3 Self-Guided Walking Tours to Discover the True Hanoi
The best way to experience Hanoi is by walking through its vibrant streets.. With its maze of narrow alleys, elegant boulevards, and peaceful lakes, walking reveals the capital’s hidden gems — from colonial charm to local markets and lakeside temples. Here are three immersive walking tours you can enjoy at your own pace.
1. Hoan Kiem & The French Quarter: Colonial Beauty and Lakeside Calm
Start your day at Hoan Kiem Lake, the spiritual heart of Hanoi, surrounded by trees and legends. Cross the red-painted The Huc Bridge to visit Ngoc Son Temple, then head west to St. Joseph’s Cathedral on Ly Quoc Su Street. This neo-Gothic church is a glimpse into Hanoi’s colonial past — and a great spot to soak in street life.
A short stroll brings you to the charming Hang Trong Gardens and the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, one of the country’s best cultural institutions, celebrating the resilience and history of Vietnamese women.
For lunch, explore Ba Trieu Street, lined with local eateries serving pho and com rang ga (fried rice with chicken). Then, wander toward Thien Quang Lake, a quiet green space with centuries-old trees and a rustic temple.
Cross Tran Nhan Tong Street to enter Reunification Park, Hanoi’s largest urban park. Rent a swan boat, or simply enjoy a fresh coconut by the lake.
End your walk in the French Quarter, home to the elegant Hanoi Opera House and Hotel Metropole. Grab a drink on the hotel’s terrace and admire the French colonial architecture that defines this sophisticated district.
2. Markets, Bridges & Banana Island: A Slice of Local Life
Begin this offbeat adventure at Café Pho Co, tucked behind a silk shop at 11 Hang Gai Street. This secret café offers unbeatable views of Hoan Kiem Lake and the best egg coffee in town.
Next, walk along Hang Dao Street to the bustling Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi’s largest indoor market. Then dive into the nearby side streets filled with vendors selling spices, dried fruit, and tropical produce.
Head north along Hang Khoai and Xuong Cau Street, and you’ll reach Long Bien Bridge — an iconic structure built by the French in 1902 and bombed during the war. Walk across the bridge’s narrow pedestrian path for sweeping views of the Red River and the surrounding farmland.
Climb down the stairs to Banana Island, an unexpected escape filled with banana plantations, papaya trees, and serene river views. This area feels worlds apart from the city’s chaos. After your visit, walk back along the other side of the bridge to complete the loop.
3. Historic Hanoi & Truc Bach Lake: From Murals to Street Food
This photogenic walking tour begins on Phung Hung Street, where colorful murals line the arches beneath the railway tracks. The street is wide and shady — perfect for a leisurely morning stroll.
Turn onto Hang Cot Street, pass a small park, and continue to Phan Dinh Phung Boulevard, one of Hanoi’s prettiest streets. Admire the grand trees, colonial villas, and landmarks like the Northern Gate of the Citadel, still scarred from wartime, and Cua Bac Church, painted a cheerful yellow.
Walk down to Hung Vuong Street and make your way to Truc Bach Lake, where locals relax and ride bikes. Visit the 11th-century Quan Thanh Temple, then continue on Thanh Nien Street, flanked by lakes on both sides.
Turn onto Truc Bach Street and head to Ngu Xa Island, a hidden culinary gem. Here, don’t miss Hanoi’s beloved specialties: pho cuon (rolled rice noodles with grilled beef and herbs) and pho chien phong (crispy fried noodle squares in gravy).
To finish your loop, walk back through Phan Dinh Phung or follow Nguyen Tri Phuong Boulevard, passing by the ancient Imperial Citadel of Thang Long and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum — ideal stops for history lovers.
Final Tips
- Be sure to put on comfy shoes for all the walking..
- Begin your walk in the morning to beat the afternoon heat.
- Bring cash for street food and market finds.
- Don’t forget your camera — Hanoi is full of postcard-worthy scenes!
Whether you’re chasing history, food, or quiet moments, these walking tours offer a perfect window into Hanoi’s soul — one step at a time.