Where to go in Hanoi? TOP 30++ places for families and young people

This city not only has ancient streets but is also an ideal destination for all ages with a series of entertainment areas, unique cafes, eco-tourism spots, etc. From the vibrant Hoan Kiem Lake walking street to the peaceful Bat Trang pottery village, the list of 30++ places below will help you have memorable experiences in Hanoi.

Check-in and sightseeing locations

1. Hoan Kiem Lake & Old Quarter

Hoan Kiem Lake is not only the heart of Hanoi but also a destination with a strong historical and cultural imprint. The calm lake surface, reflecting the ancient Turtle Tower, creates a poetic scene in the heart of the bustling city. The highlight of this area is also the brilliant red The Huc Bridge leading to Ngoc Son Temple - a place to worship the god, Emperor Van Xuong and famous general Tran Hung Dao. Next door is the old quarter, where visitors can stroll through 36 streets, enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere and discover specialties such as beef noodle soup, bun cha, and banh cuon.

• Reference cost: Free admission to Hoan Kiem Lake, parking fee is about 20,000 - 30,000 VND ($0.77 - $1.15) , entrance fee to Ngoc Son Temple is about 50,000 VND ($1.91)/person.
• Address: Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi.

Hoan Kiem Lake (Sword Lake) (Source: Internet)

2. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Ba Dinh Square

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is the resting place of the beloved leader of the Vietnamese people, attracting millions of tourists every year. In front of the mausoleum is the large Ba Dinh Square, where Uncle Ho read the Declaration of Independence in 1945. When you’re here, you not only have the opportunity to visit the mausoleum but also explore the One Pillar Pagoda - one of the cultural symbols of Hanoi with its unique architecture resembling a lotus rising from the water. Some other attractions you can refer to are the Ho Chi Minh Museum, the Presidential Palace, etc.

• Reference cost: Free entrance to Uncle Ho's mausoleum, parking fee is about 5,000 - 10,000 VND ($0.19 - $0.38).
• Address: No. 1 Hung Vuong, Dien Bien, Ba Dinh, Hanoi.

3. Temple of Literature - Imperial Academy

Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam, the first university in Vietnam, is known as a symbol of the tradition of learning. The relic site bears a strong historical mark with the doctoral steles engraved with the names of those who passed the exams in the past, Khue Van Cac. With its unique architecture and Van Lake, it creates a peaceful space in the heart of the capital. This is an ideal place to learn about culture, education and keep ancient souvenir photos.

• Reference cost: Admission:

• 70,000 VND ($2.68)/turn for adults.
• 35,000 VND ($1.34)/trip for Vietnamese students, disabled people, and the elderly (Vietnamese citizens aged 60 or older with citizen identification).

Price for automatic commentary, foreign languages: 100,000 VND ($3.83)/person.

• Address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam Street, Temple of Literature, Dong Da, Hanoi.

Temple of Literature - Imperial Academy (Source: Internet)

4. Thang Long Imperial Citadel

Thang Long Imperial Citadel is one of the most important historical relics of Hanoi, preserving the imprint of more than 1,000 years of civilization. Once the center of power of feudal dynasties, this relic site is notable for the North Gate, Doan Mon, Kinh Thien Palace and Hanoi Flag Tower - the proud symbol of the capital. Not only of historical value, the Imperial Citadel is also an ideal destination to learn about the architecture and life of the ancient royal palace.

• Reference cost:

• 100,000 VND ($3.83)/trip for Vietnamese and international tourists.
• 50,000 VND ($1.91)/trip for people with severe disabilities, the elderly, students from 16 years old and up, etc.
• Free for people with severe disabilities, children under 16 years old/height under 1.3m.

• Address: 19C Hoang Dieu Street, Dien Bien, Ba Dinh, Hanoi.

5. Hanoi Cathedral

Located in the heart of the Old Quarter, Hanoi Cathedral bears the mark of Gothic architecture with soaring domes and brilliant stained glass windows. Built in the late 19th century, this building is one of the oldest churches in Hanoi, regularly hosting important ceremonies. Not only a place for religious ceremonies, the area around the church is also a familiar meeting place for young people with sidewalk cafes and a space imbued with ancient European style.

• Reference cost: Free admission, parking from 10,000 VND - 20,000 VND ($0.38 - $0.77)/vehicle.
• Address: 40 Nha Chung Street, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.

Hanoi Cathedral (Source: Internet)

6. Long Bien Bridge

Long Bien Bridge is not only a traffic structure but also a historical witness of Hanoi. Built during the French colonial period, the bridge has a strong European architectural style with a characteristic curved iron structure. Through many ups and downs, this place still retains its nostalgic beauty, an ideal destination to watch the sunset or sunrise on the Red River. Especially in the early morning or late afternoon, Long Bien Bridge becomes a favorite place for photography enthusiasts.

• Reference cost: Free admission.
• Address: Long Bien Bridge, Phuc Xa, Ba Dinh, Hanoi.

7. Hoa Lo Prison

Hoa Lo Prison is one of the special historical relics, once known as “hell on earth” during the French colonial period. Built in the late 19th century, it once held many loyal revolutionary soldiers. Today, this relic has become a museum, realistically recreating the harsh life of prisoners during that period. The quiet space, dim yellow lights and preserved artifacts bring an emotional experience to visitors.

• Reference cost: Admission:

• 50,000 VND ($1.91)/turn for adults.
• 25,000 VND ($0.96)/trip for people with severe disabilities, the elderly, students from 16 years old and up, people under social policy, etc.
• Free for people with severe disabilities, children under 16 years old.

• Address: 1 Hoa Lo Street, Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.

Hoa Lo Prison (Source: Internet)

8. Dinh Le Book Street

Located right next to Hoan Kiem Lake, Dinh Le Book Street is a paradise for book lovers. This small street is home to many long-standing bookstores, specializing in selling foreign books, classic books and famous literary works. Not only is it a place to find good books, Dinh Le also offers a quiet space, suitable for walking and enjoying the reading culture in the heart of Hanoi.

• Reference cost: Free admission, book prices vary.
• Address: Dinh Le Book Street, Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.

9. West Lake

West Lake is one of the most ideal places to relax in Hanoi. With its vast landscape, clear blue water and tree-lined lakeside paths, it attracts a large number of locals and tourists every day. In the afternoon, when the sun sets, the West Lake scenery becomes even more poetic, creating an ideal space for walking or cycling around the lake. In particular, the lakeside area is also famous for many specialties such as shrimp cakes, snail noodles and coconut ice cream.

• Reference cost: Free admission, food costs vary by location.
• Address: West Lake, West Lake, Hanoi.

West Lake Sunset (Source: Internet)

Children's play area

10. Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street (Hoan Kiem Lake)

Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street is an ideal outdoor entertainment spot on weekends. The spacious, vehicle-free space allows children to comfortably participate in activities such as: folk games (o an quan, tug of war, jump rope), street art performances, painting, roller skating. In the evening, this area becomes more vibrant with many live music programs and sparkling lights around the lake.

• Reference cost: Free, parking is about 20,000 - 30,000 VND ($0.77 - $1.15).
• Address: 93 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.

11. West Lake Water Park

As the largest water park in Hanoi, it has many water games suitable for children such as wave pools, mini slides, and lazy rivers. In addition, the Sun Park on land with swings and ball houses is also very popular with children. This is a very suitable place for hot summer days.

• Reference cost:

• 180,000 VND - 195,000 VND ($6.89 - $7.47)/trip for guests over 1.35m tall.
• 150,000 VND - 170,000 VND ($5.74 - $6.51)/turn for guests from 0.9m - 1.35m tall.
• Free for guests under 0.9m tall.

Note: After 5pm, the price is reduced to about 120,000 VND ($4.60)/trip for all customers, with a preferential price for groups of students from only 125,000 VND ($4.79).

• Address: 614 Lac Long Quan Street, Nhat Tan, Tay Ho, Hanoi.

West Lake Water Park (Source: Internet)

12. Aeon Mall Long Bien, Vincom Ba Trieu, Lotte Mall West Lake, Royal City

These shopping malls are not only places for shopping but also have attractive indoor play areas for children such as tiNiWorld, KizCiti – simulate a miniature city to help children experience many different careers; game area, ball house, slide – for children; cinema, food court – suitable for the whole family.

• Reference cost: Depending on the service, parking costs from 5,000 VND - 10,000 VND ($0.19 - $0.38)/motorbike.
• Address:

• Aeon Mall Long Bien - 26 Co Linh Street, Long Bien, Hanoi.
• Vincom Ba Trieu - 191 Ba Trieu Street, Le Dai Hanh, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi.
• Lotte Mall West Lake - 272 Vo Chi Cong Street, Phu Thuong, Tay Ho, Hanoi.
• Royal City - 72 Nguyen Trai Street, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi.

13. Keangnam Sky 72

Keangnam Sky 72 is the tallest building in Hanoi with an observation deck offering panoramic views of the city. The indoor play area has a 5D cinema and a 3D art gallery to give children unique experiences.

• Reference cost: About 100,000 - 240,000 VND ($3.83 - $9.19)/person (Free for children under 0.8m).
• Address: Lot E6, Cau Giay New Urban Area, Nam Tu Liem, Hanoi.

14. Thu Le Park

Thu Le Park is one of the largest and oldest zoos in Hanoi, nurturing many different types of animals such as Indochinese tigers, Asian elephants, crocodiles, gibbons, monkeys, peacocks, sika deer and many beautiful birds, etc. In addition to sightseeing, children can also participate in many interesting interactive activities such as feeding deer, taking pictures with parrots, playing swings, slides, bouncy houses, roller coasters, pedal boats, etc.

With cool green space, diverse activities and reasonable ticket prices, Thu Le Park is an ideal destination for families on weekends or holidays.

• Reference cost: 50,000 VND ($1.91)/adult, 30,000 VND ($1.15)/child.
• Address: Buoi Street, Thu Le, Ba Dinh, Hanoi.

Thu Le Park (Source: Internet)

15. Bao Son Paradise

Bao Son Paradise is a large entertainment complex in Hanoi, including many attractive areas such as an aquarium with hundreds of marine species, a zoo with many wild animals, a vibrant water park and a thrilling game area for those who love adventure.

Children can watch a seal circus, water puppet show, participate in physical games or explore the film studio with many interesting scenes, bringing fun experiences for the whole family.

• Reference cost: About 150,000 - 350,000 VND ($5.74 - $13.40)/person (Free for guests under 1m tall).
• Address: Km5+200, Le Trong Tan Street, An Khanh, Hoai Duc, Hanoi.

16. Vinpearl Aquarium

The Aquarium at Times City is one of the most modern aquariums in Vietnam, with hundreds of marine species such as sharks, sea turtles, and glowing jellyfish. Children can participate in the fish feeding program or watch the mermaid show.

• Reference cost: 140,000 – 250,000 VND ($5.36 - $9.57)/person.
• Address: 458 Minh Khai Street, Thanh Luong, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi.

Vinpearl Aquarium (Source: Internet)

17. Virtual Reality Park

Virtual Reality Park is a fun destination for kids who are passionate about technology. It offers a variety of VR technology application games (ocean exploration, space journey, dinosaur park, super speed track, etc.), help children explore the virtual world through vivid role-playing experiences.

• Reference cost: Depends on the game.
• Address:

• Dream Games - B1R1 Royal City, 72A Nguyen Trai, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi.
• Amazing Town Entertainment World - Mipec Long Bien, Long Bien 2, Ngoc Lam, Long Bien, Hanoi.

18. Vietnam Museum of Nature

Vietnam Museum of Nature is an ideal destination for children to explore the natural world. It displays many fascinating artifacts such as dinosaur skeletons, insect models, rare fossils and a diverse system of specimens. The exhibition space is designed vividly and intuitively, helping children easily access scientific knowledge in an interesting and direct way.

• Reference cost: Free of charge.
• Address: Gate No. 2 Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Street, Nghia Do, Cau Giay, Hanoi.

19. Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

This is a place to preserve the culture of 54 Vietnamese ethnic groups with stilt houses, village models, displays of costumes and traditional tools. Children can participate in experiential activities such as making handicrafts and watching water puppet shows.

• Reference cost:

• Entrance fee: 10,000 VND - 40,000 VND/person (Free for children under 6 years old, people with severe disabilities, press cards, sponsors, etc.).
• Interpretation fee: 50,000 VND - 100,000 VND ($1.91 - $3.83).
• Photo fee: 50,000 VND - 500,000 VND ($1.91 - $19.15)/camera.

• Address: Nguyen Van Huyen Street, Quan Hoa, Cau Giay, Hanoi.

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (Source: Internet)

Entertainment area for young people

18. Wood carving

Wood stamp carving is an interesting activity for young people who love crafts and creativity. Here, you can request to design a stamp in your own style. This is also a unique gift to give to friends.

• Reference cost: 70,000 - 100,000 VND ($2.68 - $3.83)/product (depending on size).
• Address: 6 Hang Quat Street, Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.

Wood carving experience (Source: Internet)

19. Karaoke Mini

The trend of mini karaoke is becoming more and more popular with compact, private spaces, suitable for groups of 2-5 people. Mini karaoke rooms are equipped with good sound, allowing you to sing comfortably without disturbing others.

• Reference cost: About 90,000 – 150,000 VND ($3.45 - $5.74)/hour.
• Suggested address:

• Music Box Truong Chinh - 335 Truong Chinh Street, Nga Tu So, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi.
• AKang Recording - 8 Alley 29 Le Thanh Nghi Street, Bach Khoa, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi.
• Meca Recording - 4 Alley 38 Yen Lang Street, Lang Ha, Dong Da, Hanoi, Vietnam.

20. Photobooth

If you love taking photos with a cute and creative style, photobooths will be the ideal choice. Here, you can try out many effects from cute to classic.. Not only that, the photobooth also provides many accessories such as bunny ear headbands, unique glasses or funny letter boards, helping you freely pose and get unique photos. In particular, the photos will be printed on the spot, becoming interesting memories that you can bring home after each photo shoot.

• Reference cost: 70,000 – 100,000 VND ($2.68 - $3.83)/2 photos.
• Address:

• Photoism - 89 Chua Boc Street, Quang Trung, Dong Da, Hanoi.
• Fun Studio - University of Education, 136 Xuan Thuy Street, Dich Vong Hau, Cau Giay, Hanoi.
• Photo Story - 128 Chua Lang Street, Lang Thuong, Dong Da, Hanoi.

Space in photobooth (Source: Internet)

21. Westlake Mini Golf

The mini golf course right at West Lake is an interesting entertainment place for young people. This is where you can experience the feeling of playing golf on a small scale, without requiring specialized skills like professional golf.

• Reference cost: 150,000 – 180,000 VND ($5.74 - $6.89)/person.
• Address: Alley 76 An Duong, Ngoc Thuy, Long Bien.

22. Go Kart Racing

Go Kart electric racing brings an exciting speed experience, suitable for young people who love thrills. The race track is designed to be safe, the cars have many speed levels to suit even beginners.

• Reference cost: 60,000 – 100,000 VND ($2.30 - $3.83) /turn.
• Address: Aeon Mall Ha Dong, Duong Noi, Ha Dong, Hanoi.

Go Kart Racing (Source: Internet)

23. Duck pedaling

A relaxing activity for groups of friends or couples. Sitting on a duck boat, you can enjoy the lake view, chat and enjoy the fresh air. This activity is especially suitable in the afternoon sunset.

• Reference cost: 50,000 - 80,000 VND ($1.91 - $3.06)/hour.
• Address:

• Truc Bach Lake, Truc Bach, Ba Dinh, Hanoi.
• Thong Nhat Park, Le Duan Street, Phuong Lien, Dong Da, Hanoi.

24. Ta Hien Beer Street

As Hanoi's nightlife paradise, Ta Hien beer street attracts a large number of young people thanks to its vibrant atmosphere. You can enjoy cold beer, street food and immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of the old town at night.

• Reference cost: Depends on food and drink.
• Address: Ta Hien Beer Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.

Coffee and relaxation space

25. Trill Rooftop Cafe

Trill Rooftop Cafe is located on the top floor with a panoramic view of Hanoi from above. The space is spacious, airy, decorated in a modern style, suitable for relaxing or "living virtual". The shop has many types of drinks and cakes, especially refreshing fruit teas.

• Reference cost: 50,000 – 100,000 VND ($1.91 - $3.83)/dish.
• Address: Hei Tower, 1 Nguyen Nhu Kon Tum Street, Nhan Chinh, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi.

26. The Note Coffee

The Note Coffee stands out with its cozy space, surrounded by thousands of notes. This is the perfect place to enjoy egg coffee – a Hanoi specialty, or try other creative drinks.

• Reference cost: 40,000 – 80,000 VND ($1.53 - $3.06)/dish.
• Address: 64 Luong Van Can Street, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.

The Note Coffee (Source: Internet)

27. Hanoi House Cafe - Cocktail Bar

Hanoi House Cafe has a nostalgic style with wooden furniture, old brick walls and vintage decorations. The shop is located in a quiet alley, an ideal destination to enjoy drinks and feel the old beauty of Hanoi.

• Reference cost: 200,000 – 300,000 VND ($7.66 - $11.49)/dish.
• Address: 47A Ly Quoc Su Street, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.

28. Train Street Cafe

Train Street Cafe is a unique experience only available in Hanoi. The shop is located right next to the railway tracks, bringing a feeling of both excitement and fun when enjoying coffee while waiting for the train to pass by. The space is imbued with the old Hanoi style with small houses, wooden chairs and warm yellow lights.

• Reference cost: 30,000 – 70,000 VND ($1.15 - $2.68)/dish.
• Address: Train Street, Phung Hung Street, Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.

Train Street Cafe (Source: Internet)

Place of entertainment in the suburbs of Hanoi

29. Grand World

Grand World is a modern entertainment complex located near Hanoi, attracting tourists with its luxurious architecture and many exciting activities such as visiting miniature Venice, live shows, shopping and diverse cuisine.

• Reference cost: Free admission.
• Address: Nghia Tru, Van Giang, Hung Yen, Vietnam.

30. Bat Trang Pottery Village

Bat Trang Pottery Village is an ideal destination for those who love ceramic art. Visitors can visit pottery workshops, make pottery themselves or buy exquisite ceramic products as gifts.

• Reference cost: Free admission, about 50,000 - 150,000 VND ($1.91 - $5.74)/person if you want to experience pottery making.
• Address: Bat Trang Street, Bat Trang, Gia Lam, Hanoi.

Bat Trang Ceramic Museum (Source: Internet)

31. Ba Vi National Park

Ba Vi National Park is an ideal place to enjoy nature with fresh air, green forests and many beautiful attractions such as pine forests, Tan Vien peak. This is also a suitable place for camping and trekking.

• Reference cost: Entrance fee is about 10,000 - 60,000 VND ($0.38 - $2.30)/person.
• Address: Ba Vi National Park, Ba Vi, Hanoi.

32. Duong Lam Ancient Village

Duong Lam ancient village has a strong Northern culture with hundreds of years old houses, wells, village gates and red brick roads. Visitors can cycle around, explore the village culture and enjoy local specialties.

• Reference cost: 10,000 - 20,000 VND ($0.38 - $0.77)/turn
• Address: Duong Lam Ancient Village, Duong Lam, Son Tay, Hanoi.

Duong Lam ancient village (Source: Internet)

Whether you love bustling spaces or peaceful corners, there are countless things to do here in Hanoi, Vietnam. From the city center to the suburbs, each location has its own unique characteristics, contributing to the special attraction of the thousand-year-old capital. Hopefully, the list of 30++ locations above will help you have the most interesting and complete experiences on your journey to explore Hanoi!