3 Walking Tours of Hanoi: Explore the Best Routes Through History and Culture

Hanoi, like many great cities, is best explored on foot. From narrow alleys and tree-lined boulevards to picturesque lakes, walking tours of Hanoi reveal just the beginning of the city’s captivating charm. Set your own pace and discover hidden treasures—where the old meets the new—on any of these three do-it-yourself walking tours.

1/ Hoan Kiem and the French Quarter

Begin your journey at Hoan Kiem Lake, the iconic symbol of Hanoi. With its rich history and legends of a sacred sword, this lake is a must-see in walking tours of Hanoi. Locals love gathering here, and as a visitor, you can join in various activities such as traditional Vietnamese folk games, dancing with the locals, or listening to the melodies performed by young street musicians.

From the lake, head towards St. Joseph’s Cathedral on Ly Quoc Su Street. This area offers a vibrant snapshot of Hanoi’s local life: children playing, street vendors selling fresh fruit from bamboo baskets, and the city’s unique mix of activity. The cathedral, one of the earliest French architectural constructions in Indochina, miraculously survived the city’s many hardships and remains standing today.

Continue your walk to the Hang Trong Gardens, home to a charming yellow villa, and then to the Vietnamese Women’s Museum. Here, you’ll find an impressive collection of artifacts, photographs, and exhibits showcasing the vital roles of Vietnamese women throughout history.

Next, take a short stroll to Ba Trieu Street, where you can pause for a refreshing bowl of phở or a plate of cơm rang gà at one of the many local food stalls. From there, turn onto Nguyen Du Street to discover the peaceful Thien Quang Lake, surrounded by centuries-old trees and a quaint temple.

Cross Tran Nhan Tong Street and enter Reunification Park (Thống Nhất Park). As Hanoi’s largest park, it covers 50 hectares, including a 25-hectare lake. Locals come here for exercise, and you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along its paved paths or rent a swan boat to paddle around the lake. Don’t forget to relax with a coconut by the water before you exit onto Tue Tinh Street.

A short walk will take you to the Hanoi Opera House!

While both the Old Quarter and the French Quarter are located around Hoan Kiem Lake, they provide distinct experiences. The Old Quarter is lively and chaotic, with bustling markets, narrow streets, and constant activity, while the French Quarter has a calmer vibe, wider pavements, and less traffic. Its grand boulevards are lined with well-preserved French colonial buildings.

2/ Markets, Bridges – The rich history and charm of walking tours of Hanoi

Start your day at Café Pho Co, a hidden gem in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, famous for its indulgent egg coffee. To find this secret spot, look for a silk shop at 11 Hang Gai Street. Walk through the textiles into a charming courtyard where you’ll discover one of Vietnam’s most beloved specialties—egg coffee. Made from a unique blend of egg yolks, sugar, condensed milk, and robusta coffee, this creamy treat is best enjoyed with a view of Hoan Kiem Lake.

After savoring your coffee, head down Hang Dao Street toward the bustling Dong Xuan Market. Take a right on Cau Dong, and soon after, a left into a side street filled with vendors selling spices and exotic fruits. If you’re looking to bring home a culinary souvenir, this is the perfect place to pick up some authentic Vietnamese ingredients.

Next, make your way to the historic Long Bien Bridge. Follow Hang Khoai Street,  Xuong Cau, and pass the Long Bien Train Station. This iconic iron bridge played a crucial role during wartime, serving as a supply line for the city. As you walk along its narrow sidewalk, you’ll be treated to views of urban agriculture and small homes nestled along the Red River.

Long Bien Bridge is also one of the best places in Hanoi to witness the sunrise or sunset. The warm glow of the sun reflecting off the river and bridge creates a stunning, unforgettable scene that captures the heart of the capital.

3/ Historic Hanoi and Truc Bach Lake

Start your walk on Phung Hung Street, where the wide path allows for a relaxed stroll. As the road curves, you’ll come across vibrant murals depicting scenes from Hanoi’s past—perfect for a photo opportunity.

Next, turn left onto Hang Cot Street, passing a small park before reaching the tree-lined Phan Dinh Phung Boulevard, considered one of the most beautiful streets in Hanoi. Stop to admire the Northern Gate of the Hanoi Citadel, still marked with bullet holes from wartime, and the striking yellow façade of Cua Bac Church across the road.

Continue along Phan Dinh Phung until you reach Hung Vuong Street. Take a right and you’ll arrive at Truc Bach Lake, a serene spot with historical significance. Dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, this lake was once home to a reformatory for royal concubines. Make sure to visit the 11th-century Quan Thanh Temple, which honors both Taoism and Buddhism, before enjoying a walk along Thanh Nien Street, flanked by lakes on both sides.

Turn right onto Truc Bach Street and head towards Ngu Xa Village. Unlike other villages, Ngu Xa’s residents specialize in bronze casting, a tradition dating back centuries. Cross the bridge to the island, a renowned food haven, and sample local delicacies like phở cuốn (fresh rice noodle rolls with grilled pork) and phở chiên phồng (fried rice noodle squares with beef and gravy).

After your meal, walk back to Phan Dinh Phung Street, finishing at the iconic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Here, you can learn about the life of Ho Chi Minh and explore nearby historical relics, or continue along Nguyen Tri Phuong Boulevard to visit the ancient Hanoi Citadel.

Hanoi is a city of contrasts, where the charm of ancient temples meets the energy of bustling markets, and tranquil lakes lie just steps away from vibrant boulevards. Whether you choose to wander through the peaceful French Quarter, explore the bustling markets and bridges, or uncover hidden historical gems around Truc Bach Lake, walking tours of Hanoi offer something for everyone. Each of these self-guided tours will give you a deeper understanding of the city’s unique blend of old and new.

So lace up your walking shoes, pick a route, and let the streets of Hanoi reveal their magic. There’s no better way to experience this captivating city than on foot—every corner holds a new surprise waiting to be discovered. Start your journey today and immerse yourself in the unforgettable sights, sounds, and flavors of Hanoi!

With these insights, you surely have exciting plans for your visit to Hanoi, right?

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