The Ultimate 1-Day Itinerary in Ha Noi’s Old Quarter (Recommended by a Local)

 

Don’t know what to do for your first short stay in Ha Noi’s Old Quarter? Here’s a detailed day to night itinerary recommended by a local on places to visit. 

Breakfast:

 

 

Vietnamese people greatly value the first meal of the day, so waking up in the Old Quarter, you have to stop for Pho Hanoi for breakfast. Phở 10 Lý Quốc Sư is a popular spot that is always packed with locals and travelers. Despite the crowd, their service is quick so the wait isn’t too long. Their broth is light and refreshing, suitable for many taste buds. 

Location: Phở 10 Lý Quốc Sư 

Address: 10 P. Lý Quốc Sư, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Coffee:

 

 

After a hearty breakfast, stop for dessert and coffee to officially wake up for the day. If you’ve done research on Vietnam, you’ve probably heard of Cafe Giảng. We recommend stopping by there for coffee, because they are the original egg coffee creator and have been around for decades. Egg coffee is a specialty of Vietnam and it would be a missed opportunity to not try the unique concoction. Be aware that it gets super packed with locals and travelers.

Location: Cafe Giảng

Address: 39 P. Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Lý Thái Tổ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Attractions:

The Old Quarter is the heart of Ha Noi, therefore, just about every attraction is near there. 

 

 

Stroll around Hoàn Kiếm Lake and see the Turtle Tower and Pen Tower; they are some of the oldest monuments in Vietnam and are a large part of Vietnamese history. 

 

 

St. Joseph Cathedral is also located in the Old Quarter and the architecture is absolutely magnificent. 

 

 

If you want to go a little further out, book a motorbike and visit Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh is a highly respected historical figure in Vietnam, so it’d be great to learn more about him there.

Location: Hoàn Kiếm Lake

Address: 1-8 P. Lê Thái Tổ, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam 

Location: St. Joseph Cathedral

Address: 40 P. Nhà Chung, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam 

Location: Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum

Address: Hùng Vương, Điện Biên, Ba Đình, Hà Nội, Vietnam 

Lunch:

 

 

When you are unsure on what to eat, we recommend searching for restaurants that offer a variety of dishes, that way you are able to try more things during your short stay in Ha Noi. Noodle & Roll offers traditional Vietnamese foods with vegetarian options as well. They offer spring rolls, egg rolls, Vietnamese salads, noodle and rice dishes, etc. 

Location: Noodle & Roll

Address: 39c P. Lý Quốc Sư, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam 

 

 

After lunch, treat yourself to some Vietnamese desserts called che. It is a sweet and refreshing drink and depending on the flavor there could be beans, coconut, fruits, etc. Chè Bốn Mùa is a popular spot that offers a variety of flavors. We highly recommend trying che, because it is perfect for the hot and humid summer. 

Location: Chè Bốn Mùa

Address: 4 P. Hàng Cân, Hàng Bồ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam 

Pottery class:

 

 

After sightseeing all day, partaking in a pottery class is a fun and unique activity to try. Pottery has been a part of Vietnamese history for a long time and it is a greatly valued craft, therefore, this would be a great chance to relax while learning about the culture. Authentic Bat Trang offers pottery classes everyday and is super flexible with the hours. You get to learn the basics through a professional potter and take home your very own handmade souvenir. 

Location: Authentic Bat Trang - Ceramic Shop 

Website:  https://authenticbattrang.vn/ 

Address: 115 P. Hàng Gai, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Dinner:

 

 

Visit Bếp Quán to experience an authentic Vietnamese dinner in Ha Noi. Feast like a king with their endless menu options, featuring hotpot, traditional herbal chicken, Vietnamese grilled pork, and much much more. Additionally the display is so intricate you can definitely feel that the service is top-notch. 

Location: Bếp Quán

Address: số 10 P. Thợ Nhuộm, Cửa Nam, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam 

 

The very last thing you can do on your agenda is souvenir shopping if you still have energy from your jammed pack day. Ha Noi’s Old Quarter is composed of roads and alleyways selling endless possibilities of things that are bound to suit your personal style. 

We hope our itinerary was able to help you prepare for your trip to Ha Noi, Vietnam. Have fun traveling!