For a city with over 6 million scooters, Hanoi is surprisingly pedestrian-friendly, especially in recent years as dedicated walking streets have emerged to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for both locals and visitors. These pedestrian-only zones, bustling with food, culture, and lively nightlife, allow you to wander freely through some of Hanoi's most iconic areas. From the serene lakeside promenades at Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street to the historic charm of Son Tay Ancient Citadel Walking Street, each offers a unique window into Hanoi's vibrant life and traditions.

In this guide, we’ll uncover the best Hanoi walking streets, detailing the best foods to try, how to get there, and insider tips for an unforgettable pedestrian adventure through Vietnam’s capital. Whether you're craving classic Vietnamese street food, looking for handmade crafts, or simply soaking up Hanoi's street culture, these walking streets are perfect for a memorable experience. Let’s get into it!

Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Streets

Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street is one of Hanoi's largest and most popular pedestrianized areas, offering a serene escape from the city's bustling traffic. Located in the heart of the city, this area transforms into a car-free zone every weekend, allowing locals and tourists to freely explore the surroundings of Hoan Kiem Lake without the usual chaos. The atmosphere is lively, making it a favorite spot for families, couples, friends, and anyone looking to experience Hanoi’s communal vibe. 

Things to Do on Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street

Explore Cultural Performances in Hanoi Walking Street

Every weekend, the area hosts various cultural performances, including traditional Vietnamese music, contemporary dances, and even flash mobs. Keep an eye out for pop-up shows near the lake, where you can see everything from street musicians to dragon dances!

Indulge in Street Food in Hanoi Walking Street

Vietnamese street food vendors set up near the lake, offering delicious bites like banh mi, grilled skewers, and ice cream. Hoan Kiem’s street food gives you a perfect taste of Hanoi without needing to wander too far. Some of the best food and places to eat around Hoan Kiem Walking Street are:

Thuy Ta & Trang Tien Ice Cream: Perfect for hot summer days, these ice creams are a favorite on the walking streets. Grab a refreshing treat and enjoy the view of Hoan Kiem Lake.

Dry Beef Salad on Hoan Kiem Street: A must-try on this popular street, this dish is available from noon until 10 PM, costing around 35,000 VND. The spot also offers tapioca dumplings.

Grilled Fermented Pork at Au Trieu Alley: This Hanoi favorite is known for its juicy, grilled fermented pork with a slightly sticky texture—soft, fragrant, and not too greasy.

Fried Fermented Pork Rolls in Tam Thuong Alley: Located near Hang Bong Street, this small alley’s fried spring rolls are always in high demand.

Rib Congee at Dong Xuan Market: Featuring tender rib pieces and crunchy cut-up pieces of breadsticks, this hearty congee costs 30,000 VND and is a local favorite.

Join outdoor games and activities: The area often hosts games such as bamboo dancing (nhảy sạp), tug-of-war, hacky sack, or even Vietnamese folk games. These are open for anyone to join, so feel free to jump in!

Get your portrait done: You’ll find many local artists displaying their drawings and paintings around the lake. You can get your portrait done, maybe even in a satiric way, in just 20-30 minutes. This is a great spot for unique keepsakes or gifts to take home.

Relax and people-watch: Benches around the lake provide a perfect setting for people-watching, reading, or just soaking in the peaceful vibe. With a mix of locals, travelers, and street artists, there’s always something interesting to observe.

Getting to Hanoi Walking Street 

The walking street area around Hoan Kiem Lake becomes pedestrian-only from 7 PM Friday to Sunday midnight. No motorized vehicles are allowed during these times, so you’ll need to get there by foot. If you’re staying in or near the Old Quarter, it’s a quick walk to the lake. The streets are well-marked, and you’ll likely see groups of people heading there.

If coming from further away, use a taxi or rideshare (like Grab) to reach the vicinity. Ask to be dropped off near Dinh Tien Hoang Street or Hang Dao Street, then walk to the lake. If you’re self-driving, you need to park your vehicle before getting in (they usually charge you 10,000-20,000 VND).

Trinh Cong Son Walking Street in Hanoi

Trinh Cong Son Walking Street in Tay Ho District is a unique Hanoi walking street dedicated to the late Trinh Cong Son, a beloved Vietnamese musician known for his soulful and poetic songs. Opened in 2018, this walking street brings together music, art, and culture, providing a peaceful but lively atmosphere where locals and tourists can enjoy a slice of Hanoi’s artistic spirit. Trinh Cong Son Walking Street is located right next to the lotus pond and Ho Tay Water Park, with a length of nearly 1 km. Compared to the bustling Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street, Trinh Cong Son Walking Street has a more relaxed vibe, making it a favorite for families and those seeking a less crowded spot.

Things to Do on Trinh Cong Son Walking Street

Enjoy live music performances: Live music performances are held here regularly. Musicians gather in the evenings, performing classic songs, along with other popular Vietnamese ballads. For fans of his music, this is a special experience and a chance to connect with the local music scene.

Indulge in local food and snacks: The walking street has plenty of food stalls featuring traditional Vietnamese snacks like banh tom (shrimp cakes), lotus seed sweet soup, bun oc (a noodle dish with water snails), and fresh sugarcane juice. It's a great spot to try local flavors without the bustle of the more tourist-heavy areas.

Take a leisurely walk or bicycle ride: With fewer crowds and quieter surroundings, this walking street is ideal for a relaxing stroll. Since it’s near the scenic West Lake, you can also enjoy a refreshing bike ride around the area.

Getting There

This Hanoi walking street operates every weekend, from Friday evening to Sunday evening, similar to the schedule at Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street.

Trinh Cong Son Walking Street is about a 20-minute drive from the Old Quarter, so taking a taxi or Grab is convenient. Ask to be dropped off near Trinh Cong Son Street in Tay Ho. West Lake is a popular biking area, so if you’re cycling, it’s a smooth and scenic route. Just follow the lake's path until you reach Trinh Cong Son Street.

Ngu Xa Pearl Island Walking Street

Ngu Xa Walking Street is a lesser-known but exciting Hanoi walking street, located near the Truc Bach Lake, in the Ba Dinh District. This area is a must-visit for food lovers, offering a delicious lineup of local dishes, especially famous for pho cuon (Vietnamese rolled noodles). Although it’s smaller and quieter than Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street, Ngu Xa still draws foodies looking for authentic flavors in a more laid-back setting. This zone covers seven streets: Ngu Xa, Tran Vu, Lac Chinh, Nam Trang, Mac Dinh Chi, Nguyen Khac Hieu and Tran Te Xuong.

Things to Do on Ngu Xa Walking Street

Enjoy a lakeside stroll: Since Ngu Xa is close to Truc Bach Lake, you can take a peaceful walk along the lakeside after enjoying your meal. This area is less crowded, so it offers a calm spot for a scenic evening stroll. The view of Truc Bach Lake as the sun sets is an added bonus.

Savor famous Pho dishes: Ngu Xa is widely known as the birthplace of pho cuon, a type of fresh spring roll made with pho noodle sheets, beef, herbs, and vegetables. Numerous street vendors and small eateries offer their unique takes on this dish, allowing you to try different flavors. Beyond pho cuon, Ngu Xa’s restaurants serve a variety of pho dishes, including pho chien phong (deep-fried noodle squares with stir-fried beef and vegetables). These dishes are both hearty and flavorful, making it a perfect stop for anyone wanting a taste of authentic Hanoi.

People-watching: Unlike the bustling touristy walking streets, Ngu Xa has a more local vibe. People-watching is an enjoyable activity here, as you’ll see groups of friends, families, and even students gathering to eat and chat. This laid-back atmosphere is perfect if you want to experience Hanoi’s community life.

Getting There

The area is pedestrianized from 6 PM Friday to midnight Sunday and is closed to vehicles, making it easier to explore the street on foot and enjoy the food stalls without interruption. It’s about a 10-15 minute drive from the Old Quarter. Ask your driver to drop you off near Ngu Xa Street. Ngu Xa is also accessible by bike or motorbike, and there are several parking spots nearby for a small fee. This option gives you flexibility if you’re exploring multiple areas around West Lake.

Son Tay Citadel Walking Street

Son Tay Ancient Citadel Walking Street offers a unique experience that combines history, local culture, and outdoor relaxation. Located about 45 kilometers from Hanoi’s city center, this walking street is adjacent to the historic Son Tay Ancient Citadel, a 19th-century fortress built to defend the Red River Delta. This area spans 820m and over 34,000 square meters, allowing visitors to explore the ancient architecture, enjoy local food, and experience community activities without vehicle interruptions.

Things to Do on Son Tay Ancient Citadel Walking Street

Explore the Son Tay Ancient Citadel: The main attraction is the Son Tay Ancient Citadel, constructed in 1822 with laterite stone, giving it a unique reddish hue. Wander through the citadel’s gates, ramparts, and watchtowers to appreciate its historical significance. It’s an ideal spot for history enthusiasts and photographers alike, with plenty of old-world charm.

Enjoy traditional food and snacks: Like the other Hanoi walking streets, Son Tay Ancient Citadel Walking Street has vendors selling traditional Vietnamese snacks and street food. Don’t miss out on local treats like banh te (rice cake with meat and mushroom filling), che lam (a traditional sticky rice and ginger snack), and banh gio (pyramid-shaped cake with meat and mushroom filling).

Watch special events and performances: Son Tay Ancient Citadel Walking Street regularly hosts many cultural and artistic performances, sports events, and exhibitions such as chess competitions, Ao Dai contests, modern dances, the SEA Games 31 welcome event, etc.

Relax in the surrounding park area: The citadel is surrounded by a lovely park area with shaded walkways, benches, and ponds. It’s a perfect spot to relax, people-watch, or take in the peaceful scenery after exploring the historic site.

Getting There

The walking street is located in Son Tay Town, about 45 kilometers from Hanoi. The citadel itself is centrally located within the town, making it easy to find once you arrive. The pedestrian zone operates every Saturday, from 7 PM to 10 PM.

The most convenient way to reach Son Tay from Hanoi is by car or taxi, which takes about an hour. It’s best to arrange for a return trip if you plan to return to Hanoi in the evening. For more adventurous travelers, renting a motorbike offers flexibility. The road to Son Tay is straightforward, and the journey provides a scenic view of the countryside.

Tips for Visiting Hanoi Walking Streets

Wear Comfortable Shoes: With the crowds, cobblestone streets, and long stretches to explore, comfy shoes are a must. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so be prepared for a full day (or evening) of exploring.

Bring Cash: Many food stalls and small shops are cash-only, so it’s best to have some Vietnamese dong on hand for a hassle-free experience. You also need them if you want to use a public bathroom.

Stay Hydrated: With all the walking and eating, you might find yourself needing a refreshment. Grab a fresh coconut or a glass of sugarcane juice to keep your energy up. You can also head to Ta Hien Street and have a few beers on tiny plastic stools.

Stay Aware of Pickpockets: While Hanoi is generally safe, crowded areas can attract pickpockets. Keep your belongings secure, especially in bustling areas around Hoan Kiem Lake.

Enjoy the Local Vibe: Part of the charm of Hanoi’s walking streets is the sense of community. Embrace the local vibe by joining in traditional games, listening to live music, or even chatting with vendors. These streets are a place for everyone to unwind and connect.

In conclusion, Hanoi's walking streets offer a delightful blend of culture, cuisine, and community that showcases the city's vibrant spirit. Each pedestrianized area invites you to explore the rich Vietnamese life, all while indulging in mouthwatering street food. So, lace up your walking shoes and take to the streets. 

Best things to do in Hanoi  

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