LOCAL’S GUIDE TO HANOI
10 THINGS YOU CAN’T MISS
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We're almost at the end of our journey through Vietnam. Be sure to check out my other guides to learn more about this beautiful country.
After spending some time in the fresh air in the city of Da Lat learning more about Vietnam's coffee culture and chasing clouds (check my article on Da Lat here), it's time for a change of scenery to Vietnam's ancient capital, Hanoi, where history and bustling city life coexist.
There are several options to reach Hanoi, depending on which city in Vietnam you're departing from or whether you're arriving directly here. In my case, I departed from Da Lat to Hanoi and opted for the fastest option: flying.
The change of scenery was a bit of a culture shock, nothing like the serene, cool mountains of Da Lat, the laid-back vibe of Phu Quoc, or the city traffic, yet still human-sized Ho Chi Minh City. If I had to compare it to something, it reminds me a bit of Milan, perpetually shrouded in a gray cloud. Unlike the relaxed pace of Da Lat, Hanoi hits you with energy.
I spent several weeks in Hanoi, with so much to offer in terms of history and activities. However, I was a bit surprised that after several weeks here, I only managed to see the sun once or twice, as the city seems to be permeated by an unshakable shroud of smog.
But let's dive in and discover what Vietnam's ancient capital has to offer, from the most touristy spots to the most unique experiences and the best places to eat and drink. Even though I usually avoid super-touristy spots, Hanoi’s “classics” felt meaningful — especially when you slow down and visit with intention.
HOAN KIEM LAKE
Situated in the heart of Hanoi, in the early morning, locals gather to practice tai chi, and the surrounding bars fill up for breakfast. In the evening, it lights up and fills with music and locals exercising, dancing, and singing, or with locals choosing it as the perfect photoshoot place, wearing the traditional ao dai. It's a gathering place to escape the noise of the city, surrounded by greenery and the calm waters of its lake, certainly a very evocative and iconic spot in Hanoi.
THE IMPERIAL CITADEL
The Imperial Citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back a thousand years. It's certainly a must-see spot for learning more about the past of this ancient capital and the history of Vietnam, with fascinating archaeological finds and beautifully restored architecture. It's a vast site worth visiting, from its outer courtyards to its walls, which can be climbed to the top and offer a bird's-eye view of part of the complex, to the various rooms that have witnessed and experienced decades of history over the years, and to the museum with ancient archaeological finds. It's where you can feel Vietnam’s resilience from dynasties to the war years.
TEMPLE OF LITERATURE
The Temple of Literature is known as Vietnam's first university, and as of today, its legacy continues. During the graduation period, it's tradition for students to visit the Temple of Literature, and you might see buses full of students in their graduation robes coming here to celebrate and take photos; some even come here just to pray before an exam. It's a testament to how certain places, despite time, continue to maintain their importance in the lives of local people. One of the things I found most interesting in this complex is the imposing stelae located just after the entrance: 82 stelae, known as the Doctors' Stelae, mounted on stone turtles. Each stela has engraved the details of the candidates who successfully passed the royal state exams.
OLD QUARTER
The beating heart of Hanoi is undoubtedly the Old Quarter. You can't say you've truly visited Hanoi unless you've gotten lost among its many narrow streets. It's noisy, chaotic, and beautiful. The Old Quarter is a constant discovery, constantly moving and changing: from the morning, when the streets are bustling with scooters and businesses are at their peak, and the sidewalks are filled with street vendors selling food and snacks; to the evening, when small restaurants take over the sidewalks with their plastic tables and stools, and the streets fill with the aroma of food; to the weekend, when it fills with tourists and locals, and the bars and clubs come to life even more. Walking through the streets of the old town, you'll see ancient temples and pagodas, traditional residences, hidden bars, and shops of all kinds. My advice is to lose yourself in its narrow streets and let this neighborhood reveal itself to you little by little.
NOT TO MISS IN THE OLD QUARTER
TA HIEN STREET: It's a small alley, also known as "beer street." It's a lively street with a vibrant nightlife, mostly pubs and bars that attract mostly foreigners.
HANG GAI STREET: Also known as "silk street," this is where most of the shops selling fabrics and clothing are located. Here, you can have custom-made clothes created or altered for you or purchase a traditional Ao Dai made entirely of silk. That's exactly what I did; I love the cut and fabric of their traditional dresses, so when I stepped into Mooncrafts and browsed their wonderful pieces, I couldn't resist picking one up, or two...
NIGHT MARKET: Hanoi's night market in the Old Quarter operates only on weekends, from 6:00 PM until around midnight. From Friday to Sunday evenings, the streets near Hoan Kiem Lake transform into a giant pedestrian market. Expect snacks and street food, live music, cheap souvenirs, and local families strolling around.
HIDDEN GEMS YOU SHOULDN'T MISS
If you want something deeper and more local, these are the experiences that stayed with me.
HIEN MINH TEA HOUSE: A VIETNAMESE TEA CEREMONY WITH SOUL
Vietnam isn't just known for its coffee, but also for its excellent tea. And I do love a good cup of tea, which is why when I discovered Hien Minh Tea House, I couldn't miss out on a tea ceremony experience. Hien Minh Tea House is a traditional teahouse in Hanoi, born in 2016, whose goal is to protect and cultivate high-quality, centuries-old Vietnamese tea trees. This traditional teahouse invites you to slow down. Lotus green tea has been the teahouse's signature tea since its founding, and that's exactly what I ended up ordering. The tea ceremony here isn’t a performance, it’s a form of mindfulness. Sip rare teas, learn the meaning of every movement, and breathe in silence. It's a true experience that engages all the senses.
MAISON SEN BUFFET: WHERE THE LOCALS FEAST
I stumbled upon this place while surfing the internet and discovered it's very popular among locals who come here especially to celebrate birthdays or parties with family and friends. I love food and discovering new places, and this place is simply, wow! Maison Sen is an all-you-can-eat seafood buffet offering everything from fresh oysters and shrimp to Vietnamese specialties like grilled scallops, seafood spring rolls, and delicious desserts. I spent around 550,000 VND (about $22) and ate like a queen.
DISCOVER HANOI’S REAL FLAVORS ON A LOCAL FOOD TOUR
While I love wandering street food alleys on my own, joining a guided food tour in Hanoi can be a great alternative and a way to meet new people if you are traveling alone. If you really want to taste what the locals eat (and avoid the tourist traps), I highly recommend doing a food tour with a trusted local guide. Some even include night market visits and a visit to the famous Train Street! Here’s the one I reccomend.
JOIN A FREE WALKING TOUR TO GET YOUR BEARINGS IN HANOI
One of the things I recommend doing when you arrive in Hanoi, especially if it’s your first time, is to join a free walking tour led by locals. It’s the perfect way to get your bearings in the maze-like Old Quarter, learn a few historical and cultural insights, and ask all the questions you might have.
CAFE CULTURE IN HANOI
You can't leave Hanoi without trying one of its signature coffees, such as the salt coffee or the egg coffee, in one of the cutest and chicest cafes around. Among those I recommend:
LERMALERMER: with a selection of unique and delicious drinks and desserts in a nostalgic Hanoi-style setting with a chilled, relaxed atmosphere.
SALT MATE: to try their special salt coffee. I know it sounds a bit strange, but this coffee is worth a try. I was pleasantly surprised, even though it's not one of my favorites in terms of flavor.
GIAO MUA CAFE’: much more touristy due to its popularity on social media, but for good reason. It's perhaps one of the most aesthetically pleasing cafes in Hanoi, reminiscent of a cozy hobbit cave, very whimsical; it's one of those places where you come for a drink but stay for the atmosphere.
SALT N' PEPPER KITCHEN: Hanoi is perhaps the culinary capital of Vietnam, and besides the delicious street food around every corner, it's also a city with a refined and cutting-edge culinary scene. One of my favorite spots for a great brunch is Salt N' Pepper Kitchen, a charming little spot with one of the best offerings of decadent and absolutely delicious food.
FINAL THOUGHTS: HANOI IS A CITY THAT REWARDS CURIOSITY
Hanoi isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about soaking it all in, the incense at a temple, the chatter at a night market, the silence of a tea ceremony.
It’s the kind of place that stays with you. Not because it's polished, but because it's real. Hanoi is history, grit, grace, and flavor all tangled up in motorbike horns and warm smiles.