What to do in Hanoi for 3 days: 16 x Our BEST Hanoi travel tips
Hanoi is the bustling and vibrant capital of Vietnam where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern life. It is one of our favorite and most authentic cities to visit in Asia. It will stimulate all your senses! A place you can not skip during your Vietnam travels.
Life in Hanoi happens on the streets! People sit outside to eat steaming bowls of pho in the Old Quarter, street vendors sell all kinds of things, and street food can be found on every corner. But traffic is king in Hanoi, it beats to its own drum (think thousands of scooters going in every possible direction).
Although Hanoi is a chaotic and busy city (it might feel like a culture shock to some of you), you can find peaceful, hidden places. Explore the rich history of Hoan Kiem Lake, relax at one of the temples, drink a coffee with the locals while watching the city, and immerse yourself in the magic of Hanoi
Since there are so many things to do in Hanoi, we suggest you stay here for 3 days to uncover the best sights, sounds, and flavors the city has to offer. You can also decide to stay longer and use this as your base to visit Sapa, Ninh Binh, or Ha Long Bay.
If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam and wondering how to make the most of your time, look no further! In this guide, we’ll give you our 14 best tips on what to do in Hanoi, our favorite places to eat and stay, and our suggested 3-day itinerary for Hanoi.
Read more: The ultimate Vietnam bucket list: 30 best things to do in Vietnam
How to get to Hanoi?
Hanoi is located in the northern part of the country. Most people arrive in Vietnam through Hanoi airport or are already traveling through Vietnam and come from the south (Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, or straight from Hoi An) or north (Sapa, Ha Giang, Cao Bang).
Fly to Hanoi
Being the capital of Vietnam, you can fly from almost any country to the Noi Bai International Airport. But there are also many domestic flights from major cities in Vietnam to Hanoi, such as Ho Chi Minh City, and Hoi An.
The airport is a 45-minute drive (or longer depending on the traffic) away from the old town. To avoid hassle, book a Grab to bring you to the center or book a private transfer before you arrive. You can also go by public bus if you want to save money.
By bus to Hanoi
Hanoi is a central location in Northern Vietnam and you can travel directly to Hanoi by bus from a lot of other popular highlights in Vietnam. Click on the links below to view current departure times per city:
- Hoi An to Hanoi: a long bus ride of 15 to 16 hours, only possible by night bus (we recommend traveling by train or plane).
- Ninh Binh to Hanoi: an easy bus connection that takes about 2 hours. You can also book an even quicker and more comfortable minivan, but that’s a bit more expensive.
- Ha Long Bay to Hanoi: a comfortable bus ride of 3-4 hours.
- Sapa to Hanoi: a popular route that takes about 6 to 7 hours by bus (the train is an alternative). Going by bus, however, is the cheapest way.
- Ha Giang to Hanoi: a 6-7 hours bus ride, often by sleeper bus.
- Cao Bang to Hanoi: a long bus ride of 8 hours, either by day or night.
TIP: A bus journey in Vietnam can be great but also a huge disappointment. Read the reviews and choose the slightly more expensive buses. They are often more reliable and a lot more comfortable.
By train to Hanoi
A great way to go to Hanoi is by train. The train journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi is considered one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. But also Hanoi to Sapa is a lovely train ride.
The train station in Hanoi is centrally located, very close to the Old Quarter, making it easy to go to your accommodation by foot or by booking a Grab.
TIP: Take the train from Hanoi to Sapa or to the south and see the famous train streets from another perspective, being on the train that actually rides through the narrow streets.
Click the links below to know the actual departure times:
- Hoi An to Hanoi: a long train ride by sleeper train of 16-17 hours. This train also stops near Phong Nha and Hue, where you can also take the train to Hanoi.
- Ninh Binh to Hanoi: it takes the train a bit longer than the bus, but it’s a comfortable 3-hour ride with nice views. From Ninh Binh – Tam Coc to the train station will take you a 15-minute taxi ride.
- Sapa to Hanoi: you can take the night train or day train from Hanoi to Sapa and back, an 8-hour ride. Although taking the train is a bit more expensive, we advise you to take the night train at least once, for the experience. And it also saves you an extra night in accommodation. Be aware that the train arrives in Lao Cai, a 45-minute drive from Sapa. Book your transport through your accommodation or book a private transfer between Lao Cai and Sapa.
TIP: For the night trains, book a slightly more expensive but more comfortable seat in first or second class.
Getting around Hanoi
Most of the highlights of Hanoi are within walking distance of each other. We highly advise you to do as much as possible by foot, because there is so much to see and do in the streets of Hanoi. Wandering the streets will be a big part of your Hanoi experience.
You can also book a Grab car or Grab motorbike (you sit on the back), for a few dollars per ride, depending on the distance. A Grab is a great option even for trips outside of the city.
Another option is going by Cyclo (or Risjka), a typical bicycle that takes up to 2-3 persons. Although you see them less and less, they are still popular with tourists. They cost a bit more, but it is a fun experience.
TIP: Look out for the thousands of scooters that drive through the streets of Hanoi when walking around. They are literally everywhere and do not always stop. When crossing the street, always keep walking (do not turn back or stop in the middle of the street). The traffic will adjust to your pace. Cross the street following a local if you are afraid to go by yourself.
Best time to visit Hanoi
The best time to visit Hanoi is usually in early spring (February to April) and in autumn (September to November). In the summer months, it gets extremely hot and humid while in the winter months, it can be very cold. The rainy season is from May to August.
That being said, don’t expect a lot of sunshine in Hanoi all year round. A lot of the time, the weather is foggy and grey, also because of the bad air quality. However, that won’t make your trip less interesting. Just be prepared and pack the right clothing.
What to do in Hanoi?
As mentioned before, Hanoi is a very diverse city with many highlights. We visited Hanoi with kids, but we have made a Hanoi bucket list for every traveler, with the best things to do in Hanoi and experiences you can not miss!
Read on to find our suggested 3-day itinerary for Hanoi below, to give you a headstart when planning your visit to Hanoi.
Wander around Hanoi Old Quarter
Exploring the streets of the Old Quarter in Hanoi is a must-do activity for any visitor and one of our favorite things to do in Hanoi. Wander around (have your camera ready) and get lost in the charming chaos of this iconic area!
The Old Quarter is a centuries-old historic neighborhood. It hasn’t changed much over the years, making it one of the most authentic city neighborhoods in Asia. Walking around here will give you a fantastic idea of how the locals live.
Be prepared to discover a maze of narrow streets and alleyways, filled with local vendors, bustling markets, traditional shops, restaurants, colonial architecture, and ancient temples.
As you stroll through the Old Quarter, you’ll be immersed in the sights, sounds, and smells of Hanoi, and discover hidden gems around every corner (continue to read to find some of our tips). Try a delicious coffee, taste some street food, and soak up the atmosphere.
Eat and shop at the Hanoi Weekend Night Market
Right in the old quarter of Hanoi, there is a weekend night market, every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening. For once, you can wander these streets without any traffic (besides a lost scooter here and there). Be prepared, it gets busy with people.
The Hanoi night market is a great place to try some street food, have a drink, and shop for souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, or other stuff. Do not expect to find the most authentic handicrafts here, but it’s a fun place to walk around and watch some of the street performers. Don’t forget you have to bargain on Vietnamese markets (always with a smile).
TIP: Don’t come to the market at opening hour. A lot of vendors will still be preparing their stalls. Instead, come one or two hours later.
Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple
If you are looking for some peaceful scenery in the middle of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake is your place. The lake offers beautiful views and relaxing walks, a nice change from the chaos of the rest of Hanoi. From Friday to Sunday, this area is closed to traffic, making it even nicer to walk around.
Walk around the lake and see the newlyweds take their pictures, and locals read a book or do a workout. But also admire the red Huc bridge that takes you to the Ngoc Son Temple.
TIP: Come here around sunrise, to watch the locals do their tai chi or yoga. For even more of this, go to Thong Nhat Park where locals have more room for dancing, tai chi and playing badminton.
Find the best Banh Mi in Hanoi
The Banh Mi, a small French baguette, filled with meat, egg, vegetables, and a typical sauce, is a signature dish from Vietnamese cuisine and something you have to try when you are in Hanoi.
Just like the other big cities in Vietnam, such as Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City, the Banh Mi restaurants and stalls of Hanoi compete to become the best Banh Mi place in town.
Read more: Best things to do in Hoi An
One of the best and most popular ones is Banh Mi 25. They have a lot of choices, even for vegetarians and vegans. You can sit on both sides of the street, or take a Banh Mi on the go.
Leave a message in The Note Coffee
This is probably one of the most unique things to do in Hanoi. The Note Coffee is a little cafe in Hanoi (near Hoan Kiem Lake) where they ask their visitors to leave a colorful note on the walls. The result is a lovely place where everything is covered with messages from all over the world.
Come and enjoy a traditional Vietnamese coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice, read the notes of others, and leave one yourself.
Watch the train pass in Hanoi Train Street
Train Street in Hanoi is one of the best things to do in Hanoi. Seeing life happen on the tracks, then suddenly everything is removed, the train passing the narrow streets only inches away from the houses, and then life being continued as if nothing happened. An experience you can not miss in Hanoi.
There are actually two train streets in Hanoi, one north of the central station and one south. The northern train street is the most famous one but has been closed down a few times because of too many tourists acting dangerously. Now, you can only watch the train pass by from one of the restaurants.
The southern train street (Ngo 224 Le Duan) is still accessible from the tracks and gives the most authentic experience. Although a bit lesser-known, it can get busy here as well. The train does not stop for anything, be careful and listen to the locals!
Try Vietnamese coffee
Vietnam is known for its delicious coffee (dating back from the French colonization) and is one of the world’s biggest coffee producers. So trying Vietnamese coffee is one of the best things to do in Hanoi.
TIP: Try the famous creamy egg coffee, the special salt coffee, the refreshing coconut coffee, or one of the other delicious specialties.
The capital is known for some of the most hip and authentic coffee bars, often hidden away behind small doors or in dark corners. Every street has a few coffee bars, but here are our favorites.
- Hidden Gem Cafe: probably our favorite coffee bar, known for its colorful recycled interior. Coming here is a true adventure. Also, try the Vietnamese specialties, they are delicious.
- Loading T Cafe: located in a French colonial building, this coffee bar is known for its great coconut coffee.
- Cafe Dinh: this small cafe has some of the best egg coffee in town.
- The Note Coffee: as mentioned before, this cafe is a real experience. Leave a note on the walls but don’t forget to try their delicious coffee as well.
- Cafe Giang: another long-established cafe, known for its delicious egg coffee.
Do a bike tour around Hanoi
If you want to experience Hanoi in a completely different way, consider booking a bicycle tour in Hanoi. Although this might sound crazy, given the chaotic traffic, it is actually a very fun experience. Your local guide will take you to the most quiet streets of the city and you’ll also visit Banana Island, a green corner of the city.
Visit the Long Bien Bridge (and market)
Long Bien Bridge is an iconic bridge in Hanoi, located in the Hoan Kiem area and crossing the Red River. The bridge was built by Eiffel and got badly hit during the Vietnam War. You can still see some of the damage. Therefore, cars do not cross the bridge anymore, only bikes, scooters, and trains.
The structure of the bridge is very picturesque and popular with photography lovers. Be careful if you walk onto the bridge, as trains still pass by. We weren’t allowed to enter, but if you come in the morning or evening, it is still possible (at your own risk). Check the train schedule before you go.
TIP: Visit the Long Bien wholesale market (next to the Long Bien bridge) in the morning, when all the local restaurants shop for their ingredients. This is the biggest food market in Hanoi and a true experience that will stimulate all your senses.
Watch a water puppet show
Water puppet shows are an essential part of the Vietnamese heritage and a must-do in Hanoi. The most famous place to experience a water puppet show is the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, next to the Hoan Kiem Lake.
During the show, they play scenes out of the traditional Vietnamese way of life, with live music and water puppets gliding over the water’s surface. This is also a great activity if you are in Hanoi with kids.
Another way is to take a trip to one of Hanoi’s surrounding villages and go see a water puppet show with a live performance outside. A fun experience, taking you back to the old habits of the local people around Hanoi.
Check out St Joseph’s Cathedral
Imagine yourself in Europe when you walk up to St Joseph’s Cathedral (1886), which was meant to resemble Notre Dame in Paris (and we think they did a great job). And we think they did a great job, both on the outside and the inside.
On the weekend, a lot of people still attend the service. In the week, the doors might be closed. If they are open, definitely take a peek inside.
TIP: If you want even more French colonial vibes, you can walk to the French Quarter in Hanoi and the Phan Dinh Phung Street. This long straight lane feels completely different than the rest of Hanoi, with monumental buildings from the 20th century, including the Hanoi Opera House (1911, resembling Opera Garnier in Paris). This is also where a lot of museums house and embassies from all over the world.
Do a Hanoi street food tour
Hanoi is (together with Ho Chi Minh City) the street food capital of Vietnam and the best place to explore the country’s many delicious street food dishes. Eating a local dish on one of the small plastic chairs is a must-do experience in Hanoi.
TIP: Limit consuming street food that is not thoroughly cooked or drinking unpackaged beverages.
To dive into the street food culture, we highly advise you to take a Hanoi street food tour. Your local guide will be able to tell you so much about the Vietnamese street food traditions, making the whole experience even better. You’ll discover dishes and corners of the city you would have never found yourself. You can even let them know if you are vegetarian, vegan, or have any allergies. And you don’t need to worry about food quality.
TIP: Do you want to take your food love even a step further, follow a Hanoi cooking class and dive deep into the northern Vietnamese food culture.
Dive into Hanoi’s heritage at the Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature is over 1000 years old (from 1070) and was the first university in Vietnam. Walking around here takes you back in time, and gives you some quietness within the chaos of busy Hanoi.
Admire the five different courtyards and beautiful pagodas. These days, the temple is also used by students to study in this peaceful environment.
TIP: On the other side of the Temple of Literature lies the Go Kim Chau Lake, with some beautiful bridges to walk over.
Admire the Hanoi Trompe L’Oeil murals in Phung Hung Street
Although this is not one of the most known highlights of Hanoi, we think you should definitely pay the murals of Phung Hung Street a visit. Search for street murals on Google Maps to find your way.
The murals (a cooperation between Vietnam and South Korea) are painted on the base of a railway bridge and portray the life of the locals in Hanoi’s Old Quarter some decades ago. They are set up in a way to fool the eye (Trompe L’Oeil) and to give you the feeling you could actually almost walk into the scene.
Visit one of Hanoi’s museums
If you want to escape the heat (or cold) of Hanoi, a fun thing to do is to visit one of the many museums. They are all worth a visit and offer great quality.
The first one you can visit is Hao Lo Prison, which was the notorious prison in Hanoi during the Vietnam War. They also called it “Hotel Hilton” and one of the famous prisoners here was John McCain, the American senator.
Another great stop is the Ho Chi Minh Museum, dedicated to the life of Vietnam’s late leader, and the nearby Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where he is laid out. It is always busy here (mainly with locals, as it is a must-visit for them), wear appropriate clothing and don’t take pictures inside.
Go shop in Hanoi
One of the best things to do in Hanoi is to go shop for some clothing, beautiful handicrafts, or cute souvenirs. Or just wander around the markets and watch the local life happen.
As mentioned before, the Hanoi weekend night market is a great place to come from Friday to Sunday in the evening, when the streets are traffic-free.
Another option is Dong Xuan Market, where you can find literally everything, as long as you have the patience to look through the stuff. It is a covered market, so perfect when the weather isn’t great. However, honestly, this wasn’t our favorite market if you want to find original clothing or souvenirs.
To see local life and soak in all the smells, sights and sounds, we can advise you to go to the Long Bien Market in the early morning. This wholesale food market is a real experience. Another great alternative is the Hanoi flower market, the biggest in the country. Again, arrive here early to see the true vibe.
If you are looking for an original souvenir, we can recommend the Old Propaganda Posters stores. Take your time to go through all the posters. And just walk around, as you will find lots of little gems such as vintage shops, silk shops, etc.
Best restaurants in Hanoi (old quarter)
Hanoi has something to offer for everybody when it comes to food and drinks. In the Old Quarter of Hanoi, there are many great places to eat or have a delicious coffee. Whether you love local food, are vegan, or want something fancy, you’ll find what you are looking for.
We have mentioned our favorite coffee places already in the previous chapter. If you are looking for delicious street food, check out the following places:
- Hanoi Night Market: on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings you can come here to shop and try delicious street food.
- Ngo Dong Xuan: a street food alley close to the Dong Xuan market.
Below, we have listed some of our favorite restaurants to eat or have a drink in Hanoi.
- The Hanoi Social Club: they have great sandwiches, burgers, and Vietnamese dishes.
- Banh Mi 25: as mentioned before, this is one of the best Banh Mi places in Hanoi.
- Tung’s Kitchen: one of the best Vietnamese restaurants in town. They also have cooking classes.
- Pizza Belga: come here for a delicious pizza but most importantly, a real Belgian Beer!
- Bread factory: one of the best bakeries in Hanoi with the best pastries, chocolate biscuits, and croissants.
- Poké Hanoi: if you are looking for a healthy poké bowl, this is the place to be.
- Madam Tran: a great local Vietnamese restaurant, also known for its vegan food. They have cooking classes as well.
Last but not least, Hanoi is also known for its beer culture and is home to many locally brewed craft beers. Our favorite places were:
- The Bia Hoi Corner: come here to taste the local Bia Hoi beer.
- Ibiero Beer: this brewery is a bit outside of town, but has an incredible variety of craft beers. You can taste different ones before deciding which one you like best.
Where to stay in Hanoi
We recommend booking a place in the Old Quarter, for example, close to Hoan Kiem Lake, so you are within walking distance of all the highlights of Hanoi. Here are some of our favorite hotels in Hanoi:
- Hanoi Buffalo Hostel: a fantastic budget option in the center of Hanoi, that even comes with a pool.
- Hanoi Emerald Waters Hotel Valley: this centrally located hotel offers great service and a fabulous breakfast.
- Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel: if you are looking for a bit more luxury, this boutique hotel is your place to be with a stunning rooftop swimming pool and excellent service.
The following hotels are great for everyone, but if you are traveling to Vietnam with kids, they have fantastic family accommodations in Hanoi as well:
- Classyc Hotel Hanoi: a fantastic hotel in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, featuring a stunning rooftop pool and connecting rooms.
- Golden Sunshine Villa: this hotel has an affordable and beautiful two-bedroom apartment in the city center, which comes with breakfast and a very friendly staff.
- Hanoi Delvostro Valentino Hotel & Spa: this beautiful hotel, located in the old quarter of Hanoi, has connecting rooms for families with breakfast included and a rooftop to enjoy the views over Hanoi.
(Multi) Day trips from Hanoi
Hanoi is a great base to do some day trips and explore the rest of northern Vietnam. You will probably end up coming back here a few times before you head to another Vietnam bucket list destination.
From Hanoi, a great day trip is going to the Perfume Pagoda, a group of Buddhist temples and caves in the karst mountains around Hanoi. You can find here how to visit the Perfume Pagoda.
If you love to see authentic Vietnamese life or are a photography lover, you need to visit the craft villages surrounding Hanoi as a day trip. Each village has its own specialty, from making incense sticks to pottery or weaving baskets. Be prepared it can get busy in the villages, as they become more and more popular. Book a tour to the villages with a local to get the most out of your experience.
If you have more time, you can visit Ha Long Bay from Hanoi. Although it is possible to visit Ha Long Bay as a day trip from Hanoi, we highly advise you to come here for a couple of days. We did an overnight cruise (3 days and 2 nights), which allowed us to also visit the less crowded Bai Tu Long Bay for an even more authentic experience.
Read more: Visit Ha Long Bay with a 3-day / 2 nights cruise and go off-the-beaten-track
Other great trips from Hanoi are exploring the stunning karst mountains of Ninh Binh (again, possible as a day trip but we recommend going 3 days), trekking to the local villages in Sapa, or discovering the Ha Giang loop.
What to do in Hanoi for 3 days: an itinerary
If you would like some help in planning your days in Hanoi, we have created a suggested 3-day itinerary for Hanoi for you.
Day 1: Explore the Old Quarter and taste the Hanoi Cuisine
In the early morning, start your day at Hoan Kiem Lake, wander around, watch the locals do Tai Chi, and visit the Ngoc Son Temple. The best place to take a picture is at Ngo Mon Gate. Go drink a coffee at The Note Coffee and leave a message. After that, have lunch at Poké Hanoi or Loading T Café, all located close to the lake.
In the afternoon it’s time to wander around the old quarter and take in everything that is going on. Visit the temples, historic houses, the St. Joseph Cathedral, and the Hanoi Opera House, or just enjoy watching local life happen.
Go have a typical Vietnamese dinner at Madam Tran Restaurant. After dinner, go have a drink at Ta Hien Beer Street. Or, if you are here from Friday to Sunday, visit the night market around Hoan Kiem Lake to eat some street food and buy souvenirs (without car traffic).
Day 2: Discover Hanoi’s historical heritage
Get up early and head to the Long Bien wholesale food market to experience Hanoi’s local life. Next, visit the historical and iconic Long Bien Bridge, preferably around sunset (if you love photography).
Walk to Phung Hung Street, to admire the Hanoi Trompe l’Oeil Murals. When traveling through Hanoi, you will probably notice the longest ceramic mosaic mural in the world. After that head to Banh Mi 25 and try the traditional Banh Mi for a delicious lunch.
In the afternoon, head to the Temple of Literature (you can take a Grab). This is a historical complex in Hanoi, recognized as the country’s first university. After that, take a Grab to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and its surrounding area.
For dinner, head back to the Old Quarter and eat a delicious Vietnamese dinner at Tung’s Kitchen, or choose to book a street food tour.
Day 3: Cultural and more Hanoi highlights
In the morning, book a bicycle tour through Hanoi to see another side of the city (you can also choose to do that on the first day if you want to avoid seeing things twice). Alternatively, you can choose to visit the National Museum of Vietnamese History which showcases the history and cultural heritage of Vietnam through various exhibits and artifacts, or discover the Hoa Lo Prison.
Go have lunch at Hanoi Social Club, and in the afternoon, head to Train Street (we recommend the one on the South) and watch the train pass by while enjoying a drink at one of the cafes.
If you have time left, go shopping in the Old Quarter (for example at the Old Propaganda Posters) and have dinner at Hidden Gem Cafe.
After dinner, you can explore the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater or enjoy the live music at a street musician cafe.
That’s a wrap! We hope you enjoyed our Hanoi travel guide with all of our best tips for Hanoi and our 3-day itinerary for Hanoi! Let us know if you have any questions!
Happy Vietnam travels!
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