Start with a classic Vietnamese bánh mì at Bánh Mì 25 to fuel the day; fast, iconic, and perfect for a late breakfast. Open early and popular — good to go around 10:30am when queues are usually shorter than peak morning rush.
Take a short walk to view the neo-Gothic façade and the cathedral square — excellent for photos and people-watching; exterior access is free and open all day. If you want to enter, check Mass times which can restrict entry.
Stroll into Trang Tiên Plaza for a quick look at shops then grab a Kem Trang Tiên ice cream nearby — a light, iconic Hanoi treat and a good mid-morning refresher; the mall generally opens by 9:30am and ice cream stalls run daytime hours.
Walk to the French colonial Opera House for photos of the ornate exterior; the building is best appreciated from the square, and interior performances/tours have fixed schedules so check ahead if interested.
Cross The Huc Bridge to visit Ngọc Sơn Temple and walk the lake promenade for scenic views and local life; Ngọc Sơn typically opens ~8:00am–5:00pm (small entry fee), so midday is ideal for visiting.
Stop at Note Coffee near the lake for a casual drink and the famous note-covered walls — a convenient rest spot to check messages and recharge before lunch. Open daytime and well-suited to short breaks.
Enjoy a comfortable sit-down lunch at Pizza 4P's for high-quality, creative pizzas and a relaxed break; most branches operate from late morning to evening (around 11:00am–10:00pm). Reservations recommended on a Sunday.
Visit Bạch Mã Temple in the Old Quarter to see one of the area's oldest places of worship and quieter traditional architecture; typically open daytime (approximately 8:00am–6:00pm).
Walk the famous Train Street section where trains pass very close to cafés and homes — trains run only a few times daily and times change, so ask a nearby cafe or check local social posts for the day's schedule before positioning yourself on the tracks for photos.
Taste Hanoi’s signature egg coffee at Café Giảng — rich, historic, and a must-try specialty; the café typically operates through the afternoon into evening. Seating is limited so go early to avoid a wait.
Relax with a second coffee or tea at Giao Mua Café and gather the group before returning to the hotel to freshen up for the evening; many cafés in the Old Quarter stay open until ~8–10pm.
Explore the lively Sunday night market for street food, souvenirs and local crafts — the weekend market runs Fri–Sun with peak activity after 7:00pm, so Sunday is ideal for full stalls and atmosphere. Market vendors usually operate until ~11:00pm.
Finish the evening on Ta Hien 'Beer Street' enjoying bia hơi, grilled skewers and the high-energy atmosphere; busiest between 8:00pm–11:00pm and often open later for those who want to continue. Street-style dinner here is informal and social.
If you still have energy, take a calm night stroll around Hoàn Kiếm Lake to see it lit up or grab late Kem Trang Tiên ice cream — many vendors and cafes in the Old Quarter operate until ~11:00pm. Good for a relaxed end to the day.
Short taxi or walk back to Hotel Alisa to rest after a full Sunday in Hanoi; central taxis and ride apps operate late but confirm availability. Prepare for next day's plans or sleep.