Three Days in Hanoi That Made Us Fall in Love with the City

Hanoi was one of those cities that surprised us in the best possible way. Before arriving, we had heard about the busy streets, endless motorbikes, and incredible food — but nothing quite prepares you for the energy of the place once you’re actually there.

What we quickly realized is that Hanoi is a city best explored slowly. The magic isn’t just in the big attractions, but in the small moments — sipping coffee in a hidden café, wandering down narrow streets, or stumbling across a food stall that turns out to serve the best meal of your trip.

If you only have three days in Hanoi, here’s the itinerary we followed that gives you a great mix of culture, food, and iconic experiences.

Where to Stay for Easy Access to Everything

Before getting into the itinerary, one of the biggest tips we can share is where to stay.

After exploring the city, we’re convinced the Old Quarter is the best base for first-time visitors. Almost everything is within walking distance — Hoan Kiem Lake, the Night Market, Train Street, and many of Hanoi’s best restaurants and cafés.

Staying here also means you’re right in the middle of the city’s atmosphere. Yes, it’s lively and sometimes chaotic, but that’s exactly what makes Hanoi special.

Hotel we recommend:
La Siesta Classic Ma May

It’s located right in the Old Quarter, making it incredibly easy to explore the city on foot.

Day 1 - Discover the Heart of Hanoi

Our first day in Hanoi was all about getting familiar with the city.

We started the morning at Hoan Kiem Lake, which is easily one of the most beautiful spots in Hanoi. Early mornings here feel calm and almost peaceful compared to the rest of the city. Locals gather to exercise, practice tai chi, or simply walk around the lake.

Right next to the lake you’ll find Ngoc Son Temple, which sits on a small island connected by a bright red bridge.

From there we wandered into the Old Quarter, which quickly became one of our favorite areas in the city. The narrow streets are packed with street food vendors, local shops, and hidden cafés.

Some stops worth visiting nearby include:

• St. Joseph’s Cathedral
• Dong Xuan Market
• Hanoi Train Street

In the evening, we caught a traditional water puppet show, which is a unique Vietnamese performance that dates back centuries.

To end the day, we grabbed dinner in the Old Quarter — and of course tried bun cha, one of Hanoi’s most famous dishes.

Day 2 – Culture, History & Hanoi’s Landmarks

Day two was all about exploring Hanoi’s historical side.

We started the morning at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, one of the most important landmarks in Vietnam. Nearby you’ll also find the One Pillar Pagoda, a small but fascinating temple built on a single stone pillar.

Next, we visited the Temple of Literature, which was Vietnam’s first university and one of the most beautiful historical sites in the city. Walking through its peaceful courtyards feels like stepping into a completely different era.

In the afternoon, we took a break at a café and tried one of Hanoi’s most famous drinks — egg coffee. It sounds unusual at first, but it’s incredibly creamy and surprisingly delicious.

Later in the evening, we simply walked around the Old Quarter again and explored the Hanoi Night Market, which takes place on weekends and is perfect for street food and souvenir shopping.

Day 3 – West Lake & A Slower Side of Hanoi

By day three we were ready to see a slightly calmer side of the city.

We headed over to West Lake (Tay Ho), which is the largest lake in Hanoi and has a much more relaxed atmosphere compared to the Old Quarter.

One of the highlights here is Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the oldest temples in Vietnam. Sitting right by the water, it’s easily one of the most picturesque places in the city.

After exploring the pagoda, we spent some time at a lakeside café just watching the world go by. It was a nice contrast to the fast pace of central Hanoi.

In the afternoon, we headed back toward the Old Quarter for some last-minute shopping and one final bowl of pho before leaving the city.

Final Thoughts from Travey Club

Hanoi is a city that rewards curiosity. The best experiences often happen when you wander without a strict plan and let the city surprise you.

In just three days you can experience:

• The vibrant streets of the Old Quarter
• Historic landmarks like the Temple of Literature
• Local food that quickly becomes unforgettable
• Peaceful spots like West Lake

And if there’s one tip we’d give any traveler visiting Hanoi, it’s this — stay in the Old Quarter. Being able to walk everywhere makes the whole experience so much easier and lets you soak up the atmosphere of the city.

Three days might not be enough to see everything Hanoi has to offer, but it’s more than enough to fall in love with it.

Travey Club is your personal travel planning partner, dedicated to crafting truly bespoke itineraries shaped around how you travel. We believe every journey is unique—no single template, and no purely AI-generated plan, can fit all travel needs. Rather than booking flights or hotels, we focus on thoughtful, human-led planning for our members, working alongside trusted travel agents who manage reservations. Our itineraries highlight key experiences, while Travey Club brings them together through personalized insight, expertise, and attention to detail—ensuring every trip feels intentional, seamless, and distinctly yours.

Look at our three days Hanoi Itinerary : Travey Club