Things to Do in Hanoi
Discover some of Vietnam's most beautiful landscapes on this Ninh Binh Day Trip from Hanoi, visiting Hoa Lu, Mua Cave, and Van Long Nature Reserve.
As the oldest continuously developed area, Hanoi’s Old Quarter has more than 1000 years of history and seems to resist the flow of time while still actively trying to adapt to the crowded atmosphere of the city. Wandering around this unique ancient area, you will get lost in a different world from the rest of the capital and discover things you haven’t seen in your life: Hanoi attractions, the smallest alley, or some hidden spots which are far from tourist's eyes.
Hanoi Old Quarter Tour- HIGHLIGHTS
1. Enjoy a guided tour of the Old City highlights, including the thirty-six streets of the Old Quarter. These areas are at the heart of French, Chinese, and Vietnamese architecture with a thousand years of history.
2. Visit the Ngoc Son temple and the famous Turtle Tower.
3. In the Hoan Kiem lake area, walk in the footsteps of history on the Ba Kieu temple and try the iconic egg coffee at a hidden coffee shop nearby.
4. In the beer corner, see the famous Ta Hien street with French and Vietnamese architecture.
5. Get an insider looking at hidden Hanoi highlights such as a small temple and the tiniest alley in the city to learn about the Vietnam War.
6. Experience the scents, sounds, and flavors of Dong Xuan, the biggest market in the city, which has everything you can think about from clothes, Shoes to spices and fish. Take in the vibrant colors of the fruit and vegetables and spice markets with brightly-hued ingredients and aromas.
7. Tour ends at the Long Bien Bridge.
🚨P/S: knees and shoulders need to be covered to enter a temple during the tour. Since cover-ups aren’t provided, feel free to wait outside briefly if needed. Many thanks!🙏
Hanoi The Old Quarter Tour - Discover Hanoi’s Hidden Gems (3 hours)
Discover the true spirit of Hanoi on this unforgettable 3-hour free walking tour through the heart of the Old Quarter. With a passionate local guide leading the way, you won’t just see Hanoi, you’ll feel it.
This tour takes you through the vibrant maze of streets where ancient history and modern life coexist. From the whispers of French colonial architecture to the hum of street vendors and scooters, every step reveals a new layer of the city’s soul.
What you’ll explore:
• Ngoc Son Temple or Hanoi Ancient House (Optional)
Begin your journey with a glimpse into Hanoi’s cultural roots. Choose between the iconic Ngoc Son Temple perched on Hoan Kiem Lake, or visit the beautifully preserved Ancient House on Ma May Street. It’s a rare survivor of the city’s past.
• Beer Street (Ta Hien)
Step into Hanoi’s liveliest nightlife zone by day. Discover how a single alley became a melting pot of cultures, drinks, and backpacker stories from all around the world.
• Old City Gate (O Quan Chuong)
This is one of the last surviving gates of the ancient citadel. It makes for a powerful photo spot and stands as a symbol of Hanoi’s resilience.
• Thanh Ha Wet Market
Experience daily local life at this bustling wet market. Watch vendors skillfully handle fresh herbs, meats, and fish in a vibrant setting that’s still untouched by tourism.
• Dong Xuan Central Market
Welcome to Hanoi’s largest indoor market. It’s a treasure trove of colors, smells, and sounds — the perfect place to see how locals shop and live.
• Long Bien Bridge
Take a walk across this historic iron bridge, built by the French in 1903. Enjoy panoramic views of the Red River and feel the heartbeat of old Hanoi beneath your feet.
• Hanoi Train Street (Optional)
End the tour with a truly unique Hanoi experience. This narrow street, where trains pass just inches from local homes, offers the perfect chance to enjoy a drink, snap some iconic photos, and take in the quiet charm of this once-hidden corner of the city.
Details:
• Duration: Approx. 3 hours
• Cost: It’s free! (Tips are appreciated if you enjoyed the tour)
• Language: English, Spanish, German…
• Start point: Provided upon booking
• Note: Please share your WhatsApp contact so our guide can confirm the meeting point and send you tour updates.
Why join us?
Because you’re not here to just see Hanoi, you’re here to understand it. And there’s no better way than walking alongside a local guide who loves their city and knows its stories by heart.
Book your spot today and come walk Hanoi like a local.
- In exceptional cases when participation is very low, the tour might not run. If that happens, you will be informed in advance and we will always do our best to suggest alternatives.
Join us on a 3-hour Hanoi Street Food Tour where you’ll wander through hidden corners of the Old Quarter and taste authentic dishes loved by locals.
✔ Stroll the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter and explore the fresh ingredients that make Vietnamese cuisine so unique.
✔ Sample a variety of traditional dishes in small, family-run eateries just like locals enjoy every day.
✔ Choose your favorite drink: the iconic Hanoi “egg coffee”, a refreshing local beer, or a soothing tea.
✔ End the tour at a charming rooftop spot overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake, one of the city’s most iconic views.
This is more than just a food tour, it’s an authentic journey into Hanoi’s culture, history, and daily life, guided by a passionate local. Perfect for both lunch and dinner!
📌 Practical Info
• Duration: ~3 hours
• Small groups or private options available, for a more personal and friendly experience
• Please share your WhatsApp contact so our guide can confirm the details with you
Join us on the STREET FOOD TOUR for lunch or dinner and enjoy the best food experience that can be found in the amazing food streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter.
NOTE:
The duration of the tour is three hours, and kindly share your WhatsApp contact information with us so that our guide can get in touch with you regarding the tour (important).
- In exceptional cases when participation is very low, the tour might not run. If that happens, you will be informed in advance and we will always do our best to suggest alternatives.
XIN CHÀO! Tôi là Melody!
Hanoi Old Quarter is a historic district located in the heart of Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. With its narrow streets, ancient architecture, and vibrant atmosphere, it is a must-visit destination for tourists seeking to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, a shopaholic, or simply seeking to immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Hanoi, the Old Quarter is an amazing must-visit destination that should not be missed. Its unique blend of history, culture, and bustling charm make it a truly unforgettable experience.
So, let me – Melody be your partner on your journey to discover the amazing Hanoi Old Quarter.
PLEASE NOTE:
- Please provide your WhatsApp number (if available) to contact before starting.
- This is a group tour, please be at the meeting point on time for the tour to start as scheduled.
- About TEMPLE: please bring or wear something to cover your shoulders, your belly button and don't wear too shorts (miniskirts or minishorts are not suitable).
If you have an eSIM-compatible mobile phone, this Internet card will allow you to stay connected during your trip to Vietnam - the best way to surf the web!
Tour Description
Your Free Tour of Hanoi starts at the Fallen Heroes Monument (Tượng Đài Quyết Tử), a memorial to young Vietnamese who gave their lives in the struggle for independence. Meet your guide here and get a quick orientation to Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem area.
Hoan Kiem Lake
Walk around the legendary lake and hear the tale of the magical Golden Turtle that shaped Hanoi’s myth and memory.
Ngoc Son Temple (view from outside)
Admire this lakeside gem and learn about its spiritual role in local life.
Ly Thai To Statue
Stand before the monument honoring the emperor who founded Hanoi nearly 1,000 years ago.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Pass by the city’s most iconic hotel, where colonial elegance meets history—once host to royalty, writers, and even secret wartime bunkers.
Hanoi Opera House
Marvel at this neoclassical jewel built by the French, a stunning slice of Paris in the heart of Vietnam.
St. Joseph’s Cathedral
Step into the shadow of Hanoi’s neo-Gothic masterpiece that echoes the grandeur of Notre-Dame in Paris.
And more…
From hidden alleys and quiet courtyards to local legends, this walk peels back the layers of Hanoi’s old-world charm.
Why travelers love this tour
- A clear storyline that connects history, culture, and daily life.
- Insider context you won’t find in guidebooks, shared by a passionate local guide.
- A compact route that covers must-see icons plus meaningful hidden corners.
Practical info
- Duration: ~3 hours.
- This is a free walking tour based on tips—pay what you feel it was worth.
- Please share your WhatsApp so your guide can stay in touch before departure.
- Ngoc Son Temple is viewed from the outside (no entrance fees required).
At the end of the Free Tour of Hanoi, we will either return to our starting point or finish at one of the charming Egg Coffee shops overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake.
Our local guides always keep your best interests in mind. Each tour includes Hanoi’s main highlights, but the route may vary depending on what the guide considers best for the group.
Note: The tour lasts approximately 3 hours. Please share your WhatsApp contact so our guide can easily reach you with important updates before the tour.
- In exceptional cases when participation is very low, the tour might not run. If that happens, you will be informed in advance and we will always do our best to suggest alternatives.
This is a close-knit group tour so we will leave ON TIME.
Hanoi Old Town is a tourist, historical and cultural destination that you cannot miss when you come to Hanoi. We are happy and excited to accompany you to explore the city that is more than 1000 years old.
Our tour will include the following tourist highlights:
- Ly Thai To Monument
- Ngoc Son Temple (entrance ticket: 30,000 VND = 1.3 euro)
- Hoan Kiem Lake
- Ma May Historical House (entrance ticket: 10,000 VND = 40 cent)
- Thanh Ha Market
- Long Bien Bridge
- Coffee with egg
🔸 Ly Thai To Monument: This is the meeting point to start our tour. From there, we learn about Emperor Ly Cong Uan who moved the capital to Thang Long (Hanoi), the history of the geography and history of this land.
🔸 Ngoc Son Temple (entrance: 30,000 VND): It is a sacred temple located on Hoan Kiem Lake - the heart of the city. Our guide will tell you interesting stories about the legend of the lake, the history of the Vietnam-China war, the temple structure and worship in Vietnam.
🔸 Historical house (entrance: 10,000 VND): It is a typical house with ancient architecture from the past. We will learn interesting stories of daily life, Vietnamese family routines and ancestor worship customs
🔸 Thanh Ha Market: We discover one of the only remaining traditional markets in the heart of the bustling old town, we see the buying and selling activities of the Vietnamese.
🔸 Long Bien Bridge: We visited the bridge - a historical witness of the Vietnam War. You will listen to our tour guides, young Vietnamese people, who talk about the history of Vietnam - France and Vietnam - USA.
🔸 Coffee with egg: We finish the tour in a cafeteria. You will enjoy a coffee with egg or a tropical fruit juice to relax and chat more with our tour guides
The 3-hour trip will give you an unforgettable experience, true to the name of our club with detailed information about culture, history and life. Our friendly and enthusiastic tour guides will help you discover exceptional beauties only in Hanoi, "very local" places. The streets are often short like a maze, which can make it very easy to get lost without a local companion.
Meeting point: Ly Thai To Monument ( 12 P. Lê Lai, Lý Thái Tổ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000 )
Available in Spanish and English
Time: 3 hours
NOTE: Please book the tour before 2 hours before the start of the tour so that we can organize well and that our tour guide has time to reach the meeting point
Book our tour now. We are very happy to meet you on our interesting tour.
Sincerely,
Hanoitismiss.
Hanoi City Highlights Walking Tour – Landmarks & History
Step into the heart of Hanoi and discover the city beyond its busy Old Quarter. Our journey begins at Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, where peace and history blend on the shores of West Lake. From there, we walk through tree-lined avenues and hidden corners, hearing stories that reveal the soul of the city.
At Ba Dinh Square (outside visit), we explore landmarks that shaped Vietnam’s modern history: the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, and the National Assembly Hall. This is where the nation’s past and present meet.
Finally, we conclude at the Temple of Literature (outside visit), Vietnam’s first university, a tranquil site filled with centuries of wisdom, Confucian traditions, and inspiring legends.
What makes this tour different is the depth of storytelling: you’ll not only see Hanoi’s monuments but also understand the culture, beliefs, and resilience of its people. Along the way, our passionate guides share anecdotes, local insights, and personal recommendations to help you connect with the city on a deeper level.
Join us for this free walking tour - book your spot today and experience Hanoi’s most iconic landmarks with us.
Details:
• Duration: Approx. 3 hours
• Cost: It’s free! (Tips are appreciated if you enjoyed the tour)
• Language: English, Spanish, German…
• Start point: Provided upon booking
• Note: Please share your WhatsApp contact so our guide can confirm the meeting point and send you tour updates.
Please Note That:
While this is a free walking tour, please consider that entrance fees to certain sites, such as the Temple of Literature, may apply. It’s also a good practice to check the opening hours of each site beforehand. Our local guides are passionate about sharing their knowledge and love for Hanoi, and your participation helps support their efforts in promoting the city’s rich culture and history. Enjoy your journey through Hanoi’s treasures!
– “Sometimes, the Ba Dinh Square area is closed due to political events, so our walking tour program may have to change the route. Our guides will be responsible for providing you with detailed information when you book the tour.”
– Clearly determine the distance from your starting point to the Meeting Point to arrange transportation appropriately.
– It is advisable to carry a raincoat or umbrella in case of rain.
– Wear suitable and comfortable clothing for walking (if visiting temples or shrines, consider wearing attire that covers your shoulders and knees).
– Always stay in touch with your tour operator or guide on WhatsApp to ensure a smooth tour experience.
- In exceptional cases when participation is very low, the tour might not run. If that happens, you will be informed in advance and we will always do our best to suggest alternatives.
✨ Discover Hanoi Like a Local! Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or solo, you’ll have a great time exploring Hanoi with a local friend in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Together, we’ll wander through the Old Quarter, uncover hidden spots known only to locals, just like a real Hanoian.
🍜 What we’ll taste on this food tour:
* Appetizer can be: Fresh salad
* Main dish can be: Bun Cha/sticky rice/mixed noodles/Banh Cuon (steamed rice rolls)/Banh Mi/Noodles soup
* Drink can be: Fruit tea/local beer/sugarcane juice
* Snack can be: Fried banana/grilled skewer
* Dessert can be: Sticky rice with ice cream/yogurt/fresh fruit
Every dish is a unique flavor of Hanoi!
💬 It’s a small-group experience, so feel free to ask me anything about Vietnam’s history, culture, and language.
🌿 Vegetarian options are available — just let me know in advance.
I can’t wait to meet you and share the real taste of Hanoi!
XIN CHÀO! It's Melody who will be your companion on the journey to discover "Hanoi cuisine". Small group up to 6 people.
During my tour, you can immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture and enjoy the best food here as you are Hanoian.
Here are the dishes that we will try on this food tour:
- Appetizer: Vietnamese papaya salad
- Main dish canbe: Bun Cha/Stir-fried pho/Banh Cuon (Steamed Rice Cake)
- Snack canbe: Vietnamese Donuts/Vietnamese dumpling
- Dessert: Black sticky rice with yogurt
- The famous egg coffee/local beer
All are unique to Hanoi. We will also visit the stalls selling cooked food, to better understand the daily life of the locals.
VEGETARIAN dishes are available, please contact us in advance.
PLEASE NOTE:
- Please provide your WhatsApp number (if available) to contact before starting. If we are unable to contact you before the tour, it will be canceled.
- This is a group tour, please be at the meeting point on time for the tour to start as scheduled.
- The dishes on the tour are not included and cost each of you around $6 (150.000VND).
In the journey of discovering Hanoi cuisine as a local, we will share with you not only the unique culinary features but also the language and culture of Vietnam. And I'm always there to answer all your question.
Are you READY to enjoy the real Hanoi cuisine with me? Don't hesitate to contact me for the best local experience.
Joining this tour during your first days in Hanoi would be a fantastic way to start your journey.
What you’ll get from this tour:
- A big-picture understanding of Hanoi’s history, culture, and people.
- Local recommendations: where to go and what to eat after the tour.
- Cultural insights and stories that help you connect with the city on a deeper level.
Tour Activities
🏛 Visit Hoa Lo Prison
Discover key events in Hanoi’s past that shaped its present:
- Why some locals still eat dog meat (not all)
- The influence of French architecture
- The relationship between Vietnamese and Americans
🗣 Learn basic Vietnamese phrases
Helpful expressions and tips for smooth communication in Vietnam.
🚴 Chill bike ride through Hanoi
Cruise past iconic spots like Ba Dinh Square (Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum area) and around West Lake — one of the best sunset spots in the city.
🍜 Local food tasting
Wrap up the tour with unique local dishes like Phở Chiên Phồng or Phở Cuốn.
🌅 Flexible ending
The tour ends by West Lake, where you can relax, walk around, or stay for the sunset.
Pricing & Tips
Pay-what-you-feel model:
- We believe in value-based pricing — pay based on what the tour meant to you.
- Estimated costs (entrance fee, food, bike rental): ~$6/person
- Kindly tip your guide a minimum of $10-$15 per guest