Things to Do in Hanoi: Your Guide to Discovering the Capital’s Unique Charm, Day and Night

Hanoi, the city of a thousand years of culture, always holds a special allure. Beyond its ancient historical sites and famous street food, things to do in Hanoi offer a diverse range of experiences, from traditional art performances to unique cafes and vibrant lounges. Whether you love cultural exploration, seek tranquility, or want to immerse yourself in the modern pulse of the capital, Hanoi has something for everyone.

This article will be your comprehensive guide, helping you plan an exciting trip for things to do in Hanoi, from spectacular shows to distinctive cafes and bars.

1. Entertainment Venues: Unique Traditional Culture

To better understand Vietnamese folk culture and art, water puppet shows are an unmissable choice when you’re looking for things to do in Hanoi.

1.1. Thang Long Water Puppet Show

The Thang Long Water Puppet Show is one of Hanoi’s most famous tourist attractions and a unique cultural experience you shouldn’t miss. Water puppetry is a traditional Vietnamese folk art form, originating from the Red River Delta.

• Highlights:
  • Unique Art Form: Artists manipulate wooden puppets on the water’s surface using a system of poles and strings, making them move as if alive. The stories often depict the daily lives of Vietnamese farmers, festivals, folk legends, and historical tales.
  • Traditional Music: The performance is accompanied by a lively traditional orchestra, with drums, flutes, zithers (đàn bầu), two-stringed fiddles (đàn nhị), and more, creating a distinct and captivating atmosphere.
  • Cultural Experience: This is a wonderful way for visitors, especially international guests, to learn about a valuable intangible cultural heritage of Vietnam.
• Address: 57B Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi (near Hoan Kiem Lake).

1.2. Bong Sen Water Puppet Show

Similar to the Thang Long Water Puppet Show, the Bong Sen Water Puppet Show also offers spectacular water puppet performances, enriching the options for those who want to explore traditional art when looking for things to do in Hanoi.

• Highlights:
  • Professional Acting: The artists at Bong Sen Theater are experienced performers who deliver lively and emotional performances.
  • Cozy Atmosphere: The theater has a modest size, creating a more intimate feeling with the audience, allowing you to easily appreciate every detail of the show.
  • Diverse Content: Besides traditional acts, the theater sometimes presents new plays with a more modern flair while still retaining the spirit of water puppetry.
• Address: 16 Le Thai To, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi (also near Hoan Kiem Lake).

2. Cafes & Lounges: Discover Hanoi’s Unique Style for Things to Do in Hanoi

Coffee culture is an indispensable part of Hanoi. From ancient traditional cafes to luxurious rooftop lounges, each place offers a distinct experience for your things to do in Hanoi journey.

2.1. Moonlight Sky Bar: Panoramic Views of the City at Night

If you want to admire Hanoi at night from above in a luxurious and romantic setting, Moonlight Sky Bar is an ideal choice. Located on the rooftop of a high-end hotel, this bar offers stunning panoramic views of Hoan Kiem Lake and the twinkling Old Quarter.

• Highlights:
  • Million-Dollar View: This is one of the Sky Bars with the best views in Hanoi, especially at night. You can relax, enjoy drinks, and watch the bustling city below.
  • Luxurious Ambiance: Modern and sophisticated design with warm lighting, creating an elegant and comfortable feel.
  • Diverse Drinks: An extensive menu features creative cocktails, wines, beers, and light bites.
• Address: 12th Floor, La Siesta Classic Hang Thung Hotel, 11 Hang Thung, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.

2.2. Lighthouse Sky Bar: A Different Perspective of Hoan Kiem Lake

Similar to Moonlight Sky Bar, Lighthouse Sky Bar is also a great spot to enjoy drinks and admire Hanoi from above. With its prime location near Hoan Kiem Lake, this bar offers a different, no less charming, perspective.

• Highlights:
  • Open Space: An airy open design allows you to enjoy the cool breeze and fresh air of Hanoi at night.
  • Varied Drinks: Professionally crafted beverages, from classic cocktails to the bar’s unique creations.
  • Suitable for Various Occasions: Ideal for a romantic date, meeting friends, or simply relaxing after a day of exploring things to do in Hanoi.
• Address: 8th Floor, 27 Hang Be, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.

2.3. Ban Cong Cafe: Nostalgic Charm in the Old Quarter

Ban Cong Cafe (Balcony Cafe) is a hidden gem in the heart of the Old Quarter, famous for its nostalgic, cozy ambiance and small, charming balcony overlooking the bustling street. This is an ideal place to experience the slow pace of old Hanoi.

• Highlights:
  • Vintage Charm: The cafe is decorated with old furniture and items reminiscent of Hanoi in the 80s and 90s, creating a familiar and peaceful feeling.
  • Romantic Balcony: The small balcony is the highlight of the cafe, where you can sip coffee, watch people pass by, and feel the blend of ancient and modern.
  • Traditional Drinks: The menu features traditional Vietnamese coffees like iced milk coffee and egg coffee, along with various teas and other beverages.
• Address: 2 Dinh Liet, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.

2.4. Highlands Coffee: A National Brand with a Modern Style

Highlands Coffee is one of Vietnam’s largest coffee chains, having become a familiar icon and an ideal stop for many when looking for things to do in Hanoi. With its modern, spacious environment and consistent drink quality, Highlands suits all types of visitors.

• Highlights:
  • Reputable Brand: Highlands is famous for its rich Vietnamese coffee flavor, especially traditional filter coffee and iced milk coffee.
  • Comfortable Space: Highlands branches typically have spacious, air-conditioned areas with free Wi-Fi, suitable for working, meeting friends, or relaxing.
  • Extensive Network: With many branches across all districts, you can easily find a Highlands cafe whenever you need a place to rest and enjoy coffee.
• Address: Numerous branches throughout Hanoi, easily found in central areas and shopping malls.

2.5. Binh Minh Jazz Club: Where Music and Passion Intersect

If you’re a jazz enthusiast, Binh Minh Jazz Club is an unmissable destination when looking for things to do in Hanoi. This venue was founded by saxophonist Quyen Van Minh – one of the pioneers who brought jazz to Vietnam.

• Highlights:
  • High-Quality Music: Live jazz performances every night by talented artists, ranging from classic jazz pieces to fresh compositions with Vietnamese influences.
  • Cozy, Romantic Ambiance: The club is designed in a traditional jazz club style, with warm yellow lighting and comfortable sofas, creating an intimate and relaxing atmosphere.
  • Unique Experience: This is not just a place to enjoy music but also a space to immerse yourself in passion and connect with like-minded individuals.
• Address: 1 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.

2.6. Cafe Cong: The Unique Charm of the Subsidy Era Style

Cafe Cong has become a phenomenon among young people and tourists due to its unique design style, inspired by Vietnam’s “bao cap” (subsidy) era. This is an ideal place to learn about a part of Vietnamese cultural history in a friendly and creative space.

• Highlights:
  • Nostalgic Ambiance: The cafe is decorated with old items like wooden tables and chairs, peacock blankets, and old newspapers, making you feel like you’re stepping back in time to the 1970s-80s.
  • Signature Menu: Famous for its coconut coffee, other unique beverages like yogurt coffee, and familiar childhood snacks.
  • Multiple Branches: Cong Cafe has many locations throughout Hanoi, each with its own charm but maintaining the overall spirit.
• Address: Numerous branches throughout Hanoi, especially concentrated in the Old Quarter streets like Hang Gai, Hang Bong, Trang Tien.

2.7. Cafe Giang: Legendary Egg Coffee Flavor

If you ask a Hanoian about the capital’s most iconic coffee, the answer will undoubtedly be egg coffee, and Cafe Giang is where this legendary drink was born. This is an unmissable destination for anyone wanting to experience traditional flavors when looking for things to do in Hanoi.

• Highlights:
  • Renowned Egg Coffee: The egg coffee at Giang has a rich, creamy flavor from whipped egg yolk, blended with strong coffee, creating a unique and addictive combination.
  • Simple, Traditional Setting: The cafe is tucked away in a small alley, with a simple, rustic interior, retaining the style of traditional Hanoi cafes.
  • Long History: Cafe Giang has existed for over 70 years, carrying a story about coffee and Hanoi culture.
• Address: 39 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi (there’s another branch at 106 Yen Phu).

2.8. Bia Hoi Corner (Ngã Tư Bia Hơi): Experiencing Sidewalk Culture

Bia Hoi Corner, also known as Ngã Tư Bia Hơi (Fresh Beer Intersection), is one of the most popular and iconic gathering spots for Hanoi’s sidewalk food culture. This is where you can immerse yourself in the lively and bustling atmosphere of local life.

• Highlights:
  • Authentic Local Experience: Sitting on small plastic chairs on the sidewalk, ordering a cold glass of bia hoi (fresh beer), and enjoying simple snacks like boiled peanuts, fried fermented pork rolls (nem chua rán), or dried beef salad (nộm bò khô) is an essential experience when looking for things to do in Hanoi.
  • Lively Atmosphere: Especially in the evening, Bia Hoi Corner becomes extremely crowded and vibrant, a place where people come to relax and chat after a day’s work.
  • Affordable Prices: Bia hoi and accompanying dishes are very budget-friendly, suitable for everyone.
• Address: Intersection of Ta Hien – Luong Ngoc Quyen – Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Useful Tips for Your Things to Do in Hanoi Trip

• Plan your itinerary: Hanoi has so much to explore. Plan ahead to make the most of your time.
• Getting around: Walking is a great way to discover the Old Quarter. Additionally, you can use traditional motorbike taxis (xe ôm), ride-hailing services (Grab, Be), or regular taxis.
• Weather: Check the weather forecast before you go to prepare appropriate clothing. Summers can be very hot, and winters quite cool.
• Cuisine: Don’t hesitate to try Hanoi’s famous street foods like phở, bún chả, nem rán, bún đậu mắm tôm, and more.
• Communication: Learning a few basic Vietnamese phrases like “Xin chào” (Hello), “Cảm ơn” (Thank you), “Bao nhiêu tiền?” (How much?) will be very helpful.

Hanoi never lacks things for you to explore and experience. From unique water puppet shows, cafes steeped in history, to luxurious rooftop lounges or the lively Bia Hoi Corner, each place tells its own story and evokes its own emotion.

Let us guide you on a journey full of surprises, where you can fully appreciate the ancient beauty, cultural sophistication, and vibrant pace of the capital. Your trip to Hanoi will surely be an unforgettable memory!