What to do in Hanoi for 2 days: things to see, activities, food, and itineraries

Why do you need at least 2 days in Hanoi?

Some people wonder how many days are needed in Hanoi. Some asked: Are 2 days in Hanoi enough? 

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is an active city that combines a rich history, a modern lifestyle, bustling streets, and mouthwatering cuisine. There are a lot of things to see and do in Hanoi. You could easily spend a day exploring the Old Quarter, visiting the Temple of Literature, and taking a boat ride on Hoan Kiem Lake. There are also many museums and historical sites in Hanoi that offer insights into Vietnamese culture. In addition, Hanoi is a foodie paradise, you can’t miss delicious Vietnamese food. You could try bun cha, pho, banh mi, or any of the other many Vietnamese dishes that Hanoi has to offer. You need at least 2 days in Hanoi to experience the best of what the city has to offer.

If you only have one day in Hanoi, you'll still be able to see and do a lot. However, if you have two days, you'll have more time to explore the city and experience all the amazing things. 

You might read: How to spend 1 day in Hanoi: Top 3 itineraries for a Hanoi 1 day tour 

The best time to visit Hanoi Vietnam 

Hanoi experiences a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter.  

• Spring (February to April): Spring in Hanoi is considered one of the best times to visit. The weather is mild, and the city comes alive with blooming flowers and festivals, particularly during the Lunar New Year (Tet) celebrations. It can be a bit crowded during this time, but the festive atmosphere is worth experiencing.
• Summer (May to August): Hanoi's summer is characterized by hot and humid weather, with occasional heavy rainfall. The temperatures can reach 35°C (95°F) or higher, and the city can feel crowded due to the influx of domestic tourists during school holidays. However, this season is ideal if you plan to explore nearby attractions such as Ha Long Bay or Ninh Binh, as the weather is suitable for outdoor activities.
• Autumn (September to November): Autumn is another excellent time to visit Hanoi. The weather becomes cooler, with pleasant temperatures ranging from 20-30°C (68-86°F). The city is less crowded, and you can enjoy the beautiful green parks and lakes around Hanoi.
• Winter (December to January): Winter in Hanoi is cool and relatively dry, with temperatures ranging from 10-20°C (50-68°F). While it doesn't snow in Hanoi, you might experience occasional drizzles or fog. This season is less crowded, and you can explore the city comfortably without the intense heat or heavy rain.

Overall, the best time to visit Hanoi depends on your preferences and the activities you plan to engage in. It would be during spring (February to April) or autumn (September to November) when the weather is favourable. However, if you don't mind the heat and want to explore the nearby attractions, summer can also be a good option. It's important to check the weather forecast in advance. 

What to do in Hanoi for 2 days

Visit the most famous landmarks in Hanoi 

Hanoi is one of the oldest cities in the world, by visiting historic buildings, you will have a look at the past and understand Vietnamese culture. Here are some of the most famous landmarks in Hanoi that you should consider for your Hanoi 2 days:

1. Hoan Kiem Lake
2. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
3. Temple of Literature
4. One Pillar Pagoda
5. St. Joseph's Cathedral
6. Hanoi Opera House
7. Hoa Lo Prison Museum
8. Long Bien Bridge
9. West Lake
10. Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
11. Thang Long Imperial Citadel
12. Tran Quoc Pagoda
13. Ba Dinh Square
14. Hanoi Flag Tower
15. Hanoi Old Quarter
16. Dong Xuan Market
17. Vietnam Fine Arts Museum
18. Presidential Palace
19. Hanoi Botanical Gardens
20. Hanoi Train Street

You might read: Hanoi tourist map: Top 5 famous attractions in Hanoi 2023

Experience Hanoi by night 

Spending 2 days in Hanoi means you have 1 night in the city. Hanoi is especially magical at night. Experience Hanoi by night is one of the best things to do in Hanoi. So don’t miss it. Here are some activities and places you can explore:

Take a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake, located in the heart of Hanoi, takes on a different charm when illuminated at night. As the sun sets and the surrounding city lights start to twinkle. The striking red-painted Huc Bridge, which connects the lakeshore to the Ngoc Son Temple, is especially captivating when illuminated after dark. You may come across locals engaging in various activities around the lake during the evening hours. Some people gather to practice tai chi or other forms of exercise, while others socialize with friends or enjoy a picnic. Along the lakeshore, you'll find charming coffees and restaurants that offer lakeside seating. If you when there on Saturday or Sunday, you will be surprised by Hoan Kiem Walking Street. 

Night Market in the Old Quarter

The Old Quarter is the oldest and most atmospheric part of Hanoi. It is a maze of narrow streets and traditional shops, and it is a great place to wander around and get lost. The streets are especially lively at night, and there are many great restaurants and bars to choose from.

Water Puppet Show

The Water Puppet Show, also known as "Mua Roi Nuoc" in Vietnamese, is a traditional art form that originated in the Red River Delta region of northern Vietnam. It is a unique and captivating form of puppetry where the puppets perform on water. The Water Puppet Show typically depicts traditional Vietnamese folklore, legends, and rural life. The stories often include mythical creatures, historical events, and the daily activities of Vietnamese people. The performances are humorous and lively.

Try Hanoi street foods

In your Hanoi 2-day itinerary, let’s a variety of street foods. Here are some of the best Hanoi street foods to try on a 2-day trip:

• Pho: Vietnam's national dish, it's a beef noodle soup with rice noodles, thinly sliced beef, and fresh herbs.
• Bun cha: Grilled pork and noodles served with a dipping sauce of fish sauce, chilli, and vinegar.
• Banh mi: A Vietnamese baguette sandwich filled with ingredients like pork, pate, pickled vegetables, and chilli.
• Egg Coffee: A creamy and frothy coffee made with egg yolks, condensed milk, and strong Vietnamese coffee.
• Banh Xeo: A crispy pancake filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and herbs, eaten wrapped in lettuce leaves with a fish sauce dip.
• Pho Cuon: A variation of pho where the ingredients are rolled in rice paper, including beef, herbs, and dipping sauce.
• Che: Vietnamese sweet desserts, such as tri-coloured bean dessert (Che Ba Mau), glutinous rice balls in sweet ginger soup (Che Troi Nuoc), and banana and coconut milk dessert (Che Chuoi).
• Banh cuon: A Vietnamese dish consisting of steamed rice cakes filled with a savoury mixture of pork, mushrooms, and vegetables. It is a popular breakfast food in Hanoi 

Suggested for Hanoi 2-day itinerary

Day 1: 

Morning: 

• Start your day with a hearty bowl of Pho, Vietnam's iconic noodle soup. Head to a local Pho vendor in the Old Quarter, such as Pho Gia Truyen or Pho Bat Dan, and savour this classic dish. And then try egg coffee
• Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the surrounding Ho Chi Minh Complex. 

Timings: Tuesday to Sunday: 08:00 am – 04:30 pm.

Lunch: Try Bun Cha or other Vietnamese local dishes

Afternoon

• Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university. 
• Explore the historic Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the "Hanoi Hilton"

Evening:

• Venture to a local restaurant and savour a classic Vietnamese dish
• Take a leisurely stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple situated on a small island in the lake.
• Experience the vibrant Hanoi Night Market in the Old Quarter.

Day 2: 

Morning: 

• Try Banh Mi and Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk for your breakfast 
• Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to learn about the diverse ethnic groups in Vietnam. 

Lunch:

• Discover the unique flavours of Hanoi's food at a local restaurant. 

Afternoon: 

• Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda
• Try Trang Tien ice cream near the lake 
• Enjoy the Sunset in Westlake 

Evening: 

• Enjoy a water puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theater or take a night tour at Thang Long Imperial Citadel
• Ta Hien Beer Street at midnight 

In conclusion, if you find yourself in Hanoi for just 2 days, there is plenty to see, do, and savour. With a well-planned Hanoi 2-day itinerary, you can immerse yourself in the city's rich culture, explore famous landmarks, indulge in mouthwatering local food, and create lasting memories. 

You might read: How to spend 1 day in Hanoi: Top 3 itineraries for a Hanoi 1 day tour