One day in Hanoi can be a delightful challenge for visitors, as the city offers countless local foods and hidden dining spots. Authentic experiences don’t stop at street eats; even fine dining restaurants capture Hanoi’s true culinary spirit. Read this guide to enjoy a full one-day itinerary in Hanoi like a true local.
Table of Contents
Morning – The Gentle Awakening of the City
Egg Coffee at Bà Khanh Café
- Address: 55B Hai Ba Trung Ward, Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 7:30am – 10:30pm
Bà Khanh Café is a small street-side coffee shop beloved by young people across Hanoi for its charm. Their egg coffee combines a shot of pure Vietnamese coffee with a thick, sweet layer of whipped egg cream. The creamy topping balances the strong coffee, creating a smooth, rich flavor that delights every first-time visitor. Beyond the famous egg coffee, the café also serves a renowned egg cream dessert loved by locals and tourists alike.
Local Breakfast – Pho Thin, Lo Duc
- Address: 13 Lo Duc, Pham Dinh Ho, Hai Bat Trung District, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 5:30 am to 9:00 pm
Pho Thin on Lo Duc Street is a family-run restaurant famous for its half-done stir-fried beef noodle soup. Since 1979, Nguyễn Trọng Thìn has served only one specialty, earning loyal diners over more than four decades. Unlike other pho shops offering multiple beef cuts, this restaurant focuses solely on its signature pho bo tai lan.
Lines of devoted customers form every morning, eager to taste the carefully prepared broth and sizzling beef. The aroma of simmering broth, fresh green onions, and stir-fried beef fills the air, tempting locals and tourists alike. Each bowl delivers a harmonious balance of flavor, aroma, and texture, capturing the essence of traditional Hanoi pho.
Sunrise Walk on Long Biên Bridge
- Address: Long Bien Bridge, Ngoc Thuy Ward, Long Bien District, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 24/7
Long Biên Bridge opens to a view of Hanoi’s sunrise, bathing the steel structure in warm light. The Red River mirrors the morning sky, showing soft reflections that shift as the sun climbs higher. Visitors appreciate the bridge’s sturdy construction, which has supported both pedestrians and scooters for over one hundred years.
Pedestrian walkways lie on both sides, offering safe passage while allowing quiet observation of river and city life. Scooters move steadily in separate lanes, one heading east and the other traveling west across the bridge’s span. Sunrise transforms the bridge into a peaceful space, where locals and tourists pause to enjoy calm surroundings. The combination of history, flowing water, and early sunlight creates a memorable scene unique to Hanoi’s mornings.
Midday & Afternoon Whispers
Sticky Rice at Xôi Yến
- Address: 35B Nguyễn Hữu Huân Street, Hàng Bạc Ward, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 06:00am – 00:00am
Xôi Yến, located on Nguyễn Hữu Huân Street in Hanoi, is famous for its delicious sticky rice dishes. The sticky rice is cooked perfectly, with long grains that stay separate and never become mushy or overdone. Braised meat and other toppings are tender and served with sauces on the side to preserve the rice’s flavor.
Visitors enjoy a comfortable visit thanks to the café’s spacious interior and convenient parking for motorcycles and cars. Xôi xéo and xôi thịt stand out on the menu. Each dish balances sticky rice, meat, and condiments, creating a texture and flavor profile that pleases every palate. Travelers seeking local culinary experiences will find Xôi Yến a perfect introduction to Hanoi street food culture.
Lakeside Quietude at Trúc Bạch
- Address: Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
Thanh Nien Road separates Trúc Bạch Lake from West Lake, offering one of Hanoi’s most photogenic streets. Lush trees line the avenue, and calm waters on both sides reflect the sky’s warm orange and pink tones. At sunset, the soft glow transforms the lakes into a picturesque scene that fascinates both locals and visitors.
The road’s gentle curve enhances the reflections, creating a setting ideal for photography enthusiasts and travelers alike. Romantic moments, playful street life, and twilight silhouettes all find a perfect backdrop along this serene avenue. Visitors can rent duck-shaped paddle boats along the lakeside to explore Trúc Bạch Lake at a leisurely pace.
Cruising the calm waters allows guests to enjoy the breeze, admire city views, and experience the lake differently. Affordable rentals, priced around 100,000 to 200,000 VND per hour, make the activity accessible for any visitor. Drifting across the lake during sunset provides an unforgettable experience
Evening – A Taste of Local Elegance
Refined Dinner at Chapter Dining
- Address: 12C Chân Cầm Street, Hàng Trống Ward, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 06:00pm – 10:30pm
Chapter Dining, located at 12C Chân Cầm Street, Hanoi, attracts diners seeking exceptional fine dining experiences. Chef Quang Dũng leads the kitchen with a philosophy that honors Vietnamese culinary traditions and artistry. The restaurant’s open kitchen, framed by Corten steel slats, prepares dishes with charcoal grills to enhance flavor.
A single tasting menu presents more than ten courses, each carefully crafted and inspired by Northern Vietnamese heritage. Ingredients are sourced from local farmers practicing sustainability, reflecting deep respect for both land and culture. Every dish is accompanied by a postcard narrating the story behind its creation and inspiration for diners. The combination of innovative techniques, traditional flavors, and visual artistry makes Chapter a must-visit culinary destination.
Sparkling Thăng Long Imperial Citadel Night Tour
- Address: 19C Hoang Dieu Street, Dien Bien Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Situated in 19C, Hoang Dieu, Ba Dinh ward, the Thăng Long Imperial Citadel was born in 1010, when Lý Thái Tổ king decided to move the capital from Hoa Lu to Dai La. This landmark is recognized by UNESCO as a Hanoi culture’s heritage, which is closely associated with the lens of 1000-year history building and defending Vietnam.
At night, the multi light and bustling atmosphere covers all the Imperial Citadel. A night tour which lasts for nearly 90 minutes gives tourists a chance to be immersed in a unique architectural space. Moreover, what makes this journey unforgettable are part-taking in ancient royal activities (royal banquets, court music and dance,…) and observing 1000-year antiques with your own lens.
One day in Hanoi provides a full experience, from local dining gems to the city’s most iconic sightseeing spots. Each stop delivers flavors and moments that can only be discovered within Hanoi’s streets, lakes, and alleys. End your journey at Chapter Dining, where traditional Vietnamese cuisine meets fine dining artistry in every course.
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Chapter Dining
12C Chan Cam, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Mon – Sat from 18:00 – 23:00
Tel: +84 333 201 221 – Reserve a table
Email: reservation@chapter.vn
