Nestled in northern Vietnam, Hanoi is home to around 8 million people, making it Vietnam’s second-largest city after Ho Chi Minh City. The city is a sensory overload—in the best way possible—where the echoes of centuries past seamlessly mix with the energy of contemporary life. And while it may be buzzing with energy, it still manages to hold onto its old-world charm. From exploring ancient temples and bustling markets to savoring some of the best street food in the world, there’s so much to experience. You could spend months here and never experience all that it has to offer, and if you’ve only got one day in the city, you’re in for an exciting whirlwind of culture, history, and flavor. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to spend 24 hours in Hanoi, hitting all the must-see sights, hidden gems, and can’t-miss eats to make the most of your time in this captivating city. Ready to dive into the heart of Vietnam? Let’s go!
⬇️ Check out our Hanoi travel vlog for a closer look at our experience! ⬇️
Before we dive into the itinerary, I want to share some general information and tips that will help make your visit to Hanoi as enjoyable as possible, so here we go…
Learn the Language: No, I’m not saying that you need to be fluent or anywhere close to it, but knowing a few Vietnamese phrases will endear you to locals. But don’t worry, English is widely spoken in tourist areas, and when it’s not, the Vietnamese people are not shy to pull out Google Translate to communicate if needed. Which reminds me… Install Google Translate on your phone and download the local language to your device. It can be a lifesaver. But here are a few phrases to get you started… “xin chào” (hello); “cảm ơn” (thank you); vui lòng (please); and xin lỗi (excuse me or I'm sorry)
Understand the Currency: Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND) for its currency and the conversion rate is roughly 1 VND to $0.000041 USD. Yes, that can be really confusing, but here’s all you really need to know… $1 USD is about 25,000 VND. Also, while card payments are becoming more common, cash is still king in Hanoi, especially for street food, small shops, and local markets. Make sure to carry some local currency, and know that having smaller bills can be helpful.
Drink Bottled Water: Tap water in Hanoi is not safe for drinking, so stick to bottled water, which is cheap and readily available everywhere.
Be Ready for Traffic: Hanoi’s traffic is famously chaotic, with motorbikes buzzing in every direction. Crossing the street can be intimidating—walk slowly and steadily, and the bikes will weave around you. Don’t run, don’t stop, and DON’T step backward.
Stay Connected with an eSIM: To ensure you have reliable cell phone service during your stay, we recommend purchasing an eSIM for your smartphone. This digital SIM card can be easily activated and almost always provides better rates for data, calls, and texts compared to international roaming plans or local SIM cards. We’ve personally used at least 4 different eSIM providers but the two that we recommend the most are Airalo & Holafly.
Understand Restaurant Names: In Vietnam, restaurant names are often much more straightforward than what you might be used to in places like the US, where names like McDonald’s, Ruth’s Chris, or Starbucks don’t tell you much about the food. In Vietnam, many restaurant names indicate exactly what they serve and often include their address as well. For example, Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su tells you they specialize in pho (Vietnamese noodle soup), and the “10 Ly Quoc Su” is simply their address. Similarly, a restaurant named Bún Chả 41 Cửa Đông specializes in bun cha (grilled pork with noodles), and its address is 41 Cửa Đông. Sometimes, the number in the name might represent a significant year, like the year the restaurant was established or they may just be a lucky number. While this system isn’t always foolproof, once you understand it, choosing a restaurant becomes much easier!
Respect Local Customs: When visiting temples, dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees) and always remove your shoes before entering. Showing respect goes a long way with the locals.
Stay Central for Convenience: This especially goes for first-time visitors! Staying in the Old Quarter or French Quarter gives you easy access to most of Hanoi’s top attractions and restaurants and puts you within walking distance of many highlights. If you’re looking for a place to stay for your visit, check out these recommendations:
⭐⭐⭐⭐ L’HÔTEL du LAC Hanoi
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Solaria Hotel
⭐⭐⭐ Hanoi La Selva Hotel (where we stayed)
Or, use the map below to find the perfect stay for you!
⬇️ For the best Tours, Tickets, & Experiences, check out GetYouGuide! ⬇️
Now that we have the basics covered, let’s dive in!
7:15am: Start your day with an early morning stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake
The 30-acre Hoan Kiem Lake is a peaceful oasis surrounded by bustling city life. It’s a favorite for both locals and tourists to take leisurely walks, particularly at sunrise or sunset, when the area is at its most serene making it the perfect place to start your Hanoi adventure! It’s worth noting that on weekends, the streets surrounding the lake are closed to traffic, creating a pedestrian zone with cultural performances and street food vendors.
7:45am: Have a traditional breakfast at Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su
Address: 10 P. Lý Quốc Sư, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm
As an American, it was a bit of a culture shock to find that the beloved Vietnamese dish, Phở (beef noodle soup), is an acceptable breakfast dish, but… when in Vietnam! And Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su is one of Hanoi’s most famous pho restaurants! The menu is simple yet delicious and you can expect to pay between 20,000 to 100,000 VND (about $0.80 to $4 USD) for a bowl, depending on what you order. The restaurant can get crowded, especially during peak meal times, so it’s best to visit early otherwise, you’ll need to be prepared to wait for a table. It’s also worth noting that there were no drinks on the menu and not a single person in the restaurant had a drink on their table. Not sure if that’s a cultural norm, but thankfully, Phở is mostly broth! Lol
Other breakfast options:
▪️ Hanoi Coffee Culture (45 P. Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Phố cổ Hà Nội, Hoàn Kiếm)
▪️ Hidden Gem Cafe Hanoi (1 Hàng Mắm, Phố cổ Hà Nội, Hoàn Kiếm)
▪️ Hanoi Coffee Station (44 P. Hàng Bè, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm)
8:45am: Learn about the Buddhist culture at Tran Quoc Pagoda
Address: 46 Đ. Thanh Niên, Yên Phụ, Tây Hồ
Located on a scenic island in West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda is the oldest Buddhist Temple in Hanoi, dating back to the 6th century. The pagoda features a distinctive 50-foot tall lotus-shaped tower and beautifully landscaped gardens. There is no entrance fee, and you should plan to spend about 30 to 45 minutes exploring the pagoda and its grounds. Even with the tour groups Tran Quoc Pagoda is a tranquil experience. We enjoyed the picturesque gardens filled with the scent of incense and altars covered with colorful offerings. Our favorite was the Buddha Hand (also known as Buddha Fingers or fingered citron), a yellow citrus fruit with finger-like segments that resemble a hand.
9:45am: Expand your knowledge at the Temple of Literature
(58 P. Quốc Tử Giám, Văn Miếu, Đống Đa)
Founded in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong to worship Chinese philosopher Confucius, the Temple of Literature is known as the country’s first national university. The temple provides a peaceful retreat from the busy city, with its picturesque courtyards, ancient pavilions, and iconic Stelae of Doctors—stone tablets honoring scholars who passed the royal exams. It’s a place that really helps you gain an appreciation for Vietnam's deep cultural roots and academic traditions. The entrance fee is 70,000 VND (a little less than $3 USD) and an audio guide (which we highly recommend) costs another 100,000 VND (around $4 USD). We recommend spending at least 1 to 1.5 hours exploring the five courtyards, absorbing the tranquility, and learning about the site’s educational legacy.
11:15am: Caffeine & snack break at Đoàn Gia Cafe
(140 P. Nguyễn Khuyến, Văn Miếu, Đống Đa)
To be honest, this stop was just supposed to be a quick pick-me-up on our way to our next activity, but it ended up being too good not to share in this blog. We ordered the Salt Coffee, Fruit Tea, and Butter Croissant and it was all so good that when we finished those, we ended up ordering another round! The Salt Coffee ended up being my favorite coffee I had in Vietnam, so if you’re looking for a mid-morning pick-me-up, Đoàn Gia Cafe has you covered!
12:30pm: Learn about Vietnam’s troubled past at Hoa Lo Prison Museum
(1 P. Hoả Lò, Trần Hưng Đạo, Hoàn Kiếm)
Often referred to as the "Hanoi Hilton" by American POWs, the Hoa Lo Prison Museum is a historical site that offers a poignant look at Vietnam’s colonial history and the Vietnam War (AKA The American War). The most famous of the American POWs that were imprisoned here was Senator John McCain who spent more than five years at Hoa Lo. The French built the prison in the late 19th century to detain Vietnamese political prisoners during the French resistance and the prison later housed American POWs during the Vietnam War. There are various exhibits showcasing the brutal conditions endured by prisoners and the resilience of those who were confined. Tickets to enter and explore the grounds are 50,000 VND (approximately $2 USD), and an audio guide (which we highly recommend) costs an additional 50,000 VND. It can be a pretty heavy experience, so we recommend spending at least 1.5 hours touring the memorial, allowing time to fully absorb the exhibits and take in the historical significance of the site.
2:15pm: Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien
(24 P. Lê Văn Hưu, Phan Chu Trinh, Hai Bà Trưng)
Famously visited by former U.S. President Barack Obama and Anthony Bourdain, Bun Cha Huong Lien is one of Hanoi’s top spots to try bun cha and offers an authentic, no-frills dining experience. And if you’re unfamiliar with what Bun Cha like we were, it’s a beloved local dish of grilled pork belly and pork patties served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a tangy fish sauce. A typical meal will cost between 40,000 and 60,000 VND (that’s roughly $1.75 to $2.50 USD), or you can splurge and get the Obama Combo which comes with an order of Bun Cha, a Fried Seafood Roll, and a Hanoi Beer for just 120,000 VND (a little less than $5 USD). We both opted for this offering and can’t recommend it enough! I can honestly say that Bun Cha is the Vietnamese dish that we both still have cravings for. It’s so good! Just know that this restaurant can get really busy, so visiting during off-peak hours is recommended so you’re not wasting time waiting in line. And be sure to stop by to see the table that Obama and Bourdain sat at, fully preserved with dishes and stool enclosed in plexiglass!
Other options for Bun Cha:
▪️ Bun Cha Ta Hanoi (21 P. Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Lý Thái Tổ, Hoàn Kiếm)
▪️ Bún Chả 41 Cửa Đông (41 P. Cửa Đông, Hàng Bồ, Hoàn Kiếm)
▪️ Bún Chả Bình Minh - Nem Cua Bể (23 P. Bát Sứ, Hàng Bồ, Hoàn Kiếm)
3:30pm: Explore the Old Quarter
Historically, Hanoi's Old Quarter is made up of a bustling maze of 36 streets each dedicated to a different product and/or service they provided. Today, there are more than 70 streets, but there are a handful of the original 36 that still hold to the tradition of selling items related to their original trade. Some of those include Hang Gai (street of silk), Hang Bac (street of silver/jewelry), and Hang Duong (street of sugar/candy). For a full list of the original 36 streets CLICK HERE. Overall, the area is known for its preserved colonial architecture, vibrant street markets, and traditional craft shops, the area offers a glimpse into the city's past and present. The best way to explore is on foot, and while the area is free to visit, you’ll want to allow at least half a day to wander the streets, savor the food, and immerse yourself in the atmosphere. And if roaming the streets of Hanoi on your own sounds intimidating or you would just like to gain some local knowledge while exploring, try booking one of these walking tours…
Notable Sights & Activities:
▪️ Ngoc Son Temple: A picturesque temple located on a small island in Hoam Kiem Lake accessible by the iconic red Huc Bridge. Admission to the temple is 30,000 VND (about $1.25 USD), and visitors should plan to spend 30 to 45 minutes exploring the temple.
▪️ Dong Xuan Market: Hanoi’s largest indoor market and a bustling hub in the Old Quarter offering a variety of goods, including clothing, textiles, fresh produce, and local handicrafts. It’s a great spot to experience local life and find unique souvenirs at affordable prices. While there’s no entrance fee, bargaining is common, so be prepared to negotiate.
▪️ St. Joseph's Cathedral: Built in the late 19th century, St. Joseph's Cathedral features Gothic-style architecture and stunning stained glass windows, making it a picturesque spot for photos. Entry to the cathedral is free, and visitors are welcome to attend Mass, which is held in Vietnamese on Sundays.
▪️ O Quan Chuong Gate: Dating back to the 18th century, this is one of the last remaining city gates from Hanoi's ancient walls offering a glimpse into the city’s historical architecture and charm.
▪️ Ma May Ancient House: This historic home, built in the 19th century, is one of 14 ancient houses in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and offers visitors a glimpse into the lifestyle of Hanoi’s past. Admission is 10,000 VND (around $0.40 USD) and a visit shouldn’t take more than about 30 minutes.
▪️ Ba Da Pagoda: Established in the 11th century, Ba Da Pagoda features elegant architecture, beautiful altars, and tranquil gardens, making it a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle. Entrance is free and you’ll only need about 30 minutes to explore the temple grounds.
▪️ Bach Ma Temple: This is one of the oldest temples in Hanoi and features intricate carvings and altars that reflect traditional architectural styles. Admission is free and it only takes about 30 minutes to explore.
▪️ Cafe Giang: Established in the 1940s, this iconic café is famous for creating Egg Coffee… a unique drink made by whipping egg yolks with sugar and sweetened condensed milk, creating a rich and frothy coffee delight.
▪️ Street Food: Enjoying street food in the Old Quarter of Hanoi is an essential culinary adventure for first-time visitors. The area is renowned for its vibrant food scene, offering a vast array of dishes like pho, bun cha, banh mi, and SO much more, all available from bustling stalls and small eateries. Most street food items range from 20,000 to 100,000 VND (approximately $0.85 to $4.25 USD), making it a budget-friendly way to embrace Vietnamese culture.
6:30pm: Happy Hour Beers at Ta Hien Street (AKA Beer Street)
Ta Hien Street, famously known as "Beer Street," is Hanoi's lively nightlife hub. By day, it's a modest lane, but by night it transforms into a vibrant scene packed with locals and tourists alike, sitting on small plastic stools, enjoying cheap beer (Bia Hoi), and savoring street food favorites. It’s a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience Hanoi’s nightlife and the best part? Beer Street is free to explore, and the beer is budget-friendly at only 10,000-20,000 VND (or $0.40-0.80 USD)! As amazing as Beer Street is, just know that it can be an overwhelming experience if you’re not prepared for it! In addition to the crowds, every shop owner and/or waiter/waitress will be trying to pull you into their establishment and once you do decide on a place, the peddling doesn’t stop. Every street vendor will be making their rounds trying to sell whatever goods they have to offer. And I don’t say any of this to discourage you from visiting Beer Street, because it is a fantastic experience, but I do want you to be aware of the reality of it!
8:00pm: Attend a water puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
(57B P. Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm)
The Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is a captivating and unique cultural experience, showcasing traditional Vietnamese folklore through puppetry on water. Dating back over a thousand years, this art form uses a shallow pool as the stage, where intricately crafted wooden puppets are manipulated by skilled puppeteers to depict rural life, historical legends, and mythological tales. Accompanied by live music played on traditional instruments, the 50-minute performance offers a unique glimpse into Vietnam’s rich heritage. Tickets range from 100,000 to 200,000 VND (around $4 to $8 USD), depending on seating. You’ll want to purchase tickets ahead of time and arrive 10-15 minutes early to allow time to get seated.
9:30pm: Visit Train Street
Located in the city's Old Quarter, Train Street (known locally as Đường Tàu) is a unique and thrilling experience where a working railway track runs just inches from homes and cafes. Many small cafes along the street offer a cozy spot to sit and watch the spectacle while enjoying local drinks like egg coffee and beer. We suggest spending 1 to 1.5 hours here to fully experience the scene, enjoy refreshments, and capture photos, but be sure to confirm the train times before visiting to make sure you get the full experience. We found the train schedule listed online to be pretty unreliable, so we recommend calling one of the local cafes ahead of time to confirm the train times and while you’re on the phone with them, go ahead and reserve a seat/table! We did this with Railway Cafe and had a great experience! Forewarning… The owner is brash and can be quite offensive and rude. Thankfully he was very kind to us, but we did witness his disagreeable behavior towards others.
11:00pm: Experience a Night Market
Night markets in Vietnam are an experience like no other. The most famous of the night markets in Hanoi is the Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market. This market is a lively weekend event that takes place along Hang Dao Street in the heart of the Old Quarter, offering an exciting mix of local street food, souvenirs, and handmade crafts. We, unfortunately, did not get a chance to visit the Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market since we weren’t in Hanoi on a weekend, but if you are in the city Friday-Sunday, you should definitely check it out. It stretches over several blocks and runs every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening from 7:00 PM until late. There are other markets that take place throughout the city as well, so ask the locals when and where the best night markets near you are! Most markets will be similar in the fact that visitors can shop for everything from clothing and accessories to unique trinkets while sampling traditional Vietnamese snacks like grilled skewers and bánh mì. The markets are free to enter, but you'll want to bring cash for any purchases.
We hope that this guide has helped you make the most of your time in Hanoi, and if it has, we hope you’ll consider following us on Instagram and subscribing to our YouTube channel for more travel content!
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