Observing the heavy foot and scooter traffic wind through the streets of Hanoi is like watching fish navigate roaring rapids: it’s kinetic and frenetic, but somehow it all just flows. Vietnam’s capital city stimulates all your senses and yet also instills a sense of calm.
Three days in Hanoi is just enough to fall under the city’s spell, whether you’re savoring a steaming bowl of pho, exploring the Temple of Literature or learning to craft the perfect cup of coffee. With this guide, you’ll capture Hanoi’s electric energy firsthand.
Where to Stay
For a blend of French elegance and Vietnamese charm, check into Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. Not only will you enjoy accommodations with a vintage feel (think clawfoot tubs, dark wood floors and molded ceilings) just steps from the Old Quarter’s top attractions, but you can sip a bona fide egg coffee — the Hanoi staple was invented here in 1946.
Opened in 1901, the hotel offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s history. For a deeper look into its past, try the Path of History guided tour, which focuses on the property’s French colonial roots and its role as a wartime shelter. A tour highlight is a visit to an underground bomb shelter, which protected high-profile guests like Jane Fonda and Joan Baez during U.S. air raids.
Once you’ve checked in, it’s time to hit the ground running. One of the best ways to get a feel for the city’s rhythm is with a local-led food tour. While some hotels offer street food treks, another option is to find a Hanoi guide on Withlocals for an authentic taste of the city. Be sure to sample local staples like bun cha (sweet and sour pork soup), bo la lot (grilled beef in betel leaves) and endless varieties of che (a catch-all term for gelatinous sweets) while sitting streetside on plastic stools.
Fully fueled and ready for adventure, you’ll spend the afternoon wandering around Hoan Kiem Lake. This body of water (whose name translates to “Lake of the Returned Sword”) is steeped in legend, offering a serene escape in the heart of the city. Begin with a leisurely stroll along shaded pathways, watching locals practice tai chi or sip iced coffee at lakeside cafés.
Cross the scarlet-painted Huc Bridge to reach Ngoc Son Temple, an elegant 19th-century shrine dedicated to Confucian, Taoist and military heroes. Inside, admire antique artifacts, graceful altars and panoramic lake views. Allow at least an hour to explore, pausing for photos and reflection. In the late afternoon, the lake takes on a golden glow, offering an unforgettable backdrop for a quintessentially Hanoi moment of Zen.
As night falls, the Old Quarter quickly transforms into a tapestry of glowing lanterns, sizzling street food and chic hideaways tucked behind French colonial façades. Begin with a drink at The Alchemist, a speakeasy-style bar serving inventive twists on classic cocktails. Walk along Ta Hien Street (nicknamed “Beer Street”) to soak up the energy, then retreat to Polite & Co., a classic speakeasy-style bar with a cosmopolitan edge.
For dinner, book a table at Gia or Home Hanoi for elevated takes on northern Vietnamese cuisine. Conclude the evening with libations back at the Sofitel’s Le Club Bar, where live jazz rivals the mixology for the night’s most impressive moment.
Day 2
Kick-start your second day in Hanoi with a deep dive into Vietnam’s coffee culture at Su Quan Roastery, just outside the Old Quarter. This roughly two-hour workshop includes transportation to and from the roastery, a small-group or private setting and a knowledgeable English-speaking instructor. You’ll master traditional Vietnamese coffee (ca phe den) and turn the bitter brew into sweet local favorites like egg coffee (ca phe trung), coconut coffee (ca phe dua) or even a coffee cocktail featuring apricot wine.
Now that you’re buzzing, it’s time to get some steps in. Instead of taking a car back to the Old Quarter, walk a few blocks to Binh Banh My for lunch, a local recommendation that does not disappoint.
Continue your stroll to a trio of Hanoi’s most revered landmarks. Begin at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, founded in 1070 to honor Confucius and the pursuit of knowledge. Its peaceful courtyards, ancient stelae and graceful pavilions offer a window into the country’s scholarly past. Next, visit nearby Quan Thanh Temple, an 11th-century Taoist sanctuary dedicated to Tran Vu, the God of the North, famed for its imposing bronze statue and intricate carvings.
Finish your afternoon at Tran Quoc Pagoda on West Lake. The city’s oldest Buddhist shrine features scarlet towers and shimmering waters that create a picture-perfect scene at sunset. Be sure to pack a jacket and pants or a long skirt — shoulders and knees must be covered to enter the shrine.
After a long afternoon of exploring, it’s time to head back to the Old Quarter for Vietnamese comfort food. Call a Grab (Vietnam’s rideshare service) or a taxi and head for Pho Suong, a casual, cash-only stall tucked in an alley near Hoan Kiem Lake that’s famous for its pho bo (beef pho). Tuck into a rich, aromatic bowl of beef broth, thinly sliced meat, springy noodles, scallions and classic sides of lime, garlic and chili. It might just spoil you for pho forever.
Day 3
Take it slow this final morning with a late wake-up followed by a leisurely coffee and banh mi at your hotel or one of the myriad streetside cafés in the Old Quarter. Once breakfast is complete, it’s time to set out on one more adventure.
Step into Hanoi’s layered history with an afternoon exploring two of its most compelling landmarks. Begin at Hoa Lo Prison, nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton,” where you’ll find a sobering site where Vietnamese revolutionaries and U.S. POWs were imprisoned. Exhibits of personal artifacts and restored cells offer a poignant look at resilience and survival.
Next, continue to the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as the political heart of Vietnam for more than a millennium. Wander through ancient gates, archaeological ruins and elegant courtyards while learning about dynastic intrigue and cultural evolution through an array of interactive exhibits. Plan about three hours to fully experience both places.
If time allows, add a visit to Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, an austere granite monument where Vietnam’s former leader lies in state. Built in 1975, it anchors Ba Dinh Square and symbolizes the nation’s independence. Carve out about an hour to view the preserved body and stroll the surrounding gardens for a powerful glimpse into Vietnam’s modern history.
Cap off your three-day Hanoi itinerary with a dose of excitement at Train Street, where cafés and homes sit mere inches from a 19th-century railway line. This Instagram-famous lane’s pulse quickens when trains rumble through the narrow passage.
By night, twinkling lanterns and string lights add an extra layer of atmosphere. Night trains typically pass around 7 and 9, though schedules should always be confirmed locally. Arrive at least half an hour before the train is expected to pass through, grab a spot at a café for a coffee or cocktail, and stay in the designated safe areas to enjoy this distinctly Hanoi experience.
