Things To Do
Hoàn Kiếm Lake
The most iconic location in Hanoi - This is our version of the New York Times Square. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, the streets around the lake are turned into pedestrian streets, where locals walk and enjoy street performances and games.
Hanoi Opera House
A remnant of French architecture in Northern Vietnam with a lot of history, this is now a venue for orchestra and theater performances. There're also guided tours that you can sign up for.
Temple Of Literature
The first university of Vietnam, where you can see relics and architecture from the 11th century.
Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum Complex
This complex consists of several historic sites: 1. The Mausoleum: Vietnam's first president Ho Chi Minh's body is on display in this mausoleum. It's a solemn venue, so we recommend to dress accordingly 2. Presidential Palace: A 1900s French colonial palace where the president works and lives 3. Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House: A humble residence where Ho Chi Minh worked and lived
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
A theater for water puppet shows with traditional accompanying music.
Cafe Giảng
Signature Vietnamese egg coffee hidden in an alley with tight seating. It's as authentic as can be.
Bun Cha Dac Kim
Rice vermicelli with flavorful meatballs dipped in a special fish sauce. This restaurant is so famous that the entire street pretends to be them. In a whole street of fake ones, remember this is the original.
Phở Thìn
Best pho restaurant in Hanoi. They serve a special type of pho here with stir-fried beef (pho tai lan). There's no menu, because they only serve one thing, and boy are they good at it. Linh's parents ate here for 30 years and she grew up eating here as well. It's a fast turnover place: you pay, then sit, then eat, then immediately get out. Minimum conversation, maximum flavor. Ask them to add a poached egg to your pho and order a side of tendons too.
Banh Mi 25
Vietnamese sandwiches with the most amount of customization you can have, plus they have seating, which is rare for banh mi vendors.
Phở Xào Phú Mỹ
Ever heard of stir-fried pho? No? Then you're missing out. Go try it so you're no longer missing out.
Xôi Yến
Sticky rice with endless toppings you can choose!
Chè Hương Hải 93 Hàng Bạc
40+ types of che (Vietnamese desserts) to choose from. Perfect to fill your belly when you're complaining about being full already.
MẸT Vietnamese restaurant & Vegetarian Food 1
A nice restaurant with proper table seating, English menu and extensive Vietnamese food options. A nice break after you're tired of sitting on plastic stools and not being able to order in Vietnamese at most other restaurants.
Ưu Đàm Chay
A famous vegetarian restaurant with urban chic vibes
Sen Tay Ho Culinary Culture Area
An expansive buffet restaurant that serves both authentic Vietnamese and western dishes for ~$15/person. They also have a nice garden with Vietnamese traditional architecture for you to walk around if you need a break between the 100+ dishes they serve.