If you’re wondering what to do in Hanoi in 2 days, this guide will give you everything you need. Hanoi is a city where ancient temples, French architecture, and mouthwatering street food blend beautifully. Whether you’re exploring historical landmarks or tasting local dishes, this 2 days in Hanoi itinerary will show you how to make the most of your short stay.
🏙️ Day 1 – What to Do in Hanoi in 2 Days: Explore the City’s Heart
Morning: Discover Hanoi’s Historic Landmarks
Begin your journey with a cup of Vietnamese coffee by Hoan Kiem Lake, watching locals practice tai chi at sunrise. From here, start your Hanoi city tour with the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, where the nation’s beloved leader rests. Nearby, visit the Presidential Palace, One Pillar Pagoda, and the peaceful Temple of Literature — Vietnam’s first university, built in 1070.
Travel Tip: Go early in the morning and dress modestly when visiting temples or the mausoleum.
Afternoon: Get Lost in the Old Quarter
After lunch, it’s time to dive into Hanoi’s soul — the Old Quarter. Wander through its narrow, buzzing streets, each named after the trade once practiced there: Hang Bac (Silver), Hang Gai (Silk), Hang Dao (Cloth).
Take a walking Hanoi city tour or explore on your own, visiting St. Joseph’s Cathedral, small pagodas, and family-run shops. Grab a refreshing glass of bia hoi (fresh draft beer) — a local favorite and one of the world’s cheapest beers!
Evening: Join a Hanoi Street Food Tour
As night falls, the real magic of Hanoi begins. Streets come alive with sizzling woks, laughter, and the aroma of delicious food. This is the perfect time to join a Hanoi street food tour and taste iconic local dishes:
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Pho Bo – traditional beef noodle soup
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Bun Cha – grilled pork with rice noodles
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Banh Mi – the legendary Vietnamese sandwich
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Egg Coffee – a creamy Hanoi original
A local guide can lead you through hidden alleys where locals eat, explaining the story behind each dish.
Bonus: After dinner, head to Ta Hien Beer Street — the nightlife hub of Hanoi’s Old Quarter — where travelers and locals mingle over cold beer and lively music.
🌿 Day 2 – Culture, Lakes, and Local Life
Morning: Serenity by West Lake
Begin your second day at West Lake (Ho Tay), a calm area perfect for escaping the city buzz. Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, standing gracefully on a small island.
Enjoy brunch at a lakeside café — many offer fresh fruit juice, banh mi, and panoramic views.
If you’re a culture lover, stop by the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which showcases artifacts and traditional houses from 54 ethnic groups across Vietnam.
Afternoon: The French Quarter Charm
In the afternoon, head to the elegant French Quarter, known for its wide boulevards and colonial architecture. Don’t miss the Hanoi Opera House and the Hoa Lo Prison Museum (“Hanoi Hilton”), which tells powerful stories from the French and Vietnam War eras.
Take a break at one of the city’s many hidden cafés — like The Note Coffee or Café Giang — to try Hanoi’s famous egg coffee while watching the rhythm of local life unfold.
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Evening: Cultural Show & Night Market
End your second day with a Water Puppet Show at the Thang Long Theatre (📍Link Map)— a unique Vietnamese art form that dates back to the 11th century.
Afterward, stroll through the Hanoi Night Market (open Friday–Sunday), where you’ll find souvenirs, handmade crafts, and street performances.
If you still have energy, take one last evening walk around Hoan Kiem Lake — beautifully lit up and full of local energy. It’s the perfect way to say goodbye to Hanoi.
🌏 Travel Tips for Your 2 Days in Hanoi
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Best time to visit: October to April (cool, dry weather).
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Getting around: Grab (Vietnam’s Uber), cyclo rides, or simply walk in the Old Quarter.
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Dress code: Light and modest clothing — remember to cover shoulders when visiting temples.
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Language tip: Learn simple words like Xin chào (hello) and Cảm ơn (thank you). Locals appreciate the effort!
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💡 Conclusion
This 2 days in Hanoi itinerary offers a perfect mix of culture, cuisine, and local life — exactly what makes the capital so special. Whether you’re joining a Hanoi city tour to discover historical landmarks or indulging in a Hanoi street food tour to taste the city’s best flavors, Hanoi will capture your heart from the very first moment.
For a truly local experience, let Frank Tour Guide design your customized trip and show you the authentic side of Hanoi — beyond the tourist map.