Hanoi, the thousand-year-old capital of Vietnam, is not only famous for its historical sites and long-standing culture but also attracts tourists with countless fascinating destinations. You can absolutely explore and enjoy the beauty of Hanoi without spending too much. Let’s stroll through the ancient streets, immerse ourselves in the green space of poetic lakes, and discover unique architectural works, all completely free!
Free Things to Do in Hanoi: Top 12 Must-Visit Spots
Hanoi is not just a city with a bustling pace of life but also a place that preserves profound cultural and historical values. Here is a list of 12 free tourist attractions that you should not miss when visiting the capital:
1. Hoan Kiem Lake (Ho Guom)
A panoramic view of Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi, featuring the Turtle Tower in the center of the lake.
Speaking of Hanoi, everyone knows Hoan Kiem Lake, the heart of the capital. Walking around the lake, you will admire the ancient Turtle Tower, the red-lacquered The Huc Bridge, and Ngoc Son Temple (entrance fee is about 30,000 VND). Hoan Kiem Lake is an ideal place to enjoy the fresh air, admire the scenery, and take memorable souvenir photos. This area is also the center of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, very convenient for exploring the bustling shopping streets.
2. West Lake (Ho Tay)
Sunset over West Lake (Ho Tay) in Hanoi, with calm water reflecting the sky and distant buildings.
As the largest natural lake in Hanoi, West Lake offers a peaceful and airy space, completely different from the noise and bustle of the streets. You can cycle around the lake, watch the sunset, or simply find a lakeside cafe to relax and enjoy the fresh air. West Lake is an ideal destination for those who want to find peace and relaxation in the heart of Hanoi.
3. Bach Ma Temple
The ancient architecture of Bach Ma Temple in Hanoi, showcasing traditional Vietnamese temple design.
Bach Ma Temple, one of the “Four Sacred Temples of Thang Long,” guarding the east of the ancient capital, worships Long Do God. Located at 76-78 Hang Buom Street, Hoan Kiem District, the temple is open to visitors from 8:00 – 11:00 AM and 1:00 – 5:00 PM. This ancient temple is a special highlight in the picture of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where you can learn about the history and spiritual culture of Hanoians.
4. Voi Phuc Temple
Stone elephant statues at the entrance of Voi Phuc Temple in Hanoi, with traditional temple gates in the background.
Voi Phuc Temple, guarding the west of ancient Thang Long capital, is located in the campus of Thu Le Park. This temple is nổi bật with majestic stone elephant statues on both sides of the main gate. Coming here, you can explore the ancient architecture and learn about the historical stories associated with the temple. Thu Le Park is also a fun entertainment spot after visiting the temple.
5. Kim Lien Temple (Kim Lien Communal House)
The ornate gate of Kim Lien Temple in Hanoi, featuring intricate carvings and traditional Vietnamese architectural details.
Kim Lien Temple, guarding the south of ancient Thang Long, is also known as Cao Son Temple or Kim Lien Communal House. This temple is famous for its unique architecture and the nearly 1000-year-old Ngoc Mat Rong Well. The temple is located at 139 Kim Hoa, Phuong Lien, Dong Da, Hanoi. Exploring Kim Lien Temple is a journey to learn about the unique culture, history, and architecture of Hanoi.
6. Long Bien Bridge
A view of Long Bien Bridge in Hanoi spanning the Red River, with trains and motorbikes crossing and the city skyline in the distance.
Long Bien Bridge is not only a transportation project but also a historical symbol of Hanoi. Walking on the bridge, you will feel the antiquity, witness the simple life of the people, and admire the poetic Red River. Long Bien Bridge is an ideal place for taking photos, sightseeing, and feeling the soul of Hanoi.
7. St. Joseph’s Cathedral (Hanoi Big Church)
The exterior of St. Joseph's Cathedral in Hanoi, showcasing its Gothic architecture with tall spires and arched windows.
St. Joseph’s Cathedral, with its distinctive European Gothic architecture, is one of the most beautiful churches in Hanoi. You can come here to admire the architectural beauty, visit, and learn about the history of the church. The area around the church is also home to many cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops.
8. Ba Dinh Square and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi with the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in the background, surrounded by greenery and visitors.
Ba Dinh Square is an important historical site of Vietnam, where President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence. You can come here to visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (the Mausoleum has its own opening hours and regulations), visit the Presidential Palace historical site, Uncle Ho’s fish pond, and the Ho Chi Minh Museum.
9. Ly Thai To Park and Statue
Ly Thai To statue in Hanoi, standing in a park with people walking around and Hoan Kiem Lake visible in the background.
Located right opposite Hoan Kiem Lake, Ly Thai To statue and park is a vibrant public space, where many cultural, entertainment, and recreational activities take place. You can come here to watch art performances, participate in folk games, or simply immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of the pedestrian street.
10. Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural
A section of the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural along the Red River, displaying colorful and detailed ceramic artwork depicting Vietnamese history and culture.
The Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural, stretching along the Red River, is a unique work of art, made from millions of ceramic pieces. You can walk along this road to admire the brilliant ceramic paintings, depicting Vietnamese history and culture.
11. Hanoi Old Quarter
A bustling street scene in Hanoi Old Quarter, with narrow streets, traditional shops, and motorbikes passing by.
Hanoi Old Quarter is a maze of narrow streets, ancient houses, and traditional shops. Strolling through streets like Hang Dao, Hang Ngang, Hang Ma, you will feel the slow, simple pace of life of Hanoians.
12. Dong Xuan Market
A busy interior view of Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi, filled with stalls selling various goods and shoppers browsing.
Dong Xuan Market is one of the largest markets in Hanoi, where you can find all kinds of goods, from clothes, shoes, to household appliances and food. Coming to Dong Xuan Market, you not only shop but also have the opportunity to experience the bustling trading atmosphere and explore the traditional market culture of Hanoi.
Hanoi is Waiting for You to Explore!
With this list of free tourist attractions, you can fully explore Hanoi without worrying about costs. Pack your bags, grab your backpack, and start your journey to discover the thousand-year-old capital right away!