Aerial view of Hanoi, Vietnam, featuring a mix of high-rise buildings, smaller structures, and a serene lake in the foreground. Overlaid text reads 'One Day in Hanoi' in bold pink and 'The Best Way to Spend 24 Hours' in teal, highlighting a travel guide.

One Day in Hanoi: The Best Way to Experience Vietnam’s Capital City in 24 Hours

ByKatie McGrain

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If you have one day in Hà Nội, this itinerary is going to cover some of the most classic foods, sites, and experiences in the city. It is a whirlwind of a day, but since you only have one day…you gotta make the most of it! 

Early Morning → Start at Ly Thai To Park

Begin your day by experiencing Hanoi’s daily life at Ly Thai To Park. In the early morning (and I mean early morning – like pre 6am), you’ll find Vietnamese people engaging in outdoor activities like dancing, badminton, and even “Laughing Yoga.” It’s a cool way to start the morning. It also shows how important movement is to Vietnamese people.

Breakfast → Pho Thin Bo Ho  

A steaming bowl of Vietnamese pho with tender slices of beef, fresh green onions, and herbs in a clear broth, served in a white bowl. A smaller black bowl of soup garnished with cilantro is placed next to it on a shiny metal table.

Time for your first taste of local cuisine with a steaming bowl of pho bo (beef noodle soup). Your breakfast stop is a quick walk down the street from Ly Thai To Park, right near Hoan Kiem Lake in the middle of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Pho Thin Bo Ho is a popular spot for breakfast. Get there early, as this place can get busy quickly. 

*Note: On Google Maps it says they open at 6am, and sometimes they are! But other times…they’re not! Welcome to Vietnam! If they aren’t open yet, just do the stroll around the lake first, and circle back around to eat here. 

Morning Stroll → Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake

The iconic red wooden bridge, The Huc Bridge, spans a calm green lake at Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi, Vietnam. Surrounded by lush trees, blooming purple flowers, and historic buildings, the scene exudes tranquility under a partly cloudy sky.

After breakfast, take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, the iconic small island lake in the center of Hanoi. It’s a perfect place to people-watch and admire the views of the Ngoc Son Temple. You’ll pass some of the best things to see in Hanoi, like the Note Coffee shop (famous for Instagram photos – not necessarily worth going in, but if there is no line… go for it!) and catch a glimpse of Turtle Tower.

Coffee Break → Egg Coffee at Giang Cafe

Make a quick stop at Giang Cafe, the birthplace of Hanoi’s famous egg coffee. This Vietnamese coffee combines rich, creamy egg yolks with strong coffee, creating a smooth, custard-like drink. It’s a must-try for anyone visiting northern Vietnam.

Giang Cafe made the original egg coffee, and it is very good…but not necessarily the best! I recommend travelers pop in here because it is a cool, old school, Hanoi cafe.

Mid-Morning Exploration → Cyclo Ride around Hanoi’s Old Quarter  

A row of traditional Vietnamese cyclos with red canopies lined up under tall, leafy green trees on a quiet street. Drivers are seen resting or reclining in their seats, with red flags visible in the background, creating a peaceful urban scene.

Hop on a cyclo for a ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a fun way to explore the narrow streets and alleys of this historical district. This activity is a bit cheesy and super touristy (locals do not get around Hanoi in a cyclo), BUT it is a fun way to see the Old Quarter. 

Let your driver navigate the maze as you take in the sights, sounds, and smells of street food and local shops. Settle on a price around 300,000 VND for a 1-1.5 hour tour. They will try and charge you more, but you can bring them down to 300,000VND. 

A place where many cyclos gather is here: Intersection of Hang Dau and Ding Tien Hoang. It’s just a few blocks down from Giang Cafe. 

Free Exploration → St. Joseph’s Cathedral and Surrounding Streets 

St. Joseph's Cathedral in Hanoi, Vietnam, a neo-Gothic structure with twin bell towers, a large central rose window, and a prominent cross at the front. The foreground features lush green trees and nearby buildings, creating a peaceful urban scene under a clear blue sky.

After your cyclo ride, you’ll likely be dropped off near St. Joseph’s Cathedral (or ask them to drop you there!). It’s a great place to start wandering the city center. Explore the streets nearby, filled with unique shops and cafes. Don’t miss these spots:

  • Hanoi House Cocktail Bar – Hidden in an alley, this bar/cafe offers views of the cathedral and a relaxing vibe. It’s a perfect place to try a cocktail or Vietnamese coffee. This is in my list of favorite cafes in the Old Quarter.
  • Collective Memory – A boutique shop with curated souvenirs and gifts. One of the best places to go shopping for quality souvenirs from Hanoi. 
  • Cong Caphe – Known for its coconut coffee, a creamy and refreshing Hanoi drink.

If you want to follow a particular walking tour through the Old Quarter – check out my guide which has a detailed walking route through the maze like streets (coming soon).

Lunch → Bun Cha Hang Quat  

A small street-side restaurant in Hanoi with a bright yellow and red sign reading 'Bún Chả 74 Hàng Quạt' and its operating hours, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The shop is flanked by framed art pieces on one side and colorful merchandise on the other, with motorbikes parked in front on the narrow street.

For lunch you should eat Bun Cha, grilled pork and rice noodles. You’ve probably heard of Bun Cha as it is a classic Vietnamese dish made famous by Anthony Bourdain’s visit with President Obama.

*Note→ You could go to “Obama Bun Cha” which is a bit more south in the OQ and see the table that Obama and Bourdain ate at. The bun cha here is fine…nothing special though, and quite over priced.

Instead, I recommend you go to Bun Cha Hang Quat or  “Secret Bun Cha”. This tiny spot in the Old Quarter is not so secret anymore, but still worth a stop. There will likely be a line. There will also likely be someone outside directing you in, so it won’t be too hard to find. 

Early Afternoon Museum → Hoa Lo Prison 

I am not a museum person and don’t often frequent them whilst traveling, however the Hoa Lo Prison Museum is worth a stop in Hanoi, where you’ll discover a deeper layer of Hanoi’s history.

Known as the “Hanoi Hilton” to American POWs, this museum offers insight into the lives of political prisoners and the city’s role in Vietnam’s tumultuous history. It’s a somber yet fascinating stop.

Relaxation → Massage Break 

After all that walking, treat yourself to a relaxing massage. Hanoi has plenty of good options for affordable massages. You’re not going to get a beautiful and peaceful spa experience like you would in other places. You will likely be in a room with a bunch of other people, massage beds separated by a sheet. If this doesn’t appeal to you, you can go for just a foot massage!

Late Afternoon → Train Street

A lively scene on Hanoi's Train Street, with colorful lanterns, string lights, and small cafés lining the narrow railway tracks. Visitors walk along the tracks or sit at outdoor tables, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere under orange awnings on a sunny day.

Head to Hanoi’s famous Train Street, a narrow alley where homes and cafes line the tracks of an active railway. A few times a day, the train comes barreling down the tracks, passing within inches of the buildings.

Train Street IS OPEN in 2024 (you might find other information in other places). I recommend going to the southern part of train street, where it is a bit less crowded.

Here is an updated train list, but honestly they are always late, so you never actually know. You’ll know when the street starts getting busier and busier that one is coming. 

I recommend going early so you can drink some beers or coffees and actually have a seat. It will be very crowded with tourists – but it is still cool! Once the train is a few minutes away, the cafe owners will start to get a bit more aggressive (some even say mean). But they get in trouble a lot by the police, so they are just trying to keep everything running smooth. 

  • Location: Ngõ 222 Đ. Lê Duẩn, Khâm Thiên, Đống Đa
  • Find it on Google Maps
  • This is a cafe at the southern end of train street.

Evening Tour → Food Tour (Walking or Motorbike) 

Join a walking or motorbike food tour to explore more of Hanoi’s street food scene. Taste everything from banh mi to Vietnamese spring rolls, noodle soup, and other delicious food. You’ll get to try traditional dishes, learn about local cuisine, and explore the Old Quarter’s food stalls with an expert guide. 

There are many (many!) food tours in Hanoi. Some are super cheap, some are expensive. I personally like to find food tours that are smaller groups. I recently went on a food tour with Curious About Vietnam, and it was great!

Here is a link to a whole bunch of food tours in Hanoi. Give it a look and choose one with a good rating!

Food Tours in Hanoi

If you don’t want to go on a guided food tour, you can do the following:

  1. Read through all of my posts on some of my favorite places to eat in Hanoi
  2. Follow my DIY food tour of the Old Quarter (coming soon)

Nightlife → Ta Hien Street (Beer Street)  

A bustling nightlife scene in Hanoi's Old Quarter, with crowds of people filling the street surrounded by brightly lit signs for beer and restaurants, including 'Trúc Bạch' and 'Tiger Beer.' The lively atmosphere features people dining, drinking, and socializing under the glow of neon lights.

End your jam packed day on Ta Hien Street, also known as “Beer Street”. Here is where you can join hoards of people in sipping bia hoi, a light Vietnamese draft beer. The street comes alive at night with live music, clinking glasses, and noise—a perfect place to experience Hanoi’s lively nightlife. If it is a weekend, it will be significantly more crowded, but that makes it fun! 

With just 24 hours in Hanoi, this itinerary covers a little bit of everything that makes the capital of Vietnam unforgettable. 

If you’re lucky enough to have more time in Hanoi, don’t stop here! Head over to my Hanoi Itinerary Resource Page for a whole bunch of tailored itineraries based on trip length and travel style. 

If you are moving on in Vietnam, I have more information on what your next stop should, more Vietnam Itinerary recommendations Northern Vietnam to Da Nang, to the whole country!

Katie McGrain is a Vietnam Trip Planning Expert. She has lived in Hanoi, Vietnam since 2017, and has explored just about every corner of this country. She provides female travelers to Vietnam with resources, ideas, and guides on where to go and what to do. Her on the ground research, planning and advising helps women have a safe, memorable and authentic trip to Vietnam.