Lu, which is now located in Ninh Binh Province, to Thang Long, which is now the city of Hanoi.

Plan a weekend trip to Hoan Kiem Street.

Street performances are at their best on the weekend in Hanoi, making it the perfect time to see them.

The pedestrian walkway that goes all the way around Hoan Kiem Lake opens to the public at the end of this week. Even though people stroll about and snap photographs on a daily basis, the weekends remain the most exciting times to do so.

Performances such as Vietnamese folk dance, pop music, hip hop dance, Latin dances, or lively dancing are available for tourists and residents alike to enjoy.

In addition, there are a number of kiosks strewn throughout the strolling path that serve mouthwatering cuisine from the street vendors. The area surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake is known for its characteristic foods like as papaya salad with dried meat and Trang Tien ice cream.

Enjoy a drink on Ta Hien Street.

If Bui Vien Street is well-known in Saigon, then Ta Hien Street is well-known in Hanoi.

Beer lovers from all over the world should go to Ta Hien, which is located in the heart of Hanoi's historic area to sample some of the city's best brews.

On Ta Hien street, you won't find any upscale restaurants or pubs; rather, you'll find a concentration of sidewalk stores. People are seen sitting on plastic chairs outside the shop's entrance, where they are doing things like conversing with their friends while sipping cool beer.

The majority of the foods served at Ta Hien are simple yet delectable, and they make for an excellent complement to beers that are served ice cold and fresh.

Visit Dong Xuan Market

The Dong Xuan Market is the biggest market in the Hanoi Old Quarter. It is comprised of hundreds of booths that are lined up along small lanes.

Even though wholesalers are the primary customers for this market, there are also retail booths scattered around the market for customers to peruse.

A number of eateries can be found tucked away in a narrow lane that is located close to the Dong Xuan market.

If you like good cuisine, you shouldn't miss out on this opportunity! At a modest cost, you will have access to a variety of Hanoian dishes, such as pork rib porridge, bun cha, and che, among others.

Take in the One Pillar Pagoda's architecture.

A number of Buddhist temples and pagodas date back hundreds of years to Hanoi, which is considered to be the spiritual capital of Vietnam.

The architecture of the One Pillar Pagoda, which is distinctive to Vietnam, has been described as resembling a lotus flower.

You won't be able to miss the One Pillar Pagoda since it is situated in close proximity to the region that contains the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

>>> See more: ONE PILLAR PAGODA – THE UNIQUE SYMBOL HANOI

Explore Long Bien Bridge

The Long Bien Bridge has a history dating back more than a century, making it both a historical witness and a significant symbol of Hanoi.

In addition to this, it is the perfect location from which to experience the utmost in relaxation and tranquility while taking in the breathtaking aerial view of Hanoi.

These days, the Long Bien Bridge is a popular destination for visitors from all over the world who come to appreciate its architecture and find out more about the area's rich history.

On the bridge, guests will have the option to stroll, ride their bikes, or just take in the view of the Red River, which is known for its picturesque setting.

You should get a bite to eat at the neighboring flea market in the afternoon so that you may stock up on fresh produce, especially fruits and vegetables.

Explore the Thang Long Imperial Citadel.

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is one of the most well-known historical sites in Vietnam, having been constructed by many dynasties beginning in the seventh century.

Doan Mon, the Hanoi flag tower, Dien Kinh Thien, D67 House, Bac Mon, Hau Lau, the city walls, and the eight gates of the Citadel were all constructed during the Nguyen Dynasty and contribute to the 18,395 hectares that make up the Thang Long Citadel area.

Discover the pottery village of Bat Trang.

The Bat Trang Pottery hamlet is a historic community that may be located on the western bank of the Red River, right downstream from where the Vinh Tuy bridge starts.

The hamlet of Bat Trang is a wonderful place to go to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city due to the fact that it is located just 10 kilometers away from the heart of Hanoi.

The town of Bat Trang is home to some of the most well-known ceramic artists in all of Vietnam. Brick houses, roofs constructed of red tiles, and yards that are filled with fine pottery are some of the distinguishing features of this area.

Dishes, teapots, flowerpots, animal figures, and even jewelry may all be found fashioned out of rustic ceramics in the Bat Trang style. This style is known for its use of natural materials. You may buy these goods packaged together in a wide number of different combinations.

If you are seeking for a unique keepsake to take home from Hanoi, Bat Trang is the best spot to go since the ceramics here are sold at prices that are quite affordable.

Go to the Hanoi Flag Tower

The Hanoi Flag Tower, constructed in the 19th century, is one of the city's oldest surviving structures and a must-see for any history buffs in the area. The 33-meter tower proudly displays the Vietnamese flag in the breeze.

The tanks and helicopters of the Le-nin Park and Military Museum may be seen by climbing the flagpole.

Participate Food Tour of Hanoi

A Hanoi food tour will allow you to dive into the bustling food booths of the city and discover the capital in a tasty way.

In addition to indulging in some delectable cuisine, visitors to the Hanoi Old Quarter have the opportunity to educate themselves about the area's rich history and several important sites.

The following is a list of restaurants that may be found in Hanoi:

Phở Bát Đàn

• Address: 49 Bát Đàn, Cửa Đông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
• Pricing: 40.000 - 120.000 VND/tô

Chả Cá Lã Vọng

• Address: 14 Chả Cá, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
• Pricing: 120.000 - 300.000 VND

Bún bò Nam Bộ Hàng Điếu

• Address: 67 Hàng Điếu, Cửa Đông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
• Pricing: 35.000 - 85.000 VND

Bún đậu mắm tôm Hàng Khay 

• Address: 31 Hàng Khay, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
• Pricing: 45.000 - 90.000 VND

Bún thang Cầu Gỗ

• Address: 48 Cầu Gỗ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội)
• Pricing: 30.000- 55.000 VND/ bát.

Visit the Vietnam Ethnology Museum.

Even though the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is situated eight kilometers outside the city center of Hanoi, visitors should still make the effort to come here since it is well worth their time.

The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is home to a number of fascinating displays that celebrate and work to preserve the cultural traditions of Vietnam's 54 recognized ethnic groups.

The treasures are shown off in a variety of guises, including clothes, jewelry, weaponry, musical instruments, and other forms of religious practice.

You will be able to observe the distinctive architecture of the many ethnic groups, such as the stilt dwellings of the Tay and Ede people and the Pomu concrete roofs of the H'mong, in the outdoor display area.

The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology hosts a variety of events on the weekends, including water puppet plays and activities involving folk art. This is an important aspect of the museum.

​​​​​​Visit the Hanoi Opera House

The Paris Opera House served as inspiration for the design of the Hanoi Opera House, which was completed at the turn of the 20th century and was significantly scaled down from its namesake in Paris.

The Hanoi Opera House is a building of significant historical and architectural significance. Additionally, it serves as a stage for many of Vietnam's most well-known musicians and artists to present their works.

You may get tickets to one of the regular shows at the Hanoi Opera House, which will allow you to appreciate the exquisite inside of the theater, or you can just walk around the exterior of the building and take in the amazing architecture.

Attend a culinary lesson in Hanoi

Are you interested in finding some things to do in Hanoi? Try out a culinary lesson in Hanoi!

You will have the amazing opportunity to go to a neighborhood market to get some fresh products, and then you will go to the kitchen to learn how to make several Vietnamese foods and prepare them.

You will get an understanding of the history, culture, and customs associated with Vietnamese cuisine while taking part in a cooking workshop.

Take a bicycle ride around West Lake.

Make your way to West Lake, which is widely considered to be one of the most romantic spots in the city.

In the summer, the purple hue of the Lagerstroemia bloom and the pink light of the Phoenix flower provide the lake its lyrical beauty. Because there is a wind blowing off of the lake at all times, it is an excellent spot to go to rest.

In the morning, you may witness a lot of individuals getting their fitness by running or walking around the lake. The lake is a beautiful location to take in a sunset at any time of day, but particularly as the sun is getting ready to set.

Visit Dinh Le Book Street to read some books.

Dinh Le Street, on the other hand, is peaceful and tranquil, despite its location next to Trang Tien Street, which is one of the most costly and luxury streets in Hanoi. It's possible that the presence of so many books along this route is a contributing factor to this discrepancy.

Dinh Le has, for a very long time, been the location of choice for those who like reading in Hanoi.

In spite of the fact that it's just approximately 200 meters long, this street houses over twenty book shops. You may discover a wide variety of intriguing books here, ranging from mystery to love stories to literature from other countries.

Taking in the sights and sounds of the local culture is another enjoyable aspect of travel, and this is true even if you are unable to locate your preferred activities.

Take photographs at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph.

St. Joseph's Cathedral in Hanoi is a beautiful example of old French architecture and can not be missed whilst in the city.

The neighborhood next to the church is one of the most popular gathering places for young people in the region. The area immediately around the cathedral was usually bustling with people of all ages and had a variety of eateries and bars.

Explore Long Bien Bridge

The Long Bien Bridge has a history dating back more than a century, making it both a historical witness and a significant symbol of Hanoi.

In addition to this, it is the perfect location from which to experience the utmost in relaxation and tranquility while taking in the breathtaking aerial view of Hanoi.

These days, the Long Bien Bridge is a popular destination for visitors from all over the world who come to appreciate its architecture and find out more about the area's rich history.

On the bridge, guests will have the option to stroll, ride their bikes, or just take in the view of the Red River, which is known for its picturesque setting.

You should get a bite to eat at the neighboring flea market in the afternoon so that you may stock up on fresh produce, especially fruits and vegetables.