India is a country with many faces, and Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, stands out as an enchanting confluence of culture, history, literature, and food. A journey through this vibrant city offers an array of memorable experiences, 25 of which we will explore in this blog post. I can understand that you will be interested in knowing the top 25 things to do in Kolkata. Here is the information you need:
Top 25 Things To Do in Kolkata:
1. Marvel at the Indian Museum:
India’s oldest and largest museum, it offers a fascinating insight into the country’s rich history and diverse cultures. From rare artefacts of the Indus Valley Civilization to ancient fossils and beautiful miniature paintings, this museum houses it all.
In addition to being one of the best places to visit in Kolkata, you can add a visit to this museum to your list of fun things to do in Kolkata.
2. Pay Homage at Victoria Memorial:
This imposing white-marble monument, surrounded by lush gardens, was built in memory of Queen Victoria. Its impressive collection of paintings, artefacts, and books provides a vivid peek into the colonial era.
As you are wondering about the best things to do in Kolkata, paying homage at Victoria Memorial will turn out to be an unforgettable experience in your life.
3. Explore Maidan:
Referred to as the ‘lungs of Kolkata’, Maidan is a vast public park and home to several sporting clubs. From early morning yoga sessions to cricket matches and horse carriage rides, Maidan is Kolkata’s green haven.
If you wish to engage in some fitness activities, a visit to this place is one of the best things to do in Kolkata. When you visit early in the morning, you will get motivated to workout by seeing a lot of locals working out in this spot.
4. Discover Tagore at Jorasanko Thakur Bari:
Walk the same halls as Rabindranath Tagore in his ancestral home. Now a museum, it showcases his life and works, providing a glimpse into the mind of this Nobel laureate.
If you would like to know about prominent personalities, a visit to this place is one of the top things to do in Calcutta.
5. Dive into Bengali Cinema at Nandan:
The cultural hub of the city, Nandan hosts film festivals and screenings that expose you to the richness of Bengali and global cinema.
Do you love watching shows and cinema? Then a visit to this cultural hub is one of the fun things to do in Kolkata with friends. You can get to this place with your group of friends and spend some quality and fun time there. Of course, be sure to learn Bengali a bit so you can understand the shows.
6. Savour Bengali cuisine:
Kolkata’s culinary landscape is an explosion of flavours. From street-side puchkas and rolls to a traditional Bengali thali in a fine dining restaurant, every meal is a celebration here.
With 25 famous restaurants in Kolkata satiating the taste buds of tourists and locals alike, savouring the local cuisine is one of the wonderful things to do in Kolkata.
7. Sunset Cruise on Hooghly River:
A sunset river cruise offers breathtaking views of the city skyline, highlighted by the iconic Howrah Bridge. It’s an experience of tranquility amidst the city’s bustle.
Hooghly River has lots to offer tourists like you. For instance, Chandannagar, which is one of the best places to visit near Kolkata, is standing on the banks of Hooghly River. In the same way Raichak is another place you can visit. When you are at this river, do not forget to take a sunset cruise ride, which is one of the exciting things to do in Kolkata.
8. Shop at New Market:
A historic bazaar, New Market offers an array of goods ranging from clothing and jewellery to exotic flowers and sweets. This chaotic and colourful market is a shopper’s paradise.
Some people love to shop, wherever they go. If you have a family member with an exhilarating interest for shopping, shopping at the New Market is without any doubt one of the ideal things to do in Kolkata.
9. Roam the Streets of Kumartuli:
This traditional potter’s quarter is where the magnificent clay idols for Durga Puja are made. It’s a unique experience, walking through narrow lanes filled with artisans sculpting beautiful deities.
If you would like to shop for well-made idols, you should never forget to include a visit to Kumartuli in your list of top things to do in Kolkata.
10. Visit Mother House:
The global headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity, Mother House is where Mother Teresa lived and served the needy. The simplicity of the place and her tomb leave a profound impact on visitors.
If you wish to celebrate the great service done by Mother Teresa to humanity, a visit to this place is undoubtedly one of the great things to do in Kolkata.
11. Stroll Down College Street:
Known for its second-hand book market – the largest in the world, College Street is a paradise for bookworms. The Indian Coffee House here has been the meeting place of many intellectuals and revolutionaries.
If you look for a place to stroll around with your friends, College Street is one of the best places to visit in Kolkata. Strolling in this street is one of the wonderful things to do in Kolkata.
12. Relish Bengali Sweets:
Bengal is famous for its sweets. Don’t miss the spongy rasgulla, creamy mishti doi, or the delectable sandesh when you are here.
If you are a foodie and if you are particular about tasting mouth-watering streets, the best 20 hotels in Kolkata will serve you with the best sweets during your stay if required. Most visitors to this city feel that relishing Bengali sweets is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Kolkata.
13. Traverse Howrah Bridge:
One of the busiest bridges in the world, a walk across the Howrah Bridge is a thrilling experience. The panoramic views of the city and the river are truly amazing.
You will be surprised to know that the huge bridge carries a traffic of 150,000 pedestrians and 100,000 vehicles. So, how about chilling among the local crowd at this bridge? Once you visit, you will suggest a visit to this bridge as one of the best things to do in Kolkata to your friends and family. I have included this place in my 11-day West Bengal itinerary as well.
14. Witness the Grandeur of Marble Palace:
This 19th-century mansion houses an exquisite collection of sculptures, paintings, and antiques. The opulence and beauty of the mansion leave visitors spellbound.
If you are a history-buff, you will accept that a visit to this palace is one of the best things to do in Kolkata. You will relish the experience you get in this palace long after you reach your hometown from Kolkata.
15. Enjoy a Tram Ride:
Kolkata’s trams are not just a means of transport, but a moving heritage of the city. A tram ride offers a leisurely perspective of Kolkata’s charm.
Kolkata holds the pride of being the only city to have trams even today. So, if you wish to get a throw-back experience, do not forget to include a tram ride in your list of top things to do in Kolkata.
16. Explore the Botanical Gardens:
Spread over 273 acres, these gardens house an enormous variety of plants. The 250-year-old Great Banyan Tree here is a must-see.
If you are a nature-lover, you should include a visit to the Botanical Garden in Kolkata as one of the not-to-miss things to do in Kolkata. This garden is the home for more than 12,000 living perennial plants. You will find plants gathered from different world nations and grown here. Thousands of multi-coloured flowers in this garden will help you take some stunning pictures.
17. Attend Durga Puja:
If you visit during autumn, you can witness the grandeur of Durga Puja, Kolkata’s most important and vibrant festival. The elaborately decorated idols, artistic pandals, and festive fervour are unforgettable.
Durga Mata is worshipped in this part of West Bengal with great devotion. So, if you wish to get a spiritual experience, do not forget to include this participation in your list of things to do in Kolkata if you visit during autumn.
18. Visit Dakshineswar Kali Temple:
This iconic temple, located on the banks of the Hooghly River, is a major Hindu pilgrimage site. The tranquillity and spiritual energy here are palpable.
Again, if you are looking to do devotional things when you are staying at Kolkata, a visit to this temple should be part of your things to do in Kolkata for sure.
19. Savour Flavours at Terreti Bazar:
Known for its morning food market, it’s the best place to experience Kolkata’s Chinese heritage. Enjoy the culinary treats such as momos, bao and sausages.
Do you love Chinese cuisine? Do you wish to enjoy Chinese foods when you are staying in the city during your best 5-day Kolkata itinerary? If your answers to these questions are affirmative, visiting Terreti Bazar is undoubtedly one of the mouth-watering things to do in Kolkata for you.
20. Experience the Sunderbans:
A day trip to the Sunderbans, the world’s largest delta and mangrove forest, offers a chance to spot the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger and a variety of other wildlife.
Sundarbans National Park is one of the best places to visit near Kolkata. The experience you get when spotting a Royal Bengal Tiger is one of the great things to do in Kolkata without missing out.
21. Visit South Park Street Cemetery:
One of the oldest non-church cemeteries outside Europe, it houses tombs with Gothic and Indo-Saracenic architecture. It’s an interesting place that narrates tales of Kolkata’s colonial past.
If you wish to know about the past of Kolkata? If so, a visit to this place should be part of your list of things to do in Kolkata.
22. Explore Science City:
It’s the largest science centre in the Indian subcontinent. With interactive exhibits and a space theatre, it’s a great place for kids and adults alike.
Do you love science experimentally? Do you wish that your kids should gain practical knowledge on scientific concepts? If you give yes as answers to these questions, do include Science City visit as one of the important things to do in Kolkata in your itinerary.
23. Bask in the Beauty of Princep Ghat:
Located along the Hooghly River, it’s a great place to relax, enjoy a boat ride, or simply watch a mesmerising sunset.
When you visit Hooghly River, not only exploring the river but also exploring the ghat should be part of your list of things to do in Kolkata without fail.
24. Visit Birla Planetarium:
One of the largest in Asia, it offers captivating astronomical shows. It’s a fun learning experience for all ages.
When you are visiting Kolkata with your kids, you can take them to this Planetarium. They will be excited about the things to do in Kolkata list you have created for them. The things they learn here will help with their educational growth as well.
25. Experience Nostalgia at Calcutta Tramways Company:
Explore the rich history of trams in the city at the CTC museum. The vintage tram rides here are truly nostalgic.
Not only taking a tram ride but also getting into some nostalgic memories is one of the unforgettable things to do in Kolkata.
Conclusion:
Each of these experiences uniquely represents Kolkata’s spirit. As you walk its streets, cruise its river, explore its monuments, savour its cuisine, and interact with its people, Kolkata unveils itself layer by layer. It’s a city that must be felt, lived, and savoured one experience at a time. Kolkata awaits you – to welcome you into its grand narrative and make you a part of its unforgettable story. Before you start to Kolkata, you might be interested in learning how to reach Kolkata by train, flight and bus. Once you are there, you can start ticking these items in your list of top 25 things to do in Kolkata.