Itineraries for Your Trip to Hanoi
1 Day in Hanoi for First Timers
Hanoi is one of those cities that never fails to make a big impression—love it or loathe it, it’s an unmissable experience. I quickly fell into the “love it” camp, enraptured by the maze-like streets of the Old Quarter with their jumble of shops and street food stalls; the dizzying swirl of people, motorbikes, and cyclos (rickshaws); and the stark contrast of the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake. One day in Hanoi is just enough time to get a taste of the Vietnamese capital with its beautiful old buildings and legendary street food. Here’s what to do in Hanoi for first-time visitors.
Don’t make the mistake of assuming it’s always hot in Hanoi! The northern city has four distinct seasons, so check the weather before you arrive and pack accordingly.
If you only have time for one thing, make it Hanoi’s famous street food.
Many of the must-see attractions in Hanoi are scattered around the city, so choose a sightseeing tour with transport included to take in the highlights. Admire views across the West Lake at Tran Quoc Pagoda, learn about Vietnamese history as you stop by the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Hoa Lo Prison, and fill your camera up with landmarks such as Hanoi Opera House, One-Pillar Pagoda, and Hoan Kiem Lake. Don’t miss a coffee on Train Street, the infamously narrow road where café seating spills out onto the train tracks—be ready to jump up when a train comes!
Hands down, one of the best things to do in Hanoi for first timers is to discover the Old Quarter’s street food scene. Explore the tangle of historic lanes on foot, stopping along the way to slurp some pho (noodle soup), chow down on a hearty bánh mì (baguette sandwich), and sip a sweet egg coffee. Stick around after the tour to go shopping—the Old Quarter is known for its traditional handicrafts workshops, while Dong Xuan Market is a popular spot to pick up souvenirs.
![[HOT] Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Street Food - Small Group Tour](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-splice-spp-360x240/r/32/d2/f4/78/caption.jpg)
Hanoi turns up the atmosphere to 11 after nightfall, and the Old Quarter is buzzing with energy. Start the evening by attending a show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre and discover one of Vietnam’s oldest art forms. Afterward, join the throngs of people drinking and dancing along the aptly nicknamed “Beer Street” (Ta Hien), the epicenter of Hanoi’s nightlife, or flag down a cyclo for a ride through the illuminated city. If you’re visiting on the weekend, make sure to swing by the Night Market (Friday–Sunday), which stretches all the way along Hang Dao and Hang Duong streets.
