What to Do in Hanoi: Must-See Sights, Street Food & Activities for First-Time Visitors
You know that train that squeezes through the little streets of Vietnam and nearly squishes every single person along the way? Yes? No? Either way that quirky gem is located in the incredible city of Hanoi, and there is a lot to say about it! Hanoi isn’t a city you see. It’s a city you feel – in every sizzling street corner, every temple bell, every moment you nearly (but don’t) get run over crossing the road.
So if Hanoi feels a bit overwhelming and you’re not sure where to start, start here. I’ve lived the sweat, the sights, and the smells so you don’t have to guess. We will cover the must-see sights and everything you cant miss if you’re visiting Hanoi for the first time. We will cover the good, the bad, the dirty and help you craft your own experience in Hanoi, Vietnam.
TL;DR / Summary
- Navigate Hanoi cheaply with GRAB taxis
- Explore the Old Quarter, hop on open-air bus tours, and discover hidden gems
- Sip iconic Vietnamese coffees like Hot Egg Coffee, Salted Caramel, and Iced Coconut
- Don’t miss Train Street for a thrilling local experience (& one you will never forget)
- First-hand tips & practical hacks to make your Hanoi trip unforgettable
Arriving in Hanoi, Vietnam
Arriving at Vietnam airport, is quite simple, hope on your plane and land, but what do you do after? Unfortunately, if you are a seasoned traveller – you will be aware of those airport taxi drivers, who likely put a premium on their prices just because it’s the airport. So, when we visited we used the app GRAB, which works like Uber, and saves you money, keeping that extra cash in your pocket for some more pho down the road.
Karens Top Tip – Save Some Cash
Use the app GRAB, to order your taxis. This app will save you being ripped off by or hassled by the numerous taxi drivers / hustlers there are outside the airports.
How does the GRAB app work? It’s simple, you order your taxi on the spot. You will be given a registration number, keep your eye out, and then jump into your taxi when it arrives. Bish bosh boom!
We arrived in the Month of October (the 1st week) and for me the humidity levels were through the roof. My trusty lightweight neck fan came in very handy! No chance of straight hair here – just humidity frizz!
Shop lightweight neck fans to keep you cool whilst you travel!
Old Quarter Hanoi
The entire world is full of beautiful old towns and old cities, and this doesn’t stop in Vietnam. Hanoi was an absolute eye opener for me. These old cobbled streets are jammed packed with mini market style shops, cafes, bars, hotels, hostels, BnBs, and filled with the 24hr hustle & bustle of people, mopeds, cars, or bikes.
Now don’t take this as safety advice by any means, but take it from someone who has been there – if you try and wait for an accessible gap to cross the roads & you will be standing there all night! We literally had to step out (choose a pedestrian crossing if you wish but don’t expect the traffic to stop) and just start walking. After we stepped out the traffic weaved around us! I guess it’s similar to parts of India if you can imagine! But something to be aware of when you do visit – be careful!
Wander into hidden alleys and street markets to find authentic snacks, quirky souvenirs, and the real heartbeat of Hanoi. Look for family-run noodle shops tucked down side streets, authentic, affordable, and unforgettable (& something you won’t find in the UK).
Old Quarter Bus Tour
So what do we recommend you actually do in the old quarter? Bar trying not and get run over! Well you can take an open air P.D.Bus tour through the city. Whilst on the tour you can listen to a history lesson on the Old Quarter and see all its beautiful historical buildings & temples. All of which are stunning!
But if you are like me and my family – it was just too hot & sticky for us to stay on the bus for the whole tour so we decided to abandon the tour and go for some ice cold drinks & food instead! Not a bad call if you ask the foodies!
Coffee Lovers – Listen Up!
Please please please, don’t miss out on the delicious Hot Egg (Cà phê trứng), Salted Caramel and Iced Coconut Coffees – they are out of this world! Trust me! If you are a coffee lover this is something you do not want to miss. A hot egg coffee, is a rich coffee from Vietnam made by whisking strong, hot coffee with a creamy, sweet foam which is made from egg yolks and condensed milk. The hot egg taste is comparable to a tiramisu or custard taste and originate’s from Vietnam in the 1940s when a milk shortage meant a bartender used whisked egg yolks as a substitute for dairy. It might sound odd- but dont knock it until you try it!
Train Street – Hanoi Vietnam
Don’t miss out on an eventful evening on “Train Street” (health and safety goes out the window here)!! One of the most iconic locations in Hanoi is train street, which is a section of the railway tracks that runs through residential neighbourhoods. The most iconic intersections are Trần Phúand Lê Duẩn which are easily accessible from the Old Quarter, making it a convent stop during your visit to Hanoi Old Town. The intersection is only about 15 minutes from the Hoan Kiem Lake.
Train Schedule Trains typically pass through Train Street a few times a day, with the most consistent times being around 3:30 PM and 7:30 PM. If you’re lucky there will be 2 on the same evening! It is advisable to arrive at least 30-45 minutes early to secure a good spot at a local café and experience the atmosphere as café owners prepare for the train’s arrival. There are lots of small bars / cafes either side of the train tracks – take your pick. Photos for your Instagram are most certainly the trend here!
About 5/10 Min before train arrives, the bar owners will shout out “Train coming, train coming” – you will be asked to tuck your legs & arms in, sit sideways and before you know it the train will come whistling & hurting by at top speed !! It’s pretty scary but exhilarating at the same time! It’s pretty crazy too!
Top Tip – Food Restaurants
Make sure to look at reviews when choosing where to eat food as there are 100s of venues – some good, some not so good.
Hanoi – Chaotic, Crazy & Unforgettable All Rolled Into One
Hanoi is a city that hits all the senses: the sizzle of street food, the chaotic rhythm of mopeds, and the charm of hidden alleyways. From sipping creamy Hot Egg Coffee to watching trains roar past mere inches away on Train Street, every corner tells a story and every meal feels like a local secret.
Whether you’re wandering the Old Quarter, hunting down hidden gems, or indulging in the city’s culinary delights, Hanoi invites you to dive in, embrace the chaos, and create your own unforgettable memories.
Remember: travel isn’t just about seeing a city, it’s about feeling it, tasting it, and letting it change the way you see the world. Hanoi will stay with you long after you leave its bustling streets.
What to Do in Hanoi: First-Time Visitors FAQs
Hanoi is a vibrant mix of history, culture, and street life. Explore the Old Quarter, sip traditional Hot Egg Coffee, visit Hoan Kiem Lake, stroll around temples, and experience Train Street. Hidden alleyways and local markets offer authentic food, souvenirs, and unforgettable experiences.
Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam, located in the northern part of the country along the Red River. It’s a gateway to northern Vietnam, including destinations like Ha Long Bay, Sapa, and Ninh Binh.
For first-time visitors, the Old Quarter is ideal—close to attractions, cafes, markets, and nightlife. If you prefer quieter areas, consider the French Quarter for colonial charm or Tay Ho (West Lake) for scenic views. Accommodation ranges from budget hostels to boutique hotels and luxury stays. Always research about the area you want to stay before booking.
Absolutely! Hanoi offers rich history, delicious street food, vibrant markets, and cultural experiences. While it’s bustling and busy, planning ahead, staying aware of traffic, heat, and using apps like GRAB makes navigating the city easy and enjoyable.
English is commonly spoken in hotels, major tourist attractions, and cafes. Street vendors and local markets may have limited English, so learning a few basic Vietnamese phrases or using translation apps can make your experience smoother.
