Hanoi in 24 Hours: The Perfect Day Guide
Short on time but big on adventure? We’ve got your back! Hanoi, where ancient traditions meet modern flair, is the perfect place to pack a punch in just one day. With street markets that’ll hit your stomach’s sweet spot and lakes that could be in a movie, this city is a sensory overload you’ll want to dive into.
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Discover Hanoi in 24 Hours: Your Perfect Hanoi One-Day Itinerary
Got a day to see Hanoi? Let us help you crush it. This guide covers iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and activities that guarantee zero wasted time. Whether your jam is history, food, or culture, we’ve got you. Buckle up, and let’s dive into Hanoi’s magic in just 24 hours!
Early Morning Adventures in Hanoi
Unique Activities at Dawn
If you want to explore the real Hanoi, you should start your day early in the morning. During this time, you can see the most unique activities in the capital city such as women dancing in their pijama, men gathering to play chess, and people smoking tobacco in a pipe called “thuốc lào”.
Breakfast Delights in Hanoi
Traditional Breakfast Options
Hanoians are morning people and enjoy taking their time to start the day. Vietnamese have a lot of options for breakfast such as xôi – sticky rice, bánh cuốn – steamed rice roll, bún thang – chicken noodles, but the most iconic dish – Phở. I know you can have Pho anywhere in Vietnam. But trust me, Pho in Hanoi is different.The broth is clear enough so that you can create your own pho version with many condiments such as garlic vinegar, fish sauce, chili and lime. I recommend Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su.
Since the owner are from Nam Dinh where is believed pho is originated. The beef slides are tender, the herbs mix well with flavorful broth making the soup so delightful.
Morning Exploration in Hoan Kiem District
It’s a perfect dish to start your day! If you only have one day in Hanoi, I suggest you stick around the Hoan Kiem district, which is considered Hanoi downtown. From the pho place, you can turn left to see St. Joseph’s Cathedral, one of the oldest churches in Hanoi. Looks like it’s under construction right now.
Must-Try: Egg Coffee at Old Town Café
When you roll into Hanoi, don’t be surprised if the city’s looking fresh and fabulous. Coffee aficionado? You’re in the right place—Vietnam’s got the coffee game on lock as the second-largest producer worldwide. And while you’re sipping that heavenly brew, don’t miss out on egg coffee—cà phê trứng.
Pro tip: the Old Town Café, hidden behind a clothing shop, is where all the magic happens.
You wouldn’t believe how spacious and beautiful this house is even it’s in a long narrow alley. The layout of the house looks like sky well that represent harmony between man and earth according to Confucian belief is deemed to store supreme power and wealth from heaven. On the top floor, you can see the whole view of Hoan Kiem Lake and the breeze in the morning is very soothing.
Historical Background of Egg Coffee
Did you know egg coffee was invented due to the shortage of milk during the war? Vietnamese people substituted milk with condensed milk so it lasted longer. The egg foam tastes like caramel with strong robusta coffee makes cafe trứng so unique. Sipping a cup of egg coffee, you not only enjoy the sweetness of present moments but also appreciate the bitterness of history.
Discovering Hanoi’s Rich History
Temple of Literature
Hanoi is known for 1000 years of history and if you want to check out the first university in Vietnam, it’s here. Picture this: it’s 1070, the Trần dynasty is running the show, and they build the Temple of Literature to get Vietnam’s elite—royalty and all—ready for the big leagues.
The Temple is featured on the back of the 100,000 VND banknote, and it was recognized by the UNESCO in 2010. Students usually come here to pray for good luck, and good grades for their exams.
Lunch Break: Savoring Bún Chả
Location: Bun Cha Dac Kim
For lunch, I suggest you try Bún Chả at Hàng Mành street. Bún chả consists of grilled meat, sweet and sour fish source, vermicelli noodles with tons of veggies. It’s voted the most favorite dish for foreigners when they come to Vietnam.
According to a survey, the most visitors said that Bún Chả is their favorite food in Hanoi. So if you come to Hanoi and if you try bún chả, let me know in the blog’s comment box if it’s your favorite too.
What I love the most about Bún Chả is that you can either eat it hot or cold, it doesn’t matter. It tastes good either way. Like I said “Let me show you a Bún Chả good food besides Phở.
Pressed for time but still want to experience Hanoi’s food scene? Check out our guide to Hanoi’s top street food
Afternoon Activities and Cool Down
Indoor Visit: Hỏa Lò Prison
In the afternoon, it might be hot in Hanoi if you travel in the summer. I suggest you visit Hỏa Lò prison, which is an indoor destination.
Location: Hoa Lo Prison
Historical Context
Hỏa Lò was built in 1896. And it was used by the French colonists for political prisoners an later by North Vietnam for US prisoners during the American War.
Don’t stop here—Discover Hidden Gems Near Hanoi:
Cooling Off with Ice Cream at Kem Tràng Tiền
Location: Kem Trang Tien
If it’s still hot, you definitely should try Hanoi most famous ice cream Kem Tràng Tiền It’s located in 35 Tràng Tiền street and was founded since 1958.
Even though they have many flavors of ice cream, I suggest you try the signature vanilla ice cream cone or young rice popsicles. Trust me, it tastes very different from any ice cream that you have tried before. One ice cream is 12,000 VND. This is so perfect for a hot day like today.
Late Afternoon and Evening Exploration
Sightseeing with a Bus Tour
If you only have one day and you want to see everything in Hanoi. The fastest and the most efficient way is to go on a bus tour.
Price and Inclusions
The listed price is 150,000 VND, but surprise—it’s really just 100,000 VND! That covers your essentials: headphones for the tunes, a conical hat for the vibes, and water to keep you cool while you explore.
Hot Spots: St. Joseph’s Cathedral, the Opera House, and Uncle Ho’s Mausoleum—basically Hanoi’s greatest hits.
From the top deck of the bus, you’ll soak in romantic rooftop views and get the lowdown on iconic attractions like temples, museums, and more.
Relaxing at Cộng Cafe
Lastly, if you just want to relax and chill after a long day, you can sit at Cộng cafe they only make coffee shop about it.
Ambiance and Transition from Day to Night
From here, you can see the transition from a day to night in Hanoi. Just like how people are ready to move on to the better future.
Dinner and Evening Activities
Vietnamese Fried Fish Cakes at Chả Cá Restaurant
Hanoi is know for its wide variety of cuisine. and one of the must tried dishes is Vietnamese fried fish cakes – chả cá.
From Cộng cafe, you can come to the nearest chả cá restaurant which is on the fourth floor of the Shark Jaw building.
You might have to reserve the table first because it’s always booked. Especially on the weekend. To eat chả cá, you put a small amount of vermicelli in your bowl, fish cake with tons of veggies, then pour some shrimp paste on top. Mix it well Voile! It’s so delicious! If you can’t eat shrimp paste, just ask for fish sauce or soy sauce instead.
Evening Stroll at Walking Street near Hoàn Kiếm Lake
If you visit Hanoi in the weekend, you definitely should come down to the Walking street near the Hoàn Kiếm Lake and see how local people participate in many activities at night. The life here is lively, and the people are super friendly and enthusiastic. Just make sure in the crowded place like this keep an eye on your belongings.
Nightlife at Tom’s Bar
Experience Hanoi’s Nightlife
To end your night with all excitement, I suggest you go to Tom’s Bar. Because it’s where Hanoi nightlife begins. A peaceful lake view is a perfect way to end your night in Hanoi. Good night everyone and see you in Saigon!!!
Read More: Hoan Kiem Lake – Unlock Hanoi’s Magic
