48 Hours in Hanoi: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary

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Hanoi is a city that grabs hold of you from the moment you arrive. Even if you only have 2 days in Hanoi, you can get a real taste of the city’s culture, food, and atmosphere. This itinerary will help you make the most of a short visit, with a step-by-step plan for two full days, from steaming bowls of pho in the morning to cocktails with a view at night.

I spent a couple of weeks exploring Hanoi and think you can easily spend much more time here, but if you’re on a tight schedule and don’t mind hectic days, you can squeeze the highlights of Hanoi into a weekend trip.

Getting to Hanoi City from the Airport

Your trip will most likely start at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), which is located about 30 kilometers from the city center. The journey can take anywhere from 40 minutes to over an hour depending on traffic, so it’s best to plan ahead.

Many Hotels offer free pickup so take advantege of that. Keep in mind that the customs control in Hanoi is notorious for taking a long time, we spent almost 2 hours getting out of the airport.

If you don’t have free pickup you can grab a local taxi outside for about $15 or Vietnam Airlines Shuttle directly to the old Quarter for $1,5.

However, If you’re arriving late at night, have heavy luggage, or just want a stress-free start to your trip, a private transfer is the way to go.

Book your transfer in advance here

Get a private pick-up when you arrive in Hanoi. Prices range between 15-20$

Hanoi

Day 1 of your weekend in Hanoi: Exploring Hanoi’s Heart

Morning – First Taste of Hanoi

Begin your day the way locals do: with pho. The steaming broth with thin slices of beef, and fresh herbs are the perfect introduction to Vietnamese cuisine. You won’t have any problem finding a spot that sells Pho around breakfast, but a very popular spot you can head to is Pho Gia Truyen which is open for breakfast from 6am–10am.

After breakfast, spend your morning wandering around Hoan Kiem Lake and watch the locals gather around to work out and practice their Tai Chi. You can also cross the iconic red bridge and enter Ngoc Son Temple.

Mornings in Hanoi

Midday – Coffee & Culture

Hanoi is famous for its coffee, but none is more unique than egg coffee. This sweet, frothy drink was invented during a milk shortage in the 1940's, and has become a symbol of the city. You will see that many cafés have started selling it, but my advice is to head to Café Giang where it all started. Just entering the hidden coffeshop is fun in itself. You won’t be the only tourist there, but it still felt surprisingly authentic and even if you don’t drink coffe they have lots of different varieties you can try. I tested an egg cocoa with coconut which was delicious.

If you’re hungry for some lunch, grab a Banh Mi and make your way over to the Temple of Literature. Built in 1070, it was Vietnam’s first university and is dedicated to Confucius. The courtyards are filled with stone steles, ancient trees, and pavilions that feel like stepping back in time.

Temple of Literature, Hanoi

Evening – Street Food & Hanoi Nights

Head over to the Old Quarter before it gets dark and wander through the chaotic, but charming streets. This area dates back more than a thousand years and was traditionally divided into 36 guild streets, each dedicated to a specific trade. You’ll still see hints of that today, from silver shops to silk stores. If you’re in Hanoi during the weekend, head up to the Night Market and explore a mix of souvenirs, clothes and street snacks.

You won’t have any problem finding a local spot to grab dinner in the Old Quarter, but a tip is to try bún chả, a dish of grilled pork served with rice noodles and herbs, a local dish from Hanoi. The most famous spot is Bún Chả Hương Liên which is open until 9pm. It was made famous when the restaurant hosted Barack Obama and Anthony Bourdain in 2016.

When you’ve had your fill, finish the night on Ta Hien Street, also known as Beer Street. Here, travelers and locals sit on tiny stools, drinking bia hơi (fresh draft beer) for less than a dollar. It’s crowded, noisy, and the perfect way to experience Hanoi’s nightlife. Another option is to head to one of the many rooftop bars in the area to get a good view of the Hanoi skyline while sipping a drink. A couple of my favorites around the Old Quarter are Skyline Hanoi, Solar Sky bar and Solsky bar.

Day 2 of youre 2 Day Itinerary in Hanoi: Citadels & Train Street

Morning – Ho Chi Minh Complex

The second day is pretty packed, but if you start early and want to see as much as possible this is what I would do.

Start your second day at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. If you choose to go inside you can see the preserved body of Ho Chi Minh. The atmosphere here is very serious and respectful, so dress modestly. You won’t get in if your knees or shoulders are showing. In here you will also find the One Pillar Pagoda which is one of my favorites temples in Hanoi.

A short walk from here you’ll also find the Presidential Palace if you want to explore that. Keep in mind that both the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Presidential Palace aren’t open every day or all day, so check opening hours when you plan to make sure you don’t head there at the wrong time.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and One Pillar Pagoda

Midday– Imperial Citadel & Flag Tower

Continue your exploration with a visit to the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. This was in my opinion one of the most underrated places in Hanoi and I highly recommend spending some time here. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the political heart of Vietnam for more than 1,000 years. Right next door stands the Hanoi Flag Tower. It’s in the same complex as the Citadel, and you can climb parts of it to get a view of the surrounding city.

If you feel like you still have plenty of time you can head over to the Tran Quoc Pagoda on West lake, and even head up to The Summit Bar for what I think is the best view of Hanoi and some really great drinks.

The Citadel in Hanoi

Evening – Train street & drinks

End your day at one of Hanoi’s most iconic sights. The Train Street is a narrow stretch of train tracks where trains run past just inches from cafés and houses. It’s a pretty popular spot, but if you’re a small group there’s no need to book anything in advance unless you have your sights set on a specific café. Just find a spot you think looks nice and get a drink while waiting for the train to come.

Train Street, Hanoi

Guided tours of Hanoi

If you feel like navigating through Hanoi while trying to see all the sights in a weekend sounds hectic, there are lots of great guided city and food tours you can choose from so you don’t have to do any planning. Below are some of the most popular ones.

Best Guided tours in Hanoi

Hanoi Backstreet Jeep Tour : Hanoi Highlights and Hidden Gems

Hanoi Motorbike Tour: Food, Culture and Fun by Vintage Motorbike

Hanoi City Tour Full Day - All Included

Best Food Tours in Hanoi

Small Group Hanoi Street Food Tour with a Real Foodie

Hanoi Cooking Class: Culture, Tales, Local Market, Free Pick-Up

Hanoi Motorbike Tours Led By Women: Hanoi By Night Foodie Motorbike Tours

Where to Stay in Hanoi

If you only have a weekend in Hanoi, your best bet is to base yourself in the Old Quarter. However, if you want some other choices, you can read my full guide of the different areas here.

Little Charm Hanoi Hostel ($20 per night)

A backpacker favorite, this hostel feels more like a boutique hotel with its stylish design and clean dorms. There’s even a pool, which is rare in the Old Quarter. It’s social without being a wild party spot, making it a great choice for solo travelers.

Bespoke Trendy Hotel ($100 per night)

This mid-range hotel is a gem, with beautifully designed rooms, friendly staff, and an excellent in-house spa. It’s modern but still feels very Vietnamese, making it a cozy base to retreat to after exploring the chaos outside.

Sofitel Legend Metropole ($350 per night)

Staying here is like stepping back in time. This legendary hotel has hosted presidents, celebrities, and writers, and it oozes colonial-era charm. With fine dining, a stunning pool, and impeccable service, it’s a true Hanoi icon.

Final Thoughts: How to spend 2 Days in Hanoi

Two days in Hanoi is just enough to fall in love with the city. You’ll taste unforgettable food, wander through layers of history, and experience the buzz of one of Asia’s most captivating capitals. I have no doubt that you will be planning your return in no time!

I truly hope this guide helps you plan your weekend in Hanoi. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me on social media. I would love to connect and help you out!

-Ingrid