48 Hours in Hanoi in March: The Perfect Itinerary

  • 03/10/2026
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Day 1: The Old Quarter – 36 Streets

Start at Hoan Kiem Lake, the heart of Hanoi.

  • Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake

  • Admire Turtle Tower, visit Ngoc Son Temple and the Pen Tower

  • Enjoy coffee at Cong Ca Phe or lemon tea across from St. Joseph’s Cathedral

Then continue exploring the famous 36 streets of the Old Quarter.

Try some of Hanoi’s most iconic dishes:

  • Pho at Pho Khoi Hoi

  • Bun Cha at Bun Cha Hang Manh

  • Banh Cuon at Banh Cuon Hang Dieu

The Old Quarter is full of long-established eateries worth discovering.

Walk through streets famous for hoa sưa blossoms:

  • Phan Dinh Phung Street

  • Hoang Dieu Street

These are beautiful spots for a stroll or photos in March.

In the evening:

  • Try street snacks at the Hang Ngang – Hang Dao night market

  • Have beer or rooftop coffee at Ta Hien

  • Walk around the Hoan Kiem Lake pedestrian street at night

Day 2: West Lake and Ba Dinh District

Head to West Lake, a quieter and more relaxed area of Hanoi.

Places worth visiting include:

  • Tran Quoc Pagoda

  • Thanh Nien Street

  • Lakeside cafés along Thanh Nien, Vu Mien, Quang An, and Quang Khanh

Explore the Kim Ma – Dao Tan – Lieu Giai area, known for its many Japanese and Korean restaurants as well as excellent local dining spots.

Visit nearby historical landmarks:

  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

  • Ba Dinh Square

  • Thang Long Imperial Citadel

Where to Stay for Easy Exploration

To make the most of a 48-hour itinerary, many visitors choose to stay in Ba Dinh District because it sits between the Old Quarter and West Lake.

Apartments by Toan Tien Housing and Maison Nha in Kim Ma, Dao Tan, or Pham Huy Thong offer convenient access:

  • 5–10 minutes to West Lake

  • 10 minutes to the Old Quarter

  • Close to many popular restaurants and cafés

With just 48 hours in Hanoi in March, you can still experience a lot: the Old Quarter, West Lake, blooming hoa sưa, and the city’s famous local cuisine. That’s why many travelers consider March one of the best times to visit Hanoi.