4 Days In Hanoi: Day-By-Day Itinerary For The Best Sights, Food, & Day Trips From The Old Quarter

4 days in Hanoi offer the perfect blend of culture, history, and cuisine for every traveler. From ancient pagodas and vibrant streets to pho and egg coffee by Hoan Kiem Lake, the city promises unforgettable moments. Let GTrip be your guide through the Old Quarter, hidden temples, and authentic local flavors. A short trip crafted for meaningful and memorable experiences.

What to do in Hanoi in 4 days

Hanoi, Vietnam's captivating capital, offers a perfect blend of ancient traditions and modern vibrancy. This day-by-day guide will show you the essential things to do in Hanoi over a 4-day itinerary, covering its heritage, cuisine, and hidden gems.

Day 1: Exploring the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake

Morning: Wander the bustling Old Quarter

• Hanoi Old Quarter is located in central Hanoi, easily walkable from most downtown accommodations. It's a compact area of 36 streets named after the trades once practised there.
• Begin at Dong Xuan Market, where you can explore its three floors filled with textiles, handicrafts, and local goods.
• Sample aromatic ca phe sua da (Vietnamese iced coffee) at a sidewalk cafe for 15,000 - 30,000 VND ($0.57 - 1.15).
• Navigate through narrow streets like Hang Bac (silver street) and Hang Gai (silk street), where ancient architecture meets bustling commerce.
• Try banh mi from street vendors for a quick breakfast (20,000 - 35,000 VND/$0.77 - 1.34).

Discover Hanoi's Old Quarter, a vibrant maze of 36 historic streets filled with markets, street food, and timeless charm

Read more: Top 10 Places for the Best Banh Mi in Hanoi You Must Try

Afternoon: Iconic lakeside landmarks

• Hoan Kiem Lake sits at the southern edge of the Old Quarter, a 5-minute walk from most Old Quarter locations. Walking is the best way to experience this area.
• Cross the vibrant red The Huc Bridge to reach Ngoc Son Temple on a small island in the lake.
• Explore the temple's artefacts and learn about the legend of Emperor Le Loi returning his magic sword to the Golden Turtle God.
• Visit Bach Ma Temple, one of Hanoi's oldest temples, free to enter but donations appreciated.
• Cool down with fresh coconut water from vendors surrounding the lake area.

Evening: Traditional arts & nightlife

• The Thang Long Water Puppet Theater sits at the northern shore of Hoan Kiem Lake. Tickets cost about 100,000 - 150,000 VND ($3.83 - 5.75) for the hour-long performance showcasing traditional Vietnamese folklore through water puppetry.
• After the show, walk 10 minutes to Ta Hien Street, nicknamed "Beer Street" in the heart of the Old Quarter. Enjoy freshly brewed bia hoi (draft beer) for just 30,000 VND ($1.15) per glass while sitting on tiny plastic stools alongside locals and travelers.
• Sample street food delicacies like nem chua ran (fried fermented pork) from vendors lining the street.

Experience Vietnam’s rich folklore at Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, then unwind with street food and bia hoi on lively Ta Hien Street

Day 2: Hanoi's heritage hideaways and coffee culture

Morning: Living history and architecture

• Start your day by heading to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. During the hot season (April 1 to October 31), the mausoleum opens from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM, and until 11:00 AM on weekends and public holidays. In the cold season (November 1 to March 31), it opens from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM, and until 11:30 AM on weekends and holidays. Admission is free, but photography is not allowed inside, and visitors are expected to dress modestly, no shorts or sleeveless tops.
• After paying respects to Uncle Ho, continue your visit to the surrounding complex, which includes the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, and his carp pond.
• Finally, don’t miss the nearby One Pillar Pagoda, an iconic wooden temple built in 1049, perched atop a single stone pillar shaped like a blooming lotus flower.

Begin your morning at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, then explore nearby landmarks like the Presidential Palace, stilt house, and iconic One Pillar Pagoda

Afternoon: Lunch like a local, explore literary roots

• Dine at Bun Cha Huong Lien, made famous by Anthony Bourdain and President Obama's visit. Order their signature bun cha, grilled pork with rice noodles and herbs.
• Head to the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam) to explore Vietnam's first national university, established in 1070. Entry fee is 30,000 VND ($1.15). Marvel at the 82 stone stelae bearing the names and achievements of early doctorate recipients and the ancient pavilions dedicated to Confucius.

Read more: Top 10+ Best Bun Cha in Hanoi Must - Try Spots for Authentic Flavor

Evening: An elegant night in Hanoi

• Start your evening at the Hanoi Opera House (1 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem), a stunning French colonial landmark glowing under warm lights. It's a perfect spot for a stroll and photos.
• You have two excellent dining options within walking distance:
  • Quan An Ngon (18 Phan Boi Chau): Set in a colonial villa, this beloved restaurant offers a vast menu of clean, beautifully presented Vietnamese dishes from all regions.
  • Pizza 4P’s (43 Trang Tien): A stylish spot known for fresh cheese and creative pizzas, perfect for a change of taste.
• Walk to Trang Tien Ice Cream (35 Trang Tien), about 20,000 VND ($0.77) and enjoy a cone like the locals, standing outside the shop.
• End the night with a peaceful walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, admiring the illuminated The Huc Bridge and Turtle Tower, a quiet, romantic close to your day.

End your night with a serene stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, where The Huc Bridge and Turtle Tower glow softly in the evening light

Day 3: Retail therapy and artistic finds

Morning: Traditional markets & artisans

• Long Bien Market is located on the eastern edge of the Old Quarter, about 1.5 km from Hoan Kiem Lake. For the authentic experience, arrive very early, around 5 - 6 AM, when it's most active.
• Navigate through stalls of fresh produce, flowers, and street food vendors, sampling banh cuon (steamed rice rolls) for breakfast (25,000 VND/$0.96).
• Head back toward the center to Hang Gai Street (Silk Street), browse shops selling high-quality Vietnamese silk products, with scarves starting at 150,000 VND ($5.75) and custom-made clothes available within 24 - 48 hours.

Start your morning at bustling Long Bien Market, then explore Hang Gai Street for handmade silk and traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship

Read more: Top 15 Dishes for the Best Breakfast in Hanoi You Must Try

Afternoon: Discover Hanoi's art scene

• For lunch, try bun oc Hanoi (special snail noodle soup) at Quan Bun Oc Co Hue, just about a 700m walk. A bowl costs 30,000 - 50,000 VND ($1.15 - 1.92)
• Start at Apricot Gallery (40 Hang Trong Street) around St. Joseph's Cathedral, about 1km from Quan Bun Oc Co Hue, featuring contemporary Vietnamese artists in a beautiful French colonial building.
• Walk 5 minutes to Nguyen Art Gallery (31 Van Mieu Street) to view works combining traditional Vietnamese themes with modern techniques.
• Continue to the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum (15-minute walk, entry 40,000 VND/$1.53), housing historical and contemporary Vietnamese artwork.

Evening: Soak up the beauty of Hanoi by night from above

• Start your evening at Banh Mi Ba Dan (34 Lo Su Street) - one of Hanoi’s top banh mi spots, in the Old Quarter. Their crispy baguettes, generously filled with pate, cold cuts, and fresh herbs, are priced at just 25,000 - 35,000 VND ($0.96 - 1.34).
• Then, take a Grab or Xanh SM ride (30,000 VND/$1.15) to Serein Cafe & Lounge. This rooftop venue offers sweeping views of West Lake and Hanoi’s skyline sparkling under the night lights. Sip on a craft cocktail (120,000 - 180,000 VND/$4.60 - 6.90), enjoy your flavorful banh mi, and soak in the calm, ambient atmosphere of the city at night. The open-air terrace is a perfect photo spot, capturing Hanoi’s striking contrasts, from ancient temple roofs and colonial charm to the modern high-rise cityscape.

Unwind on a rooftop terrace with sweeping views of West Lake, craft cocktails, and Hanoi’s skyline glowing under the night sky

Day 4: A day trip to an ancient village and cultural experiences

Morning: Exploring Bat Trang Pottery Village

• Bat Trang Village is located 13 km southeast of Hanoi's center. The most convenient transportation option is a Grab car (120,000 - 150,000 VND/$4.60 - 5.75 one-way, 30 - 40 minutes) or Bus 47 from Long Bien Bus Station. This 700-year-old craft village specializes in traditional Vietnamese ceramics, with dozens of family-owned workshops and showrooms.
• Visit the Bat Trang Pottery Market to browse endless options of handmade ceramics, from everyday household items to artistic sculptures. Participate in a pottery-making workshop where you can create your piece using a potter's wheel (workshop fee: 100,000 - 150,000 VND/$3.83 - 5.75).
• Purchase authentic Vietnamese ceramics as souvenirs, with small items starting at 50,000 VND ($1.92) and larger pieces from 200,000 VND ($7.66).

Just 13 km from Hanoi, Bat Trang Village offers handmade ceramics, pottery workshops, and unique souvenirs in a centuries-old craft setting

Read more: The 15 Best Places to Buy Souvenirs in Hanoi

Afternoon: Rustic cuisine and historical sites

• Before leaving Bat Trang, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant like Quan Com Bat Trang, where traditional dishes reflect the village's rustic character. Try banh duc (rice flour cakes with fermented shrimp paste) for 40,000 VND ($1.53) or the village's special braised fish with fresh herbs (70,000 - 100,000 VND/$2.68 - 3.83).
• After a morning exploring Bat Trang, it’s the perfect time to unwind with a gentle massage or relaxing spa session. Take a short rest at your hotel, then enjoy a stroll around the peaceful Truc Bach Lake.
• If you’re still feeling energized, visit Phung Hung Mural Street, where vivid wall art captures the charm of old Hanoi. End your afternoon with a cup of coffee in Hanoi’s Chinatown - a nostalgic little corner that evokes the vintage charm of old Hanoi, quiet and full of poetic atmosphere.

Evening: Relaxation and fine dining

• After, walk 5 minutes to The Alchemist bar in the upscale Trang Tien area. Unwind with expertly crafted cocktails (150,000 - 200,000 VND/$5.75 - 7.66) in an elegant space featuring art deco design elements.
• For your final dinner in Hanoi, walk another 5 minutes to Madame Hien Restaurant, set in a renovated French colonial villa. Savor refined Vietnamese cuisine prepared with traditional techniques, including their standout cha ca La Vong (turmeric fish with dill, 220,000 VND/$8.43) and nem Hien (Madame Hien's special spring rolls, 180,000 VND/$6.90).
• End your Hanoi adventure with a stroll back toward Hoan Kiem Lake, beautifully lit at night, reflecting on four days of cultural immersion in Vietnam's captivating capital.

Wrap up your Hanoi journey with a twilight stroll by Hoan Kiem Lake, reflecting on four days of rich cultural discovery

Where to stay in Hanoi for 4 days

Hanoi offers accommodations for every budget and style. Here's a curated selection of quality stays across different neighborhoods and price points:

• Old Quarter - budget: Vietnam Backpacker Hostels (dorms from 180,000 VND/$6.90 per night) or Central Backpackers Hostel (220,000 VND/$8.40 per night)
• Old Quarter - mid-range: La Siesta Hotel & Spa (1,300,000 VND/$49.80 per night) or Hanoi La Selva Hotel (950,000 VND/$36.40 per night)
• West Lake - upscale: InterContinental Hanoi Westlake (3,820,000 VND/$146.30 per night) or Fraser Suites (3,240,000 VND/$124.10 per night)
• French Quarter - luxury: Sofitel Legend Metropole (5,220,000 VND/$200 per night) or Hotel de l'Opera (2,610,000 VND/$100 per night)

Hanoi has stays for every style and budget, from lively hostels in the Old Quarter to luxury escapes by West Lake and the French Quarter

Read more: Top 12 Luxury Hotels in Hanoi for Your Unforgettable Trip

Tips to keep in mind when traveling in Vietnam's capital

Navigating Hanoi requires some cultural awareness and practical knowledge to ensure a smooth 4-day visit. These essential tips will help you respect local customs while staying safe and comfortable during your time in Vietnam's captivating capital:

• Dress code at sacred sites: Wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees when visiting temples, pagodas, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Bring a light scarf to cover up when needed.
• Money management: Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, instead, use a combination of Vietnamese dong and credit cards. Many places accept USD, but local currency gets better rates.
• Traffic navigation: Exercise extreme caution when crossing streets, traffic flows continuously with minimal stopping. Cross slowly and steadily, maintaining a consistent pace so motorbikes can predict your movement.
• Bargaining etiquette: Negotiate prices at markets but do so respectfully. A good rule is to start at 50 - 70% of the initial price, maintaining a friendly attitude throughout.
• Respect local customs: Remove shoes when entering homes or certain temple areas, avoid public displays of affection, and ask permission before photographing locals.

Best time to travel to Hanoi

Timing your 4-day Hanoi trip can shape your entire experience. Each season brings its charm and challenges, so knowing the weather will help you plan for comfort, culture, and fewer crowds.

Optimal seasons for visiting Hanoi:

• Autumn (September - November)
  • Temperature range: 20 - 28°C (68 - 82°F)
  • Low humidity and gentle breezes
  • Clear blue skies are perfect for photography
  • Ideal for extended walking tours of the Old Quarter
  • Traditional Mid-Autumn Festival (September/October)
  • Golden rice harvest in the nearby countryside
• Spring (February - April)
  • Temperature range: 15 - 23°C (59 - 73°F)
  • Mild weather with occasional light rain
  • Cherry blossoms and tropical flowers in bloom
  • Tet Nguyen Dan (Vietnamese New Year) celebrations in February
  • Perfume Pagoda Festival (February/March)
  • Less crowded tourist attractions after the Tet

Seasons to reconsider:

• Summer (June - August)
  • High temperatures (30 - 35°C/86 - 95°F)
  • Extreme humidity (80 - 90%)
  • Heavy rainfall and potential flooding
  • Thunderstorms can disrupt outdoor activities
  • Peak tourist season with higher accommodation prices
• Winter (December - January)
  • Cooler temperatures (15 - 20°C/59 - 68°F)
  • Can drop to 10°C (50°F) at night
  • Frequent drizzle and overcast skies
  • High humidity makes it feel colder than it is
  • Christmas and New Year crowds at popular sites
  • Budget-friendly accommodation options are available

For the best experience, visit Hanoi in autumn or spring when the weather is mild, the skies are clear, and cultural festivals bring the city to life

You may also like:

• One Day In Hanoi Itinerary: Essential Sights, Food, Culture, & Guide
• How to Spend 2 Days in Hanoi: A Complete Day-by-Day Itinerary
• 3 Days in Hanoi Itinerary: Best Things to Do, Eat & Explore

As you stand on the brink of an unforgettable journey, knowing what to do for 4 days in Hanoi is an invitation to discover a vibrant tapestry of history, culture, and culinary delights. GTrip's guide has woven together experiences that promise deep connections with the heart of Vietnam. Each step through ancient streets or moments shared over pho holds memories waiting to be cherished. With insights gleaned, you now have both knowledge and inspiration at your fingertips, ready to transform plans into reality. Whatever you'll find in Hanoi next will be uniquely yours, a testament to the dynamic spirit of exploration. If questions linger or curiosity draws you toward new horizons, remember that this journey can be part of a larger adventure with a Vietnam tour package from GTrip, where you can always uncover more travel treasures.