24 Winter Hours in Hanoi

24 Winter Hours in Hanoi

24 Winter Hours in Hanoi may sound short, but they’re more than enough for you to explore the city’s iconic landmarks and savor its endless local delights

You can visit Hanoi at any time of the year, but perhaps the most charming and celebrated season is late autumn to early winter. The cool air, kissed by gentle sunlight, makes your city strolls even more delightful. It’s also the perfect time to savor Hanoi’s signature dishes—warm, flavorful, and comforting in the crisp air.

If you happen to be in Hanoi for just 24 hours during this season, here’s a suggested itinerary to make the most of your day.

Begin Your 24 Winter Hours on a Bicycle

To start your 24 Winter Hours in Hanoi journey, you can either rent a bike on your own or check out our bike rental service. Prices start at 50,000 VND per bike for 2 hours or 80,000 VND per bike per day for standard bicycles. You can find us at 96 Yen Hoa, Yen Phu, Tay Ho, Hanoi.

A Relaxed Morning

Begin your one-day Hanoi adventure by checking in at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Every morning, the flag-raising ceremony takes place at 6:00 a.m., a solemn and memorable experience. Afterward, take some time to visit the Mausoleum complex (note that it’s closed on Mondays and Fridays).

From there, enjoy a leisurely breakfast with a classic bowl of Hanoi-style pho. Next, head to Tran Quoc Pagoda—about 2.5 km from the Mausoleum—before continuing to the Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám) to round off your morning of exploration.

Around mid-morning, you can choose another route by heading to Hoan Kiem Lake. Visit Ngoc Son Temple, the Huc Bridge, and Turtle Tower, or take a peaceful walk around the lake. The morning air is still fresh and calm, and the scenery of Hoan Kiem at this time—before the crowds arrive—is truly enchanting.

While at the lake, don’t forget to stop by the Hanoi Opera House for some great photo opportunities. Then treat yourself to a scoop of the famous Trang Tien ice cream—an iconic taste of Hanoi. Around 10 a.m., as the city begins to buzz with activity, make your way to St. Joseph’s Cathedral, one of the trendiest spots in town, located on Nha Chung Street. Take your time to enjoy a refreshing glass of lemon tea at a nearby café before heading off for lunch.

Lunchtime Delights

The lunch break in your one-day Hanoi itinerary is rather brief—just over an hour—but it’s the perfect time to relax and savor the rich flavors of Hanoi’s cuisine. Treat yourself to some of the city’s signature dishes such as bún chả (grilled pork with vermicelli), bún thang (vermicelli in chicken broth), bún cá (fish noodle soup), bún đậu mắm tôm (tofu and pork with shrimp paste), or a refreshing cơm tấm (broken rice) plate.

This hearty meal will recharge your energy for an exciting afternoon exploring the cultural treasures of Hanoi.

An Afternoon of Cultural Discovery

As the afternoon begins, continue your journey by visiting some of the city’s most significant historical and cultural landmarks—such as the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Hoa Lo Prison, or a stroll through Phung Hung mural street and the nearby ceramic mosaic road. Don’t forget to stop by a cozy café to enjoy a cup of strong, aromatic Hanoi-style coffee.

By around 3 p.m., when the weather starts to cool, head over to West Lake (Hồ Tây)—one of the city’s most romantic destinations. If you’re in the mood, stop by Tây Hồ Temple or find a lakeside café with a beautiful view. Toward the end of the day, you might even try a fun SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) session on the lake or simply unwind at a lakeside park to enjoy the sunset—both equally delightful ways to spend the evening.

“Don’t forget to enjoy some of the extremely attractive dishes at West Lake, such as fried shrimp cakes, grilled fish, rice cakes, sweet potatoes, and… It’s delicious, and you can also enjoy a great chat while taking in the lake view, which is truly relaxing.

Evening outings and shopping

You can choose a late dinner at a place that serves dishes like crab soup, grilled shrimp, hotpot, or rice noodles with stir-fried eel, which are delicious. After having a filling meal, take a walk to relax. Enjoy the quiet time in the evening and buy some local specialties. It’s great to take a bike to Long Bien Bridge to admire the night view of Hanoi and head back home…”

Especially, Hanoi is most beautiful at night, when the streets light up in a dazzling glow — especially around the Old Quarter. Head to Ta Hien Street to soak in the vibrant nightlife, where laughter and clinking beer glasses fill the air. The charming Nha Tho Street and the mural-filled Phung Hung Street are also perfect spots for a nighttime stroll or a few Instagram-worthy photos.

One special thing about Hanoi is that it’s a paradise for night owls. The late-night food scene is irresistible, with dishes like spicy noodles, rice porridge with ribs, steamed buns, and street-style pho — so you’ll never go hungry after dark. You can wander the city freely, enjoying the night atmosphere while savoring local delicacies. Just be careful not to overeat!

And don’t worry about getting around — transportation in Hanoi is easy and flexible. You can choose whatever suits you best: motorbike, car, bus, or taxi — as long as it fits your schedule and energy level.