Friends, ready to taste a city that hums from dawn street markets to lantern-lit nights? Hanoi blends scooters and lakeside calm, alleyway kitchens and design-forward galleries.

This guide leans practical—clear routes, realistic prices, and timing—so you can spend less time guessing and more time savoring the capital's texture.

Old Quarter

Begin in the Old Quarter's maze of shop-houses. Go early (7:00–10:00) to see breakfast queues and wet markets. Expect $1.50–$3 for hot rice-noodle bowls and $0.50–$1 for fresh fruit. Sidewalk stools are part of the charm; look for high turnover and posted prices. Many lanes are pedestrian-friendly after 18:00.

Hoan Kiem

Circle Hoan Kiem Lake at sunrise or just before sunset (40–60 minutes, flat path). Morning tai chi, evening light on the scarlet bridge, and plenty of benches. Photographers: wide lens for lakeside reflections; polarizer helps on bright days. Coffee and snack carts sit on the north and east banks, $1–$3.

Water Puppets

Catch a classic water-puppet performance near the lake. Shows run most afternoons and evenings; book same-day seats at the theater counter. Expect $4–$8 for standard seats, English narration available. Arrive 20 minutes early—doors close promptly once the drums start.

Sky Views

For a panorama, ride the elevator to Lotte Tower Observation Deck (65th floor). Open daily until late; typical entry $9–$12. Clear days reveal the sinuous Red River and the Old Quarter's tiled roofs. A glass-floor skywalk offers a photo thrill.

Ethnology Museum

The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology presents lively village houses, costumes, and daily-life tools in well-signed exhibits. Plan 60–90 minutes inside, then explore the open-air houses (great for families). Tickets usually $2–$4. Open Tue–Sun, mid-morning is quieter.

Fine Arts

Stroll the Fine Arts Museum for painting, lacquerware, sculpture, and ceramics. Labels are in English; allow 60 minutes. Typical entry $2–$3. Pair with a café stop on nearby leafy boulevards.

Egg Coffee

Hanoi's signature cup blends thick, whisked egg yolk with condensed milk over strong coffee—silky and surprisingly light. At long-running cafés, a cup runs $2–$3. Ask for a hot-water bath version if you prefer it warmer; decaf and chocolate twists are common.

Street Food

Seek out gentle, comforting bowls and grills:

- Phở gà (chicken noodle soup) $1.50–$3

- Bún cá (herbed fish noodle soup) $2–$3

- Chả cá (tableside grilled fish with dill) $6–$9 per person

- Bánh mì with tofu, omelet, or chicken $1–$2

Choose stalls with displayed prices, hot broths at a rolling boil, and lots of locals.

Long Bien

Walk Long Bien Bridge near sunset for river views and train-spotting. Use the pedestrian lane; watch for scooters. Vendors sell fresh pineapple and iced sugarcane juice ($0.50–$1). Golden hour light glows off the latticework.

West Lake

Hanoi's largest lake offers breezy loops and island views. Rent a bicycle ($3–$5 per hour) or a pedal boat ($5–$8 per half-hour). Cafés line the southeast shore; sunset silhouettes city towers. Nearby craft shops sell handmade paper and lacquerware.

Cha Ca

Reserve a table for chả cá—sizzling fish, dill, and spring onions cooked at your burner, folded with rice noodles and peanuts. Budget $6–$9 per person. Ask for extra herbs and lime; it's the balance that makes the dish sing.

Night Market

From Friday to Sunday (18:00–23:00), the Old Quarter's night market spreads along pedestrian streets. Expect clothing, crafts, and plenty of snacks. Bargain politely—start at 60–70% of the first price and smile. Keep small bills handy ($0.40–$2.00).

Cooking Class

Join a half-day market-to-kitchen course. Many include an Old Quarter market tour, three to four dishes, and recipes to take home. Prices run $25–$40 with vegetarian options. Morning classes (9:00–13:00) fit nicely before an afternoon museum.

Design Finds

Seek contemporary boutiques selling lacquer bowls, hand-woven textiles, and bamboo homeware. Reputable shops ship worldwide and accept cards. A good lacquer salad bowl costs $12–$25; silk scarves $8–$20. Ask about care instructions—some lacquers prefer cool water only.

Getting Around

From Noi Bai Airport, the orange Bus 86 reaches the Old Quarter in 40–60 minutes for about $2. App-based rides (cars or motorbikes) are abundant; short hops in the center cost $1–$3. Many sights cluster within a 15-minute walk—comfortable shoes beat taxis in rush hours.

When To Go

Late Oct–Apr brings drier, cooler days (light jacket at night). May–Sep is warmer with short showers—carry a compact umbrella and quick-dry clothing. Mornings (7:00–9:00) and late afternoons (16:30–18:30) are best for strolls and photos.

Where To Stay

- Old Quarter: Boutique hotels, easy walks, from $35–$80 with breakfast.

- West Lake: Lakeside resorts and serviced apartments $120–$250; quieter nights.

Day Trips

Short excursions include pottery workshops in Bat Trang (13 km, classes $3–$6, taxi $7–$12 each way) and countryside cycling in Duong Lam ancient village (guided rides $35–$60 with lunch). Book through reputable operators for clear routes and support vehicles.

Quick Etiquette

Cash rules in markets; cards are common in hotels and museums. Dress modestly for heritage sites. Ask before photographing people. When crossing streets, walk steadily—drivers anticipate your pace.

Conclusion

Hanoi rewards unhurried travel: lake loops at dawn, a gallery hour, a bowl of noodles on a tiny stool, and skyline views after dark. Which comes first on your list—egg coffee by the lake, a sizzling chả cá dinner, or night-market treasure hunting?