Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital, is a dynamic blend of history, culture, and modern flair. The bustling streets teem with motorbikes and street vendors, while tranquil lakes and ancient temples offer peaceful escapes. The French Quarter, with its tree-lined boulevards, colonial architecture, and buzzing café scene, is a must-visit for any traveller.
If you have only 48 hours in Hanoi, this two-day guide to the city’s iconic area is the perfect starting point. Discover the best places to eat, stay, and explore in the picturesque French Quarter, and immerse yourself in world-class cuisine, charming parks, and captivating historical sites with the MICHELIN Guide.
Don't forget to try a variation of Vietnamese coffee from a street-side vendor. (© Shutterstock)
Day 1: A taste of tradition and history
Morning
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the streets of the French Quarter. Grab a coffee at one of the many cafes on Triệu Việt Vương Street, an unofficial café hub, and watch the city come to life. Alternatively, opt for a classic egg coffee at the Grande Dame of Hanoi, the historic Sofitel Metropole Legend Hanoi, which stands as a testament to luxury and heritage. A flagship hotel boasting a rich history dating back to 1901, it offers a lavish experience steeped in elegance.If you’re an early bird, drop by Phở Bò Ấu Triệu, a Bib Gourmand eatery in the 2023 MICHELIN Guide, for a hot bowl of pho as a wake-up call. This unmarked shop is known for one thing: its exceptional pho bo, or beef pho. The minced beef noodles are served in a rich beef bone stock, cooked for 10 hours, and topped with tender beef flank and tendon.
Lunch
Looking for a lunch spot? Head to Bún Chả Hương Liên (Hai Ba Trung), a Bib Gourmand recipient, for a delicious bowl of bun cha, a local specialty of grilled pork with vermicelli noodles. This renowned eatery proudly displays photos of its celebrity guests and offers a Combo Obama, featuring a fried seafood roll, a bowl of the special bun cha, and a bia ha noi, local beer. The bun cha itself delivers a satisfying blend of rustic flavours, with smoky pork, meat patties, fragrant herbs, and fresh salad leaves. Our inspectors recommend not to miss their tasty pork skewer for a complete and satisfying meal.
Try this delicious rice noodle dish at Bún Chả Hương Liên. (Hai Ba Trung) (© Michelin)
Afternoon
Explore the colonial architecture and grand boulevards of Trần Hưng Đạo, Lý Thường Kiệt, and Hai Ba Trưng. Visit the Vietnamese Women’s Museum or Hoả Lò Prison for a glimpse into the city's history.Dinner
Indulge in a memorable meal at 1946 Cua Bac, a brightly coloured yellow and green house and a 2023 Bib Gourmand recipient. Enjoy the signature dish: fried crab and rice porridge hotpot.Address book:
- Triệu Việt Vương Street: Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Sofitel Metropole Legend Hanoi: 15 Ngo Quyen Street, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Phở Bò Ấu Triệu: 34 Au Trieu Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Bún Chả Hương Liên (Hai Ba Trung): 24 Le Van Huu Street, Phan Chu Trinh Ward, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi, Vietnam
- P. Lý Thường Kiệt: Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Vietnamese Women's Museum: 36 P. Ly Thuong Kiet, Hang Bai, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi, Vietnam
- Hoa Lo Prison Relic: 1 Pho Hoa Lo, Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi, Vietnam
- 1946 Cua Bac: 3 Yen Thanh Alley, 61 Cua Bac Street, Quan Thanh Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, Vietnam
1946 Cua Bac, a Bib Gourmand spot in the first MICHELIN Guide Vietnam edition. (© 1946 Cua Bac)
Day 2: Parks, gardens, and cultural gems
Morning
Start your day with a visit to Thống Nhất Park, one of the largest parks in central Hanoi. Enjoy the bustling atmosphere as locals engage in various activities.Lunch
Have lunch at the MICHELIN-selected Azabu on the 2nd floor of Hotel du Parc. The lunch menu is great value, offering an extensive à la carte selection and standout sushi and sashimi. Run by a smart, friendly team, this is a smooth, professional operation, offering decent lunch deals and a peaceful dining experience.RELATED: Where to Stay in Hanoi?
Hoan Kiem Lake (Sword Lake or Ho Guom) and the beauty of Hanoi Opera House. (© Shutterstock)
Afternoon
Explore the area southeast of Hoàn Kiếm Lake, where you can admire the iconic Hanoi Opera House, a stunning example of French colonial architecture. Don't miss the nearby National Museum of History, which houses a fascinating collection of artefacts showcasing Vietnam's rich history.Dinner
End your trip with a meal at Habakuk, a Bib Gourmand restaurant known for its confident and well-presented dishes at reasonable prices. Or, if you want to splurge on a MICHELIN Star experience, head to Hibana by Koki, a one MICHELIN Star teppanyaki restaurant, where guests are treated to a theatrical experience at a 14-seat counter in the basement. Chef Hiroshi Yamaguchi skillfully cooks teppanyaki dishes rich in complex flavour. The menu features premium ingredients flown in twice weekly from Japan, including abalone, spiny lobster, sea urchin, Yaeyama Kyori beef, and Hokkaido hairy crab.
Evening
End your last night in Hanoi with creative cocktails at Divas Lounge, located at Capella Hanoi, home to Hibana by Koki restaurant. Step into an art deco dream at this stylish bar. Toast to influential divas like Anna Held and Coco Chanel with visionary cocktails. Enjoy Vietnamese-inspired tapas and observe Hanoi's pace of life from the terrace as a farewell to this charming city.(© Pruepat Songtieng)
Address book:
- Thống Nhất Park: 354A Le Duan Street, Phuong Lien Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Azabu: 2F, Hôtel du Parc, 84 Tran Nhan Tong Street, Nguyen Du Ward, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Hoàn Kiếm Lake: Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Habakuk: Alley 4, Phan Huy Chu Street, Phan Chu Trinh Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Hibana by Koki: Basement 1, Capella, 11 Le Phung Hieu Street, Trang Tien Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Capella Hanoi: 11 Le Phung Hieu, Hanoi, Vietnam
