One day in Hanoi allows visitors the chance to get a glimpse into this bustling city that offers a mix of French-inspired architecture, expansive lakes, and Buddhist pagodas, as well as luxury hotels, government offices, embassies, financial institutions, and upmarket shopping malls. Despite its chaotic traffic conditions, this compact city is easily explored on foot thanks to its many broad boulevards and districts introduced by French colonists.
If you only have 24 hours in Hanoi, bypassing some attractions is a must to make the most out of your stay in Vietnam’s capital city. Check out our suggested itinerary of what to see and do in Hanoi in 1 day\, which comprises only the best things to see and do during your holiday
In the Morning: Visit Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple
Start your day of sightseeing by making your way to Hoan Kiem Lake, where you can find locals jogging, enjoying a coffee and even practicing Tai Chi and line dancing.
This peaceful lake surrounds Ngoc Son Temple, an 18th-century pagoda sitting in on a small island that’s accessible via an ornate wooden bridge. There are altars dedicated to military leader Tran Hung Dao, large bronze bust, some ancient artifacts including ceramics, and a preserved specimen of a giant turtle found in the lake weighing 250kg. Plenty of cafes and restaurants are found in this area, too.
In the Afternoon: Explore Hanoi Museums, Temples & Colonial Structures
Hanoi is a walkable city with many historical landmarks, cultural museums, colonial buildings, and war memorials, some of which are conveniently located in the Old Quarter. Notable hotspots include Hoa Lo Prison (or Maison Centrale), Hanoi Opera House, and Saint Joseph Cathedral of Hanoi. If you’ve ventured outside the Old Quarter, One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature, and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Ba Dinh District are popular tourist hotspots.
In the Evening: Enjoy Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine in the Old Quarter
Hanoi cuisine can be found within local restaurants along narrow alleyways and street markets in Hanoi Old Quarter. These dishes tend to be sweeter compared to the southern regions, comprising freshwater ingredients such as prawns, squids, shrimps, crabs, clams, and mussels.
Duong Thanh Street houses two local eateries offering arguably the best nem chua be (crabmeat rolls), bun cha (grilled pork with noodles), cha ca (white fish fillet seasoned with garlic, ginger, turmeric, and dill) in Hanoi. Another must visit is Xoi Yen along Nguyen Huu Hua Street, a legendary establishment serving sticky rice that’s topped with a variety of sweet and savory ingredients.
At Night: Shopping at Hanoi Weekend Night Market
After returning to your hotel for a quick rest, it’s time to indulge in some retail therapy and street food at the Hanoi Weekend Night Market. Located in Old Quarter, this bustling gathering of roadside stalls starts at 19.00 pm onwards, running from Hang Dao Street to the edge of Dong Xuan Market.
Pedestrian streets and historical sites within the area are illuminated with decorative lights, making this a popular spot for traveling photographers. Shopping-wise, you will find inexpensive t-shirts, handicrafts, accessories, shoes, sunglasses, and souvenirs, but make sure to bargain hard (at least 50% lower than the original price) to get the best deal.