Hanoi is an ancient and peaceful city. There are many attractive places to visit in Hanoi, it is considered as a destination that almost everyone wants to come to feel the miracle and beauty that it brings. If you want to travel with your family and friends, but you are still wondering what are the most appealing and marvelous free attractions in Hanoi city, then you should discover these following tourist destinations. Consequently, you will definitely have meaningful and noteworthy memories.

1) Long Bien Bridge

free attractions in Hanoi city

In the list of free attractions in Hanoi city, tourists cannot miss Long Bien Bridge. This bridge was built in 1898, which has been renovated many times, regarded as an important historical evidence witnessing the ups and downs of Hanoi in the Vietnam war against France and the United States.
With a history of over 100 years, Long Bien Bridge is a historical and symbolic witness of Hanoi Capital. Additionally, Long Bien Bridge is also the ideal place to admire the panoramic view of Hanoi from above. Bridge architecture is a combination of classic and modern beauty, creating a special charm for visitors and young people who love photography.
Today, Long Bien Bridge attracts many visitors coming to visit as well as learn about the ancient history. When you come here, you will gain opportunities to admire the Red River, have a look at the floating barges below or take a stroll and relax on the bridge. Currently, the Long Bien bridge has accepted trains, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians. The special feature of the Long Bien Bridge is the direction of vehicles, which is on the left, in contrast with the traffic flow in Vietnam.

2) Quang Ba Flower Market

free attractions in Hanoi city

Quang Ba Flower Market has been known as one of the oldest flower markets in Hanoi. This is also the wholesale market providing fresh flowers for Hanoi city. Many people say that Quang Ba Flower Market is a really fantastic free attraction in Hanoi city that you should explore and discover. Flowers in Quang Ba market are beautiful and fresh, gathered from all over the surrounding areas such as Tay Tuu, Dong Anh, Gia Lam, Phuc Yen. Quang Ba market opens all day, but the busiest time is from 11:00 pm to 04:00 or 05:00 am the next morning.

3) One Pillar Pagoda

free attractions in Hanoi city

When it comes to One Pillar Pagoda, besides its spiritual significance, this pagoda is one of the most beautiful free attractions in Hanoi city that tourists cannot miss while exploring the capital. One Pillar Pagoda is one of the symbols of Hanoi capital. This pagoda has an exclusive design, shaped like a stylized lotus rising from the water. Not only having unique architecture, One Pillar Pagoda is also a symbol of longevity, wisdom, salvation and kindness. Unlike the Buddhist pyramids, One Pillar Pagoda carries the humanist philosophy with the outer square has represented the yin, while the circle columns have symbolized the yang.

4) Dong Xuan Market

free attractions in Hanoi city

Referring to Hanoi, it will be a major shortcoming if we not mention Dong Xuan Market, an amazing shopping place and one of the most popular free attractions in Hanoi city. Existed in the early 19th century, Dong Xuan Market is a trading place, a cultural relic and historical evidence associated with Hanoi capital.
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, there is a night market here. You can enjoy the bustling atmosphere of the night market with all kinds of items and choose gifts or souvenirs for your relatives and friends as well as enjoy delicious street food.

5) Hoan Kiem Lake

free attractions in Hanoi city

In the list of free attractions in Hanoi city, we have a great suggestion for tourists who love walking, which is Hoan Kiem lake. This is one of the most famous sceneries that tourists cannot ignore, but also a place associated with the spiritual history of the capital. The name Hoan Kiem Lake appeared in the early 15th century affiliated with the legend of King Le Thai To who returned the sword to the turtle, expressing the old people’s longing for peace. After that, a central district of Hanoi has been named after the name of this lake.
Although this is not the largest lake in Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake has become familiar with people, including foreign visitors coming to the capital. In addition to the Old Quarter, the lake has a majestic space for cultural activities of local residents. It is also an inspiration for photographers and writers.

6) Old Quarter

free attractions in Hanoi city

The Old Quarter is one of the most common free attractions in Hanoi city for all travelers. Coming to discover the Old Quarter, you can understand Hanoi’s culture and history as well as the daily life of people here. Furthermore, you will also experience unique and delicious dishes in Hanoi.
Hanoi’s Old Quarter is now attracting a lot of domestic and international tourists to visit. Although the Old Quarter of Hanoi has changed significantly compared to the old days, the ancient cultural values of the Vietnamese are still kept in these streets.
The most famous feature of the Old Quarter is the street selling specific and distinct goods. At present, some streets still maintain traditional products such as Hang Ma Street, Hang Tre Street, Hang Thiec Street, … In addition, some streets still do not continue traditional jobs, but also focus on selling one kind of goods. Another characteristic of the Old Quarter is the ancient architecture of houses in the mall. These old houses are mainly tubular houses, having italic tiling, built in the 18th – 19th centuries.

7) Truc Bach Lake

free attractions in Hanoi city

Most visitors coming to Hanoi also want to visit Truc Bach lake, because around this lake, there are many historical and architectural places. For this reason, Truc Bach has become one of the must-see free attractions in Hanoi city.
Around Truc Bach lake, people have planted a wide variety of plants, beautiful flowers and green grasses. Visitors can sit in a coffee shop to sip a cup of coffee while admiring beautiful landscapes at the lakeside; or go for a walk along the lake, …

8) Saint Josheph Cathedral

free attractions in Hanoi city

One of the common free attractions in Hanoi city that tourists should visit is Saint Josheph Cathedral. Visitors coming to this destination will be impressed by the magnificent beauty with medieval Gothic architecture of Saint Josheph Cathedral. This church was inaugurated on Christmas Eve in 1887, being famous for its characteristics of medieval architecture. Additionally, Saint Josheph Cathedral has wide curved domes, as if they are heading to the top of the sky and picking up the sun lights. This construction always impresses with a respectable religious space. Every year, during Christmas season, the atmosphere will turn into animated and boisterous more than ever.
In general, the church is about 65m long, 21m wide, with two high towers. With such height, visitors can see the magnificence and majesty of this cathedral. At the top of the church is a stone crucifix, there are a clock and a statue below. All these elements have been created a highlight point for the church architecture.
Over the past few years, this area has grown to be not only a sightseeing spot, but also a bustling eating area enjoyed by both young Hanoi people and foreign tourists.

9) Tran Quoc Pagoda

free attractions in Hanoi city

Being like a green island lying on the West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda is now considered one of the sacred Buddhist places not only by the terrain, but also by the history associated with the nation. It will be a suitable free attraction in Hanoi city for those who want to find a peaceful and quiet space.
Like most other pagodas in Vietnam, Tran Quoc Pagoda was built according to Buddhist principles. This pagoda was last renovated in 2010. Tran Quoc Pagoda is like a lotus flower blooming, making people think of the lotus in Buddhism. In front of the main gate is a large courtyard tiled with red bricks. Inside the pagoda, there are many statues of Buddha and Bodhisattvas with great artistic values. Wandering between the fresh air, visitors may have opportunities to admire various types of trees covering the pagoda.
If you are interested in learning about religious culture, discovering the beauty of ancient architecture and enjoying historical stories, Tran Quoc Pagoda will be the destination bringing a lot of memorable experiences.