Hanoi: 14 central entertainment spots for the weekend.
From the nearly 4,000m2 aquarium in Times City to the Ho Guom pedestrian street on weekends, here are 14 fun places in central Hanoi, along with addresses and opening hours, to help you plan your own itinerary.
If you want a change of scenery right in the heart of Hanoi, you can start with a stroll along Ho Guom pedestrian street when the lights come on, visit West Lake for snail noodle soup, and then spend half a day exploring the museums. If you're traveling with family, the Times City complex and Thu Le Park are easy to get to and offer plenty of activities.
Below are 14 suggested entertainment spots in central Hanoi, along with practical information to help you quickly plan your itinerary.
Places to prioritize if you only have one day
- Weekend eveningHo Guom pedestrian street, turning into the Old Quarter and surrounding streets.
- Cool morning: West Lake (Thanh Nien Street) is a good place to visit temples, stroll around the lake, and enjoy snacks.
- Half a dayVisit the Ho Chi Minh Museum or the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology; combine this with Hoa Lo Prison if you enjoy historical stories.
- Traveling with young children: Vinpearl Aquarium Times City, VinKE Times City, Thu Le Park.
Discover 14 outstanding entertainment spots in the heart of Hanoi.
1) Vinpearl Aquarium Times City
Address458 Minh Khai, Minh Khai Ward, Hanoi
If you want a change of scenery from the busy streets, this aquarium feels like stepping into a miniature ocean: its area is nearly...4,000m2, with a capacity of nearly3 million liters of seawater, home to more than30,000These organisms come from all five continents.
Grouping the attractions into different species categories (freshwater fish, caves – reptiles, saltwater fish) helps keep the itinerary concise. You can time your visit to watch fish feeding shows or mermaid performances according to the schedule at each destination.
2) VinKE Times City
Address458 Minh Khai, Minh Khai Ward, Hanoi
VinKE is presented as a model combining entertainment and education for children, where kids can experience their dream professions such as doctor, firefighter, traffic police officer, chef, mechanic… The whole family can also spend time in the play area with attractions such as bumper cars, ball shooting arena, royal carousel, and 5D cinema.
3) Grand World
Grand World is introduced as a super complex of dining, entertainment, and shopping (part of...)Vinhomes Ocean Park 3), bustling with activity day and night, creating a lively atmosphere of "boats on the water and ships on the docks". The space is divided into two sections.K-TownandVeniceat the heart of Ocean City.
The highlight, according to the source, isThe Grand Voyage– A live performance combining 3D mapping technology on Asia's largest floating stage. Alongside this are a series of games and activities such as the Carousel Ferris wheel, the Skydrop thrill ride, and street festivals taking place 365 days a year.
4) Ho Guom Walking Street
AddressHoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi
Opening hoursOpening hours: 7:00 PM Friday - 12:00 AM Sunday every week
On weekends, Ho Guom Lake takes on a different rhythm: street performances in various styles, from folk music to pop, hip-hop, and Latin dances. This also serves as a natural starting point for you to detour into the Old Quarter, stroll slowly, listen to the vendors' calls, and choose a small cafe to rest in.
From this area, you can sample Trang Tien ice cream, buy shoes on Hang Dau Street, purchase jewelry on Hang Bac Street, or meet friends on Cau Go or Dinh Liet Streets.
5) Thu Le Park
AddressBuoi Street, Hanoi
Opening hours: 6:00 - 18:00
Thu Le Park has a total area of approximately29 hectaresThe landscape includes a teardrop-shaped lake and a strip of land running around its shore. It's a pleasant choice for a breezy morning, suitable for families: children can watch animals and participate in activities such as pedal boats, Ferris wheels, trains, water polo, etc.
6) West Lake
AddressThanh Nien Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi
Opening hoursAll day
West Lake is perfect for a leisurely stroll: it's surrounded by spiritual sites like Tran Quoc Pagoda, Ba Danh Pagoda, Quan Thanh Temple, Tay Ho Palace, Nghi Tam Pavilion, etc. In the early morning or late afternoon, the lake's surface is usually calmer, making it pleasant to walk around and observe the rhythm of life along the waterfront.
Recommended food around the lake includes snail noodle soup, crab noodle soup, shrimp cakes, and crispy fried pho from Ngu Xa. Many cafes in the area are also popular spots to sit and watch the lake change color with the sunlight.
7) Hanoi Creative City
AddressNo. 1 Luong Yen, Hanoi
Opening hours: 8:30 - 17:30
This 20-story entertainment complex is suggested as a "stress-relief" spot for groups of friends: it features cafes, a spacious plaza with various forms of street art (painting, magic shows, etc.), and activities such as rock climbing and archery. You can also combine shopping, snacking, or visiting an exhibition in the same day.
8) Ho Chi Minh Museum
Address19 Ngoc Ha Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
Opening hoursOpening Hours: 08:00 - 12:00 | 14:00 - 16:30 (Closed Monday - Friday)
The museum has a total area18,000 m2, displaying approximately120,000The museum houses artifacts related to the life and career of President Ho Chi Minh. Sources indicate the museum was built in [year].1973This is the area where President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence, giving birth to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. This is a suitable place to visit if you want a historical glimpse into your city itinerary.
9) Skywalk Observation Deck, Lotte Center Hanoi
AddressLotte Center Hanoi, 65th floor, 54 Lieu Giai Street, Giang Vo District, Hanoi
Opening hours: 9:30 - 22:30
Skywalk is located at65th floorWith its transparent glass walls, it offers panoramic views of Hanoi from above. If you're looking for sunrise or sunset, it's recommended to choose a clear, breezy day so that the city is clearly visible in its interplay of light and shadow.
10) Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
AddressNguyen Van Huyen Street, Cau Giay District, Hanoi City.
Opening hours8:30 AM - 5:30 PM (closed every Monday)
This attraction is suitable if you enjoy cultural tours. The museum displays clothing, musical instruments, household items, and models of rituals of various Vietnamese ethnic groups; it also features architectural replicas such as the stilt houses of the Tay people and the ground-level houses of the Hmong people. According to sources, the museum also organizes reenactments of traditional folk games during holidays and festivals.
11) Hanoi Cathedral
Address40 Nha Chung Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Opening hoursAll day
The area around the Grand Cathedral is usually lively on weekends. Suggestions include enjoying a casual chat over lemon tea or choosing an authentic Hanoi restaurant in the area. If you visit on a cool day, the small cafes nearby are great places to sit and watch the people go by.
12) Hoa Lo Prison Relic
AddressNo. 1 Hoa Lo Street, Cua Nam Ward, Hanoi
Opening hours8:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily
Hoa Lo Prison is described as a place that witnessed much suffering and the indomitable spirit of patriotic Vietnamese people. Today, this landmark is a tourist attraction bearing the imprint of French architecture and holds significant cultural and historical importance. It is a suitable stop for those who need to pause, slow down, and carefully examine each exhibit.
13) Ta Hien Beer Street
Address: Ta Hien Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Opening hoursAll day
If you're looking for an energetic evening, Ta Hien Street is home to many large and small pubs and restaurants, often referred to as "Ta Hien Beer Street." The atmosphere becomes more lively at night, as locals and tourists gather, their conversations blending with the rhythm of the old town.
14) VinWonders Wave Park and VinWonders Water Park
According to the source, you can have fun at two entertainment areas:VinWonders Wave Park(Vinhomes Ocean Park 2) andVinWonders Water Park(Vinhomes Ocean Park 3) is perfect for a weekend getaway with family and friends.
At VinWonders Wave Park, the highlights include the largest saltwater lake in Asia, the world's largest wave pool, 10 water play areas, various water sports, and an Atlantis-themed landscape (3 ocean-inspired pedestrian bridges, and a high Royal Mountain peak).30mAt VinWonders Water Park, you can experience a large outdoor swimming pool, an indoor four-season swimming pool, and various events and music festivals as part of the destination's program.
Tips for a smoother trip
- TimekeepingThe Ho Guom pedestrian street is only open from 7:00 PM on Friday to 12:00 AM on Sunday; museums have specific closing times and holidays as listed above.
- Break down the rhythm throughout the day.Prioritize parks and lakes in the morning; museums at noon; and pedestrian streets, the Old Quarter, or Ta Hien Street in the evening to avoid feeling exhausted from traveling.
- Traveling with young childrenChoose places with indoor spaces or concentrated activities such as Times City, VinKE, or the aquarium; bring water and light snacks when going to the park.
With these 14 suggestions, you can create many different itineraries: a day of "walking and snacking" around Ho Guom Lake and the Old Quarter, or a weekend combining museum visits, city views from the Skywalk, and the fresh air of West Lake.
