Condé Nast TravelerNov 27, 2025
Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in Hanoi, the Urban Gem of Northern Vietnam
Pretty French facades, scooter-filled lanes, and sizzling street food make Hanoi well worth a stop.
26 things in this story
- Hoan Kiem LakeSightCalm heart of the city, tai chi at dawn
- Ngoc Son TemplePlace of worshipDedicated to a 13th-century general
- Old QuarterQuarterTangle of 36 medieval guild streets
- Temple of LiteratureSightPeaceful Confucian sanctuary founded in 1070
- Hoa Lo Prison MuseumMuseumSobering landmark telling Hanoi's 20th-century story
- Hanoi Opera HouseTheatreModeled on the Palais Garnier, stages ballets
- Manzi Art SpaceCaféCutting-edge art space
- Vincom Centre for Contemporary Art (VCCA)MuseumExhibits bold, political work by new artists
- Quang Phu Cau incense villagePlaceVillage specializing in incense making for over 100 years
- Ha Long BaySightEmerald islets, gateway to northern Vietnam
- SapaMarketTerraced hills, gateway to northern Vietnam
- Ninh BìnhSightKarst valleys, gateway to northern Vietnam
- Train StreetSightLocomotives pass close enough to ruffle your shirt
- ManziCaféLocated in centre of Hanoi, Manzi is known as one of the most dynamic art spaces in South East Asia.
- French QuarterNeighborhoodGrand boulevards recall colonial past
- Chuong villagePlaceVillage of conical hats, supplied the royal court
- Hang BuomNeighborhoodStreet known for sweet snacks and grilled skewers
- Tong Duy TanNeighborhoodStreet known for late-night noodles
- Nguyen DuHotelHanoi, a city that has 1000 years of history, and one of the most exuberant places in Asia.
- Pho Gia Truyen Bat DanFast foodLocals queue for beef broth noodles
- Banh Cuon Thanh VanRestaurantMakes translucent rice batter rolls
- Bun Cha Huong LienRestaurantCharcoal-grilled patties in fish-sauce broth
- Huc BridgeTrail
- Opera HouseTheatre
- Cho Dong Xuan marketMarket
- Ly Quoc SuNeighborhood