Our 3-Day Hanoi Itinerary: Experiences, Local Eats & Honest Tips

This is our Hanoi itinerary, cropped in an intense 3 days exploring.

We love Hanoi; it is one of those cities that we are always happy to revisit. Yes, call us crazy, but the traffic is chaotic and noisy, and people rush by like carriages in a train street. All that captivated us from the first moment we arrived.

It is one of the oldest cities in Southeast Asia, the capital of Vietnam. For us, Hanoi was more was the gateway to the north. We used the city as a base to travel to Ninh Binh, Sapa and Ha Long Bay.

Even though we have returned a lot, Hanoi always has some new secrets to unveil. From navigating the labyrinthine Old Quarter to savouring egg coffee at hidden cafés, we’ve crafted this Hanoi 3 days itinerary based on our extensive exploration and research.

Is Hanoi worth visiting?

Yes, we found Hanoi more interesting than Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). While many people visiting Vietnam don’t like the chaos and the unorganised traffic, we learned to appreciate it more on our second visit.

This is what, from our perspective, we love and hate about Vietnam:

• The distinctive smell of phở simmering in the early morning mixed with incense from nearby temples (Soup is for breakfast in Vietnam).
• The cacophony of motorbike horns becomes almost musical after a few days (Choose your accommodation wisely).
• The texture of egg coffee foam against your lips and how it differs from Western coffee experiences.

When to Visit Hanoi

We have experienced Hanoi in all climates, from the wet season to the rainy season. Once, it was so rainy in the north that we had to cancel our Ha Giang Loop for flooding.

Planning your trip to Hanoi, expect all four seasons. Compared to the south, which is dry and warm all year round, Hanoi can be very daunting in terms of weather.

The city experiences extreme heat in summer from June to August, with temperatures that can reach over 35°C (95°F) and incredible humidity. I will say that humidity is your worst enemy when going around Hanoi in summer.

For lower temperatures, fewer crowds, and better exploration, plan your trip in the shoulder season from September to December.

If you visit Hanoi in winter, the temperature is far below your expectations. Bring a jacket and expect very chilly mornings. If you visit Sapa, the jacket can save you, as the far north gets colder even in summer.

Hanoi Itinerary

This is our perfect-balanced Hanoi Itinerary. The map below has all the places we suggest to visit in Hanoi and more. If you want an offline guide, check out our inspirational guide to Vietnam with insider tips.

Day 1: Old Quarter, French Quarter & Cultural Highlights

Morning: Egg Coffee & Old Quarter Exploration

We can’t ever start a tour of Hanoi without a good coffee. My list of coffee places in Hanoi is so long that I need to go back many more times to finish it all. Anyway, For your first day, start with the best.

Café Giang is an institution in Hanoi, and we couldn’t miss it. Hidden in 39 Nguyen Huu Huan Street, through the humble alley of Hanoi Old Quarter, is where the legendary Vietnamese egg coffee was invented. Since 1946, it’s been the signature drink in this two-story, busy shophouse.

The egg yolk was perfectly creamy. They serve it in a warm bowl of water to keep it in temperature. The place, as said, was very busy and buzzing. We sat on our little stools and just waited. The service was fast, a good start for our day itinerary in Hanoi.

Explore the Old Quarter

After our caffeine boost, it’s time to go and explore. Walk through one of the best parts of Hanoi, the Old Quarter. This historical urban core is divided into the famous “36 streets”.

Each of these nodes has shops that craft and trade in specific areas. Even today, many streets maintain their original specialisations with names starting with “Hàng” (merchandise). Some of our favourite streets to wander include:

• Hàng Bac (Silver Street) for jewellery and silverwork
• Hàng Gai (Silk Street) for textiles and fabrics
• Hàng Ma (Paper Street) for colourful paper offerings and decorations

While walking here, we stumbled upon a shop that was creating personalised stamps, and we created our logo in wood to print on the diary.

Anyway, the alleys of the Old Quarter are simply fantastic. You’ll feel the history, see places that are still untouched and keep their traditional sloppy look. Surely, your senses will overload.

Even though our camera had it’s hard time, we were shooting no stop. One of the most picturesque places in Hanoi’s old Quarter is Bancong Cafe and Restaurant, which is in Hàng Bac Section.

Mid-Day: French Quarter & Cathedral

Just a short walk from the Old Quarter, we transition to the elegant French Quarter. The transition is so seamless that you might think they are the same.

Well, the French Quarter is the most charming part of Hanoi, the cute little Montmartre, with a Bohemian feel. The boulevards are wide, and there are beautiful buildings in French Colonial Style.

It is Vietnam, but for a second, you are elsewhere. We had the same feeling walking through Luang Prabang in Laos.

Spend about one hour walking around, as we did, capturing the cute corners. This is where we got some of our favourite photos of Hanoi.

Visit St. Joseph’s Cathedral (Nhà thờ Lớn Hà Nội lit)

Walking around Ho Hoan Kiem Lake from the French Quarter through the beautiful park, you’ll eventually arrive in about 20 minutes at St. Joseph’s Cathedral.

This is one of the best places to see in Hanoi. The Neo-Gothic Cathedral will remind you of France once again. The architecture will remind you of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, and its bell tower is actually a smaller replica of the one in France.

We actually were lucky to get inside once and the glass, ceiling and details are incredible. Then another day, going around to check out digital nomads’ ready cafe to work from, we stumbled upon Hip Hub Cafe (Unfortunately, it is now closed). This coffee shop in the heart of Hanoi features one of the best terraces with a view of the Cathedral.

Lunch at Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su (2:00 PM)

It’s about lunchtime. Walk 2 minutes from the Cathedral to Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su. We were on a quest to try restaurants and street stalls that offered cheap food but were awarded the legendary Michelin Star Guide.

This small restaurant in the heart of Hanoi has been open for generations. Its name precedes the smell of their famous pho bowls. Despite its prestigious recognition, a simple Vietnamese steaming pho bowl only costs around 65,000-90,000 VND ($2.50-3.50).

We were lucky to get in pretty easily, but usually, there is a huge queue. Their broth is tasty, and they provide a variation from the traditional bowl of Pho. I had to try my favourite – Pho Tai (rare beef).

Tender slices of beef that continue cooking in the hot broth, fresh lime squeezed to enhance the flavour and a little chilly. Our experience was good, but not exceptional to return. We suggest lunch here, but if going elsewhere, you don’t miss as much.

Walk Around Hoan Kiem Lake

With the belly filled, it is time to get around again. Take photos of Hoan Kiem Lake, 

After lunch, we take a leisurely stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, the heart of Hanoi. Relax, sit by the benches, and watch people passing by. No motors are allowed around the lake, so you’ll have a peaceful atmosphere.

One of the most popular frames to snap pictures is the red bridge. We loved to play with the angles, even in our sunrise mission to get the best Instagram photos of Hanoi. The red Huc bridge leading to Ngoc Son Temple (Jade Mountain Temple) is so pretty.

Emperor Ly Thai To Monument

Most of the early morning activities of locals are around the Emperor Ly Thai To Monument. This statue is on the eastern shore of the lake. It is dedicated to the memory of the Emperor of the Ly Dynasty.

A moment in Vietnam’s history is very important. They, in fact, established Hanoi (then called Thang Long) as Vietnam’s capital in 1010.

Hanoi Opera House

Six minutes walking away from the Ly Thai To gardens, continuing your walking tour through Hanoi’s French Quarter, there is the Opera House.

It took about 10 years to complete one of the most stylish buildings in Hanoi, completely designed in Neo-Baroque style.

Dinner and Drinks on Beer Street

Take a break from walking around, the evening is falling by, and you deserve some fun. We suggest heading to Ta Hien Street, well known among backpackers as “Beer Street“.

It’s crazy, busy, and sometimes a little too much. This is one of the most lively stretches in the Old Quarter that comes alive after dark. You’ll sit on tiny plastic stools spilling onto the street and servers rushing between makeshift tables.

The atmosphere gets crazy quiet soon. As you might get draft pints of beer here are pretty cheap. A Bia Hoi costs only 15,000 VND (about $0.65) per pint.

Night Market (8:30 PM)

Let the drinks warm up the atmosphere for you. If exploring Hanoi on the weekend, remember that on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, there is the popular Weekend Night Market.

The Hanoi Weekend Market takes over the streets of the Old Quarter from 7 PM. Busy stands with handicrafts, fake products, and food make the road difficult to walk through.

If instead you visit Hanoi during the week, there is another interesting market, always up. The regular market is alive everyday around Chợ đêm Đồng Xuân (The daily food court and market).

At night, the road that leads to the lake is full of stands. Right in front of the Market instead, you can find food and occasionally shows. We spent countless nights with other travellers’ friends. It was right behind our hostel and we had to pass and share a couple of beers.

Day 2: Cultural Immersion & Local Experiences

Early Morning at Hoan Kiem Lake

I guess it was that early morning start that made us fall in love with Hanoi. Often, in new places, we set our alarm so early that the daylight is still sleeping. A bit like us before the first coffee.

We did it in Hanoi, rising at 5.30 AM and heading to the lake area. It was an outdoor fitness and dance studio. No Jokes. For a little while, we felt ashamed, old ladies playing badminton, and we were still asking ourselves why that early start.

Anyway, doing the same you’ll see a common practice in Vietnam, but also we found it in China. Locals get out at early lights, practising Tai Chi, playing games, and dancing all around Hoan Kiem Lake. They are smart, though. Humidity early in the morning hasn’t hit yet, and the heat is, in some ways, controlled.

This is the best time to snap some photos of Hanoi without a horde of tourists around. Well, all while enjoying the atmosphere.

Coffee at Note Cafe

After the early start we waited for the Note Cafe to open up. There are several other cafes that open early in the centre of Hanoi, so for a quick coffee, you can go elsewhere.

The Note cafe is the best spot for a quiet morning in front of the lake. The quirky instagrammable cafe of Hanoi is right on the edge of Hoan Kiem Lake. What makes it unique isn’t the coffee’s quite standard taste, but its thousands of colourful post-it notes.

Everyone leaves messages, and these cover every single inch of the shop. There is not much space left where we found messages from over 6 years beneath layers and layers.

Join a Food Tour

Leaving Vietnam without diving into its food culture it’s impossible. I think this is one of the things we miss the most about Vietnam. It seems like easy dishes, you know soup, bread filled, but it’s the love they place in it that makes every dish a different story.

We suggest considering a guided food tour. These are true treasure hunt games; you don’t know what to expect next, but surely it’s great. On a food tour of Hanoi, a local guide can introduce you to hidden food stalls and explain the cultural significance behind each dish.

Some must-try dishes on any food tour include:

• Bun cha: Grilled pork with rice noodles (Obama and Bourdain made this dish famous by eating it together in Hanoi)
• Banh cuon: Steamed rice rolls filled with ground pork and mushrooms
• Nem ran: Crispy fried spring rolls
• Pho tiu: A variation of pho with a sweeter, more complex broth

This tour lasts 3-4 hours and includes 5-7 food stops. It’s one of the cheapest you can find and includes a stop on Train Street. Check the availability.

Visit Train Street

And there we go!! Train Street is an unmissable part of any Hanoi Itinerary. We have visited different sections countless times. Our favourite is Le Duan Section, which is quieter. Still, we had fun experiences also in the Old Quarter Section (Tran Phu street).

Trains typically pass at specific times (around 3:25 PM and 7:45 PM daily), but schedules can change, so it’s worth checking current times. Simply send a WhatsApp message to your chosen cafe.

Our favourite cafes are Hanoi 1990s in the Le Duan Section and Railway Tuan Cafe in the Old Town section. It was a fun, yet new experience. The train passes really close to your nose. You can chill, get a fantastic egg coffee, and snap photos walking on the train track.

Dinner at Banh Mi Mama

Having a Banh Mi at Mama is our best-kept secret for years. We only told this to friends. This is considered by locals to be the best banh mi sandwich in Hanoi.

We discovered by mistake while working at a cafe nearby. This small stall is metres apart from the cathedral. Very small, and the kitchen is in a narrow alley.

This small, family-run spot serves delicious baguettes filled with a variety of ingredients like grilled pork, pate, and fresh herbs. Proper Vietnamese style.

What we love about their banh mi is the perfect balance of flavours and textures—crispy bread, savoury meats, and the brightness of fresh cilantro and pickled vegetables.

At around 35,000-50,000 VND ($1.50-2.00) per sandwich, it’s an incredibly affordable yet satisfying dinner.

We each took a sandwich, and then you are allowed to eat it next door, just purchasing the drink there.

Water Puppet Show

A traditional water puppet show is the purest form of art handed down by generations. It was a way to tell stories, facts and legends used since the 11th century. It isn’t easy to grab a ticket, as the attraction is very popular. Check the availability here if you are lucky

Tickets only cost 200,000 VND ($8 | £6 | €7). The puppets dance and move across the water’s surface, telling Vietnamese folk tales accompanied by traditional music.

Each show lasts about 50 minutes and runs several times daily, with evening performances at 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM offering the best atmosphere.

Night time view of Hoan Kiem Lake

After the puppet show, take another stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake. It is so romantic, and one of the best things to do in Hanoi for couples. The red bridge is brightly lit up, and it makes the Turtle Tower stand out. Everything reflects in the lake, creating a unique atmosphere.

If you aren’t ready for bed, the area around the lake is always thriving. Head back to Beer Street or head to Ma May, the backpacker’s street of Hanoi. Take as a reference the Mad Monkey Hostel. There are plenty of outdoor cafes serving beers and food, full of backpackers and travellers.

Day 3: Hidden Gems & Historical Discoveries

Coffee at a Hidden Gem

On our third day, we love starting with coffee (again) at one of Hanoi’s hidden cafes. The Hidden Gem Cafe is tucked away in a narrow alley. We found it thanks to a friend, but you’ll likely pass by and not notice it.

This cafe is like a garden, with a mixed feeling of an organized junkyard. Indeed quirky, indeed a hidden gem. Hosted in an old factory building, it has several instagram corners (that’s why it is so popular), but also serves a nice egg coffee.

Lunch at Banh My 38

For lunch, we head to Banh My 38, a tiny street food stall known for delicious pho. Despite the name suggesting banh mi, their pho is actually the star attraction, with a rich, aromatic broth that makes for the perfect morning meal.

What makes this spot special is its no-frills authenticity—plastic stools, basic tableware, and purely focused on the food. We’ve returned here multiple times during our stays in Hanoi, drawn back by both the quality and value.

Sweet Treats at King Roti

We can’t resist stopping at King Roti for pastries that we’ve fallen in love with over our multiple visits to Hanoi. You’ll smell their fluffy bun miles away. It was our morning, afternoon and bedtime snack while in Hanoi. We love the delicious, creamy chocolate coffee, Roti.

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

Take a roti for the trip and head to the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. This is one of the many UNESCO World Heritage sites in Hanoi. The fortified city served to isolate the court from the rest and served as Vietnam’s political centre for 13 centuries.

You might have seen similar architecture if you visited China or other Vietnamese cities. We found a high resemblance with Hue Fortified City, Ninh Binh Bich Dong Pagoda and the old citadel.

You’ll walk through millennial history through layers and layers of Vietnamese heritage, from ancient palaces of the Ly, Tran, and Le dynasties. It also served as a military outpost during the French Colonial period.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

The itinerary of day three continues through Vietnamese history. It’s now time to walk 10 minutes to reach the guarded Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

We actually visited it in the evening, as I wanted to see a different atmosphere. The mausoleum is surrounded by a vast garden. We had a really difficult time understanding where the entrance was at first.

Ale couldn’t get in, because you must adhere to their strict dress code. In fact, you must dress modestly, with no shorts and no sleeveless tops.

The place was extremely quiet, but people were jogging and walking around. I witnessed a change of the guard, nothing major but still nice.

Tran Quoc Pagoda

You are in one of the most charming yet less popular areas of Hanoi. Walking 20 minutes north from the mausoleum takes you to Tran Quoc Pagoda.

You might have seen some photos of it, it’s so pretty. This is a Buddhist Temple, the oldest in Hanoi, which dates back to the 6th century. The pagodas are on a small island within the West Lake (which, by the way, is immense).

The atmosphere is so quiet that you can’t believe it is Hanoi. We spent some time around the entire district, as it was only 20 minutes walking from our hostel.

We suggest visiting late in the afternoon (not like we did around lunchtime), as it is less humid and hot.

Dinner at Pho Cuon 31

Our suggested place for lunch or dinner around this area of Hanoi is Pho Cuon 31.

This restaurant specialises in pho cuon—fresh rice noodle sheets rolled around beef and herbs, similar to fresh spring rolls, but using rice noodles from pho instead of rice paper. You’ll sit on small stools and plastic tables. The atmosphere is so pretty.

Other things you might want to include in your Hanoi itinerary

Temple of Literature

If you have time in Hanoi to enjoy another unique place, the Temple of Literature is incredible. It was Vietnam’s first national university. You can walk inside the courtyards and visit the pavilions and gardens.

Getting Around Hanoi

Hanoi is relatively compact, and we’ve found walking to be the best way to explore the Old Quarter and central districts. However, we get that there are so many things to do in Hanoi, and sometimes you need to get around fast. So, for longer distances:

Grab and Bolt

The two major Southeast Asia Apps we used were Grab and Bolt. The second is often cheaper, but for bikes we used Grab. Definitely the most efficient, budget-friendly way to get around Hanoi fast. It is traditionally cheaper than hailing a taxi.

Public Buses

As much as we love taking public buses, Vietnam is too crowded, the streets are busy, and Hanoi isn’t the best place to get around by bus. We didn’t use it in Hanoi but elsewhere. If you want to try, remember that in Vietnam, bus payment is in cash and on board.

Motorbike Rental

We instead rented scooters extensively in Vietnam, including Hanoi. This is the most terrifying place I have driven in my whole life. But I am up for a challenge all the time.

If you’re confident riding in chaotic traffic, renting a motorbike costs about $5-10 per day. We do not recommend renting a scooter to get around Hanoi, but if you want to do day trips on your own.

Hanoi Itinerary Budget

Hanoi is exceptionally affordable compared to most capital cities. During our visits, we’ve typically spent:

• Accommodation: $10-15 for budget (£8 | €9), $20-40 for mid-range (£15 | €17). (We had the cheapest hostel dorm bed for couples only £6 ($8 | €7) per night.
• Food: $1-3 for street food, $5-10 for restaurant meals.
• Transportation: $10 overall using Grab/Bolt.
• Activities: Most attractions cost $1-5 for entry.

In total, as a couple backpacking slowly through Vietnam, we spent about $30-40 per day. For more details, check our complete Vietnam budget guide.

North vs. South: Why We Love Hanoi

After travelling extensively throughout Vietnam, we’ve developed a slight preference for the north, with Hanoi as the place we spent more time (Not counting Da Nang, as we rented a monthly apartment there).

The city feels more authentically Vietnamese than Ho Chi Minh City, with its stronger Chinese and French influences blending into each other and clearly visible in the architecture, way of life, and even the cuisine.

If you are still in the decision-making part of your journey, debating whether to focus on Vietnam’s north or south, we recommend starting with Hanoi and exploring outward. The city provides the perfect introduction to Vietnamese culture, history, and cuisine.

Our last consideration on Hanoi

To be fair, three days in Hanoi aren’t enough. It is too short to see it all and actually enjoy it. Within our guide, we have tried to squeeze about 4 times in Hanoi in a short itinerary of 3 days only. On each of our visits, we focused on a specific area, picking the right accommodation that was close enough.

If you are backpacking in Vietnam, we highly suggest using the city as your base. It was so nice to return to the busy streets after quiet days in Ninh Binh, HaLong Bay or Sa Pa. We even left part of our luggage to be flexible and light while roaming around the north.

We missed the Ha Giang Loop for reasons we have explained above. It might be a great addition to your itinerary. You’ll see landscapes that only exist in imagination.

Anyway, returning to our farewell to Hanoi, once away, you’ll miss the city’s charm. The early morning tai chi by the lake, the afternoon coffee ritual, and the evening when locals come to us to enjoy the cooler air.

Follow this 3-day itinerary, but don’t be afraid to deviate and discover your own Hanoi. The best experiences often come from simply wandering and immersing yourself in the beautiful chaos of Vietnam’s beguiling capital.