Have you found the best adventure on your travels thus far? Write down Hanoi on your bucket list if you haven’t been there yet. Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam and has been included on the list of best places to visit in the world for a couple of years now. What makes Hanoi famous amongst the world travelers, you ask? Below are 7 of the best things to do in Hanoi that you shouldn’t miss.

1.  Visit the Citadel of Thang Long
Visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site now known as Citadel of Thang Long. The building was once the center of politics for 13 centuries and was the capital of Vietnam for 8 centuries. Visit the citadel, and you get to see the symbol of this interesting city which Hanoi is.

2.  Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Paying respects to Vietnam’s former leader, Ho Chi Minh, a very well-respected man in the times of communism must be included in your list. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is around the area of the Imperial Citadel. Walking around this area earns the respect of its fallen heroes and leaders, making you realize why Vietnam was worth fighting for. 
                             
3.  Take a bike ride to explore the old quarter
What better way to sight-see in Hanoi than riding a rickshaw around the Old Quarter? It is considered to be the busiest street in Hanoi, filled with street vendors selling varieties of food and souvenirs. Satisfy your palate with delicious street foods you can find everywhere you look. Experience what it is like to live in Hanoi by exploring the bustling small streets of the Old Quarter.

4.  Have some Bun Cha Hanoi
This favorite Vietnamese treat is so famous that even former US President Barack Obama had to try it. Include the Bun Cha Hanoi in your experience of the tasty Vietnamese meals. Look for the simple eatery serving this meal of yummy grilled meat in combination with a sweet and tangy broth and lots of fresh herbs.

5.  Join a cooking class
Vietnamese cuisine is undoubtedly one of the most famous in the world. To fully experience authentic Vietnamese food, try making one yourself. This way, you can bring Vietnamese cuisine to your home, and you can make one when your palate dictates so. You can check websites which offer cooking classes which you can book online. You also get to know the local life and culture because most of the cooking classes include market tours which are totally a plus.

6.  Take a leisure walk along the Turtle Lake
In the city center, you can find a perfect place with a beautiful view to hang out with your family, friends or a special someone. The Hoan Kiem Lake also called the Turtle Lake offers a great view of the different spots in the city by exploring it along the bank of the lake while biking or simply taking a leisure walk. You can also visit an island in the middle of the lake, with the Ngoc Son Temple, which offers a great view of the sunrise or sunset in Hanoi.

7.  Visit the Dong Xuan Market
If you are looking for souvenirs, local treats, printed shirts or any Vietnamese foodstuff, you can visit the Dong Xuan Market. Visit this four-story Soviet-inspired building if you are looking for random things that are Vietnamese from fish in the market to famous fashion clothing, probably the place to be in Hanoi.

Hopefully, this shortlist sparks your interest in visiting the interesting and beautiful city of Hanoi. There are probably more lovely places and fascinating experiences for you to explore once you set foot in Hanoi.