Hanoi Walking Street: 6+ Stops You Must Make

In recent years, Hanoi Walking Street has become one of the city’s most vibrant public spaces, especially for young locals and international travelers looking to connect, unwind, and explore. Every weekend, the streets around Hoan Kiem Lake transform into a lively pedestrian zone filled with music, games, street food, and cultural exchange. If you’re wondering what to do in Hanoi Walking Street, this guide highlights the essential stops you SHOULD NOT miss.

Facts About Hanoi Walking Street

• Location: Around Hoan Kiem Lake and stretching out to Hanoi Old Quarter
• Opening Hours: Friday night to Sunday night (every weekend)
• Entrance Fee: Free

Where does it cross?

Hanoi Walking Street operates across 26 streets in the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake area. This wide coverage makes Hanoi Walking Street one of the largest pedestrian cultural spaces in Vietnam.

1. Hang Ngang	14. Nguyen Xi
2. Hang Đao	15. Trang Tien
3. Hang Duong to Dong Xuan market	16. Hang Khay
4. Hang Buom	17. Le Thai To
5. Ma May	18. Lo Su
6. Hang Giay	19. Hang Dau
7. Luong Ngoc Quyen	20. Dong Kinh Nghia Thục
8. Ta Hien	21. Tran Nguyen Han
9. Dao Duy Tu	22. Luong Van Can
10. Dinh Tien Hoang	23. Bao Khanh
11. Le Lai	24. Trang Thi
12. Le Thach	25. Hang Trong
13. Dinh Le	26. Ho Hoan Kiem

 

 

 

 

How to Get to Hanoi Walking Street

The Old Quarter can feel like a maze, even for locals. The easiest way to reach Hanoi Walking Street is by taxi, ride-hailing app, or bus to the Hoan Kiem Lake area. On weekends, roads are closed to vehicles, so walking is the best way to explore.
Tip: Save the location on Google Maps and ensure you have mobile data, especially if visiting for the first time.

6+ Stops You Must Make on Hanoi Walking Street

If you’re searching for what to do in Hanoi Walking Street, these experiences capture the true spirit of the area.

1. Folk Games on Dinh Tien Hoang Street

One of the most charming activities in Hanoi Walking Street is traditional Vietnamese folk games, often organized on Saturday and Sunday evenings.
You may see rope-skipping, tug-of-war, shuttlecock kicking, or O An Quan (mandarin square capturing). Visitors are welcome to join: locals are friendly and happy to explain the rules. It’s a nostalgic, community-centered experience that connects generations and brings playful energy to the street.

2. Street Music & Dance Performances Around Hoan Kiem Lake

Music is everywhere on Hanoi Walking Street. Young performers gather along the lake, showcasing a diverse range of genres, including V-pop, K-pop, Latin dance, orchestral pieces, and acoustic folk. Many performers are students aged 17-23, yet their energy and talent are impressive. If you enjoy the show, small tips are appreciated. Watching or joining spontaneous dance circles is one of the most exciting answers to the question “what to do in Hanoi Walking Street”.

3. Large-Scale Music Festivals

At Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, also known as August Revolution Square, major music festivals and countdown events are frequently held. These include New Year’s Eve concerts and Tet countdown celebrations featuring Vietnamese A-list artists and international performers.
These events are typically free and attract huge crowds. For young people, it’s more than entertainment; it’s a cultural gathering that celebrates connection and shared excitement.

4. Portrait Drawing by the Lake

Along Hoan Kiem Lake, you’ll find talented portrait artists offering hand-drawn sketches. In about 30 minutes and for around $5–$7, you can take home a personalized artwork. Beyond the drawing itself, the experience often includes conversations with the artist, making it a memorable cultural interaction on Hanoi Walking Street.

5. Trang Tien Ice Cream

• Address: 35 Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 11:00 PM

A Hanoi classic since 1958, Trang Tien Ice Cream is a must-stop. For around $0.50 per bar, you can enjoy flavors like coconut milk, green bean, chocolate, and vanilla. Located near the intersection of Ngo Quyen and Trang Tien Streets, this iconic spot is easy to find – simply ask anyone nearby. It’s a refreshing treat after walking through Hanoi Walking Street.

6. Dried Beef Salad (Nom Bo Kho) – Long Vi Dung

• Address: 23 Ho Hoan Kiem Street, Hang Bac Ward, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:30 PM

This signature Hanoi snack combines dried beef, fresh herbs, shredded papaya, and sweet-savory sauce. Tangy, refreshing, and addictive, it’s a street food specialty you won’t easily find elsewhere. Trying local snacks is essential when exploring what to do in Hanoi Walking Street, and this dish delivers bold, authentic flavor.

7. Hanoi Night Market

Operating on weekend evenings, Hanoi Night Market (also called Dong Xuan Night Market) stretches nearly 3km Hang Dao – Hang Ngang Street, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem District (now Hoan Kiem Ward). Whether you’re craving sizzling street food, hunting for souvenirs, or soaking in cultural performances, this market adds another layer of excitement to Hanoi Walking Street. It’s lively, colorful, and perfect for experiencing Hanoi’s dynamic night culture.

Extra Tips for Visiting Hanoi Walking Street

• Opening time: Friday night to Sunday night only.
• Arrive by taxi or bus to avoid parking stress.
• Wear comfortable shoes: you’ll walk a lot.
• Bring small cash for street food and games.

Hotels Near Hanoi Walking Street – Hanoi La Siesta Premium Hang Be

If you’re looking for a hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter within walking distance of Hanoi Walking Street, Hanoi La Siesta Premium Hang Be is an excellent choice. Recognized among Hanoi’s Best Boutique Hotels, it offers refined comfort just five minutes from the night market. After a lively evening of music, games, and street food, return to one of the city’s Best Service Hotels, where calm interiors and attentive hospitality provide the perfect balance to the vibrant streets outside.