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Hanoi Itinerary: Three Days of History, Food & Hidden Corners
A 3-day Hanoi itinerary mixing Old Quarter icons, lakeside walks, cafés and hidden corners—temples, West Lake, markets, water puppets, and street food.
Hanoi is a city that rewards slow wandering and open eyes. With three days, you can stroll ancient streets, taste the city’s best dishes, dive into its artistic buzz, and still find time to catch your breath by a lake. This itinerary balances big-ticket sights with local moments—giving you a true taste of the capital, one ca phe at a time.
Day 1: The Heartbeat of the Old Quarter & French Quarter
Morning: Lakeside Rituals & Ancient Streets
Start at Hoan Kiem Lake just after sunrise—watch locals practice tai chi and elderly couples walking hand-in-hand. Cross The Huc Bridge to view Ngoc Son Temple, and then dive straight into the Old Quarter’s web of narrow lanes.
Start at Hoan Kiem Lake just after sunrise—watch locals practice tai chi and elderly couples walking hand-in-hand. Cross The Huc Bridge to view Ngoc Son Temple, and then dive straight into the Old Quarter’s web of narrow lanes.
- Wander Hang Bac (silver street) and Hang Gai (silk street).
- Grab a banh mi or a bowl of pho at Pho Bat Dan (49 Bat Dan).
Midday: Colonial Elegance & Lunch
Stroll down to Hanoi's French Quarter. Admire the city’s grandest colonial buildings—the Opera House, Sofitel Metropole, St Joseph’s Cathedral.
Stroll down to Hanoi's French Quarter. Admire the city’s grandest colonial buildings—the Opera House, Sofitel Metropole, St Joseph’s Cathedral.
- Break for egg coffee at Cafe Giang or try bun cha (grilled pork noodles) at Bun Cha Huong Lien.
Afternoon: Market Life & Water Puppets
Browse Dong Xuan Market for snacks and souvenirs. In the late afternoon, catch a traditional water puppet show at Thang Long Theatre (buy tickets earlier!).
Browse Dong Xuan Market for snacks and souvenirs. In the late afternoon, catch a traditional water puppet show at Thang Long Theatre (buy tickets earlier!).
Evening: Early Dinner & Night Market
Find a shady sidewalk spot for bun thang or xoi xeo (sticky rice). On weekends, the Old Quarter’s night market is lively with street performers and irresistible eats.
Find a shady sidewalk spot for bun thang or xoi xeo (sticky rice). On weekends, the Old Quarter’s night market is lively with street performers and irresistible eats.
Day 1 Highlights | Must-Try Eats | Best Times to Visit |
Hoan Kiem Lake | Pho, Egg Coffee | 6:00–8:00 AM, Sunset |
Old Quarter | Banh mi, Bun cha | Morning–afternoon |
Dong Xuan Market | Sweet soups (che) | Late morning |
Night Market | Vietnamese BBQ skewers | Fri–Sun evenings |
Day 2: Palaces, Pagodas & Hidden Cafés
Morning: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Presidential Area
Arrive early at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum for shorter lines (closed Mondays/Fridays). Stroll well-kept Ba Dinh Square, then visit the wooden One Pillar Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house.
Arrive early at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum for shorter lines (closed Mondays/Fridays). Stroll well-kept Ba Dinh Square, then visit the wooden One Pillar Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house.
- Nearby, find local breakfast (xoi—sticky rice) at Xoi Yen.
Late Morning: Temple of Literature
Walk or Grab a ride to the Temple of Literature—Vietnam’s first university, calm and leafy. If you love art, the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum is across the street.
Walk or Grab a ride to the Temple of Literature—Vietnam’s first university, calm and leafy. If you love art, the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum is across the street.
Lunch & Early Afternoon: West Lake Wanderings
Taxi or cycle to West Lake (Tay Ho). Eat shrimp cakes (banh tom) at a lakeside stall, or stop for coconut coffee at a quiet café.
Taxi or cycle to West Lake (Tay Ho). Eat shrimp cakes (banh tom) at a lakeside stall, or stop for coconut coffee at a quiet café.
- Optional: Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda for lakeside views and serene gardens.
Late Afternoon: Hidden Corners
Drop into a tiny craft shop on Nha Tho or a hidden rooftop café. Enjoy pho cuon (rice noodle rolls) in Truc Bach area.
Drop into a tiny craft shop on Nha Tho or a hidden rooftop café. Enjoy pho cuon (rice noodle rolls) in Truc Bach area.
Evening: Cocktail Hour in the Old Quarter
Try a craft cocktail at The Note or Polite & Co bar, or relax with bia hoi (fresh draft beer) at a local corner bar.
Try a craft cocktail at The Note or Polite & Co bar, or relax with bia hoi (fresh draft beer) at a local corner bar.
Area | Sights | Snack/Café |
Ba Dinh | Mausoleum, Pagoda | Xoi Yen (Xoi) |
West Lake | Tran Quoc Pagoda, Lakefront | Maison de Tet Décor |
Truc Bach | Small shops, cafés | Pho cuon stalls |
Day 3: Art, Markets & Unexpected Hanoi
Morning: Local Markets or Ethnology Museum
For early risers: Long Bien Market—active long before daybreak, with sunrise views across the old bridge. Later, head to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology for stories from Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups.
For early risers: Long Bien Market—active long before daybreak, with sunrise views across the old bridge. Later, head to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology for stories from Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups.
Late Morning: Craft Village or Pottery Lane
Take a short ride to Bat Trang (pottery village), or explore Phung Hung Mural Street, filled with modern art and local life.
Take a short ride to Bat Trang (pottery village), or explore Phung Hung Mural Street, filled with modern art and local life.
Lunch: Street Food Safari
Dive into cha ca (fried fish with turmeric and dill), a true Hanoi specialty. Try at Cha Ca La Vong or a modern eatery in Tay Ho.
Dive into cha ca (fried fish with turmeric and dill), a true Hanoi specialty. Try at Cha Ca La Vong or a modern eatery in Tay Ho.
Afternoon: Relaxation or Shopping
Browse for silk or embroidered gifts at Hang Gai or Luala Boutique. Or simply settle in by Hoan Kiem for people-watching and coffee.
Browse for silk or embroidered gifts at Hang Gai or Luala Boutique. Or simply settle in by Hoan Kiem for people-watching and coffee.
Final Evening: Train Street & Farewell Dinner
Have a snack or coffee at Train Street (access varies—check safety rules and open hours). For a special last meal, try northern Vietnamese tasting menus or classic family-run restaurants.
Have a snack or coffee at Train Street (access varies—check safety rules and open hours). For a special last meal, try northern Vietnamese tasting menus or classic family-run restaurants.
Day 3 Experiences | Where/What |
Sunrise Market | Long Bien Market |
Ethno Storytelling | Museum of Ethnology |
Handicraft | Bat Trang Village |
Food highlight | Cha ca, Street BBQ |
Unique photo op | Train Street, Mural Street |
Three-Day Hanoi FAQ
Can I DIY this itinerary or do I need tours?
You can easily explore Hanoi on your own using taxis, rideshare apps, or by walking. Hiring a local guide helps add depth at major sites like the Temple of Literature or Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. If you want to extend beyond the capital, consider adding a Ha Long Bay 2 Day Cruise or the Ha Giang Loop to your trip.
Where to stay for the easiest access?
The Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake areas are the most walkable bases for exploring Hanoi. For more details on what’s nearby, see our guide to Things to Do in Hanoi.
Are museums and the mausoleum open daily?
Not always. Many museums close on Mondays, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed Mondays and Fridays. Always check schedules in advance. For flexible planning across seasons and holidays, our Best Time to Visit Vietnam and Vietnam Weather by Month guides are helpful.
What’s a must-try food not to miss?
Along with classics like pho and bun cha, don’t skip cha ca (fried fish with herbs) and Hanoi’s famous egg coffee. For a full foodie experience, explore our Hanoi Street Food Tour or check the Best Pho in Hanoi guide.
Is it safe to walk in the Old Quarter at night?
Yes—streets in the Old Quarter are lively and generally safe after dark. Just stay alert for motorbikes and crowded crossings. For nightlife beyond Hanoi, compare the vibes in Da Nang or Nha Trang.
You can easily explore Hanoi on your own using taxis, rideshare apps, or by walking. Hiring a local guide helps add depth at major sites like the Temple of Literature or Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. If you want to extend beyond the capital, consider adding a Ha Long Bay 2 Day Cruise or the Ha Giang Loop to your trip.
Where to stay for the easiest access?
The Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake areas are the most walkable bases for exploring Hanoi. For more details on what’s nearby, see our guide to Things to Do in Hanoi.
Are museums and the mausoleum open daily?
Not always. Many museums close on Mondays, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed Mondays and Fridays. Always check schedules in advance. For flexible planning across seasons and holidays, our Best Time to Visit Vietnam and Vietnam Weather by Month guides are helpful.
What’s a must-try food not to miss?
Along with classics like pho and bun cha, don’t skip cha ca (fried fish with herbs) and Hanoi’s famous egg coffee. For a full foodie experience, explore our Hanoi Street Food Tour or check the Best Pho in Hanoi guide.
Is it safe to walk in the Old Quarter at night?
Yes—streets in the Old Quarter are lively and generally safe after dark. Just stay alert for motorbikes and crowded crossings. For nightlife beyond Hanoi, compare the vibes in Da Nang or Nha Trang.