Top 10 Things to Do in Hanoi (Don’t Miss X Space Immersive)

Hanoi is a city of contrasts: ancient temples and modern cafés, quiet lakeside walks and chaotic street food alleys, centuries-old culture and new creative spaces. If you’re planning your itinerary and want a mix of iconic landmarks plus something genuinely different, here’s a curated list of top things to do in Hanoi — with X Space Immersive as the must-visit highlight for travelers who love unique experiences and great photos. Below are the ten things to do in Hanoi we’d actually recommend.

1) Experience X Space Immersive (A Must-Visit Digital Art & Technology Exhibition)

Full disclosure — X Space Immersive is our own venue, so yes, we’re biased. But 20M+ TikTok views suggest we’re not the only ones who think it belongs here.

If you only add one “new-generation” attraction to your Hanoi trip, make it X Space Immersive — a digital art and technology exhibition where you walk through multiple themed rooms of light, projection mapping, interactive visuals, and futuristic atmospheres.

Why it’s worth your time

• A refreshing break from traditional sightseeing — perfect on hot days or rainy afternoons
• Highly “Instagrammable” with cinematic lighting and immersive scenes
• Great for couples, friends, families, and international visitors
• Each room is a different world: fantasy, nature, underwater, space, LED tunnel vibes

Best time to go: late morning or early afternoon for shorter queues, or evening for the best “night-out” vibe.

Location tip: X Space Immersive is in Royal City, Hanoi, making it easy to combine with shopping, dining, and other entertainment nearby.

Tickets from 200,000 VND (~$8) · 60–80 minutes · Open daily until 10 PM at Royal City.

@xspaceimmersive

@xspaceimmersive

@xspaceimmersive

@xspaceimmersive

2) Walk Around Hoan Kiem Lake & Visit Ngoc Son Temple

No list of things to do in Hanoi is complete without a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake — especially around sunrise or sunset. Cross the iconic red bridge to Ngoc Son Temple, take photos, and enjoy the calm atmosphere in the city center.

3) Explore Hanoi Old Quarter (and Try Street Food)

Get lost in the Old Quarter — one of the classic things to do in Hanoi, a maze of narrow streets full of local shops, cafés, and street food stalls. It’s chaotic in the best way.

Don’t miss:

• Pho (beef noodle soup)
• Bun cha (grilled pork with noodles)
• Egg coffee (a Hanoi specialty)

4) Watch a Thang Long Water Puppet Show

A classic Hanoi cultural experience, water puppetry is unique to Vietnam. It’s short, easy to fit into your day, and surprisingly entertaining even if you don’t speak Vietnamese.

5) Visit the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu)

One of the most beautiful historical sites in Hanoi, the Temple of Literature is peaceful, photogenic, and rich in cultural meaning. It’s ideal if you want something scenic and calm after the busy Old Quarter.

6) See Train Street (If Access Is Allowed) + Enjoy a Café Nearby

Hanoi’s “train street” became famous for a reason — it’s visually striking. Local rules and access can change, so consider visiting a nearby café area where you can still enjoy the atmosphere responsibly.

7) Discover the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Area

This is one of Hanoi’s most well-known landmarks. The surrounding complex includes significant sites and open spaces, making it a good stop for travelers interested in modern Vietnamese history and architecture.

8) Spend an Evening at West Lake (Tay Ho)

Looking for more relaxed things to do in Hanoi? Head to West Lake. It’s great for sunset views, dinner, and a quieter, more local vibe compared to the Old Quarter.

9) Visit St. Joseph’s Cathedral + Coffee Hop in the French Quarter

The area around St. Joseph’s Cathedral is full of charming streets, cafés, and colonial-era architecture. It’s a perfect place for slow walking, photos, and café hopping.

10) Shop & Eat at a Modern Mall (Perfect Add-On to X Space Immersive)

If you want comfort, air-conditioning, and variety (shopping + dining + entertainment), a mall stop is a great option — especially when paired with an immersive experience like X Space Immersive.

A 1-Day Plan: The Best Things to Do in Hanoi (Iconic + Unique)

Morning: Hoan Kiem Lake → Old Quarter street food
Afternoon: X Space Immersive (cool indoor experience + photos)
Evening: Water Puppet Show → Dinner → West Lake sunset

Ready to Add the Most Unmissable Experience to Your Hanoi Trip?

If you’re building your list of things to do in Hanoi, don’t just follow the same checklist everyone does. Add a modern highlight that feels like stepping into another world.

Visit X Space Immersive (Royal City, Hanoi) — and make your Hanoi trip truly unforgettable.

See Tickets & What’s Inside