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The Ultimate 48-Hour Food and Fun Guide to Hanoi: Uncover the City’s Best-Kept Secrets

27 October, 2024

In just 48 hours, you can immerse yourself in the rich flavors of Hanoi and tick off a host of famous landmarks from your itinerary. Let’s dive into this suggested schedule and explore the captivating allure of this thousand-year-old city!

The First 24 Hours

On your first day in the capital, embark on a journey to uncover the traditional culinary, cultural, and recreational delights that Hanoi has to offer.

Morning

Start your day early and take a stroll through the ancient streets, breathing in the fresh morning air. Wander through the labyrinth of the Old Quarter and indulge in some quintessential Hanoi breakfast options. Treat yourself to a bowl of steaming pho, a fragrant packet of xoi (sticky rice), or a crispy baguette—all local favorites.

When it comes to street food, the Old Quarter has an abundance of options. For delicious and affordable baguettes, head to 28 Dinh Liet or 19 Ly Quoc Su. As for pho, you can’t go wrong anywhere in Hanoi, from spacious restaurants to humble street vendors. Notable mentions include Pho Thin, Pho Bat Dan, and Pho Ly Quoc Su.

After breakfast, take a leisurely walk through the French Quarter and enjoy a cup of coffee on Trieu Viet Vuong Street, soaking in the vibrant city atmosphere. For a unique beverage experience, Phê La (24 Hang Cot) and Cafe Cong are highly recommended.

Noon

According to many travelers, bun (rice vermicelli) dishes are a favorite for lunch. In the Old Quarter, you can easily find mouthwatering bun cha (grilled pork with vermicelli) on streets like Hang Quat, Hang Than, and Cua Dong.

Alternatively, bun dau (vermicelli with fried tofu and shrimp paste) is another excellent choice to fuel your day. This quintessential Hanoi dish is a must-try for anyone visiting the capital. Head to Hang Khay, Hang Luoc, or Nguyen Sieu streets for a satisfying bun dau meal.

After lunch, take a moment to relax with a glass of iced tea on the sidewalk, watching the bustling city life and listening to the locals share stories of Hanoi’s 36 streets and guilds.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, explore the French colonial architecture on Tran Hung Dao, Ly Thuong Kiet, and Hai Ba Trung streets. Visit the Vietnam Women’s Museum or Hoa Lo Prison to gain insight into Hanoi’s rich history.

As the day progresses, recharge with some delicious and affordable street snacks like congee with pork ribs, fried dumplings, or grilled meat skewers, readily available throughout the city.

Evening

For dinner, treat yourself to a sumptuous meal at a restaurant. Hot pot and porridge at a restaurant on Cua Bac Street come highly recommended by many diners.

Additionally, you can indulge in cha ca (fried fish with dill) at Cha Ca Thang Long, Cha Ca Van Mieu, or Vua Cha Ca. If you’re traveling in a group, consider a goat hot pot at Hang Cot, crab hot pot on Ly Thai To Street, or a meal at Bo To Quan Moc.

Night

Don’t make the mistake of turning in early! As night falls, the city truly comes alive, offering a plethora of dining, entertainment, and nightlife options.

Take a stroll through the Old Quarter, around Ho Guom (Sword Lake), or along the pedestrian street to immerse yourself in the local culture. Hanoi’s nightlife is vibrant, with no shortage of places to eat and play. If you’re feeling adventurous, grab a drink and some snacks on Ta Hien Street.

The city boasts numerous restaurants that stay open late to cater to hungry travelers, offering everything from chicken congee and baguettes to congee with pork ribs and, of course, hot and spicy snails. You’re sure to return to your hotel with a satisfied smile and a full stomach.

The Next 24 Hours

On your second day, focus on exploring parks, gardens, and cultural heritage sites. This 24-hour itinerary emphasizes sightseeing over cuisine, so be sure to get an early start, even if you stayed up late the night before.

Morning

Begin your day with a visit to Thong Nhat Park, one of the largest parks in the heart of Hanoi. It’s the perfect place to observe the lively morning atmosphere as locals engage in their daily exercise routines. If you’re staying near the lake, a stroll around the area will reveal a vibrant morning scene.

Noon

On this second day, explore the Hanoi Opera House, a magnificent example of French colonial architecture. Nearby, the National Museum of Vietnamese History, located just a stone’s throw from the opera house, is also well worth a visit. The museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts showcasing Vietnam’s diverse history and culture.

At noon, take a break and recharge with a nourishing lunch. If you indulged in bun dau or bun cha the day before, consider trying bun thang, bun rieu, or banh da tron today to avoid monotony. And, of course, a glass of iced tea on the sidewalk is a must after your meal.

Afternoon

Make your way to Ba Dinh Square for some sightseeing. After exploring the square, if the weather is pleasant, consider taking a leisurely walk to Ho Tay (West Lake), the largest lake in Hanoi. Surrounding the lake, you’ll find gardens, restaurants, amusement parks, and even a million-dollar villa complex on Tay Ho peninsula.

On the eastern shore of the lake sits Tran Quoc Pagoda, Vietnam’s oldest pagoda, dating back to the sixth century. To the south lies the 800-year-old Quan Thanh Temple, home to a four-ton bronze statue of Buddha, a masterpiece of Vietnamese bronze casting.

Exploring these attractions throughout the afternoon can be tiring, so be sure to refuel with some street snacks if needed. Indulge in any treats you may have missed the day before.

Evening

After dinner on your second evening, take in the city from above, sip on a beverage, and soak in the vibrant nightlife as a fitting farewell to this wonderful city.