Skip to content
My plans

Your first month, planned

New to Hanoi?

One week at a time, four small steps a week, almost all of them free. By the end you’ll have a coffee spot, a Saturday routine and people who know your name.

0 of 16 done · saved on this device

Week 1

Get your bearings

Learn the city's shape before you try to fill your calendar.

  1. A local guide is the fastest way to learn Hanoi's layout and stories. Free tours run on tips.

    Explore Hanoi, VietnamSelf-guided · Any time · 5 hrs
    Walking tours →

  2. Find your nearest café, pub, supermarket and park. Note the ones you want to go back to.

  3. One for breakfast, one for lunch, one for dinner: start with the local favourites.

    Café GiảngVietnamese · Old QuarterLe BeaulieuFrench · Hoan Kiem / French QuarterMadame Hien HanoiVietnamese · Old Quarter
    Eat & drink →

  4. Free walks, markets, parks and events: the cheapest way to get to know a city.

    What's on this week →

New to Hanoi, answered

What should I do in my first week in Hanoi?

Take a walking tour to learn the layout, walk your own neighbourhood end to end, try three places locals eat, and look for the free things on that week.

How do I meet people in Hanoi?

Pick two things that repeat every week, such as a trivia night, a run club or a weekly night at a local hotel or hostel, and keep going back. Meet friends lists the ones on in Hanoi.