Hanoi, the vibrant capital of Vietnam, combines more than 1000 years of history with a vibrant present. Between colonial architecture, Buddhist temples and vibrant street life, the city offers a wealth of sights, restaurants and cafes. Here are the top places not to miss when visiting Hanoi!
Sights and places
Hoan Kiem Lake – The heart of Hanoi
Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as ‘Lake of the Returned Sword’, is located in the centre of Hanoi and separates the Old Quarter from the French colonial district. Legend has it that a golden turtle gave the fisherman Le Loi a magical sword with which he defeated the Chinese occupiers. After his victory, he returned the sword to the turtle, which disappeared into the lake. In the middle of the lake stands the Turtle Tower, the symbol of Hanoi. The Jade Mountain Temple on a small island can be reached via the red Huc Bridge and houses a taxidermied turtle found in the lake in 1968.
Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu) – The cradle of Vietnamese education
Built in 1070 in honour of Confucius, the Temple of Literature was the first university in Vietnam. The complex consists of five courtyards with traditional buildings, gardens and ponds. Most impressive are the 82 stone doctoral steles bearing the names of successful graduates, which were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – Resting place of the national hero
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is the final resting place of Vietnamese revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh. His embalmed body is on display in a glass case. The mausoleum was built in 1975 and is modelled on the Lenin Mausoleum in Moscow. Visitors must adhere to a strict dress code and are not allowed to take photographs inside.
Thăng Long Citadel – UNESCO World Heritage Site with an imperial history
The Thăng Long Citadel was the political centre of Vietnam for centuries. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010. The preserved buildings include the North Gate, the Flag Tower and the Kính Thiên Palace. Archaeological excavations have unearthed numerous artefacts from various dynasties.
Train Street – Spectacular railway experience
A world famous Instagram photo, Train Street is located in the Hoàn Kiếm district. Several times a day, a train passes within centimetres of residential buildings, cafés and tourists – a spectacular yet controversial location. Access was temporarily closed for safety reasons, but visits are now usually possible again by prior arrangement in one of the local cafes. In the evenings the route is completely open. For those who respect the landscape, it offers a unique Hanoi experience.
Hanoi Old Quarter – A labyrinth of 36 alleyways
Located north of Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi’s Old Quarter is famous for its 36 streets, named after the artisan guilds that once lived here, such as ‘Hang Bac’ (Silver Street) or ‘Hang Ma’ (Paper Street). Today, the Old Town is a lively area of narrow streets, traditional houses, street markets and food stalls.
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre – Traditional art on the water
The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre presents a unique Vietnamese art form in which carved wooden puppets dance on a water stage. Accompanied by traditional music, the performances tell stories of rural life and Vietnamese mythology. This tradition dates back to the 11th century and is one of Hanoi’s cultural highlights.
Beer Street – Backpacker-style nightlife
Not far from Train Street is Beer Street, around Tạ Hiện Street. After dark, the area transforms into a vibrant party scene with bars, live music, cheap drinks and street food. The street is particularly popular with young travellers – a great place to immerse yourself in Vietnamese nightlife.
Culinary highlights
Banh Mi 25 – Sandwich in the heart of the old town
Banh Mi 25 is a true institution when it comes to the famous Vietnamese baguette. Freshly baked, filled with grilled pork, tofu or egg and garnished with pickled vegetables, the shop attracts hundreds of visitors every day. Despite the hype, the quality is consistently high – a must for street food fans.
Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su – The perfect noodle soup
Pho 10 is one of the most famous Pho restaurants in Hanoi. The dish, an aromatic ribbon noodle soup with beef or chicken, is prepared fresh daily and boasts a clear broth, tender meat and authentic flavour. Normally you have to queue!
The Note Coffee – Messages from all over the world
This colourful cafe is littered with handwritten notes from visitors from all over the world. A unique place to read other travellers’ thoughts over a cup of coffee.
Cafe Giảng – The origin of egg coffee
It was here in 1946 that Nguyen Van Giang invented the legendary ‘Cà phê trứng’, or egg coffee. The combination of beaten egg yolk, sugar, condensed milk and strong Vietnamese coffee results in a creamy, almost dessert-like drink. The family recipe is still closely guarded.
Pizza 4P's – Vietnamese-Italian fusion at its best
Originally founded in Ho Chi Minh City, Pizza 4P’s has also achieved cult status in Hanoi. The restaurant is known for its homemade cheeses, wood-fired pizzas and successful blend of Italian techniques and Vietnamese ingredients. Ideal for a break from street food – bookings recommended.
Between the mystical Hoan Kiem Lake, the imposing Thăng Long Citadel, the bustling Old Quarter and innovative eateries such as Banh Mi 25 and Pizza 4P’s, Hanoi is a city of contrasts and character. To truly experience Hanoi, take your time: for quiet moments by the lake, for conversations in small cafes, for the bustle of Pub Street – and for a plate of pho. This is where the magic of the city lies: in the interplay of past and present, chaos and poetry, everyday life and adventure.
