A Foodie & Cultural Explorer's 2-Day Hanoi Escape

Check into this beautiful hotel located slightly outside the bustling Old Quarter. It offers gorgeous decor and a peaceful retreat for around $50 USD a night.

An authentic, residential breakfast spot. Try the Bun Thang (specialty chicken noodle soup with dry shrimp and shrimp paste notes) or Pho Tron (dry chicken pho with soup on the side). Add pickled garlic and chili sauce to enhance the flavor.

Keep an eye out for local street vendors selling puffed wheat or Vietnamese popcorn. A small bag costs around 20,000 VND ($1 USD) and makes for a delicious, slightly sweet snack.

Built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this is Vietnam's first university. Students still come here to pray for exam success. Tickets are 70,000 VND for adults.

A massive four-story cafe tucked away in a hidden alley. It features incredible open-air spaces and recycled decor. Try the rich coconut coffee or the warm salt coffee.

A quirky, friendly local boutique specializing in adorable cat-themed t-shirts and jackets (like the 'Banh Mi Cat' or 'Pho Cat' designs). Perfect for unique souvenirs.

Grab a warm, crispy-topped roti bun for just 20,000 VND. Popular flavors include coffee, vanilla, matcha, and butter. They are incredibly soft with a sweet, crispy crust.

Admire the striking neo-Gothic architecture of Hanoi's oldest church, which beautifully anchors the surrounding bustling cafe-lined streets.

A beautiful, art-filled restaurant offering high-quality, family-style Vietnamese dining. Try the caramelized pork with young coconut, stir-fried shrimp with star fruit, and charcoal-grilled beef with coffee sauce.

A famous four-story traditional dessert spot. Grab a seat upstairs to watch the chaotic intersection below while enjoying almond panna cotta, jackfruit yogurt, or warm ginger sticky rice.

Use the Grab app to easily book scooter or car rides between locations. It is incredibly convenient and cheap, with rides across town costing around 50,000 VND ($2 USD).