If you’ve already seen the big names - Hoan Kiem Lake, the Temple of Literature, the Old Quarter - and want to dig deeper, this guide is for you. The best non touristy things to do in Hanoi are hidden in plain sight - tucked behind narrow alleys, local markets, and timeworn coffee corners where everyday life unfolds.
This isn’t about ticking landmarks off your list. It’s about feeling the rhythm of Hanoi - its early morning buzz, its chaotic beauty, and its moments of calm that only locals know.
So lace up your shoes, grab your curiosity, and let’s explore the non touristy side of Hanoi together.
Morning Vibes: Pho, Coffee, and Street Life
Start your day the Hanoian way - early, loud, and flavorful.
Forget the fancy breakfast buffets; instead, join the locals slurping steaming bowls of pho at tiny, family-run stalls. Skip the tourist traps and head to Pho Thin on Lo Duc Street or Pho Lam on Nam Ngu Street. Here, you’ll find smoky broth, sizzling beef, and the kind of authenticity no guidebook can capture.
Pho Lam - Hang Vai Street
Afterward, dive into Hanoi’s legendary coffee culture - one of the most non touristy things to do in Hanoi if you know where to go. Start at Cafe Giảng, the birthplace of the iconic Egg Coffee, or Cafe Nhĩ for a nostalgic, old-school vibe. Prefer something trendier? Try Polo Brew & Bakes or The Running Beans, where Hanoi’s creative youth hang out.
The Running Beans - Nha Tho Street
Sip your coffee slowly. Watch life unfold - street vendors yelling prices, motorbikes weaving through chaos, the occasional laughter from a passing student. This is the real Hanoi.
Lunch Like a Local: Bun Cha and Hidden Eateries
By noon, the city heat kicks in - and your appetite will too. Skip the tourist restaurants and hunt down Bun Cha Hang Quat, hidden behind a maze of alleys. The grilled pork, fresh herbs, and dipping sauce are worth every minute of the search.
Grab a bowl of Bun Cha in Hang Quat Street
If you’re feeling bold, try Bun Dau Mam Tom - Hanoi’s most divisive dish. Crispy tofu, noodles, pork, and fermented shrimp paste… it’s intense, pungent, and surprisingly addictive. You’ll spot locals crowded around plastic stools, laughing and dipping - that’s your sign you’re in the right place.
Or for something cozy and nostalgic, drop by Nguyen Gia Restaurant for home-style rice dishes (“cơm nhà”). The décor - old enamel bowls, wooden chairs, and yellowed walls - feels like stepping into someone’s memory.
Nguyen Gia Restaurant - Quan Su Street
Afternoon Adventures: Local Workshops and Hidden Corners
After a satisfying lunch, consider exploring Hanoi from a different perspective. Hop on the hop-on hop-off bus, which takes you around the city’s famous tourist attractions. From the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake and The Old Quarter to the Temple of Literature and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the bus is a convenient way to see the top sights of the city while enjoying some relaxation in between.
Alternatively, walking through the ancient streets of the Old Quarter, where narrow lanes and colonial architecture tell stories of Hanoi’s past. Nonetheless, for a more hands-on experience, why not attend a local workshop? You can try your hand at pottery making, or even a floral arrangements workshop, both offering a creative and cultural experience. These activities are a great way to engage with Hanoi’s traditions and craftsmanship.
After these activities, it’s time to indulge in a refreshing bowl of Chè (sweet soup), a beloved dessert in Hanoi. This sweet, refreshing treat comes in various forms, from mung bean and coconut milk to more adventurous combinations like fruit or sticky rice. Whether you have it as a light snack or a sweet ending to your afternoon, it’s a must-try that captures the essence of Vietnamese flavors.
Evening: Eat, Walk, and Let Hanoi Surprise You
As the sun sets, Hanoi slows down - but only a little. Ditch the rooftop bars for something more local.
For dinner, find a spot serving Cha Ca La Vong, Hanoi’s iconic grilled fish dish. It’s cooked right at your table on a sizzling pan, with herbs, noodles, and peanuts - simple, flavorful, and uniquely Hanoi.
After dinner, walk around Long Bien Bridge - one of the most atmospheric non touristy things to do in Hanoi at night. Locals come here to watch the trains rumble by, feel the wind off the Red River, and enjoy the city’s skyline from a distance.
If you’re into nightlife, skip the backpacker bars and head to a live music café like Binh Minh Jazz Club or Ta Ca Phe for an intimate, local crowd. You’ll get soul, not chaos.
Experience Hanoi Beyond the Obvious
These experiences might not appear on most guidebooks, but that’s what makes them unforgettable. The non touristy things to do in Hanoi are where you’ll truly understand the city’s rhythm - a mix of chaos, calm, flavor, and friendship.
If you’d rather have an expert show you the ropes, check out our curated Hanoi tours. We’ll take you beyond the typical tourist trail - connecting you with artisans, local chefs, and real neighborhoods that define the spirit of Hanoi.
