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Are you ready for a wild ride? Of Vietnam’s cities, there’s no place quite like Hanoi, and I was lucky enough to call the capital city home for six years. I’ve grown to know the city like the back of my hand. When I first arrived, it was all about discovering parts of Hanoi from a first-timer’s perspective.
So, for this 3 day Hanoi itinerary, I’ve designed it from this point of view, including all the things that made me fall in love with the city during my first few months here. And, of course, it includes all of the quintessential sites and a few hidden gems in between.
While Hanoi is actually very big (but no way as big as Saigon), most of the tourist-focused attractions, things to do, and must-visit cultural and historical landmarks are centered around the Old Quarter and surrounding neighborhoods no more than 20 to 30 minute-drive from the Old Q.

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Where to stay in Hanoi
I always recommend making the Old Quarter or Hoan Kiem your base, but if you’re anything like me who prefers staying away from the tourist crowds (even if it means driving to get from A to B), then Tay Ho is where it’s at! That being said, Tay Ho is literally just ten minutes from the Old Quarter.
Other stunning areas include Truc Bach (between the Old Quarter and Tay Ho), Ba Dinh for a trendy local vibe, and also in between the Old Q and Tay Ho but close to big city attractions. Or, for a complete taste of local living, Long Bien is the place.
Day 1: Old Quarter, Ba Dinh and Hoan Kiem
Morning
We’re kickstarting things in the Old Q for the first part of your 3 day Hanoi itinerary — where most tourists stay. Local “restaurants” (with low tables and chairs) or food carts spill over the sidewalks in every Vietnamese city you visit. These are where the bulk of locals eat before work or school. If your hotel doesn’t include brekkie, go with the flow and pick a place that tickles your fancy.
In Vietnam, typical breakfast-time meals are dishes like pho, bun cha, or congee. If you’re in the mood for your whole bacon and eggs vibes, then head to The Hanoi Social Club or Lifted Coffee & Brunch.

Check out these must-try traditional foods in Hanoi!
Next, it’s time to get acquainted with your surroundings. The Old Quarter is exploration-paradise: inter-crossing alleyways, motorbikes speeding past, small ancient temples on corners, little shops selling everything under the sun, chi oi cycling around on bicycles selling fruit and snacks, travelers catching rides in xích lô (bicycle rickshaws), coffee shops, and of course, the swarms of other tourists all doing their thing. Sit down at any local spot for a quick cà phê sữa đá if you need an energy boost.



Travel tip: I always recommend starting your travel plans in the Old Quarter. It gives you a little taste of everything before you venture further into the hyper-local parts of the city.
Now, we’re onto some quintessential city sightseeing. First, head slightly above the Old Quarter (as if heading closer to the Red River side) and take about a bajillion photos around the French Quarter. Then, catch a ride to the 11th-century Temple of Literature for a spiritual boost (still keeping your cameras in tow). Afterward, stop over at Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum.

Travel tip: It’s about a 15-minute walk between the Temple of Literature and the Mausoleum, and the walk is gorgeous. Or it’s a five-minute drive.
Midday
Nearing lunchtime, enjoy a stroll from the HCM Mausoleum to the trendy Ba Dinh area for a bite to eat. Again, you can do the hyper-local vibes at Nhà hàng 1946 (listed by the Michelin Guide) or tapa it out at Pincho (this Spanish taperia does a seasonal menu).



Bellies full, head back in the direction of the Old Q, but making sure to stop at the gorgeous Truc Bach Lake, my favorite place in the city to amble around and take photos. Grab a kem from the oldest ice cream shop in Hanoi, enjoy a coffee at one of the specialty coffee shops around the lake, or even take a peddling swan boat ride on the water — super fun!

If you own a film camera, this area is a Mecca for photography. There’s also a shop in the Old Quarter, Lab 36, for all your vintage camera needs (where they sell film for super cheap and also process film in a couple of hours).
Late afternoon
Next up on the agenda is some historical ventures at the Hỏa Lò Prison or the Vietnam Military History Museum. The street parallel to the war museum is my favorite street in Hanoi! Humongous trees tower over from roadsides and you’ll see some buildings dating to the Ancient City here.

Evening
Dinner time calls! There are endless options in the Old Quarter. Continue sampling Hanoi’s traditional cuisine at spots like Duong’s Restaurant. Or, fill up on Japanese-Italian fusion at Pizza 4P’s.
From there, it’s just two roads down from Hoan Kiem Lake — the lake lit up at night is gorgeous, so do take a stroll around. End Day 1 of your 3 day Hanoi itinerary with drinks at a rooftop bar like Majesty Sky Bar, or the best bar in Vietnam (literally), The Haflington.



Day 2: Tay Ho and Old Quarter
Morning
Today it’s all about discovering the other areas of the city during your 3 day Hanoi itinerary. The best way to start the day is to get in touch with your inner zen with a morning yoga class in Tay Ho at NoMad Om Factory Tay Ho.
Breakfast today is in the same area. Home to the expat community, there’s a wonderful mix of local and western options. My favorite bun cha spot is in Tay Ho (Bun Cha Mai Anh), Maison de Tet Decor offers French, Vietnamese, and Western options, or if you’re here with the family, enjoy brekkie at Joma Bakery Cafe — they do amazing frappés and bagels.



Keen to try something a little different? Book a session at Hương Sen and go tea-bathing, or indulge in a massage, sauna, or acupuncture. FYI, this is a traditional Vietnamese spa with separate female and male sections.
If you’re not much of a spa-goer, then the Vạn Niên Pagoda is a must. This is another one of my favorite locales and was one of the very first temples I discovered by chance in Hanoi. There’s something about the atmosphere within that’s so very humbling, with giant crystals scattered everywhere. It’s also across the road from West Lake.



Travel tip: I’d suggest taking some time to explore Tay Ho or walk/cycle around West Lake. There are lovely parks around here, shops, and coffee houses.
Afternoon
Here’s a little secret if you didn’t know it already: Vietnam, in general, is stupidly affordable compared to many other countries. If there’s something you’ve always wanted to do in another country, like England or the USA but it’s always just way too overpriced, take advantage in Vietnam.
One such example is a fancy Afternoon Tea! For lunch today, spoil yourself with a lavish high tea (check out the Music Box High Tea at the Hotel de L’Opera or the afternoon tea every Sunday at The Metropole). If you’d prefer to keep it casual, lunch on street food at one of the locals around the Old Quarter.



Before evening draws near, veer just beyond the central part of the Old Quarter for a little photography session. The St. Joseph Cathedral is an exquisite building referencing the city’s French colonial influences.
Then, it’s about a seven-minute walk from here to the iconic Hanoi Train Street! Cafes and local restaurants, as well as sweet souvenir kiosks, line the street. Just make sure you hop off the tracks in time as the live train comes whizzing by!

Evening
Hanoi is blessed with incredible French cuisine. Head to Colette French Bistro & Wine Bar in the French Quarter, or LABRI does an insane French-fusion vibe. If you want to treat yourself, the best fine dining spot – in my humble opinion – is T.U.N.G, where it’s a celebration of Vietnamese-fusion flavors. It’s an entire foodie experience you cannot beat.



Still got energy to take on the night? Start the party at the famous Beer Corner, where most backpacking spots also begin their bar-hopping ventures which means you’ll meet plenty of people. Or if that doesn’t do it for you, the Old Quarter is laden with bars and nightclubs.
For me, my favorite club is Tay Ho-side: Savage. Trust me, it’s a vibe and has even hosted Boiler Room sessions. If you’re not the youngen you once were, for something different, venture to the special Quảng Bá Flower Market — another photographer’s dream/a floral heaven. A 3 day Hanoi itinerary wouldn’t be complete without enjoying the city’s nightlife.

Fun fact: The city’s largest flower market only opens after 10 pm. This is because it’s way too hot during the day for the flowers to survive. It’s also crazy in the outdoor space, with rows and rows of flower stands and motorbikes zooming between them loaded to the top with fresh blooms – which are incredibly inexpensive (you won’t believe it)!
Travel tip: You can skip the whole of Day 2 plans for this 3 day Hanoi itinerary and day trip to the iconic Halong Bay — a Bucket List item for many.
Day 3: Old Quarter & Long Bien
Before moving on to your next destination, there’s still time for a few more photo ops and things to do before your 3 day Hanoi itinerary draws to a close.
Get in one last shopping round in the Old Quarter, including Phúc Lợi Stamps for a uniquely customized souvenir. There is also an entire road dedicated to knock-off shoe brands (named shoe street), a street for knock-off sunglasses (I’m talking “Ray Bans” for 50k), and even a street for all clothing Made in Vietnam.

During your last few hours, trace the mosaics along the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural (Con đường Gốm sứ); a standout feature of the city for sure. The entire wall is roughly four kilometers – but you don’t have to walk all of it.
From a section here, you can hop over the famous French-constructed steel Long Bien Bridge running over the Red River, and walk along the pedestrian pathway into the Long Bien district. But be careful, vehicles still drive over here, so take extra caution!
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