01/05/2025
Hidden gems in Hanoi — the city has so many layers beyond the usual Old Quarter strolls and tourist stops. Here are some tips to really dig into the lesser-known sides:
⸻
1. Wander small alleys (ngõ) without a set destination.
• Hanoi’s magic is in its labyrinth of tiny alleys.
• Get lost (safely) — you’ll find old temples, secret cafes, neighborhood markets, and murals.
2. Get up early — like 5–6am.
• Hanoi wakes up before sunrise.
• Walk around Hoàn Kiếm Lake or the West Lake area to catch locals doing tai chi, playing badminton, and having breakfast on plastic stools.
3. Explore districts outside the Old Quarter.
• Long Biên: cool bridges, local life, urban decay vibes.
• Tây Hồ: hipster cafes, pagodas, quiet streets along West Lake.
• Ba Đình: historic villas, shady streets, embassies.
4. Cafe-hop with intention.
• Skip the famous egg coffee spots packed with tourists.
• Look for hidden rooftop cafes, family-run places in French villas, or ones inside old apartment buildings.
5. Ask locals for their favorite quán (small eatery).
• Not the ones on blogs — real recommendations.
• Sometimes a tiny, nameless spot serves the best bún chả you’ll ever have.
6. Visit less-famous temples and pagodas.
• Instead of the Temple of Literature, try Phủ Tây Hồ, Chùa Trấn Quốc, or tiny temples tucked away on islands or behind houses.
7. Ride a xe ôm (motorbike taxi) off the main roads.
• Tell the driver you want a “small street” tour. It’s spontaneous and you’ll see local life.
8. Explore the creative scene.
• Check out hidden art spaces like Manzi, VICAS, or Matca Space for Photography.
• Galleries and pop-up exhibitions are often unmarked — find them through local Instagram accounts.
9. Take a random bus.
• Hop on a public bus heading to the outskirts (like Bus 86 to Long Biên or Bus 90 to Sơn Tây).
• You’ll pass real neighborhoods, small towns, rice fields.
10. Trust your nose and ears.
• Smell smoke? It might be a tiny street BBQ.
• Hear music? Follow it — could be a wedding, a neighborhood karaoke party, or street performers.