Hanoi on a Tuesday is great, but Hanoi on a weekend is magical. Every Friday night, the traffic around Hoan Kiem Lake stops, the barricades go up, and the city center transforms into a massive pedestrian-only festival.

If you are planning a quick getaway, a 48 hours in Hanoi itinerary is just enough time to taste the best food, see the French colonial architecture, and immerse yourself in the unique weekend vibe.

Here is how to pack the best of the capital into one unforgettable weekend.

Stay Where the Action Is

When you only have 48 hours, you cannot waste time stuck in traffic. You need to be in the center.

Aurora Hotels is located right in the Old Quarter (on Hang Be and Hang Chieu streets). Staying here means you are literally 0 minutes away from the weekend excitement. You can step out of our lobby directly into the buzz, and step back in for a quiet nap whenever you want.

 

 

Day 1: Saturday – History & The Night Market

08:00 AM: The "Local" Wake Up start with a Pho Bo (Beef Noodle Soup) at a street stall near Aurora Hotels. Follow it up with an Egg Coffee at Cafe Giang (39 Nguyen Huu Huan).

10:00 AM: The Historical Loop Take a taxi or walk to the Temple of Literature. Built in 1070, it is a peaceful escape from the city noise.

01:00 PM: Lunch like a President Head to Bun Cha Huong Lien (the "Obama" restaurant) to try the grilled pork noodles made famous by Anthony Bourdain.

03:00 PM: The French Quarter Stroll Walk off lunch by exploring the French Quarter. See the Hanoi Opera House and the legendary Metropole Hotel. The contrast between the narrow Old Quarter streets and these wide boulevards is striking.

07:00 PM: The Weekend Night Market This is the highlight of Saturday. The Hanoi weekend night market opening hours are officially 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM (Fri-Sun).

  • The Route: It stretches 3km from Hang Dao Street all the way to Dong Xuan Market.
  • What to do: It’s not just for shopping. It’s a street food paradise. Try the grilled skewers and fresh fruit shakes.
  • Aurora Advantage: Our hotels are just steps from the market route, so you can easily drop off your shopping bags.

Day 2: Sunday – The Walking Street Vibe

08:00 AM: Hoan Kiem Lake Pedestrian Zone Many guests ask us what to do in Hanoi on Sunday. The answer is simple: Go to the lake.

  • Hanoi weekend walking street schedule: The roads around Hoan Kiem Lake are closed to vehicles from 7:00 PM Friday until 11:59 PM Sunday.

 
  • The Vibe: On Sunday mornings, it is full of families. You will see children driving electric toy cars, teenagers dancing K-Pop, and elders playing traditional games like O An Quan (Mandarin Square Capturing). It is the happiest place in the city.

11:00 AM: Ngoc Son Temple Since you are already at the lake, cross the red bridge to visit Ngoc Son Temple. It’s a perfect photo op.

01:00 PM: Banh Mi & Coffee Grab a quick Banh Mi 25 and find a balcony cafe overlooking the lake (like Cafe Dinh or Highlands Coffee at the "Shark Jaws" building) to people-watch.

03:00 PM: Relax with a Massage After nearly 48 hours of walking, your feet will need a break. The Old Quarter is famous for affordable foot massages. Ask the Aurora Hotels concierge to book a clean, reputable spa for you nearby.

06:00 PM: Water Puppet Show End your 48 hours in Hanoi itinerary with a show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. It lasts about 50 minutes and is a unique cultural experience dating back to the 11th century.

FAQs: Weekend in Hanoi

1. Is the Walking Street open every weekend? Yes, unless there is a major national event or severe typhoon. It runs every week from Friday night to Sunday night.

2. Can I get a taxi to the hotel during the Walking Street time? Because the roads around the lake are blocked, taxis might have to drop you off a block away from the lakefront. However, Aurora Hotels locations are accessible. We can arrange a private transfer that knows the best drop-off points.

3. Do shops close on Sunday in Hanoi? No! Unlike Europe, Sunday is the busiest shopping day in Hanoi. Everything is open.