How to spend 48 hours in Hanoi

A witness to countless historical moments, the hotel has long been a preferred retreat for celebrities, diplomats and visiting dignitaries.

The hotel is split into two wings, each with its own distinctive character, offering a total of 364 tastefully appointed rooms. The original Metropole wing honours old-world French elegance with gentle Oriental flourishes. Among its 106 rooms are three fabled suites, each named for a celebrated guest: Graham Greene, Charlie Chaplin and Somerset Maugham. Meanwhile, the Opera Wing, more modern in tone, houses 236 rooms, 18 suites and a singular Grand Prestige suite—the Presidential suite—spanning a generous 176m².

On the upper floors of Club Metropole, guests will find Grand Premium rooms and suites, where discreet luxury is elevated by round-the-clock Majordome service, refined afternoon teas and twilight cocktails.

Enjoy a French dinner at Le Beaulieu

Set within the storied walls of this 120-year-old hotel, Le Beaulieu is where timeless French cuisine meets modern flair, now under the hand of Chef Charles Degrendele, the newest addition to the Metropole’s culinary ensemble.

With a thoughtful approach to gastronomy, Chef Degrendele has curated a menu that speaks of finesse and restraint—where sustainability, creativity and precision are delicately balanced. His latest creations reflect a mastery of technique, showcasing both classical foundations and contemporary sensibilities. Expect fresh, seasonal ingredients reimagined with subtlety and flair—each dish a tribute to local terroir and an invitation to linger.

Delicious breakfast with Nguyet chicken pho

Tucked away at number 5B along the lively Phu Doan Street in Hoan Kiem, Pho Ga Nguyet is modest and unassuming—very much in the style of Hanoi’s beloved street food stalls. From humble beginnings—a single bubbling pot of broth and a few plastic chairs—Ms. Nguyet quietly built a following. By 2009, she had saved enough to open her very own pho ga eatery.

Read more: Explore Hanoi’s cultural space through 5 cafes and restaurants

Entering the restaurant, diners are immediately drawn to the sight of golden-skinned chicken on display. The restaurant sources its chicken from trusted suppliers, known for its firmer texture and fragrant aroma. When boiling, they refrain from using an excess of spices, ensuring the natural flavours are preserved.

A simple bowl of chicken pho arrives with a pale yellow broth, golden skin atop the chicken, and a scattering of green onions over the delicate white noodles. The broth at Nguyet Chicken Pho is clear and fragrant, with a natural sweetness and richness drawn from the pork bones. The pho noodles, after soaking up the broth, become smooth and silky yet retain their satisfying chew, neither broken nor flimsy when lifted with chopsticks. The chicken, boiled just enough to stay firm, is succulent, with the fatty skin adding to its juicy tenderness.

Explore Hoa Lo Prison

Hoa Lo Prison was constructed by the French in 1896 on the outskirts of the city, designed as a central detention facility for both central and northern Vietnam. It was primarily used to hold political prisoners and patriots who opposed the colonial regime. Amid the bustling, noisy capital, Hoa Lo Prison stands as a somber reminder of the city’s tumultuous past, preserving the echoes of history.

Dubbed ‘Hell on Earth’, Hoa Lo Prison was notorious for its brutal conditions. During its operation, it housed many generations of Vietnamese soldiers and revolutionary activists, subjected to cruel forms of torture and forced confessions. Among the grim fixtures is the guillotine, which placed the prison among the top 10 most infamous in the world.

Cool lunch at Tam Vi

Entering Tam Vi feels like stepping back in time to an old Hanoi filled with nostalgia. The restaurant’s decor evokes a bygone era, with intricately carved wooden tables and chairs, vintage record players, rotary phones, and other charming details that transport diners to the past.

Specialising in traditional northern cuisine, Tam Vi enchants guests with its rustic yet rich flavours. Don’t miss the crispy fried tofu with onion sauce, fresh spring rolls wrapped in pork belly and shrimp, or the hearty braised pork with eggs and Vietnamese pork leg, served with noodles and a delectable dipping sauce. Each dish recalls the warmth of family meals in old Hanoi, offering a slice of cherished memory.

Visit the Vietnam Military History Museum

The Vietnam Military History Museum is a monumental cultural and historical project, established by the Ministry of National Defence in the Tay Mo and Dai Mo wards of Nam Tu Liem district, Hanoi, since 2019. Spanning a vast 386,600m², the museum not only boasts a modern design but also honours the nation’s rich historical legacy. The museum’s main building consists of four floors above ground, plus one below, with a total construction area of 23,198m² and a floor space extending to 64,640m². The highlight of the museum is the 45-metre-high Victory Tower, a proud symbol of Vietnam’s indomitable fighting spirit.

Currently, the museum is home to more than 150,000 invaluable artefacts, including four national treasures: two MIG-21 aircraft, serial numbers 4324 and 5121, the Ho Chi Minh Campaign determination map, and a T54B tank with serial number 843. Beyond being a mere repository of history, the museum serves as a focal point for attracting tourists, fostering patriotism and national pride in the younger generation, and contributing to the wider dissemination of historical values within the community.

Evening walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

As night descends, Hoan Kiem Lake takes on an unexpectedly serene and enchanting atmosphere. Soft yellow lights reflect off the water, creating shimmering streaks that dance with the breeze. Strolling along the winding paths that circle the lake, you’ll experience a completely different side of Hanoi—no longer busy and hurried, but instead calm and measured, as though the city itself is settling into the quiet stories of a thousand years of civilisation.

A must-see stop is Ngoc Son Temple. The smoke from incense wafts gently into the cool night air, blending with the peaceful ambiance, evoking a sense of tranquillity. Soft lighting bathes the moss-covered tiled roofs and intricate carvings, each one whispering tales of history and culture, deeply embedded in the heart of Hanoi.

Start your day with breakfast at La Terrasse

In the very heart of Hanoi, La Terrasse at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi brings the spirit of Parisian café culture to the bustling streets. Here, the frenetic pace of city life unfolds like a vibrant film before you, inviting you to lose yourself in its flow. As you leisurely browse through the newspaper, sip a rich espresso, and savour the delicate flavours of your meal, time seems to stand still, leaving only moments of peaceful reflection.

The menu offers a tempting selection of snacks, from fresh salads and indulgent tartines to delicate sandwiches and inventive appetizers. The scent of freshly baked croissants, the richness of poached eggs Benedict, and the crispiness of char siu bread, paired with a hot coffee, awaken the senses, offering an invigorating and poetic start to the day.

Stroll around the 36 traditional streets of Hanoi

Wandering through the 36 streets of Hanoi feels like stepping into a living museum, where time appears to have stood still amidst the moss-covered roofs and narrow lanes. The architecture here is a distinctive feature: the narrow tube houses are a clever use of space, small yet infused with the essence of old Hanoi life. The front of each house serves as a shop, creating a lively urban scene that is both ancient and brimming with vitality. Interspersed among the homes are quiet communal houses, temples, and spiritual spaces, which remain quietly woven into the ancient cultural fabric of the Kinh Ky region.

From Hang Bac and Hang Bong to Hang Buom, Hang Cot, Hang Da, and Hang Ga, each street retains the cultural soul and refined charm of Hanoi’s people. As you walk, you’ll sense a deep reverence for tradition, expressed not only through the nearly one hundred ancient buildings but also through the skilled hands of artisans who continue to preserve traditional crafts. From intricate embroidery and rustic ceramics to graceful conical hats and sparkling jewellery, every item tells a cultural story waiting to be shared.

The Tatler Best 20 of Vietnam 2025 list and the 22 Best In Class awards, showcasing the leading names in Vietnam’s hotel, restaurant, and bar sectors, will be officially revealed at the Tatler Best of Vietnam event on 26 April 2025.

Tatler Best is Asia’s definitive guide to the region’s top 100 hotels, 100 restaurants, and 100 bars, celebrating excellence in hospitality and dining. With 22 Best in Class awards – 11 for hotels, 8 for restaurants, and 6 for bars – Tatler Best honours the very best in the industry. The nominees are chosen based on the expert insights of Asia’s most discerning travel, food, and beverage connoisseurs, individuals who reflect the region’s ever-evolving tastes.

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