What to Do in Hanoi for 3 Days: Local Tips from Hanoi Tours Experts

Local Travel Tips Before You Explore

Best Time to Visit Hanoi: Follow the Breeze, Avoid the Heat

If you’re thinking about what to do in Hanoi for 3 days, the ideal windows are October through the beginning of December (autumn), and March through April (spring). In contrast, Hanoi flaunts its beauty when the air is clear, the skies are blue, and the lakes mirror golden leaves or flowering orchids. These seasons are the sweet spot for walking tours, cafe-hopping, and cultural sightseeing without perspiring through your itinerary.

3 days in Hanoi in summer, travelling? Anticipate high humidity and perhaps downpours, but you know what, that’s when street food is extra comforting.

Where to Stay: Finding Your Perfect Base

Old Quarter – Where Hanoi Never Sleep

If you want to feel Hanoi’s heartbeat from sun up to sun down, and on into the night, the Old Quarter is where you should be. It’s a maze of narrow streets, old shophouses, sizzling food stalls, art galleries, and local markets. You’ll wake up feet away from Hoan Kiem Lake, Dong Xuan Market, and iconic food like pho, bun cha, and egg coffee.

It’s perfect for first-time visitors looking for full cultural immersion during their three days in Hanoi.

Suggested hotels in the Old Quarter:

• Hanoi La Siesta Hotel Trendy
  •  Address: 12 Nguyen Quang Bich, Hoan Kiem District
  •  Phone: +84 24 3923 4026
• Hanoi Tirant Hotel
  •  Address: 38 Gia Ngu, Hoan Kiem District
  •  Phone: +84 24 3933 3936
• Hanoi Chic Boutique Hotel
  •  Address: 18 Hang Hom, Hoan Kiem District
  •  Phone: +84 24 3923 0505

French Quarter – Graceful, Elegant, Peaceful

Just south of the Old Quarter, the French Quarter is more tranquil and finer, with tree-lined boulevards and neoclassical architecture. It is host to embassies, some government buildings, and cultural institutions, including the Hanoi Opera House and the Vietnamese Women’s Museum. 

If slow mornings at chic cafés partaking in art spaces sound like a key element of your 3 days in Hanoi Vietnam itinerary, this is the perfect base for you. 

Recommended hotels in the French Quarter:

• Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
  •  Address: 15 Ngo Quyen, Hoan Kiem District
  •  Phone: +84 24 3826 6919
• Hotel de l’Opera Hanoi – MGallery
  •  Address: 29 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem District
  •  Phone: +84 24 6282 5555
• Conifer Boutique Hotel
  •  Address: 9 Ly Dao Thanh, Hoan Kiem District
  •  Phone: +84 24 3934 3137

West Lake – Scenic, Spacious, and Serene

Long for uniting city life with morning peacefulness and sunset scenery? Then West Lake (Ho Tay) is for you. This expansive area is renowned for its serenity, lakeside cafes, international food, and proximity to such ancient attractions as Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple.

Several travelers staying here turn to West Lake as a refuge after hectic days exploring other corners of the city. Yes, it’s a perfect destination for couples, digital nomads, and solo travelers who don’t want the rush of other tourist cities on their 3 days in Hanoi.

Top choices near West Lake:

• InterContinental Hanoi Westlake
  •  Address: 5 Tu Hoa Street, Tay Ho District
  •  Phone: +84 24 6270 8888
• Elegant Suites Westlake
  •  Address: 10B Dang Thai Mai Street, Tay Ho District
  •  Phone: +84 24 3718 0888
• Sheraton Hanoi Hotel
  •  Address: 11 Xuan Dieu Street, Tay Ho District
  •  Phone: +84 24 3719 9000

Cultural Etiquette, Safety, and Currency Tips

Hanoi is welcoming, but a little local awareness makes your journey smoother. Here’s some handy local intelligence useful to Hanoi travellers:

• Temples: Dress modestly and refer to the gods quietly. Remove shoes when entering inner areas.
• Traffic: Cross the street with assertive calmness. Walk at a slow pace, and vehicles will adjust to you.
• Money: Carry some small change in Vietnamese dong. Most local eateries and taxis are cash-friendly, although cards are gaining acceptance increasingly accepted in hotels and larger establishments.
• Tipping: Not required, but a courtesy. A small tip (10,000 to 50,000 VND) for decent service is always welcome.
• Safety: Hanoi is safe for tourists, even for solo travelers. Just be vigilant about your belongings near markets and busy streets.

Day 1 Itinerary – Discover the Soul of the Old Quarter

Morning – Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple & Egg Coffee

1. Hoan Kiem Lake

• Address: Centered between Trang Tien, Dinh Tien Hoang, and Hang Khay Streets, Hoan Kiem District
• Best time to visit: Before 8:00 AM

Begin your day early with a peaceful stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake. You’ll pass by locals doing tai chi, students heading to school, and elders chatting on benches. This calm, refreshing walk offers a slow-paced introduction to Hanoi’s soul before it bursts into daily motion.

2. Ngoc Son Temple

• Address: On Jade Island, accessed via The Huc Bridge, Hoan Kiem Lake
• Opening hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Admission: 30,000 VND

Step across the symbolic red bridge to discover Ngoc Son Temple, a tribute to national hero General Tran Hung Dao. Both are spiritually important and with peaceful lake views.

3. Egg Coffee at a Traditional Hanoi Café

• Cafe Giang – 39 Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Hoan Kiem District
• Cafe Dinh – 2nd Floor, 13 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District

This is a requirement for any real what to see in Hanoi in 3 days. Egg coffee is a velvety blend of egg yolk, condensed milk, and robust Vietnamese coffee. It’s hot, fragrant, and steeped in the culture of post-war Hanoi.

Midday – Pho Bat Dan, Bun Cha Obama & Dong Xuan Market

4. Pho Bat Dan

• Address: 49 Bat Dan Street, Hoan Kiem District
• Opening hours: 6:00 to 10:00 AM and 6:00 to 8:30 PM

Famous for their authentic northern-style beef pho, this place is well-known for its self-service policy and queuing up. Arrive early morning, and be ready to share the tables with strangers, just like a true Hanoian.

5. Bun Cha Huong Lien (a.k.a. Bun Cha Obama)

• Address: 24 Le Van Huu Street, Hai Ba Trung District
• Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM

This unassuming restaurant was thrust into global fame when President Obama dined here with Anthony Bourdain. Their grilled pork with dipping sauce and vermicelli is worth the detour for your three days in Hanoi.

6. Hang Dao – Hang Ngang Streets & Dong Xuan Market

• Shopping area: From Hang Dao to Hang Ngang, then head to Dong Xuan Market
• Dong Xuan Market address: Dong Xuan Street, Hoan Kiem District
• Market hours: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM

These streets are buzzing with vendors selling clothes, souvenirs, and local snacks. Dong Xuan is Hanoi’s largest wholesale market, perfect for observing local life and grabbing budget-friendly keepsakes.

Afternoon – Bach Ma Temple, Women’s Museum & Handicraft Shopping

7. Bach Ma Temple

• Address: 76 Hang Buom Street, Hoan Kiem District
• Opening hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Regarded as the oldest temple in Hanoi, Bach Ma honors the White Horse deity who watches over the city’s eastern gate. Its tranquil courtyard and beautiful carvings offer a peaceful refuge from the surrounding busy streets.

8. Vietnamese Women’s Museum

• Address: 36 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hoan Kiem District
• Opening hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Admission: 40,000 VND

One of the more insightful museums in Hanoi, it features exhibitions of women’s activities in family, culture, war, and tribal life. Visiting here adds richness to your 3 days in Hanoi Vietnam.

9. Handicrafts on Hang Gai Street

• Location: Hang Gai Street, Hoan Kiem District

Hang Gai is famous for silk, embroidered scarves, handmade journals, and custom-made ao dai. It’s where to purchase elegant souvenirs of authentic Vietnamese craftsmanship.

Evening – Water Puppet Show & Street Food in Ta Hien

10. Thang Long Water Puppet Theater

• Address: 57B Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District
• Showtimes: 4:10 PM, 5:20 PM, 6:30 PM, 8:00 PM
• Ticket price: 100,000 to 200,000 VND

This is a cultural treasure and a definite must on what to do in Hanoi for 3 days. Traditional folk tales are performed by puppets on a water stage, accompanied by live music and vocals.

11. Dinner on Ta Hien Street or Local Food Tour

• Ta Hien Street: Beer, grilled skewers, fried spring rolls, stir-fried noodles
• Location: Ta Hien Street, Hoan Kiem District
• Local food tours available via Impress Travel (booking encouraged)

Ta Hien is Hanoi’s nightlife hub, relaxed, vibrant, and saturated with street food stalls. Alternatively, join a guided food tour along the alleys to discover off-the-beaten-track offerings such as fermented pork rolls, grilled duck, or green rice sweet cakes.

Day 2 Itinerary – Hanoi’s Historic & Political Heart

Morning – Ho Chi Minh Complex, Ba Dinh Square & One Pillar Pagoda

1. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

• Address: 2 Hung Vuong Street, Ba Dinh District
• Opening hours: 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM (closed on Mondays & Fridays)
• Note: Dress modestly; no filming inside

A visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a respectful, unforgettable experience. This imposing marble structure houses President Ho Chi Minh’s embalmed body, Vietnam’s revered national leader. It’s a time of respect, totally solemn, and a must-have in any plan for what to do in Hanoi for 3 days.

2. Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House

• Address: 2 Hung Vuong Street, Ba Dinh District (same complex)

After the mausoleum, walk on green paths to view the Presidential Palace (externally) and Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, where he resided in simplicity while remaining president. His car collection, garden, and modest living arrangements share deep insight into his philosophy.

3. One Pillar Pagoda (Chua Mot Cot)

• Address: Ong Ich Khiem Street, Ba Dinh District
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Right next to the complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, a small but powerful symbol of Vietnamese Buddhism. Designed to resemble a lotus sprouting from water, this 11th-century temple brings a touch of spirituality to your breakfast.

4. Ba Dinh Square Walk

• Take a stroll in Ba Dinh Square, Vietnam’s largest square and the site of Ho Chi Minh declaring independence in 1945. The wide open space, lined by government buildings, offers a glimpse of the monumental past of the country.

Midday – Local Lunch & Indochine Café Vibes

5. Bun Rieu or Bun Oc in Kim Ma

• Bun Oc Co Them – 6 Hang Chai Street (if near the Old Quarter)
• Bun Rieu Cua – Kim Ma Market – 535 Kim Ma Street

Craving something stereotypically northern Vietnamese? Slurp a bowl of bun rieu (tomato crab noodle soup) or bun oc (snail vermicelli soup). Light, sour-aromatic, these are foods Hanoians adore. They’re perfect for midday energy before your afternoon of culture.

6. Indochine-Style Garden Café

• Maison de Tet Décor – 26 Quang Ba, Tay Ho District
• Hanoi House Café – 2nd floor, 47A Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem District

Whether tucked into a quiet courtyard or nestled above a colonial alley, Hanoi’s Indochine-style cafés offer calm, history, and the perfect mid-journey coffee. Order a ca phe sua da or iced jasmine tea and breathe in the charm of old Hanoi.

Afternoon – Temple of Literature & Hanoi’s Historic Museums

7. Temple of Literature (Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam)

• Address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam Street, Dong Da District
• Opening hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Admission: 30,000 VND

Built in 1070, Vietnam’s first national university and one of the finest historical sites on any list of what to see in Hanoi in 3 days. With its five serene courtyards, Confucius altars, and stelae inscribed on stone with scholars’ names, it demonstrates the nation’s centuries of devotion to learning.

8. Choose One: Fine Arts Museum or Hoa Lo Prison

Vietnam Fine Arts Museum

• Address: 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Ba Dinh District
• Opening hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
• Admission: 40,000 VND

A tour of Vietnamese art over centuries of creativity, from Cham sculpture to war propaganda posters and modern art.

Hoa Lo Prison (a.k.a. “Hanoi Hilton”)

• Address: 1 Hoa Lo Street, Hoan Kiem District
• Opening hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Admission: 30,000 VND

Once a French colonial prison and later used during the Vietnam War, Hoa Lo is sobering, powerful, and deeply educational. You’ll walk through cramped cells, see preserved artifacts, and confront a haunting part of Vietnam’s modern history.

Evening – Train Street Café & Nighttime Street Food

9. Train Street Café at Sunset

• Best time: Around 6:00 PM for sunset and the passing train
• Recommended spot: Hanoi Railway Café – 5 Tran Phu Street, Hoan Kiem District
• Note: Access may be limited due to safety regulations; check locally

One of the most scenic (and thrilling) thrills while you are in 3 days in Hanoi Vietnam, is enjoying coffee an inch away from a railway track as the train whizzes by. Whistle blows, coffee cups shake, and you hold your breath for 10 nostalgic seconds.

10. Light Dinner with Banh Mi or Chao Suon

• Banh Mi 25 – 25 Hang Ca Street, Hoan Kiem District
• Chao Suon Sun – 14 Dong Xuan Street or 2A Hang Bo

Gather the evening with a banh mi sandwich that’s packed with roast pork, herbs, and pâté, or a steaming bowl of chao suon, pork rib rice porridge. Both are speedy, warming, and locally approved.

Day 3 Itinerary – Chill by West Lake & Explore Hidden Corners

Morning – Cycling West Lake & a Lakeside Breakfast

1. Cycle Around West Lake

• Start point suggestion: 1 Thanh Nien Road, Tay Ho District
• Bike rentals: Available at West Lake Park or local shops along Trinh Cong Son Street

Wake up early and rent a bike to circle West Lake, the largest lake in Hanoi. The full loop takes about 15 km (2 to 2.5 hours with stops), passing charming pagodas, cafés, temples, and residential neighborhoods. The light is soft, the air is crisp, and locals are out jogging, fishing, or walking their dogs. It’s peaceful and scenic, perfect for a calm start to your three days in Hanoi.

2. Tran Quoc Pagoda

• Address: Thanh Nien Road, West Lake, Tay Ho District
• Hours: 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM

The oldest Buddhist temple in the city, dating back over 1,400 years, is situated on a tiny island and features stunning lakeside scenery and spiritual ambiance. The bonsai gardens and lotus pond are a delightful visit.

3. Quan Thanh Temple

• Address: 190 Quan Thanh Street, Ba Dinh District

A Taoist temple on West Lake’s northern shore, in honor of Tran Vu, the North God. The bronze statue here is huge and centuries old, a fascinating glimpse into Vietnamese folk beliefs.

4. Breakfast: Thanh Tri Steamed Rice Rolls by the Lake

• Suggested spot: Banh cuon Thanh Tri – 29B Thanh Nien, Ba Dinh
• Pair it with: Tra chanh (lime tea) from a lakeside stall

Fresh, airy, and made from silky rice flour sheets, banh cuon Thanh Tri is an institution in Hanoi. Top with dipping sauce, pork filling, wood ear mushrooms, and crispy shallots. Sit by the lake, drink trà chanh, and start the day like a local.

Midday – Markets & Flower Villages

5. Buoi Market (Cho Buoi)

• Address: 236 Lac Long Quan Street, Tay Ho District
• Open: Only on the 4th and 9th days of the lunar calendar

If your visit coincides, Buoi Market is a bustling old-fashioned fair, with bonsai trees, birds, pets, and domestic items. It’s raw, technicolor, and still untouched by mass tourism, a secret find on any what to do in Hanoi for 3 days itinerary.

6. Ngoc Ha Flower Village

• Address: Ngoc Ha Street, Ba Dinh District (near Ho Chi Minh Complex)

This hidden neighborhood was a flower supplier for the royal court in the past. Today, small alleys have small gardens, daisy and rose pots, and friendly locals watering flowers or riding vintage bicycles. It’s a walking, photography, and seeing a bygone era way of life.

Afternoon – Rooftop Views & Creative Classes

7. Rooftop Café with a Sunset View

• Maison de Tet Decor – 26 Quang Ba, Tay Ho District
• 6 Degrees Café – 189 Nghi Tam, Tay Ho District

If you’re searching for the best Hanoi sunset view, these cafes offer glorious golden-hued views of West Lake. Order a coconut coffee or hibiscus tea and watch the sky melt away into the water, a nice time to reflect on your 3 days in Hanoi Vietnam.

8. Vietnamese Cooking Class or Craft Workshop

• Hanoi Cooking Centre – 44 Chau Long Street, Ba Dinh District
• Zo Project (Papermaking) – 27 Alley 5, Le Trong Tan, Thanh Xuan District

Want something hands-on to complete your list of what to do in Hanoi for 3 days? Join a cooking class to learn phở, nem rán, or green papaya salad from local chefs. Or explore Hanoi’s rich craft traditions with a paper-making workshop using dó paper, a centuries-old technique.

Evening – Elegant Dinner & Vietnamese Massage

9. Dinner at a Traditional Vietnamese Restaurant

• Home Hanoi Restaurant – 34 Chau Long Street, Ba Dinh District
• Nha Hang Ngon – 26 Tran Hung Dao Street, Hoan Kiem District

On your final dinner, treat yourself to elegant interpretations of classic dishes in a colonial home or garden setting. Expect caramelized claypot fish, green mango salad, and eggplant with shallot oil.

10. Vietnamese-Style Massage in Tay Ho

• La Belle Vie Spa – 50 Xuan Dieu Street, Tay Ho District
• Spas Hanoi – 18 Tu Hoa Street, Tay Ho District

Finish your what to do in Hanoi for 3 days experience with a relaxing massage with herbal oil, hot stone, or traditional treatment. It’s the perfect way to unwind before checking out or boarding that night flight.

Bonus Tips: Unique Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss

1. Wear the Ao Dai and Capture the Old Quarter

Want to taste the poetry of Hanoi to the fullest? Attempt wearing a classic ao dai, Vietnam’s beautiful national dress, and go for an early morning stroll and photo walking tour of the Old Quarter.

Suggested rental and studio:

• The Vietnam in Focus Experience – 46 Hang Vai, Hoan Kiem District

You’ll pass moss-covered walls, yellow French buildings, lantern-lit alleys, and tiled rooftops. This is more than a photo shoot; it’s a way to walk in harmony with the city’s heritage. It’s also an iconic way to close your chapter on three days in Hanoi.

2. Explore the Weekend Night Market

If you’re 3 days in Hanoi Vietnam, including a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, don’t miss the Hanoi Weekend Night Market.

• Location: From Hang Dao Street, including Xuan Market, Hoan Kiem District
• Hours: 6:00 PM – midnight

The roads are closed to cars and become a sea of light, sound, flavor, and color. It’s where you can shop for handmade crafts, taste grilled sidewalk food, hear street performances, and even dance with the locals.

Tip: Bargain with a smile, sample local beer, and keep your camera ready; this market is one of the most photogenic scenes in any itinerary about what to see in Hanoi in 3 days.

3. Watch Traditional Vietnamese Performing Arts

For an evening of culture and goosebumps, book a ticket to one of Hanoi’s traditional music or theater performances. This is how Vietnam sings its stories.

Top venues to consider:

• Ca Tru Thang Long Club – 146 Tu Hoa, Tay Ho District
• Vietnam National Tuong Theatre (Cheo, Tuong) – 51 Duong Thanh Street, Hoan Kiem
• Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (special events) – Nguyen Van Huyen Street, Cau Giay

You will have the opportunity to experience old string instruments, otherworldly voices, and the elegance of theatrical arts passed down through generations. For anyone seriously considering what to do in Hanoi for 3 days, this introduces cultural depth that few tourists spend the time engaging in.

4. Visit an Artist Studio or a Hidden French Villa

Want to unlock the quieter, creative side of the capital? Spend an hour in one of Hanoi’s artist studios or French villas, scattered through the leafy corners of Ba Dinh or Tay Ho.

Where to go:

• Manzi Art Space – 14 Phan Huy Ich, Ba Dinh District
• Nha San Collective – Alley 462, Buoi Street, Tay Ho District

These spaces are where Hanoi’s contemporary artists experiment with form, sound, light, and memory. Whether it’s a painting exhibit or a silent film installation, you’ll witness the city’s evolving soul in a very intimate way. Some studios also host artist talks or afternoon tea in atmospheric gardens.

Conclusion

Three days in Hanoi may pass quickly, but the memories last a lifetime. From lakeside mornings to lantern-lit alleys, you’ve tasted, seen, and felt the city’s vibrant spirit. Still wondering what to do in Hanoi for 3 days? The real answer is found in the story you’ve lived, moment by moment, bowl by bowl, smile by smile. Ready to go further? Impress Travel is here to help craft your next chapter, from Hanoi’s hidden gems to the best day tours from Hanoi, including the breathtaking Cao Bang tour from Hanoi. This isn’t the end, it’s just the beginning.