7 Free Things to Do in Hanoi

Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is a fascinating destination for digital nomads who seek a blend of cultural heritage, vibrant street life, and serene landscapes. While living in Hanoi for an extended period, you'll find that the city offers a wealth of experiences that don't have to cost a dime. From iconic historical sites to hidden gems, here are nine free things to do in Hanoi that will enrich your stay without emptying your wallet.

Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

The heart of Hanoi is undoubtedly the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake, a serene spot perfect for morning jogs or leisurely strolls. On a tiny island in the lake, connected by an ornate bridge, sits Ngoc Son Temple, a peaceful place of worship dedicated to a 13th-century military leader. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists to enjoy the tranquility and escape the city's hustle. While the temple has an entrance fee, walking around the lake and soaking in the atmosphere is completely free.

Location: Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. The lake is a central landmark, easily recognizable in the city center.

Travel Tip: Visit the lake early in the morning to witness locals practicing Tai Chi and aerobics, which is a cultural experience in itself.

Nearby: The Note Coffee is a charming café overlooking the lake, known for its walls covered in colorful sticky notes left by visitors from around the world.

Old Quarter Walking Streets

The Old Quarter's historical charm is best experienced on foot. During weekends, many streets around Hoan Kiem Lake become pedestrian-only, creating a lively atmosphere with street performers, local vendors, and traditional games. It's a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Hanoi's culture and observe the daily life of its residents. The area is also home to some of the city's oldest shops and colonial architecture, making it a living museum of Hanoi's past.

Location: The Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. It's the historical heart of the city, surrounded by well-known streets like Hang Ngang, Hang Dao, and Ta Hien.

Travel Tip: Keep an eye out for impromptu cultural performances and traditional music that often take place in the streets on weekends.

Nearby: Stop by Giang Café, the birthplace of Hanoi's famous egg coffee, for a unique and delicious Vietnamese coffee experience.

Long Bien Bridge

Designed by Gustave Eiffel, the same architect behind the Eiffel Tower and Statue of Liberty, Long Bien Bridge is a historical cantilever bridge that offers stunning views of the Red River and Hanoi's cityscape. It's a testament to the city's colonial past and resilience, having survived several bombings during the Vietnam War. Walking across this bridge at sunset or sunrise provides a picturesque and reflective experience for visitors.

Location: Long Bien Bridge spans the Red River and connects Hoan Kiem and Long Bien districts. It's a prominent structure easily accessible from the city center.

Travel Tip: For a less crowded walk, visit the bridge on weekday mornings when the traffic is lighter.

Nearby: After your walk, enjoy a refreshing drink at one of the riverside cafes, such as Tranquil Books & Coffee, which offers a cozy atmosphere and a great selection of books.

Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural

The Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural is a unique art project that holds the Guinness World Record for the largest ceramic mosaic. It stretches over 6 kilometers along the walls of the Red River dyke system. This vibrant and colorful mural depicts scenes from Vietnamese history, culture, and folklore, and was created to celebrate Hanoi's 1000th anniversary in 2010. It's a fantastic open-air gallery that you can enjoy at your own pace, and it's completely free.

Location: The mural runs along the Red River dyke, starting from the vicinity of Long Bien Bridge and continuing through several districts.

Travel Tip: Rent a bicycle to explore the entire length of the mural, as it allows you to cover more ground and appreciate the artwork up close.

Nearby: Sample some local street food from the vendors near the mural, such as Banh Mi or Pho, for an authentic Hanoi taste.

West Lake

West Lake, or Ho Tay, is the largest lake in Hanoi and a popular spot for locals to relax and enjoy recreational activities. The area around the lake is peaceful, with several temples, pagodas, and gardens that you can visit for free. It's an ideal place for cycling, jogging, or simply watching the sunset. The lake's surroundings also offer a glimpse into the more modern and upscale side of Hanoi, with trendy cafes and restaurants dotting the shoreline.

Location: West Lake is situated in the northwest part of Hanoi, bordered by several districts including Tay Ho and Ba Dinh.

Travel Tip: Visit the Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, located on a small island in West Lake, for a serene cultural experience.

Nearby: Enjoy a cup of Vietnamese coffee at Cong Caphe, a retro-style cafe with a view of the lake and a menu featuring local flavors.

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as the political center of the country for 13 centuries. While there is a fee to enter the main complex, you can explore the surrounding gardens and some outer areas for free. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam's history, with ancient palaces, gates, and military bunkers from different eras.

Location: 19C Hoang Dieu Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi. It's located near several other historical attractions, including the Presidential Palace.

Travel Tip: Check out the changing of the guard ceremony, which takes place on weekends and is free to watch.

Nearby: Bia Hoi Junction in the Old Quarter is a short distance away, where you can enjoy the local atmosphere and try the famous Bia Hoi, a fresh, light beer brewed daily.

Hanoi Train Street

Hanoi's Train Street is a unique attraction where trains pass through a narrow street, just inches away from the houses of residents. This unusual sight has become a popular spot for photography and witnessing the daily life of locals who live along the tracks. It's free to visit, but be sure to stay safe and clear of the tracks when the train is due to pass.

Location: The most famous section of Train Street is between Le Duan and Kham Tien street in the Old Quarter. It's a short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake.

Travel Tip: Check the train schedule in advance to ensure you can see the train passing through without waiting for too long.

Nearby: Tuck into some traditional Vietnamese fare at Pho Gia Truyen, one of the best places in Hanoi to try Pho, the iconic Vietnamese noodle soup.

Hanoi Book Street

Tucked away from the bustling city is Hanoi Book Street, a charming pedestrian street dedicated to literature lovers. Lined with bookstores and cafes, it's a quiet retreat where you can browse through books, including English titles, without any pressure to purchase. The street also hosts cultural events, book signings, and exhibitions, making it a hub for Hanoi's literary community.

Location: 19/12 Book Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. It's located near the Hanoi Opera House and other cultural landmarks.

Travel Tip: Look out for occasional outdoor reading sessions and book-related events, especially on weekends.

Nearby: After exploring the book street, head to The Hanoi Social Club, a nearby cafe that offers a cozy environment and a menu with vegetarian options.

Ba Dinh Square

Ba Dinh Square is a historically significant site where President Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam's independence in 1945. It's a vast open space where you can witness the grandeur of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the stately government buildings. The square is a place of reverence and is often used for national celebrations. Visiting the square is free, and it's an excellent opportunity to learn about Vietnam's modern history.

Location: Hung Vuong and Le Hong Phong Streets, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi. It's adjacent to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Presidential Palace.

Travel Tip: The flag-raising ceremony at sunrise and the flag-lowering ceremony at sunset are particularly moving and worth witnessing.

Nearby: Quan An Ngon is a short walk away, offering a variety of Vietnamese dishes from different regions in a market-style setting.

These free attractions in Hanoi provide a rich tapestry of experiences for digital nomads looking to delve into the city's culture and history without spending a fortune. Whether you're exploring the well-trodden paths or discovering hidden corners, Hanoi is sure to leave a lasting impression.