Exploring Hanoi on foot is a fantastic way to experience the city’s vibrant culture, rich history, and delicious cuisine. Whether you prefer a guided tour or a self-guided adventure, Hanoi walking tours offer something for everyone. Guided tours provide insights from knowledgeable locals, while self-guided routes give you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Hanoi walking tours with guide
Classic walking tours
Classic walking tours typically cover the most famous sights in Hanoi, such as the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and notable landmarks like St. Joseph’s Cathedral and the Hanoi Hilton (Hoa Lo Prison). These tours are led by knowledgeable local guides who share fascinating stories and historical insights about the city. You’ll get to see iconic locations, learn about Hanoi’s history and culture, and discover hidden gems along the way. This is a great option for first-time visitors who want to get an overview of the city’s highlights.
Free Hanoi walking tours by students
Free Hanoi walking tours are offered by local students who want to practice their English skills. While these tours are free, you can give a tip to the guide at the end. These tours can be a bit of a mixed bag in terms of quality, as it largely depends on the individual student guide. However, they can offer a unique and personal experience, allowing you to connect with local students, learn about their lives, and gain a different perspective on the city. If you enjoy engaging with young locals and don’t mind a less polished experience, this can be a fun and rewarding way to explore Hanoi.
Street food tours
Street food tours are a delicious and exciting way to explore Hanoi’s culinary scene. These tours take you through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, where you’ll sample a variety of local dishes from street vendors and small eateries. A local guide will provide insider information about the food, its origins, and the best places to eat. You’ll get to try iconic Hanoi foods like pho, bun cha, and banh mi, as well as discover new favorites. Street food tours are perfect for food lovers who want to taste the authentic flavors of Hanoi while learning about the city’s food culture.
We from Local Vietnam offer a fantastic Hanoi street food tour that combines the best local dishes with insightful commentary from our experienced guides.
Self-Guided Walking Routes
Exploring Hanoi on foot is relatively easy and incredibly rewarding. As long as you have internet access to follow a map or download the route offline, you can enjoy the city at your own pace. Here are two self-guided walking routes to help you discover the best of Hanoi.
1. Old Quarter Walking Route
Route overview
Length: 4.5 km (2.8 miles)
Duration: 3 – 4 hours
Route Link: Old Quarter Walking Route on Google Maps
The Old Quarter Walking Route takes you through the bustling heart of Hanoi, where you’ll encounter vibrant markets, historic temples, and the city’s charming old streets. This route is ideal for those who want to see iconic landmarks, take photos, and experience the local atmosphere. The route is primarily about seeing things, making quick stops for photos, and continuing on, except for the markets where you can spend more time exploring.
Route details:
1. Long Bien Bridge
Start your walk at the beginning of this historic bridge, built by the French in the early 20th century. If you start early, you can catch a stunning sunrise over the Red River
2. Long Bien Market
Visit this bustling wholesale market, busiest in the early morning hours when shop and restaurant owners come to buy their stock. It’s a fascinating look at local commerce.
3. Dong Xuan Market
Continue to Hanoi’s largest indoor market, where you can find everything from fresh produce to souvenirs. It’s a great place to experience the vibrant local trade.
4. Bach Ma Temple
Explore this historic temple, one of the oldest in Hanoi, dedicated to the White Horse deity. It’s a peaceful stop amidst the bustling streets.
5. Ta Hien Street
Walk through this famous beer street, which is peaceful in the morning. At night, it’s lively with locals and tourists enjoying Hanoi’s nightlife.
6. Heritage House – 87 Ma May
Visit this well-preserved traditional house to get a glimpse of life in Hanoi centuries ago. The architecture and interior decor are fascinating.
7. P. Hang Be Street
Experience the narrow, busy street packed with activities. It’s like traveling back in time with its old buildings and chaotic atmosphere.
8. The Huc Bridge & Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake
Cross the iconic red bridge to visit the temple on Jade Island. It’s a serene spot with great photo opportunities.
9. Hoan Kiem Lake
Stroll along the north part of the lake, passing the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater. The lake is a central hub of local activity.
10. Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square
Observe the bustling roundabout and enjoy a coffee with a view from one of the high-rise cafes overlooking the square and lake.
11. St. Joseph’s Cathedral
Visit this beautiful neo-Gothic cathedral, a striking contrast to the surrounding traditional Vietnamese architecture.
12. Hanoi Hilton (Hoa Lo Prison)
End your tour at this historical prison, now a museum that provides a poignant insight into Vietnam’s colonial and wartime history.
- If you prefer a shorter route, you can start from Bach Ma Temple and end at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, making the route around 2km.
- Note that the route will be longer if you have to walk to the start and from the end, so you might consider taking a taxi or Grab.
Combine route 1 & 2
For those combining both route 1 and route 2, you can add Hanoi Train Street after the Hanoi Hilton (Hoa Lo Prison) before starting the second route at the Temple of Literature.
13. Hanoi Train Street
Experience the unique sight of a train passing through a narrow residential street. Be sure to check the train schedule for the best times to visit.
2. Ba Dinh & Cultural Walking Route
Length: 4.5 km (2.8 miles)
Duration: 4 – 5 hours
Route Link: Ba Dinh & Cultural Walking Route on Google Maps
Route overview
The Ba Dinh & Cultural Walking Route covers some of Hanoi’s most significant cultural and historical sites. This route includes more stops where you can go inside and explore, making it a longer and more immersive experience. It starts west of the Old Quarter and takes you through major landmarks like the Temple of Literature, Ba Dinh Square, and several important museums.
Route details:
1. Temple of Literature
Start your route at Vietnam’s first university, dedicated to Confucius. It’s a beautiful example of traditional Vietnamese architecture and a serene place to begin your walk.
2. Optional Museums:
- Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum – Located nearby, showcasing Vietnamese art from ancient to contemporary times.
- Vietnam Military History Museum – Another nearby option, detailing Vietnam’s military history with fascinating exhibits.
3. Thang Long Imperial Citadel
Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which served as the political center of Vietnam for over a millennium.
4. Ba Dinh Square
Visit the political heart of Vietnam, where you can see the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Presidential Palace.
5. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
– See the resting place of Vietnam’s most famous leader. You can go inside to view his embalmed body or simply admire the impressive structure from outside.
6. One Pillar Pagoda
A unique pagoda and one of Hanoi’s most iconic temples, built to resemble a lotus blossom.
7. Ho Chi Minh Stilt House
Explore the traditional house where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked, set in a peaceful garden.
8. Presidential Palace
Admire the grand architecture of this important building, a fine example of French colonial design.
9. Quan Thanh Temple
Visit this Taoist temple known for its large bronze statue of Tran Vu, the guardian of the north.
13. Tran Quoc Pagoda
End your tour at this beautiful pagoda with views over West Lake, one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam.
If you want to shorten this route, you can skip Quan Thanh Temple and Tran Quoc Pagoda, reducing the route to less than 3.5 km. However, Tran Quoc Pagoda is particularly nice, so consider taking a taxi from Ba Dinh Square to visit it if you prefer a shorter walk.
Tips for Exploring Hanoi on Foot
Many of Hanoi’s highlights and sights are quite close to each other, making it easy to explore the city on foot. Walking allows you to discover hidden gems in small alleys, see more of local life, and experience the city beyond the typical tourist spots.
Using sidewalks
Sidewalks in Hanoi, especially in the Old Quarter, are often narrow and used for motorbike parking and street food vendors. Be careful as you often have to walk on the road alongside vehicles.
Good shoes
While flip-flops are great for the heat, proper walking shoes are better for exploring Hanoi on foot, providing more support and comfort.
Bring a small backpack
A small, waterproof backpack is ideal for keeping your belongings safe and dry. Store essentials like your wallet, charger, and other items you might need during the day.
Bring a light jacket
A light jacket is perfect for Hanoi’s variable weather. In winter, it can be chilly, while in summer, sudden rain showers are common. A light jacket is easy to carry and store in your backpack when not needed.
Vietnamese SIM Card
Having a Vietnamese SIM card ensures you are always online, making it easy to use navigation apps, translation apps, and search for restaurants or attractions. As a backup, download offline maps in the Google Maps app.
Getting tired or need a toilet break?
Coffee shops are everywhere in Hanoi, with drinks starting from as low as $0.50. They are great for a quick break and have toilets, addressing the city’s lack of public restrooms. If walking becomes too tiring, you can always order a Grab taxi (similar to Uber) to your next destination. Read here how Grab in Vietnam works.
Watch out for your phone
While crime against travelers is rare, phone snatching by motorbikes can happen. When taking photos, avoid standing too close to the street where motorbikes pass by.
Cyclo
A traditional cyclo is a great alternative to walking. It allows you to enjoy the open air and move at a leisurely pace, faster than walking but slower than a car or motorbike. Read here everything about how to arrange a cyclo in Hanoi.
