When to visit Hanoi

First things first, when should you even go to Hanoi? In every season there are pro and cons which means you can experience different things throughout the year. I was in Hanoi in November, it was warm but not to hot. It didn’t rain, altough there was no sun, Aside form that I really enjoyed it. But let me give you a little breakdown what every season has to offer.

🍂 October–November (Fall) – Golden Season

• Weather: Cool, dry, and pleasant (around 20–28°C / 68–82°F)
• Why go: The city feels fresh and alive. Perfect for walking tours, lakeside chilling, and street food crawls without breaking a sweat.
• Bonus: Fall foliage in parks like Lenin Park and around West Lake. Hanoi gets oddly romantic.

❄️ December–February (Winter) – Chilly & Moody

• Weather: Cooler, sometimes drizzly (10–20°C / 50–68°F)
• Why go: Fewer tourists, cozy cafés, and misty lake views. Great for hot noodle soups and warm egg coffee.
• Heads-up: It can get damp and grey, but still charming if you like that quiet, misty vibe.

🌸 March–April (Spring) – Bloom & Buzz

• Weather: Warming up, still comfortable (15–25°C / 59–77°F)
• Why go: Flowers bloom, locals are out and about, and the city feels fresh. Good time for festivals and photography.

May–September (Summer) = hot, humid, and rainy

That said, if you’re OK with heat and want cheaper deals or fewer tourists, it’s still doable — just pack light clothes and an umbrella.

Weather Temp can hit 35°C+ (95°F+), and afternoon storms are common.

Must-see Things in Hanoi

Hanoi is full of culture and history. One of my favorite activities in every city is to just walk around. There are so many cute places and cozy cafés you’ll stumble upon that aren’t in any blog or guidebookThat’s what we did most of the time. Even when we knew we wanted to go somewhere specific, we just walked and soaked all the charm and vibe un form the city. But there are some things that I definitely recommend to go see and do. Here are some of my favorites.

1. Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

• Why visit: This iconic lake is the heart of Hanoi. The Ngoc Son Temple sits on a small island in the middle, accessible via a picturesque red bridge. It’s peaceful in the mornings, and the area around the lake is perfect for a morning walk or evening stroll.
• Fun fact: The lake is home to a legendary turtle, said to have been the guardian of the sword of the great Vietnamese hero, King Le Loi.

2. The Old Quarter

• Why visit: Narrow streets lined with ancient French colonial buildings wind through the Old Quarter, where each street still carries the name of the trade it once represented—like Silk Street or Paper Street. It’s the perfect place to experience Hanoi’s unique blend of the old and the new, where tradition and modern life coexist in every corner
• Must-do: Wander aimlessly down its labyrinthine alleys, try street food, and soak in the lively atmosphere.

3. Temple of Literature

• Why visit: Dedicated to Confucius, this is one of Hanoi’s oldest and most beautiful landmarks. It was Vietnam’s first university, founded in 1070, and remains a symbol of learning and wisdom. The peaceful gardens and ponds make for a serene escape.
• Fun fact: It’s a favorite spot for students who come here to pray for success in their exams.

4. The Turtle Tower

• Why visit: Located on an island in Hoan Kiem Lake, this tower is a symbol of Hanoi and a nod to the city’s legend of the golden turtle that lived in the lake.
• Fun fact: Altough it’s a popular photo spot, the tower holds deeper meaning—it’s connected to the legendary tale of King Lê Lợi and the magical sword he returned to the sacred turtle of the lake.”

5. Water Puppet Theatre

• Why visit: Water puppetry is a traditional Vietnamese art form dating back to the 11th century. The performances depict life in rural Vietnam, with elaborate puppets dancing across the water. It’s a uniquely Hanoi experience, full of charm and cultural significance.
• Where: Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is the most famous venue for the show.

6. Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton)

• Why visit: A somber yet fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s history. Originally used by the French to imprison political prisoners, it was later used by North Vietnam to house U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. The exhibits and remnants of the prison reveal important historical moments.
• Tip: It’s not the happiest place to visit, but it’s incredibly educational.

7. Night Market

• Why visit: The Hanoi Night Market, located in the Old Quarter only opens on weekends and offers everything from trinkets and souvenirs to food stalls and live performances. It’s a great way to experience the city’s night-time energy. If you can plan to be in Hanoi on the Weekends so experience this.
• Must-do: Grab a bowl of bánh xèo (Vietnamese pancakes) or some freshly grilled skewers while you browse.

8. Train Street

Must-do: We arrived an hour early to soak up the atmosphere while it was still quiet and less crowded. It was fascinating to see all the cute little caffes and the neon light. Then Grab yourself a drink and enjoy the rushing train.

Why visit: Train Street is a narrow residential street in Hanoi’s Old Quarter where trains pass through just inches away from people’s homes, shops, and cafés. The street is incredibly tight, with buildings right up against the railroad tracks, creating a heart-pounding experience as trains rush by. Due to its popularity on Instagram its not a hidden gem anymore so you need to arrive earlier to get a place in one of the caffes.

Food and Drinks

If you are a foodie like me you will love Hanoi. It is an adventure for your tastebuds and if you are from Europe like me it’s completely different than what I know form home. But I very quickly fell in Love with it.

Hanoi has a vibrant food scene with lots of different street food and nice restaurants. Here is a rundown with what I think are must tries.

Phở

Pho is a fragrant noodle soup typically made with beef (phở bò) or chicken (phở gà), served with herbs, bean sprouts, lime, and chili. The broth is the heart of this dish — slow-cooked to perfection, full of depth and flavor. When I tried pho the first time I absolutely fell in love with it. And no jokes I ate it every day when I was in Vietnam.

Where to try:

• Phở Gia Truyền (49 Bát Đàn Street) — For a classic bowl of beef pho.
• Phở Thìn (13 Lò Đúc Street) — Known for its rich, flavorful broth and a unique twist on the dish.

Bánh Mì

Banh Mi is a Vietnamese sandwich made with a crispy baguette filled with a variety of ingredients, typically including meats, pate, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and chili. It’s the perfect balance of crunchy, savory, and spicy. My personal favorite was the Banh Mi with just egg as a substitute to the meats.

Where to try:

• Bánh Mì 25 (25 Hàng Cá Street) — One of the most famous spots in Hanoi.
• Bánh Mì Phượng (also known as the “Obama Bánh Mì”) — A delicious spot made famous by President Obama’s visit.

Bún Chả

This is Grilled pork (either minced or in chunks) served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a side of dipping sauce. Often, a small basket of fried spring rolls is served alongside the dish.

Where to try:

• Bún Chả Hương Liên (24 Lê Văn Hưu Street) — Famous for its delicious grilled pork, this is the place where Obama and Anthony Bourdain dined together.

Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Pancakes)

Crispy, golden, and stuffed with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, these savory pancakes are often eaten with fresh herbs and dipped into a tangy, sweet-sour sauce. Banh Xeo was a dish I did not know and I think this was the reason I liked it soo much. It was the perfect street food snack between the night market shopping.

Where to try it:

• Bánh Xèo 20 in the Old Quarter is a great spot to try these savory treats.

Cà Phê Trứng (Egg Coffee)

A creamy, sweet, and rich coffee made by whipping egg yolks, sugar, condensed milk, and vanilla, then pouring it over strong Vietnamese coffee. It’s a dessert-like drink that you won’t find anywhere else and is absolutely a must try.

Where to try:

• Cà Phê Giảng (39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân Street) — The birthplace of egg coffee in Hanoi, serving up this iconic drink for generations.
• Cà Phê Đinh (13 Đinh Tiên Hoàng Street) — Another beloved spot known for its egg coffee.

When I left Hanoi my whole Vietnam trip was over, So by the way if you want to read more about my Vietnam trip, Soon i will post my 2.5 weeks itinerary. But I was really sad to leave and I still crave this delicious pho. For me Hanoi is more than just a destination — it’s a feeling. It’s the hum of motorbikes at dawn, the sizzle of street food at every corner, and the quiet wisdom of temples hidden behind leafy alleys. It’s where history whispers from ancient pagodas and life bursts from narrow alleyways, where old meets new in the most unexpected and beautiful ways.

So, come hungry. Come curious. Come ready to fall in love with a city that doesn’t try to impress, but somehow does anyway — with every bowl of phở, every slow sunrise over West Lake, and every moment in between.