One day in Hanoi: How to live like a local for 24 hours in Hanoi

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a captivating blend of antiquity and modernity, making it a true mystical treasure box full of hidden gems that await you to discover! Here are some good ideas that guarantee an unforgettable trip to the fascinating Vietnamese capital, as they will show you how to enjoy the city like the locals do. 

With 24 hours in Hanoi, let’s see what you can do to make the most of the city!

Kick off your day by doing some exercises at Hoan Kiem Lake

Let's start living like a local in Hanoi for 24 hours! Your day will start on the banks of Hoan Kiem Lake at dawn, just as the sun is beginning to show its first rays. Take part in a Tai Chi class, play a game of badminton, keep up with an aerobics class, or simply warm up alongside the locals by the lake. You will be satisfied with your immersion and with discovering the Vietnamese capital from a very unique angle.

Early morning at Hoan Kiem Lake 

Take a typical Hanoi breakfast

After the workout, it’s time for a mouthwatering breakfast! There are numerous options for a traditional Hanoi breakfast for your stay in Hanoi. You can treat yourself to a bowl of Phở, the globally famous Vietnamese noodle soup. Or, you could enjoy a steamy portion of Bánh Cuốn, which are Vietnamese steamed rice rolls made from a thin sheet of rice batter filled with ground pork and minced wood ear mushrooms. You could also try Xôi, sticky rice accompanied with egg, pâté, or pork. Or you could simply enjoy a loaf of Bánh Mì, the well-known Vietnamese sandwich that is crunchy on the outside and flavorful on the inside. Don’t forget to try some Trà Đá (Vietnamese iced tea) to finish the meal. 

Hanoi breakfast recommendations

Stroll through one of Hanoi's markets

Now that your batteries are fully charged, let’s go visit some markets. Hanoi has no less than 400 markets for you to randomly pick out one or some of them, so the decision is all yours! If your adventure starts in the Hanoi Old Quarter, head for Dong Xuan Market, situated only 800 m away from Hoan Kiem Lake. Dong Xuan Market is the largest covered market of Hanoi and contributes as one of the city’s symbols. You will find almost everything there, including foodstuffs, clothing, household goods, and souvenirs. Immersing yourself in the market's bustling atmosphere and trying to bargain with the vendors is the best way to get closer to the people and local culture.

Wander the Old Quarter and the French Quarter of Hanoi

Next up, stroll through the lively Old Quarter of Hanoi, where each street is specialized in one specific type of service or commerce. Since Dong Xuan Market is located at the heart of the Hanoi Old Quarter, you are off to a very great start! Wander around a maze of bustling streets, and be careful not to get lost, as it is easy to be taken away by all the colors and sounds. This is a captivating neighborhood where you will find Vietnamese old architecture, as well as the multicolored shops that adorn the sidewalks. A place full of hidden gems awaits to be revealed.    

Hang Quat Street in the Old Quarter

You can then walk to the French Quarter, a neighborhood famous for colonial buildings. Go to Phan Dinh Phung Boulevard, the most poetic street to Hanoians, to have a cup of Vietnamese coffee. And why not try for a cup of creamy egg coffee? This is one of the capital’s staples, and it’s guaranteed that you can’t find the exact taste anywhere else. Continue your walk to admire the former Albert Sarrault High School, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, or the National Museum of Vietnamese History in Indochinese style, an osmosis of local traditional architecture and Western style.

Hearty lunch with Hanoi’s delicacies

There are countless options for lunch, and it all depends on your preference and appetite. If you are up for something light and fresh, head for some Phở Cuốn, which is a sheet of uncut Phở wrapped around beef, lettuce, and coriander served with a dipping sauce made from Nước Mắm (fish sauce), with sliced papaya and carrot. In case you crave something meaty, Bún Chả is the choice to go. This delightful dish features vermicelli paired with flavorful seasoned grilled pork meatballs and pork belly also served with a delectable sauce made from fish sauce and accompanied by carrot and papaya slices.

Hanoi lunch recommendations

Bike ride and temple visit for the afternoon

In the afternoon, go for a bike ride around West Lake. The 14 km track around the lake offers opportunities to stop at many temples and pagodas, such as the Trấn Quốc Pagoda, which was built in the 6th century during the reign of Lý Nam Đế and is the oldest pagoda in the capital. Or the Palatial Temple, located on the shore of the West Lake, which worships the Mother Goddess Princess Liễu Hạnh - one of the Four Immortals in Vietnamese culture. You can also visit the Quán Thánh Temple, one of the last Taoist temples in Vietnam. The West Lake is an ideal spot in Hanoi to watch the sunset, so don't forget to pause to completely appreciate the beauty of the golden hue reflected on the sparkling lake.

Enjoy Hanoi's festive and lively night 

Start your night the way many Hanoians would love to do: go grab some Bia Hơi, a type of draught beer and another Vietnamese capital’s staples. The best destination that is appreciated by every capital resident is Ta Hien Street. A refreshing, cool beer in a dynamic outdoor setting is guaranteed to leave you with unforgettable moments.

Ta Hien Street

Since you’re in the city center, take advantage of your stay in Hanoi to taste one of the most famous regional specialties: Chả Cá, which is grilled fish, then fried with dill, green onion and accompanied by vermicelli, herbs, and peanuts, served with Mắm Tôm (shrimp paste) or fish sauce according to your preference. If you still have a little energy left, head to the Long Bien Night Market, the largest wholesale fruit and vegetable market in Hanoi. You will be amazed by the extraordinary ballet of trucks loaded with mountains of fresh fruit and vegetables and hardworking people carrying yokes and unloading them to stock the stalls. By the end of the night, you will return to your hotel bed and slowly fall asleep with your heart filled with unforgettable experiences from intimate interactions with Hanoi's local culture.

Cha Ca Hanoi

We hope that you now have a clue on what to do in Hanoi in 24 hours and will be able to enjoy the city to the fullest, just like the locals do. Feel free to share your thoughts about this article, your feelings about your trip to Hanoi (to Vietnam as well), and let us know if you have better ideas on how to enjoy a trip to our beloved capital! If you have any questions or need any advice for your trip to Hanoi or Vietnam, don't hesitate to contact us via this email address sales@authentiktravel.com. See you soon in Hanoi!

Related articles: 

>> Best Time to Visit Hanoi, Vietnam

>> Top 12+ best things to do in Hanoi

>> What to do in Hanoi at night? 7 ideas for nightlife in Hanoi

>> Visit Hanoi in 1, 2 or 3 days - what to see and do?

>> Best Time to Visit Vietnam: A detailed weather guide

>> Vietnam tour 14 days, what to visit in Vietnam in 2 weeks?

>> Vietnam tour in 15 days: what to do and what is the ideal itinerary?