Top things to do in Kolkata – A complete Travel Guide

Kolkata, a densely populated city in west Bengal has a vintage charm, leaving its visitors in awe. From the modern, technology-based growth to the ancient buildings of the royalty, the city is a blend of two worlds, topped with heavenly delicacies. The best mode of exploring this remarkable city is by booking a full day cab in Kolkata so that you can sit back and relax in the rear seat.

Table of Contents

1. Things to do 
   • Shopping
   • Nightlife
   • Other activities to do
   • Places to visit
   • Places to visit nearby
   • Places to eat
2. How to Plan a trip to Kolkata
   1. How to reach
   2. Best time to visit
3. About
   • Location
   • Weather
   • History
   • Geography
   • Facts
4. Hotels and Resorts

Things To Do In Kolkata

Being one of the liveliest cities in the country, there are multiple tourist places for you to enjoy. Especially during Durga Puja, the city livens up with celebration, every lane with its own carnival. So, whether you are looking for things to do in Kolkata for youngsters or activities in other categories, here is a list that can help! 

Things to do in Kolkata during the summer

Activity	Description	Location
Visit Victoria Memorial	This iconic landmark is a must-see for any visitor to Kolkata. The memorial was built in honour of Queen Victoria and is home to a museum that houses a collection of art, manuscripts, and other historical artefacts. Entry Fee: Rs. 20 for Indians and Rs. 200 for Foreigners Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM	Queens Way, Kolkata
Take a boat ride on the Hooghly River	The Hooghly River runs through the heart of Kolkata and offers a peaceful and scenic way to explore the city. You can take a boat ride to see the city’s landmarks from a different perspective. Entry Fee: Rs 10 Boating Fee: Rs. 100	Hooghly River
Explore history and science at the Indian Museum	This museum is the oldest and largest in India, and it houses a collection of artefacts and specimens from various fields of science, art, and history. Entry Fee: Rs. 20 for kids, Rs. 50 for adults and Rs. 500 for foreigners  Timings: 10 AM to 6.30 PM on weekdays. 10 AM to 8 Pm on Weekends and closes on Mondays.	Park Street, Kolkata
Learn about space at the Birla Planetarium	The Birla Planetarium is a popular tourist attraction in Kolkata, and it offers a range of educational and entertaining shows about space and the universe. Entry Fee: Rs. 100  Timings: 12 PM to 6 PM	Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Kolkata

Things to do in Kolkata during winter

Activity	Description	Location
Explore the streets of Chinatown	Kolkata has a vibrant Chinatown, which is a great place to experience the city’s diverse culture and try some delicious street food.	Central, Kolkata
Enjoy Cricket at the Eden Gardens	Eden Gardens is a cricket stadium in Kolkata and a popular tourist attraction. You can watch a cricket match or just explore the grounds and take in the atmosphere. Entry Fee: Free Timings: 5 AM to 11.30 AM	Raghunathapur
Attend cultural festivals	Groundnut Festival aka Kadalakaye Parishe (November) Bangalore Literature Festival (November) Annual Cake Show (December) Chitra Santhe (January), Averekai Mela (January) Lal Bagh Flower Show (January)	B.B.D. Bagh, Kolkata
Go shopping at New Market	New Market is a bustling bazaar in Kolkata that is known for its wide range of goods and products, from clothing and accessories to home decor and souvenirs. Timings:  7 AM to 9.30 PM	B.B.D. Bagh, Kolkata
Take a stroll through the Botanical Gardens	The Botanical Gardens in Kolkata are a beautiful and peaceful place to relax and enjoy nature. The gardens are home to a variety of plants and trees, and they offer a refreshing respite from the busy city. Timings: 5.30 AM to 7.30 AM & 9 AM to 4 PM	Botanical Garden Road

Things to do in Kolkata with family

Activity	Description	Location
Learn about tech at the Science City	Science City is a science center in Kolkata that offers a range of interactive exhibits and displays about science, technology, and the natural world. It’s a great place for families to learn and have fun. Entry Fee: Rs.80 to Rs.100  Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM	Topsia, Kolkata
Enjoy Cricket at the Eden Gardens	Eden Gardens is a cricket stadium in Kolkata and a popular tourist attraction. You can watch a cricket match or just explore the grounds and take in the atmosphere. Entry Fee: Free Timings: 5 AM to 11.30 AM	Raghunathapur
Have a fun day at Nicco Park	Have a fun day at Nicco Park Nicco Park is a popular amusement park in Kolkata that offers a range of rides, games, and attractions for all ages. It’s a great place to spend a day with the family. Entry Fee: Rs.150  Timings: 10:45 AM to 07:30 PM.	B.B.D. Bagh, Kolkata
Go shopping at New Market	New Market is a bustling bazaar in Kolkata that is known for its wide range of goods and products, from clothing and accessories to home decor and souvenirs. Timings:  7 AM to 9.30 PM	Bidhannagar, Kolkata
Relax by the Howrah Bridge	Howrah Bridge is a famous landmark in Kolkata and a popular tourist attraction. You can take a walk across the bridge and enjoy the views of the river and the city.	Kolkata
Explore culture at St. Paul’s Cathedral	St. Paul’s Cathedral is a beautiful and historic church in Kolkata that is worth a visit. It’s a great place to learn about the city’s history and culture. Entry Fee: Free Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM	Maidan, Kolkata

Things to do in Kolkata with friends

Activity	Description	Location
Have fun at Aquatica	From the high-speed, heart-thumping ride called Black Hole to the Cyclone that challenges the daredevil in you by taking you down a long tunnel, this adventure zone has a vast array of rides, slides, and other fun options to indulge the thrill-seeker in you and keep you engaged for the whole day. Entry Fee: Rs. 800 on weekdays and Rs.1000 on weekends and public holidays Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM	Kouchpukur
Experience winter at the Snow Park	You can escape the blistering heat outside and enjoy several thrills and frills like ice skating, ice bike riding, snow disco, Swiss sledge riding, and tube slides. It is known as one of the top fun places to visit in Kolkata with friends. Entry Fee: Rs.500 Timings: 11 AM to 9 PM	Axis Mall, New Town
Explore activities at Newtown Eco Park	Considered to be the biggest park in India, Newtown Eco Park is a unique amusement destination. Boating, cycling, ice skating, kayaking, E Byke, water zorbing, floating pontoon, rifle shooting, toy train, you name it and you can enjoy it all here.  Entry Fee: Rs. 30 Timings: Varies on seasons and days. Closes on Mondays	New Town
Have fun at the Mystery Rooms	Rack your brains to solve puzzles, find clues, crack mysteries, and emerge as winners, all within a stipulated time. A full entertainment zone, the place lets you test your skills as a team while having loads of fun.    Entry Fee: Rs. 600 to Rs.1000 Timings: 11 AM to 11 PM	Salt Lake City

Things to do in Kolkata for couples

Activity	Description	Location
Go on a date to the Prinsep Ghat	Numerous lights illuminate the whole structure at night, giving it a truly magical look. You can even enjoy a boat ride in the serene river waters while enjoying a clear view of the Vidyasagar Setu.	Strand Road, Vidyasagar Setu
Catch a movie at the Nandan Theatre	A celebrated film and cultural center makes this theatre ideal as it is home to some of the best international and national classics at nominal entry rates. There’s also an art gallery next door where painting and art exhibitions are held frequently.	AJC Bose Road
Catch the views from Millennium Park	Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this park exudes a serene ambience and offers breathtaking views of the Hooghly River. Timings: 11 AM to 8 PM	BBD Bagh
Explore the Marble Palace Museum	A splendid piece of architecture made mostly of marble, it stands as one of the most elegant edifices in Kolkata. If you want to spend a day marvelling at the masterpieces of famous artists, including Van Gogh and Reynolds, this is where you should be heading to. Entry Fee: Free Timings: 10 to 4 PM	Raja Katra, Machuabazar

Offbeat things to do in Kolkata

Activity Description Location History Tour at Swami Vivekananda’s Ancestral House If you are looking for a quiet and relaxed afternoon going back in time, you are in the right place. Keep aside at least a couple of hours for this, since you can easily lose track of time in the serenity. Entry Fee: Rs. 5  Timings: 10 AM to 12.30 PM & 2 PM to 5 PM. Closed on Mondays. Vivekananda Road Try boating at Babu Ghat The bonus here is that there is no line for a boat ride, the ride itself is leisurely and the views overwhelming. You can catch beautiful views of the sunset from here and ask the tour guide to take. Ask the person to take you where you can capture the best views of the setting sun and be pleasantly surprised! Entry Fee: Rs. 650  Timings: 10 AM to 12 PM B.B.D. Bagh, Kolkata Meditating at Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Monastery Myohoji Monastery is so breathtaking, you’d wonder why more people don’t know about it. Built with an effort to spread the teachings of Buddhism in India, the monastery houses stunning artefacts that take you closer to the faith.  Timings: 5 AM to 8 PM Hemanta Mukherjee Sarani, Lake Marke

Shopping In Kolkata

• Go On A Shopping Spree – Kolkata has been a trading hub for ages, and that ensures that there are ample things to shop for. The Gariahat Market, Hatibagan Market, and New Market are some popular streets with the best shopping malls
• Shop Stationery At A Bargain – Park Street offers a wide range of stationery items at affordable prices. You can find many unique items for your desk. 
• Invest in Vintage Pieces – The old auction houses on Park Street are filled with vintage and handcrafted decor, perfect for your home or a souvenir.
• Visit The Iconic Stores Of Park Street– Giggles and India’s Hobby Centre are some of the oldest and most iconic stores in Kolkata, selling board games, cups, cards, and other gift items. This is one of the most fun things to do.
• Explore The Kumortuli Neighbourhood – Kumortuli is the potters’ quarters, filled with sculptures of gods and goddesses. Observe the soothing process of sculpting and pottery from the rich mud of the Ganges. Buy some exquisite, handcrafted pieces for you and your loved ones. 

Nightlife In Kolkata

The nightlife of Kolkata is just as vibrant as the city, especially during festivals like Christmas that are celebrated with immense vigour in the town and makes for a beautiful sight to see.

• Enjoy A Night in the Waters – Head to the Howrah Bridge for a ferry ride at night. The calm waters at night and the breezy ferry ride are one of the top places to visit in Kolkata for couples.
• Enliven With The Nightlife – There are abundant nightclubs in Kolkata that bring the night to life. Some of these nightclubs are The Junction, Aqua, Shisha, etc.
• Street Food In Kolkata At Night – For a fun evening, try out all the street food dishes such as puchkas, rosellas, peyaji, and also chop in the lanes of the city.
• Go on a Karaoke Dinner – Nalban is a restaurant with a karaoke room, arcade room, fine dining, a book reading area, and a splendid ambience. It is one of the most romantic things to do in Kolkata. 
• Have Some Haunted Fun – The South Park Cemetry is an unusual attraction for youngsters, with ancient tombs, architecture, and spine-chilling corners. It is some of the most offbeat things to do in Kolkata and if you are a daredevil, try visiting at night for all the feels. 

Other Activities 

• Take a Tram Ride – Get into the feels of Bengal with a fun tram ride around the city of Kolkata. The tram operates from 7 A.M to 8 P.M and moves around all the old and new locations of the city. 
• Catch a Movie in the New Empire Cinema – Watch a movie of your choice in the vintage New Empire Cinema for a fun evening. 
• Meet Realistic Wax Figures in the City – The Mother’s Wax Museum in Kolkata houses realistic wax figures, important personalities and leaders. It is one of the fascinating things to do in Kolkata. 
• Take A Boat Ride – Kolkata, being surrounded by the Hugli River, Salt Lake, Vidyasagar Setu, etc., has a relaxing boat ride with a panoramic view is a must. 
• Early Morning Breakfast in Terreti Morning Market – Get ready at 6 in the morning and head to the Terreti Bazar for a wide spread of local and continental breakfast options. It is one of the most famous breakfast places in Kolkata, offering a local and cultural experience. 
• Stroll In The Finest Parks of Kolkata – Kolkata houses some of the most exquisite parks and gardens overlooking the Hugli River. Some great options are the Millenium Park, Eco Park, and the Botanical Gardens.  
• Go On A Sightseeing Spree – Cover all the iconic landmarks such as the Howrah Bridge, the Victoria Memorial Palace, Eden Gardens, Dhakuria Lake, and more. 

Places To Visit In Kolkata

This list ensures you do not miss out on any unique places to visit in Kolkata:

• The Marble Palace – It is one of the oldest 19th-century mansions in North Kolkata.
  Entry Fee – Free
• The Victoria Memorial Palace – This palace is a large marble edifice with enchanting architecture and spellbinding history. 
  Entry Fee – INR.10
• Dakineshwar And Kalighat Temples – These two temples are a must-visit for a spiritual and cultural experience of Kolkata. 
  Entry Fee – Free
• Mother Teresa House – Learn about the life and history of Mother Teresa and admire the beautiful edifice.
  Entry Fee- Free
• Princep Ghat – Have a magical experience by watching the sunset on the Princep Ghats. 
  Entry Fee – Free
• Science City – Visit the largest science centre in the Indian Subcontinent for a fun, knowledge-filled afternoon. 
  Entry Fee- INR 50

Places To Visit Nearby

Here are some tourist places near Kolkata for quick reference. These are some offbeat places near Kolkata:

• Sundarbans – Sundarbans is the largest river delta and offers an amusing wildlife experience with distinguished flora and fauna.
  Entry Fee – INR 15
• Digha – Surrounded by beaches, Digha is one of the ideal weekend destinations near Kolkata for friends and family
  Entry fee – N/A
• Belur Math – Inspired by multiple religions, the architecture of the Belur Math is mesmerising. It is distanced from the crowded part of Kolkata. 
  Entry Fee – Free
• Ajodhya Hills – It is the nearest hill station from Kolkata, offering cold winds, breathtaking views, and deep waterfalls. 
  Entry Fee – N/A

Places To Eat

We have curated a list of Kolkata’s best restaurants for an epic culinary experience:

• 6 Ballygunge Place – A local favourite, this restaurant serves the best buffet in the city.
• Flury’s  – One of the oldest and most famous restaurants in Kolkata, Flury’s serves awesome chicken patties, rum balls, and Darjeeling tea. 
• La Cucina – La Cucina is popular for its exceptional Italian food. From pizzas to pasta, they do it all. 
• Alfresco – It is one of the best restaurants in Kolkata for couples as its luxurious ambience and divine food is apt for dates. 
• Mitra Cafe – Having served Indian celebrities and legends, this cafe is famous for its Fish Kabiraji and vegetable chop. 

How To Plan A Trip To Kolkata?

Planning the itinerary, logistics, and activities are the basic checkpoints for a trip to Kolkata. Below are some travelling options to simplify your trip to Kolkata:

How To Reach Kolkata?

Here’s how you can reach this mesmerising destination –

• By Train –

There are two major railway stations in the city – Howrah and Sealdah. The railway network is efficient and well-connected to all the cities across the country. Thus, travelling to Kolkata by train is quite easy. 

• By Road –

Government and private buses are in abundance, travelling from state to state at a reasonable cost. You can opt for Kolkata car rental services as well. The city is connected to other cities and states through smooth highways and efficient routes. Hailing a cab and going for a weekend trip is easy and the best way to explore the city and its surroundings.

• By Flight – 

The Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is the airport in Kolkata and receives flights from all over the country and the world. The airport is located in an area called Dumdum. Book an airport taxi from Kolkata Airport to reach the city.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Kolkata is from October to March. The climate is extremely neutral and pleasant. You will be able to cover all the activities during this period.

About

Kolkata, the second largest and 350 years old city of India, is an incarnation of all things festive, luxurious, and futuristic, with a comforting aura of the ancient. Formerly known as Calcutta, this city is the capital of West Bengal and has immense beauty to offer. It is also known as the City of Joy for its bustling streets, mouth-watering delicacies, and old-colonial architecture that titillates one’s senses. The blend of royalty and humility is what one loves about Kolkata. 

With our travel guide, you will be all set to explore the city and have the time of your life. 

Location

Centred on the east bank of the Hugli River, Kolkata is an extremely spatial city. It is 96 miles upstream from the head of the Bay of Bengal. It is 80km away from the international border of Bangladesh, thus, being at a distance from the metropolitan cities across the nation. However, with extensive transport facilities, the city becomes highly accessible. 

Weather

This capital city has a subtropical climate, with seasonal monsoon showers. All year round, Kolkata stays warm, with a temperature of 27 °C in December and January and 38 °C in April and May. The city is covered in fog and mist during winters, offering a pleasant climate. 

History

Much before the reign of numerous rulers and Britishers, Kolkata was a renowned trading hub. Its origin is observed in the Maurya and Gupta Period. In 1690, the British East India Company came to the city and started developing it as a Presidency City. They named it Calcutta and made it the British Capital in India. 

The Britishers contributed diligently to the city’s architecture, designating it as the “City of Palaces”. Not only did the city undergo rapid industrialization, but it also was a pioneer in all the independence movements. After independence, the Indian Government named the city Kolkata.

Geography

The city’s topography showcases an elevation of 30 feet above sea level. The whole area of the city falls on the Ganges Delta. The city is covered in swamps and marshlands on the eastern slope, and the metropolitan area confines the western slope. The soil of the city is predominantly alluvial. Kolkata is connected with the Hugli River’s oldest port in India, the Kidderpore port.

Interesting Facts

• Kolkata is the only city that has been operating trams and tanga since 1902.  

• In terms of area, the largest tree in the world is found in the Botanical Gardens here. It is a Banyan tree that is over 250 years old. 

• The Calcutta Polo Club is the country’s first and oldest polo club. 

• The famous Howrah Bridge is the busiest cantilever bridge in the world, having no nuts or bolts. 

Hotels And Resorts

Hotel Name	Address
Zone By The Park	Premises No.39-1111, Action Area-I, New Town, Kolkata, 700156Phone:033 23246300
Novotel Hotel And Residences	CF 11 Action Area, 1C New Town, Rajarhat, Kolkata, 700156 Phone:033 4032 3333
Ibiza The Fern and Spa	Merlin Greens Kriparampur Amtala 24 Parganas, Kolkata 743503Phone:033 6655 5555
The Oberoi Grand	15 Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Kolkata 700013Phone: 011 2389 0606

Last Updated on April 11, 2024 by V Subhadra