1. The Old Quarter
The Old Quarter stands out as one of the most iconic places to visit in Hanoi. This place comprises 36 streets where you can find each street has a different charm leaving you in awe. Shimmering silks catch your eye on Hang Gai Street, while delicate embroidery beckons from Hang Bac. Foodies will find their paradise with street food vendors tempting every corner, and local specialties like Bun Cha on Hang Than Street pleasing your taste buds.
All within a stone's throw of each other, this spot is perfect for spending a relaxing half-day. Along the way, you'll find plenty of local eateries where you can savor the unique flavors of Hanoi cuisine.
The Old Quarter
2. Hoan Kiem Lake
Among places to visit in Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake is where you can find the dynamic daily life of locals here from locals exercising by the shore in the mornings to bustling commercial scenes in the vicinity.
Hoan Kiem Lake
More than a tranquil place for locals, this lake is also associated with a legendary story when Le Loi - battled against the Ming Chinese and became the King. Then one day, while boating he met a giant tortoise at the lake’s center and it said that now it was time to restore the sword to the God of Waters. That’s the reason why this lake is called the Restored Sword which means Hoan Kiem in Vietnamese.
3. Hoa Lo Prison
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Address: 01 Hoa Lo Hoa Lo Street, Hoan Kiem District
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Opening times: Daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
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Entry fee: ~ 2 USD
Steeped in history, this site is a fascinating stop for any Hanoi visitor with a passion for the past. This architecture was built by the French in the colonial period, actually. Visiting here you will have a chance to learn about the dark history of Hanoi. In 1954, the prison housed almost 2000 inmates and they had to live in appalling conditions.
Hoa Lo Prison
Moreover, there is a room system with different functions including a guard house, a medical house, an iron and textile-making house, and seven houses for accused prisoners. Each place holds a mystery story that you will uncover by hiring an audio tour costing 2 USD each.
4. Museum of Ethnology
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Address: Nguyen Van Huyen, Nghia Do, Cau Giay
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Opening times: 8:30 am - 5:30 pm from Tuesday to Sunday
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Entrance fee: 1.5 USD
Museum of Ethnology
Taking a deep look into Vietnamese culture is an unmissable part of the Hanoi itinerary. The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology showcases the rich traditions of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups through artifacts, clothing, and exhibits.
Visitors can learn about everything from daily life and handicrafts to religious rituals and festivals here. The museum also features outdoor displays of traditional houses, offering a glimpse into the architectural diversity of Vietnam's various ethnicities.
5. Temple of Literature
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Address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam Street, Dong Da District
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Opening times: Daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
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Entrance fee: 2.75 USD
Temple of Literature
Temple of Literature, also known as the first university of Vietnam, was founded in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong. The temple is a historical icon of the time. Despite the ravages of war, the temple still retains its architectural and cultural beauty. Each design in this architectural ensemble has its own meanings so you can spend half a day deeply immersed in this highlight of Hanoi.
6. Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
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Address: 19C Hoang Dieu Street, Dien Bien Ward, Ba Dinh District
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Opening times: Daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
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Entrance fee: 1 USD
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
This site can be recognized as a must-see attraction that most locals will recommend to you. A testament to its historical significance, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long in Vietnam's capital received dual recognition. First, it was declared one of Vietnam's ten special national heritage sites in 2009, followed by its inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010. The citadel persisted through many dynasties and witnessed plenty of historical events so it has a significant meaning to the Vietnamese.
7. One Pillar Pagoda
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Address: On the campus of the park behind Ong Ich Khiem Street, in Doi Can Ward, Ba Dinh District
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Opening times: Daily from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
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Entrance fee: free
As for special sites in the places to visit in the Hanoi list, One Pillar Pagoda is proud of Hanoi locals. The pagoda is truly a real eye-opener for tourists with its peculiar construction. Up to now, the One Pillar Pagoda has existed for nearly a millennium.
One Pillar Pagoda
Legend has it that a mystical dream guided Emperor Ly Thai Tong. He dreamt of Quan Am Bo Tat, the Buddhist goddess of compassion, beckoning him to a lotus seat. Sharing this vision with the wise monk Thien Tue, the Emperor embarked on a sacred mission. A magnificent temple, designed to resemble a lotus flower in homage to the dream, was to be built.
8. Train Coffee Street
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Location: Phung Hung Street, Hang Ma, Hoan Kiem District
Always in the top places to visit in Hanoi, this street attracts a huge number of tourists flocking to this city and attributed to the tourism development here. Trains operate frequently at night and early morning, offering a unique experience.
On weekdays, it will offer a quieter daytime atmosphere, perfect for relaxation. Otherwise, to maximize your chances of experiencing train activity, consider visiting on weekends when there are more scheduled trips.
Train Coffee Street
Some cafes that you can refer to:
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Café 90 Duong Tau – East Gate
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Cafe San Ga 62 – Phung Hung
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MER café 48 Duong Tau - East Gate
9. Giang Cafe
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Address: 39 Nguyen Huu Huan Street and another one is at 106 Yen Phu Street
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Opening times: Daily from 7:00 am to 10:30 pm
Have you ever heard about the most iconic drink in Hanoi - Egg Coffee? This coffee shop is the first place to invent this special drink from over 70 years ago. Throughout time, it has become a favorite drink of Hanoians in the morning and attracts tourists coming to this city to try it once. The unique blend of chicken egg yolk, Vietnamese espresso powder, sweetened dense drain, margarine, and cheddar will surely leave a long-lasting impression on you.
Giang Cafe
10. Ta Hien Street
Ta Hien Street is also known as the beer street - the most iconic place to visit in Hanoi at night. Whether you're seeking out a hidden local shop or a sleek modern restaurant, this area has it all.
Strolling along the street and savoring the iconic flavors of Hanoi with banh mi, pho, bun cha, or cool off with a local bia hoi (Hanoi beer) is a popular activity of not only locals but also other tourists.
Ta Hien Street
Looking for more information? Our article on Vietnam travel guide!
We believe that with the top 10 places to visit in Hanoi above, your itinerary in Vietnam will become more fantastic than ever. If you are interested in Vietnam for your upcoming destination, check out the New Asia Tours website to get more information on fascinating Vietnam tours waiting for you.
