5 Things You Should Do In Hanoi (For Those Short on Time!)

Hanoi, the vibrant capital of Vietnam, captivates visitors with its rich tapestry of history, culture, and culinary delights.

As frequent travelers to Vietnam, we’ve discovered that Hanoi is a madhouse of people, scooter traffic, and little side-alley cooking scenes. We love it!

Planning your itinerary can be overwhelming for those who are short on time but eager to experience the essence of Hanoi.

That’s why we’ve curated this list of the top 5 things to do in Hanoi for time-strapped travelers.

Our recommendations aim to balance iconic sights and hidden gems, offering you a taste of classic and authentic Hanoi.

Remember, the best itinerary is one that resonates with your own interests and travel style.

Use our list as a starting point, but don’t hesitate to adapt it to your preferences.

After all, the most memorable experiences often come from venturing slightly off the beaten path.

So, whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to this enchanting city, let’s explore our carefully selected Hanoi must-dos, which promise to make your brief stay unforgettable!

Top 5 ‘Must-See’ Hanoi Tourist Attractions

1. Hanoi Old Quarter Beer Corner

The first spot you can’t miss is the Beer Corner in the Hoan Kiem District (Old Quarter Hanoi). 

The famous Beer Corner, or Bia Hoi Corner, is located at the intersection of Pho Ta Hien and Pho Luong Ngoc Quyen. I recommend visiting Beer Corner at night, as it is a bit dead during the day.

We stayed at a Hotel, which was only two streets away from the Beer Corner (find our complete guide on recommended hotels in Hanoi here), so we visited this street and corner many times.

The atmosphere here is next to none!

This spot has to be one of the most awesome meeting places for all the multi-international tourists and locals alike.

You can choose from many little street pubs, pull up on a little plastic chair, grab some of the local snacks on offer, and relax to Hanoi’s delicious Bia Hoi beer.

Bia Hoi beer must be one of the world’s cheapest beers you will ever find.

At the low price of about 11,500 VND or about 50 cents, this refreshing and light draught beer is the number one choice for most who visit this place. It was my number one!

2. Riding a Rickshaw in the Hanoi French Quarter

The second most well-known district in Hanoi is Ba Dinh District, the famous Hanoi French Quarter.

To save time and because walking around the French Quarter is not as fun, we recommend hiring a Rickshaw Driver to take you to all the main sights.

You will find Parisian architecture, an Opera House, expensive hotels, and government buildings here.

The very informative driver gave us a history lesson on some of the buildings, which was very interesting, and took us on a 30-minute ride around the French Quarter.

Our rickshaw tour started and finished at Hoan Kiem Lake and the Red Bridge.

Note: The Rickshaw rides are typically 1 to 2 hours (which I think is too long!). You can negotiate a cheaper price and ask for a 30-minute ride instead.

Alternatively, try a walking tour instead if you are not into rickshaw rides. Check out our recommendations for the Best Walking Tours in Hanoi.

3. Instagrammable Train Tracks in Hanoi

Visiting the train tracks in Hanoi offers more than just a photo opportunity; it’s a glimpse into a unique way of life.

While we initially sought to capture the proximity of homes to the tracks, we discovered a vibrant community adapting to their environment.

This isn’t a tourist attraction for locals—it’s simply home.

The densely populated Old Quarter extends up to the tracks, with residents making efficient use of every available space.

You’ll witness daily life unfolding: people cooking, cleaning, relaxing, and socializing, much like anywhere else.

The best part of the train tracks can be found here:

Important: Check train schedules and avoid walking on the tracks during operating hours. We adventurously walked from the North to the West section of the Old Quarter, but some areas were dangerously narrow. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are recommended for this urban trek.

Remember, while this scene may seem novel to visitors, it’s everyday life for the locals. Observe respectfully, and you’ll gain insight into Hanoi’s resourceful spirit and the community’s resilience.

4. Notre Dame of Hanoi

Notre Dame of Hanoi, or more correctly, St Joseph’s Cathedral, has some similarities to the famous architecture of the Parisian Cathedral.

However, it is located at 40 Nha Chung Street, deep inside the heart of the Hoan Kiem District or the Old Quarter.

The cathedral opened its doors in 1886. This is the oldest gothic-style church in Hanoi, built by the French colonial government.

Now, it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Hanoi. A magnificent sight to see!

5. Old Town Gate, Hanoi

There have been plenty of gates around town since 1749, but this one is probably the most famous.

Quan Chuong City Gate, or the Old Town Gate, is located at the end of Hang Chieu Street.

It’s a bit tricky grabbing a photo as the traffic through this gate is constant.

People are walking in every direction, motorcycles swiftly zigzagging in between, trucks reversing weird ways, and local women with baskets filled with bananas wandering through the madness.

Make sure to check it out both in the day and at night.

Final Thoughts on What to do in Hanoi For a Quick Trip

As we wrap up our tour of Hanoi’s must-see attractions, remember that these five spots are just the beginning of what this captivating city has to offer.

To make the most of your visit, timing is key. The best time to visit Northern Vietnam, including Hanoi, is during the spring (March to April) or autumn (September to October).

Before you leave, don’t forget to indulge in one of Hanoi’s culinary treasures – the famous Egg Coffee (One of the most popular types of Vietnamese Coffee).

Head to Giang Cafe, where this unique beverage was invented, for an authentic taste of this sweet and creamy concoction that perfectly embodies Hanoi’s innovative spirit.

Whether navigating the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, admiring French colonial architecture, or experiencing the local life along the train tracks, Hanoi is sure to leave a lasting impression.

More Articles on Vietnam

• Wondering what are some other places worth a visit in Vietnam? Here are the best of Vietnam!
• Check out how to do seven days in Vietnam here.
• Find out how to do 5 days in Vietnam here.

-j