48 Hours in Hanoi
The Michelin Guide refers to Hanoi as the “city of lakes” and suggests spending 48 hours here to explore historical landmarks and visit various restaurants from casual to high-end.
Michelin describes Hanoi as a lively capital, blending history, culture, and modern sophistication. Its bustling streets are filled with motorbikes and street vendors, but the city also offers peaceful lakes and ancient temples, providing a tranquil escape. The Old Quarter, tree-lined streets, colonial architecture, and sidewalk cafes are must-see attractions for any visitor.
The 48-hour itinerary in Hanoi was recommended by Pruepat ‘Maprang’ Songtieng, a Michelin Guide inspector from Thailand, with over 10 years of experience writing for top lifestyle and culinary publications.
Day 1: Start your 48 hours in Hanoi with Flavors of Tradition and History
Morning
Start your day with a leisurely walk along French-era streets. A coffee on Trieu Viet Vuong Street is a good choice, as it is the city’s coffee hub with sidewalk cafes and French-style buildings.
Alternatively, opt for a classic egg coffee at the sidewalk cafe of Sofitel Metropole Legend Hanoi, one of the oldest hotels in the capital, built in 1901, offering a luxurious experience.
Pho Bo Au Trieu is a famous beef pho restaurant located at 34 Au Trieu Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
If you’re an early riser, head to Pho Bo Au Trieu, a Bib Gourmand restaurant in the Michelin Guide, to enjoy a bowl of pho. This unmarked shop is known for its special beef pho, which has rich broth simmered for 10 hours, tender beef tendons.
Lunch
A great lunch spot is Bun Cha Huong Lien in Hai Ba Trung District. It is also listed in the Michelin Bib Gourmand for its Hanoi specialty of grilled meat and vermicelli noodles.
This restaurant was visited by former U.S. President Obama, and a photo of him dining with chef Anthony Bourdain from their 2016 trip to Vietnam is displayed here. The Obama combo features seafood spring rolls, a special bun cha, and two Hanoi beers—dishes the former president ordered.
Michelin inspectors describe the bun cha as a simple, flavorful combination of sliced pork, minced meatballs, and herbs.
Afternoon
Explore French colonial architecture while wandering streets like Tran Hung Dao, Ly Thuong Kiet, and Hai Ba Trung. Visit the Vietnamese Women’s Museum or Hoa Lo Prison to gain insight into the country’s history.
Hoa Lo Prison
Evening
For dinner, try 1946 Cua Bac, located in a charming yellow-green villa. This Bib Gourmand restaurant offers specialties like fried crab hotpot and congee.
Locations:
- Trieu Viet Vuong Street, Hai Ba Trung District
- Sofitel Metropole Legend Hanoi: 15 Ngo Quyen, Hoan Kiem District
- Pho Bo 34 Au Trieu, Hoan Kiem District
- Bun Cha Huong Lien: 24 Le Van Huu, Hai Ba Trung District
- Vietnamese Women’s Museum: 36 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoan Kiem District
- Hoa Lo Prison: 1 Hoa Lo Street, Hoan Kiem District
- 1946 Restaurant: 3 Yen Thanh Alley (from 61 Cua Bac), Ba Dinh District
Day 2: Parks, Gardens, and Cultural Heritage
Morning
The green space inside Thong Nhat Park (Union Park) in Hanoi
Start your day at Thong Nhat Park, one of Hanoi’s large parks in the city center. Early mornings are lively with locals engaging in group activities and sports.
Lunch
For lunch, visit Azabu at the Hôtel du Parc, listed in Michelin Selected, located on the second floor. The à la carte menu features premium sushi and sashimi, perfect for a relaxing dining experience with professional service.
Afternoon
Explore the southeastern area of Hoan Kiem Lake to visit the iconic Hanoi Opera House, which boasts French colonial architecture, and the nearby National Museum of Vietnamese History, housing a rich collection of artifacts.
Dinner
Hibana by Koki is a renowned Michelin-starred restaurant located in the Capella Hanoi Hotel
End your day with a dinner at Habakuk, a Bib Gourmand restaurant known for beautifully presented dishes at reasonable prices. If you’re feeling indulgent, try Hibana by Koki, a Michelin one-star teppanyaki restaurant where Chef Hiroshi Yamaguchi showcases his skills with high-quality ingredients flown in from Japan twice a week, including abalone, lobster, sea urchin, Yaeyama Kyori beef, and Hokkaido hairy crab.
Evening
Conclude your 48 hours in Hanoi with a cocktail at Divas Lounge in the Capella Hanoi Hotel. This art-deco bar offers quality cocktails, Vietnamese tapas, and a view of the city skyline from the rooftop. A perfect farewell to Hanoi, with the promise to return.
Locations:
- Thong Nhat Park: 354A Le Duan, Dong Da District
- Azabu: 2nd floor, Hôtel du Parc, 84 Tran Nhan Tong, Hai Ba Trung District
- Hoan Kiem Lake: Hang Trong Street, Hoan Kiem District
- Habakuk: Alley 4, Phan Huy Chu Street, Hoan Kiem District
- Hibana by Koki: Basement 1, Capella Hotel, 11 Le Phung Hieu, Hoan Kiem District
Image source: Collected
