| Activity | Free? | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Hoan Kiem Lake | yes | early morning, locals exercise |
| Walking streets around the lake | yes | Friday 7 pm to Sunday midnight per press, not confirmed by the city |
| Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum | free entry | closed Mondays and Fridays; annual closure 4 or 5 September to 2 or 3 November 2026 |
| Weekend night market | yes (you pay for what you buy) | Old Quarter, around Dong Xuan |
| Temple of Literature | no | 70,000 VND per 2026 sources |
Free things to do first
- Hoan Kiem Lake: see Hoan Kiem Lake at dawn or sunset.
- Walking streets: at weekends the streets around the lake are closed to cars, with traditional games and performances; taxis and ride-hailing cars cannot drop you at the lakeside, so set the meeting point a street away. Details: weekend walking streets.
- Weekend night market: see the weekend night market.
- Mausoleum and Ba Dinh Square: free entry but modest dress and silence; hours vary by source (mornings only), so check the day before.
- Markets: strolling through Dong Xuan market costs nothing.
- The Old Quarter on foot: see the Old Quarter guide.
On a small budget
Even with no entry fees, street food remains the best value: budget travel guide. To understand what you see, a guided walk helps: on GetYourGuide, the "Hanoi City Highlights Walking Tour" covers the landmarks and history of the centre. The Hanoi Authority editorial team.
To book ahead, see also the water puppet show in Hanoi.
