Discover Hanoi on Foot: 3 Self-Guided Walking Tours to Explore the Capital

Walking Tour 1: Hoàn Kiếm Lake & the French Quarter

Just south of Hanoi’s buzzing Old Quarter lies a more refined side of the capital — the French Quarter. Known for its wide boulevards, shady parks, and elegant French colonial architecture, this area offers a peaceful contrast and rich cultural experience.

Start: Hoàn Kiếm Lake (Hồ Hoàn Kiếm)

Begin your walk at Hoàn Kiếm Lake, a beloved Hanoi landmark. Encircled by leafy paths and crowned by the Turtle Tower (Tháp Rùa), the lake is steeped in legend and locals' daily life. Come early for a glimpse of tai chi practitioners and morning vendors.

St. Joseph’s Cathedral & Hàng Trống Garden

From the lake, head to St. Joseph’s Cathedral on Lý Quốc Sư Street. This neo-Gothic church, reminiscent of Notre-Dame de Paris, stands as a symbol of Hanoi’s colonial past. Outside, you'll see street food vendors, children playing, and women balancing baskets of tropical fruits. Nearby, don’t miss the Hàng Trống Garden, home to a charming yellow colonial villa.

Vietnamese Women’s Museum

Continue to the Vietnamese Women’s Museum — one of the country’s top-rated museums. Exhibits here highlight the vital roles of Vietnamese women throughout history, from wartime heroines to artisans and mothers.

Cafés & Local Eats on Bà Triệu Street

Head one block to Bà Triệu Street, where you can stop for classic Hanoi street food like phở (noodle soup) and cơm rang gà (chicken fried rice). Relax at a sidewalk café and soak in the local rhythm.

Thien Quang Lake & Reunification Park

From here, walk down Nguyễn Du Street to Thiền Quang Lake, framed by century-old trees and featuring a quiet temple and an ancient banyan tree. Then cross Trần Nhân Tông Street into Reunification Park (Công viên Thống Nhất), Hanoi’s largest public park. Locals jog, stretch, and unwind here — you can join them or rent a swan boat for a fun spin on the water.

Final Stop: Hanoi Opera House & Metropole Hotel

Exit the park via Tuệ Tĩnh Street and stroll toward the majestic Hanoi Opera House, an architectural gem built in 1911. Wrap up your tour with a refined cup of coffee on the terrace of the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, a storied hotel that has hosted presidents and poets alike.

Walking Tour 2: Markets, Bridges & Banana Island

Looking to step off the tourist track and see a different face of Hanoi? This self-guided walking tour blends historic architecture, lively markets, and a peaceful island escape — all within walking distance from the Old Quarter.

Start: Café Phố Cổ & Egg Coffee Experience

Begin your journey at the hidden Café Phố Cổ, a Hanoi institution famed for its creamy egg coffee (cà phê trứng). To find it, look for a silk shop at 11 Hàng Gai Street. Walk through the narrow alley to discover a charming courtyard café with sweeping views of Hoàn Kiếm Lake — a perfect introduction to Hanoi’s secret spaces.

Local Markets & Street Life

After your caffeine fix, walk down Hàng Đào Street toward the bustling Đồng Xuân Market, one of Hanoi’s oldest and largest markets. Turn right onto Cầu Đông, then left into a maze of alleys filled with vendors selling Vietnamese spices, dried herbs, and tropical fruits. This is where Hanoi's restaurant owners and home cooks stock up — a sensory overload and a great place to buy unique souvenirs.

Historic Long Biên Bridge

From here, follow Hàng Khoai Street and Xưởng Cầu Street to reach the Long Biên Bridge, built in 1902 by the architects of the Eiffel Tower. This iron giant played a vital role during the Vietnam War and remains a symbol of Hanoi’s resilience. Walk along the narrow footpath, taking in views of the Red River, urban vegetable gardens, and homes clinging to the riverbank.

Explore Banana Island (Bãi Giữa)

Midway across the bridge, descend a stairwell to Banana Island — a hidden world of banana groves, cornfields, and floating homes. It’s hard to believe you’re still in the capital city. Farmers work the land, and you might spot locals fishing or biking along dusty trails. This peaceful retreat offers a rare glimpse into rural life within the urban confines of Hanoi.

Walking Tour 3: Historic Hanoi & Trúc Bạch Lake

This photo-friendly route takes you through the heart of historic Hanoi, blending centuries-old landmarks, charming lakeside views, and authentic Hanoian street food. Along the way, you’ll pass colorful murals, colonial facades, and some of the city’s most iconic culinary streets.

Start: Phùng Hưng Street Murals

Begin your day on Phùng Hưng Street, where a vibrant outdoor gallery stretches beneath the railway arches. These hand-painted murals showcase daily life and historic scenes of Hanoi — perfect for photography and a gentle start to your walk.

Northern Gate & Cửa Bắc Church

Turn left onto Hàng Cót Street, passing a small park, then continue onto Phan Đình Phùng Boulevard. Lined with towering trees and grand villas, this is one of Hanoi’s most beautiful streets. Make a stop at the Northern Gate of the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long — its weathered facade still bears scars from wartime. Directly across the road is Cửa Bắc Church, a mustard-yellow Roman Catholic church built in the French colonial era.

Trúc Bạch Lake & Quán Thánh Temple

Continue down Phan Đình Phùng and turn right onto Hùng Vương Street, which leads to Trúc Bạch Lake, one of Hanoi’s lesser-known gems. Visit the nearby Quán Thánh Temple, an 11th-century Taoist temple dedicated to Trấn Vũ, a guardian of the north. Then stroll along Thanh Niên Street, a scenic causeway that separates Trúc Bạch Lake from the larger West Lake (Hồ Tây).

Trúc Bạch Street & Local Eats in Ngũ Xã

Turn right onto Trúc Bạch Street and head toward Ngũ Xã Island, connected by a small bridge. This area is a local favorite for street food. Be sure to try:

• Phở cuốn: Fresh rice noodle rolls with grilled beef and herbs.
• Phở chiên phồng: Crispy rice noodle pillows smothered in savory beef and vegetable gravy.

This neighborhood is beloved for its authentic flavors and laid-back atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for an afternoon break.

Wrap-Up Options: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum or Thăng Long Citadel

To walk off your meal, head back toward Phan Đình Phùng Street. If you have energy left, continue toward the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex for a look at one of Vietnam’s most important landmarks. Alternatively, explore the Ancient Citadel of Hanoi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located nearby on Nguyễn Tri Phương Boulevard.