3 Days in Hanoi Itinerary: A Comprehensive Guide to the Capital’s Highlights

Hanoi, the vibrant capital of Vietnam, is a city where the old meets the new. From its bustling streets and ancient temples to its modern cafes and eclectic markets, Hanoi offers a rich tapestry of experiences waiting to be explored. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a foodie, or a culture seeker, this city has something for everyone.

This 3-day itinerary is designed to help you make the most of your visit, ensuring you hit all the major attractions, savor the best local cuisines, and immerse yourself in the unique culture of Hanoi. So pack your bags, put on your walking shoes, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure!

Getting to Hanoi

Hanoi is serviced by Noi Bai International Airport, which is about 45 minutes from the city center. Taxis and shuttle services are readily available at the airport. For a more budget-friendly option, consider taking the airport bus.

Best Time to Visit Hanoi

The best time to visit Hanoi is during the spring (March to April) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer pleasant weather, with moderate temperatures and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Accommodation in Hanoi

Hanoi offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. From luxurious hotels in the French Quarter to cozy hostels in the Old Quarter, you’re sure to find a place that meets your needs. For convenience and a touch of luxury, check out these top-rated accommodations on Agoda.

What to Pack for Hanoi

Packing for Hanoi will depend on the time of year you visit. Here are some essentials you should consider:

• Lightweight, breathable clothing for the summer months
• A jacket or sweater for the cooler months
• Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the city’s streets and attractions
• A raincoat or umbrella during the rainy season (May to September)
• Sunscreen and a hat to protect against the sun
• A good camera or smartphone to capture the beautiful sights

Getting Around Hanoi

Hanoi’s streets can be chaotic, but getting around is relatively straightforward. You can use taxis, motorbike taxis (known as Xe Om), or ride-sharing services like Grab. For a more local experience, consider renting a bicycle or taking a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter.

Now that you’re all set, let’s dive into the detailed day-by-day itinerary to make the most of your 3 days in Hanoi!

3 Days in Hanoi Itinerary: Day 1

Welcome to your first day in Hanoi! This bustling city is rich in history, culture, and delicious food. Get ready for a full day of exploration and discovery.

Morning

Breakfast at a Local Pho Restaurant

Start your day with a quintessential Vietnamese breakfast – a bowl of pho. Pho is a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup that includes broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat, usually beef or chicken. Some popular pho spots include:

• Pho Gia Truyen: 49 Bat Dan Street, Hoan Kiem District
• Pho Thin: 61 P. Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem District

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

After breakfast, head to Hoan Kiem Lake, a peaceful green space in the heart of the city. It’s a great place for a morning stroll. Don’t miss the Ngoc Son Temple, situated on an island in the lake. This temple is dedicated to the national hero, Tran Hung Dao.

Opening Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Mid-Morning

Exploring the Old Quarter

Next, explore the vibrant and chaotic Old Quarter. With its narrow streets and French colonial buildings, this area gives you a fascinating glimpse into local life. Check out some of the unique shops and street vendors selling everything from silk to souvenirs.

Lunch

Traditional Vietnamese Cuisine at Quan An Ngon

For lunch, head over to Quan An Ngon, a restaurant famous for its authentic Vietnamese dishes. The menu offers a wide range of options, from spring rolls to seafood.

Address: 18 Phan Boi Chau Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Opening Hours: Daily 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Afternoon

Visit the Temple of Literature

In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university. Founded in 1070, this historic site is dedicated to Confucius and scholars. The beautiful courtyards and well-preserved architecture make it a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam, Dong Da District, Hanoi

Opening Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Evening

Explore Dong Xuan Market

In the evening, make your way to Dong Xuan Market, the largest indoor market in Hanoi. Here, you can shop for local goods, textiles, souvenirs, and sample street food. It’s a vibrant spot to experience Hanoi’s local culture and a great place to pick up unique items.

Opening Hours: Daily 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

End your day with a cultural performance at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. The water puppet show is a traditional Vietnamese art form that dates back to the 11th century. The performances depict scenes from rural life and ancient legends.

Address: 57B Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Showtimes: Multiple shows daily, check the theatre schedule for exact times

Dinner

Enjoy Dinner at Grandma’s Restaurant

For dinner, try Hoang’s Restaurant for a cozy and traditional Vietnamese meal. The restaurant offers a homey atmosphere and serves various Vietnamese dishes with diverse vegetarian options.

Address: 54 P. Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 AM – 13:00 PM

3 Days in Hanoi Itinerary: Day 2

Welcome to Day 2 of your Hanoi adventure! Today, we’ll dive deeper into the heart of Hanoi’s history and culture, with visits to must-see landmarks and local experiences.

Morning

Breakfast at a Local Banh Mi Stall

Kick off your day with a delicious Banh Mi – a Vietnamese sandwich that blends French and Vietnamese culinary traditions. Some popular Banh Mi spots include:

• Banh Mi 25: 25 Hang Ca Street, Hoan Kiem District
• Banh Mi Pho Co: 38 Dinh Liet Street, Hoan Kiem District

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

After breakfast, head to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to pay your respects to the famous Vietnamese leader. The mausoleum is an important historical site and a place of significant national pride.

Address: 1 Hung Vuong, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Explore the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House

Adjacent to the mausoleum, visit the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House. The well-preserved grounds and buildings give insights into the life and work of Ho Chi Minh.

Address: 2 Hung Voung, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

Opening Hours: Daily 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Closed on Saturdays and Sundays)

Mid-Morning

One Pillar Pagoda

A short walk from the mausoleum is the One Pillar Pagoda, one of the most iconic Buddhist temples in Vietnam. The pagoda’s unique architecture and serene surroundings make it a great spot for photography.

Address: P. Chua Mot, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

Opening Hours: Daily 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Lunch

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

For lunch, visit Bun Cha Huong Lien, famously known as the restaurant where former President Barack Obama dined. Try the Bun Cha, a Vietnamese dish of grilled pork and noodles.

Address: 24 Le Van Huu Street, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi

Opening Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Afternoon

Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

In the afternoon, visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. The museum provides an in-depth look into the diverse ethnic groups of Vietnam, with a vast collection of artifacts, exhibits, and information.

Address: Nguyen Van Huyen Road, Cau Giay District, Hanoi

Opening Hours: Daily 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)

Explore the Tran Quoc Pagoda

Next, head over to the picturesque Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi. Located on a small island in the West Lake, it offers a peaceful and reflective atmosphere.

Address: Thanh Nien Road, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

Opening Hours: Daily 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Evening

Enjoy a Traditional Music Performance

Wind down your day with a traditional Vietnamese music performance at the Hanoi Opera House. The stunning French colonial architecture of the opera house adds to the experience.

Address: 1 Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Showtimes: Check the Opera House schedule for performance timings

Dinner

Fine Dining at Home Hanoi Restaurant

End your evening with a fine dining experience at Home Hanoi Restaurant, which offers a mix of Vietnamese and fusion cuisine in a beautiful, colonial-era villa.

Address: 75 P. Ngyen Dinh Chieu, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi

Opening Hours: Daily 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM

3 Days in Hanoi Itinerary: Day 3

Welcome to your final day in Hanoi! Today, we focus on immersing in more historical sites, shopping for souvenirs, and savoring unique local experiences.

Morning

Breakfast at a Local Egg Coffee Cafe

Start your day with a unique Hanoi specialty – Egg Coffee. Head over to one of the best egg coffee spots in town:

• Giang Cafe: 39 Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Hoan Kiem District
• Café Pho Co: 11 Hang Gai Street, Hoan Kiem District

Visit Hoa Lo Prison Museum

After breakfast, visit the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, often referred to as the “Hanoi Hilton.” This historical site offers a sobering look at the American and French colonial periods in Vietnam.

Address: 1 Hoa Lo Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Opening Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Mid-Morning

Experience the Hanoi Train Street

A visit to Hanoi Train Street is a must. This narrow street has a railway track that runs right through it, and trains pass through several times a day. Make sure to check the train schedule so you can witness this unique sight.

Lunch

Lunch at KOTO Restaurant

For a meaningful meal, visit KOTO Restaurant (Know One, Teach One). This social enterprise is dedicated to training disadvantaged youth in hospitality skills. Enjoy delicious Vietnamese dishes while contributing to a good cause.

Address: 35 Van Mieu Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi

Opening Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Afternoon

Shop for Souvenirs at Hang Gai Street

Spend the afternoon shopping for souvenirs on Hang Gai Street, also known as “Silk Street.” Here, you can find a wide range of silk products, traditional Vietnamese clothing, and artwork.

Visit the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural

Take a walk along the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural, the world’s longest ceramic mosaic. This vibrant piece of art stretches for almost 4 kilometers and depicts various scenes from Vietnamese history and culture.

Address: Near the Red River

Evening

Visit Long Bien Bridge

In the evening, visit the historic Long Bien Bridge. This iconic bridge offers stunning views of the Red River and is a popular spot for watching the sunset and taking photographs.

Dinner

Dinner at Cau Go Vietnamese Cuisine Restaurant

For your final dinner in Hanoi, dine at Cau Go Vietnamese Cuisine Restaurant. Enjoy a fine selection of traditional Vietnamese dishes while overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake.

Address: 9 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Luxury & Last Minute Shopping

If you have some time left, consider doing some last-minute shopping or pampering yourself at the Trang Tien Plaza, one of Hanoi’s most luxurious shopping malls.

Address: 24 Hai Ba Trung Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Opening Hours: Daily 9:30 AM – 9:30 PM

Conclusion

Your three-day journey through Hanoi has come to an end, but the memories will undoubtedly last a lifetime. From the historical landmarks and vibrant markets to the mouth-watering street food and serene lakes, Hanoi is a city that captivates the heart and soul of every traveler. Each day offered a unique glimpse into the rich tapestry of Hanoi’s culture, history, and daily life.

We hope this itinerary has helped you explore the best of Hanoi and made your trip smoother and more enjoyable. If you have more time, consider extending your stay to dive deeper into the city’s many other attractions. Hanoi always welcomes its visitors with open arms and a warm smile.