Destination guideVietnam
30 Things to Do in Hanoi (2026)
Hanoi, established as the capital in 1010 under the Ly Dynasty, contains a layered historical heritage that spans over a millennium.
Read more
The city’s core features the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a UNESCO World Heritage site where archaeological excavations at 18 Hoang Dieu have uncovered palace foundations and ceramics from the Ly, Tran, Le, and Nguyen dynasties. The architectural landscape is defined by a fusion of styles.
- 30 spots
- 5 must-try dishes
- Researched October 2026
- 24 sources
Must-try in Hanoi5 dishes
Phở Bò (Hanoi Beef Noodle Soup) Where to order it in Hanoi
Chả Cá Lã Vọng (Turmeric Fish with Dill) Where to order it in Hanoi
Bún Rêu Cua (Crab Noodle Soup) Where to order it in Hanoi
Nộm Bò Khô (Dried Beef Salad) Where to order it in Hanoi
Xôi Xéo (Turmeric Sticky Rice with Mung Bean) Where to order it in Hanoi
The short answer
- The top things to do in Hanoi, from 24 sources researched October 2026, start with:
- Van Gogh Timeless - Triển lãm bản quyền - đa giác quan hàng đầu Châu Á (Tây Hồ)
- St. Joseph Cathedral (Phường)
- cầu Long Biên (Hồng Hà)
- X Space Immersive (Khu đô thị Royal City)
- Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (Nghĩa Đô)
- 5 must-try dishes are on the map, each with the places to order them.
30 places worth your time in Hanoi
Things to see and do
Van Gogh Timeless - Triển lãm bản quyền - đa giác quan hàng đầu Châu Á
Why it’s on the map
Opened in August 2026, this is Hanoi’s newest major exhibition space, bringing 165 masterpieces to life through licensed, high-tech multisensory technology.
Tầng 1, Sảnh B2, UDIC Westlake, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
St. Joseph Cathedral
Why it’s on the map
Completed in 1886, this is the oldest church in Hanoi and a striking example of Neo-Gothic architecture reminiscent of Notre-Dame de Paris. The structure features twin bell towers reaching 31.
1 P. Nhà Thờ, Phường, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
cầu Long Biên
Why it’s on the map
This century-old steel structure, designed by the firm behind the Eiffel Tower, is a masterclass in industrial vintage aesthetics.
2VR3+PR6, Cầu Long Biên, Hồng Hà, Hà Nội, Vietnam
X Space Immersive
Why it’s on the map
Located within Vincom Mega Mall Royal City, this permanent digital art attraction consists of eight themed 'worlds' that utilize interactive projection mapping and light installations.
B2-R1-06-07-08, Vincom Mega Mall, 72A Nguyễn Trãi, Khu đô thị Royal City, Thanh Xuân, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
Why it’s on the map
Widely regarded as one of the best museums in the country, this sprawling complex provides an immersive look at Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.
Đ. Nguyễn Văn Huyên, Nghĩa Đô, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
Business Center · Khu đô thị Ciputra
Lake · Tay Ho
Place to see · Phố cổ Hà Nội
Place Of Worship · Đống Đa
Store · Hoàn Kiếm
History Museum · Hoàn Kiếm
City Park · Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám
Art Museum · Ba Đình
Place to see · Ô Chợ Dừa
Museum · Từ Liêm
Hotel · French Quarter
Bistro · Phố cổ Hà Nội
Garden
Where to eat
See the full Hanoi food guide: where to eat and what to order.
Restaurant · Trung Hòa Nhân Chính
Coffee Shop · Phố cổ Hà Nội
Coffee Shop · Thanh Xuân
Restaurant · Phố cổ Hà Nội
Cafe · Ba Đình
Sandwich Shop · Phố cổ Hà Nội
Restaurant
Vietnamese Restaurant · Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám
Vietnamese Restaurant · French Quarter
Japanese Restaurant · French Quarter
Vietnamese Restaurant · Phố cổ Hà Nội
Vegetarian Restaurant · Hai Bà Trưng
25 more places on the map
12 to eat · 12 to see and do · 1 to shop · 5 must-try dishes with where to order each
Start
When is the best time to visit Hanoi?
- The best time to visit Hanoi is during the autumn (September to November) or spring (March to April) when the weather is mild, dry, and sunny. Avoid the humid, rainy heat of summer (May to August) and the surprisingly biting chill of winter (December to February) which often brings heavy mist. Peak tourist season coincides with the pleasant autumn months and the Tet Lunar New Year, so visit in late spring or early autumn to balance good weather with thinner crowds.
How do I get around Hanoi?
- International and Domestic Flights Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is the primary gateway, located about 27km north of the city center. It serves over 60 worldwide destinations and offers frequent domestic connections to cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang via carriers such as Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet.
- Ride-Hailing Apps (Grab and Xanh SM) Grab and Xanh SM are the most reliable ways to navigate the city, offering both car and motorbike (GrabBike) options. These apps provide upfront pricing, which helps travelers avoid common taxi scams and language barriers while navigating Hanoi's busy and often congested streets.
- Public and Shuttle Buses For a budget-friendly airport transfer, Bus 86 runs directly from Noi Bai to the Hanoi Old Quarter. Within the city, an extensive network of public buses and newer eco-friendly electric buses provide very inexpensive transit, though they may be slower due to heavy traffic conditions.
What should I know before visiting Hanoi?
- When crossing the street, walk at a slow and steady pace without stopping to allow motorbike traffic to flow predictably around you.
- Use ride-hailing apps like Grab for transparent pricing and safety, as they are generally more reliable than hailing unmetered taxis on the street.
- Always use both hands when giving or receiving items, such as money or business cards, to show respect to locals.
- Avoid sticking your chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice, as this resembles incense used in funeral rituals and is considered offensive.
- Dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees when visiting temples or pagodas to adhere to local cultural standards.
What’s new in Hanoi in October 2026?
- Hanoi Autumn Festival 2026: A city-wide celebration of heritage and local food running from October 16–18, featuring cultural performances and craft exhibitions.
- LÈGACY Hanoi – A Fusion Original: A newly opened (September 2026) 5-star wellness-inspired hotel in the historic Ngoc Ha ward, featuring design inspired by the O Quan Chuong Gate.
- BIGBANG World Tour <XX: COSMOS>: The highly anticipated K-pop concert series arriving at My Dinh National Stadium on October 24–25, 2026.
- Hanoi Craft Village Tourism & Gastronomy Festival: A month-long event throughout October 2026 showcasing traditional artisans and culinary heritage across the capital.
Research receipt
How this Hanoi guide was researched
- Live web search, 14 of 14 research areas completed.
- Places verified against real place data — address, hours and coordinates come from the place record, not the article.
- Researched October 2026. A newer build for Hanoi replaces this page automatically.
Sources checked
Planning questions
What are the top things to do in Hanoi?
Start with Van Gogh Timeless - Triển lãm bản quyền - đa giác quan hàng đầu Châu Á, St. Joseph Cathedral, cầu Long Biên, X Space Immersive, and Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: the places Varedelo's research (from 24 sources researched October 2026) puts first, each with its reason in the list on this page. All 30 places are pinned on the Hanoi map.