24 Hours in Phnom Penh: A One-Day Itinerary

Phnom Penh rewards travelers who know where to pause. If you only have a day in the capital, this is the route we like: a morning of history and markets, a relaxed Khmer lunch, an afternoon of local boutiques, and an evening of palace walks and rooftop views. It moves at a good pace, but it can also be spread over two or three days for a slower trip.

Morning: history, coffee and the Central Market

Start the day around 7:45 with breakfast at your hotel — and a quick dip in the pool if there is one. A calm start makes the rest of the day easier.

From there, head to the SOSORO Museum (aim for around 9:15). It tells the story of Cambodia's history and economy through clear, well-designed exhibitions and interactive displays. It is thoughtfully done and works well for families with children too. If you want a short break, Café Khlang sits in the museum garden — an easy place for a coffee.

Step out into the historic Post Office district for a short walk past its colonial architecture. Nearby, Artisans Angkor is a good first stop for shopping: a boutique showcasing Cambodian craftsmanship and meaningful souvenirs.

Then make your way to Phsar Thmei (Central Market), an iconic Phnom Penh landmark instantly recognizable by its yellow Art Deco dome. Inside, a lively maze of stalls sells jewellery, fabrics, souvenirs and local street food — a good way to feel the rhythm of the city. Most stalls work in cash, so it helps to understand how payment works in Cambodia before you start browsing.

If you love fashion, add Ambre by Romyda Keth, set in a beautiful former colonial villa.

Midday: a relaxed Khmer lunch and Street 240

For lunch, the restaurant at Pavilion Hotel is a quiet choice — refined Khmer cuisine in a peaceful garden setting beside the pool. It is a good spot to relax and recharge. It may be best to reserve in advance.

Afterwards you are right by Street 240, one of the city's most pleasant streets for browsing small boutiques. Look out for Awesomepick at The Weaver Tale, where you can pick up delicate Cambodian cashew nuts.

Afternoon: south Phnom Penh

Hop on a tuk-tuk (easy to book through the Grab app) and continue south.

Stop at Café Vann Molyvann, set in the former home of the great Khmer architect who shaped Phnom Penh's modern architecture in the 1950s and 1960s. It is a lovely place to enjoy a coffee while discovering a piece of Cambodia's architectural history. (In the Grab app, enter BROWN Coffee, Mao Tse Toung Blvd.)

Next, the Toul Tompoung Market, better known as the Russian Market — a dense, characterful market that is good for souvenirs and people-watching. Around it, two stops are worth your time: La Plantation, a shop and small pepper museum dedicated to Kampot pepper, with the story of its cultivation and beautifully packaged products to take home; and For Someone I Like, a charming gift boutique with handmade jewellery, home décor and refined treats.

If the day is catching up with you, Devatara Spa is a good option for a massage in the neighbourhood.

Evening: Royal Palace, National Museum and rooftops

The day is full, so you have two options: head back to your hotel to rest, or keep going toward the Royal Palace and the National Museum of Cambodia (about 15 to 20 minutes from the Russian Market).

Follow Street 184 along the Royal Palace. The National Museum of Cambodia is well worth a visit, though on a one-day plan you may not have time to go inside. By its main entrance you will find Senteurs d'Angkor, a boutique of locally made soaps, beauty products, Kampot pepper and scented candles — a good place for gifts. Walk a little further and turn right for the Royal Palace, very pleasant in the morning light, with its large square, pigeons and street vendors.

For a drink, Le Moon Rooftop sits above the riverside near the Walking Street, known for panoramic views and a relaxed atmosphere — a good place for a cocktail at sunset. If you want to compare a few options first, see our guide to rooftop bars across Phnom Penh.

For dinner, Phnom Penh has plenty of choice, from Khmer to Italian, French and Japanese. For modern Khmer cuisine, try Bai Sor. For a lively street with many options, head to Lanka Lane. And to end the night high above the city, Sova Bar sits on the 37th floor of Vattanac Tower — an iconic rooftop for one last view.

If you have more time

This itinerary works in a single day, but Phnom Penh rewards a longer stay. Consider adding time to learn more about Cambodia's history and explore the surrounding area. A visit to PSE (Pour un Sourire d'Enfant), for example, is worth around half a day.

Less searching, better places. Explore more addresses for Phnom Penh — and Siem Reap — on The Map Cambodia, available in print and online.