Despite centuries of French and Chinese influence, Hanoi is a city that’s wholly (and proudly) Vietnamese. But its layered history is everywhere you look—from the Old Quarter with its French colonial buildings to the more than 600 temples and pagodas around the city. You can get right to the history of the city at sites like Hoa Lo Prison or the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Take it all in by foot (or scooter), making time for detours at some of the city’s newer additions: independent art galleries, boutique shops, and trendy cafes. If you’re coming just for the food, you’re not alone. Banh mi and bun cha are obviously musts, but save room for other street food faves: crispy crepes, stir-fried eel, shrimp cakes, and a few frosty beers to wash it all down. For the best of what Hanoi has to offer, get even more recs below.