Discover the top places to visit in Kolkata! From historical landmarks to vibrant markets, our guide explores the rich tapestry of this enchanting city. Immerse yourself in the cultural wonders Kolkata has to offer. Kolkata, known as the City of Joy, is a melting pot of history, culture, and vibrant energy. Exploring this city is like navigating through a treasure trove of experiences.
Places to Visit in Kolkata
In this guide, we'll delve into the must-visit places in Kolkata, each with its unique charm and significance. Indulge in the grandeur of the Victoria Memorial, an architectural masterpiece that narrates the colonial history of Kolkata. Surrounded by lush gardens, this iconic structure is a photographer's delight, offering a glimpse into the city's regal past.
1. Botanical Garden, Kolkata
How about marvelling at the world’s largest tree and sit chatting under its shade with your friends? Head off to Calcutta Botanical Garden which is home to the Great Banyan Tree. Spend an afternoon at this 200-year-old garden exploring its amazing collection of more than 12,000 specimens of plants and trees spread over 109 hectares. This is one of the top sightseeing places in Kolkata where you can take a break from the busy world outside and connect not just with your friends but nature as well.
Location: Shibpur, Howrah
Timing: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; closed on Mondays
Entry fee: ₹ 10 for Indians; ₹ 100 for foreigners
2. Park Street, Kolkata
With an array of famous restaurants, cafés, pubs, and shopping centers, Park Street is where the heart of youthful Kolkata is. The nightclubs and pubs in Park Street make it one of the best places to hang out in Kolkata with friends. You can also indulge your taste buds with some splendid delicacies, including authentic Bengali cuisines, by visiting the eateries here such as Peter Cat, Mocambo, Barbeque Nation, Naturals Ice Cream, and more. If you are looking for things to do in Kolkata at night, do not forget to check out the party scene at Park Street.
3. Nicco Park, Kolkata
When you are in the mood for some thrill and fun with your friends in the City of Joy, Nicco Park is where you need to head to. Touted as the Disneyland of West Bengal, this adventure destination allows you to revisit your carefree childhood days with your bunch of friends. Gravity-defying rides, Haunted House, Toy Train, and a number of other attractions make this place a must-visit attraction. Nicco Park is also one of the top waterparks in Kolkata where you can indulge in unlimited aquatic fun with your gang.
Location: Sector IV, Salt Lake City
Timing: Gate: 10:30 am to 6:30 pm; Rides: 10:45 am to 7:30 pm
Entry Fee:
Entry ticket (entry + 12 rides) – ₹ 185 per person
Full package (entry + all rides of the main park + water park) – ₹ 600 per person
4. Aquatica, Kolkata
How about beating the scorching heat of the city in a fun-filled way? Aquatica counts among the top water amusement parks in Kolkata and can leave your adrenaline levels soaring high. 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.
Location: Kouchpukur
Timings: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; every day
Entry fee: ₹ 800 per person (weekdays) and ₹ 1000 per person (weekends and public holidays)
5. Snow Park
Snow is something you would not associate with Kolkata, right? But if you want to enjoy a snowy experience in this city, Snow Park is where you ought to be. An exclusive snow-themed park, this place welcomes you to a super-cool environment where the temperature is maintained at minus 6 degree Celsius. You and your friends can escape the blistering heat outside and enjoy a number of thrills and frills like ice skating, ice bike riding, snow disco, Swiss sledge riding, tube slides, etc. Counted among the top fun places to visit in Kolkata with friends, this park is where you can create loads of lovely memories with your pals.
Location: Axis Mall, New Town
Timings: 11:00 am to 9:00 pm; every day
Entry fee: ₹500 (Includes the rent for gloves, jackets, and shoes and unlimited access to all the rides and activities inside the park)
6. Maidan, Kolkata
When you and your friends want to sit and chat for hours without bothering about anything else, make your way to Maidan. From enjoying leisurely walks to indulging in an impromptu game of cricket or football, Maidan is the happy place for people of all ages. This sprawling open green space in the heart of the city also has a tram line passing through it. You can hop into one of these slow-speed carriages and take a ride through this lovely green area and its surrounding places.
Location: Guru Nanak Sarani
Timing: 24×7
7. Eco Park, Kolkata
Considered to be the biggest park in India, the Newtown Eco Park is a unique amusement destination. Spreading over a sprawling area of 480 acres with a huge waterbody and an island in the middle of it, this park extends a number of attractions to keep you and your friends enthralled for hours. 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. Do not miss out visiting the theme gardens here that are adorned with replicas of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Location: New Town
Timings:
March to October – 2:30 pm to 8:30 pm (Tuesday to Saturday); 12:00 pm to 8:30 pm (Sunday and Holidays)
November to February – 12:00 pm to 7:30 pm (Tuesday to Saturday); 11:00 pm to 7:30 pm (Sunday and Holidays)
Closed on Mondays
Entry fee: ₹ 30 per person
8. Mystery Rooms, Kolkata
With their unique and interactive live escape games, Mystery Rooms is fast becoming one of the most interesting places to visit in Kolkata with friends. Rack your brains to solve puzzles, find clues, crack mysteries, and emerge as winners, all within a stipulated period of time. A full entertainment zone, the place lets you test your skills as a team while having loads of fun.
Location: Acharya Jagdish Chandra Bose Road and Salt Lake City
Timings: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm; every day
Entry fee: ₹ 600 to ₹ 1000 per head (depending on the number of people taking part in the mission)
9. Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Eden Gardens is the mecca of all cricket lovers visiting the City of Joy. The largest cricket stadium in India in terms of capacity, Eden Gardens has been hosting many high-profile international cricket matches for years now. Check if there are any matches scheduled at the time of your visit and spend a day at this stadium with your friends cheering for your favorite team.
Location: BBD Bagh
10. College Street, Kolkata
Have you and your friends got a thing for books? Then College Street, which houses the world’s largest second-hand book market, is the perfect destination for you. This 1.5 km long street is where you can get your hands on all kinds of books, including rare first editions. The best part is that you can get many popular books at amazingly low prices. Even if you are not a bibliophile, you can always visit the Indian Coffee House which was once frequented by many star writers and other personalities, and enjoy a cup of tea and bread pakoras.
Location: Central Kolkata
Timing: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm; every day
11. Prinsep Ghat, Kolkata
Prinsep Ghat, a magnificent historical monument constructed in the Gothic and Greek architectural styles, is an ideal place to visit in the evening with your friends to watch the sunset over the River Hooghly and enjoy the idyllic ambiance. Numerous lights illuminate the whole structure in the 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.
Location: Strand Road, Vidyasagar Setu
Timing: 24×7
12. Tiretta Bazaar, Kolkata
Kolkata is known for its love for Chinese food, and Tiretta Bazaar is one of those pockets in the city where you and your friends can gorge on authentic Chinese delicacies. The place is famous for its breakfast servings of chicken baos, momos, sausages, rolls, rice balls, meatball soup, breaded pork fillets, pork pies, fish Sui Mai, and more. The icing on the cake is that you won’t have to drill a hole in your pocket while enjoying the street food in Kolkata at this bazaar.
Location: Sun Yat Sen Street
13. New Market, Kolkata
Known as a shopaholic’s paradise, New Market is where you and your friends can shop till you literally drop. It definitely helps that the prices are quite reasonable here and on top of that, you can even bargain to get the best deal. From bags, shoes, garments, and jewelry to household items, spices, fruits, vegetables, and food items, you can find everything here. Once you are done with shopping, head over to one of the ionic eateries dotting this area and dig into a mouth-watering roll or a sumptuous plate of biryani and phirni.
Timings: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm; closed on Sundays
What to buy: Ladies handbags, garments, jewelry, spices, footwear
14. Nandan Theater, Kolkata
If you and your friends love watching classic movies, there can be no better place than Nandan. A celebrated film and cultural center, the theater hosts the best of international and national classics at nominal entry rates. There’s also an art gallery next door where painting and art exhibitions are held frequently.
Location: A J C Bose Road
15. City Centre, Kolkata
City Centre is a shopping mall with a difference. Unlike other malls, this lifestyle destination encompasses the spirit of ‘adda’ or hangout in its very structure. That’s why you can find a number of zones specially designed for adda sessions where you and your friends can spend many happy hours chatting and hanging out. And if you want to shop or eat, there’s no end to the list of options at this mall. Plus, you can also catch up on the latest releases at the Inox movie theatre.
Location: DC Block, Sector 1, Salt Lake
Timing: 11:00 am to 9:00 pm; every day
16. Howrah Bridge, Kolkata
The gateway to Kolkata, Howrah Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city and boasts of being the sixth longest cantilever bridge in the world at present. It started operating in 1943 and is now among the busiest bridges in the country. The best way to enjoy the beauty of this grand structure is to go on a ferry ride. After sundown, the place looks magical with all the illumination and stands out against the dark river waters and the night sky.
Location: Howrah
Timing: 24×7
17. Science City, Kolkata
Science can be so much fun and the Science City in Kolkata goes all out to prove this point. The largest science center in the country, this place is a fascinating world of knowledge presented in an easy-to-understand and enjoyable manner. The attractions here are designed not just for the young inquisitive minds but for anyone who wants to understand the wonders of science. From time machines and space odysseys to robotic models of dinosaurs, there’s something for everyone here. You can also enjoy a toy train ride and a ropeway ride in the outdoor area of this science center.
Location: Mirania Gardens, Topsia
Timing: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm; every day except on Holi
Entry fee: ₹50 per person
18. Millennium Park, Kolkata
Known as one of the most romantic places for couples to visit in Kolkata, Millennium Park is a great place to spend time with your friends as well. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this park exudes a serene ambiance and offers breath-taking views of the Hooghly River. You can even get a clear view of the entire Howrah Bridge from the park. If you stay back till the evening hours, you will be able to see the place take on a new look as the evening lights illuminate up the whole park.
Location: BBD Bagh
Timing: 11:00 am to 08:00 pm; every day
19. South City Mall, Kolkata
Step inside the South City Mall and you will know why this place counts among the most popular hangout places for friends in Kolkata. The swanky mall is not just a shopaholic’s paradise but an entertainment center as well. Apart from the outlets of many national and international brands, the mall also boasts of a spacious food court, a number of restaurants, and a multiplex. From shopping to eating and chilling out to watching the latest releases, you can do it all here.
Location: Prince Anwar Shah Road
Timing: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm; every day
20. Quest Mall, Kolkata
Touted as one of the largest shopping malls in Kolkata, Quest Mall keeps you one step ahead on the fashion front by bringing to you a host of famous designer labels from around the world. Whether it is garments, shoes, bags, watches or accessories, you can make your pick from the latest designs and the best brands. And if you are in the mood to hang out, this place offers you a plethora of restaurants and a lovely food court. You and your friends can also chill out over a movie at the multiplex located in this mall.
Location: Syed Amir Ali Avenue
Timing: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm; every day
Are you and your friends hard-core foodies? Kolkata boasts of a number of restaurants that serve the most amazing delicacies that will leave you wanting for more. Here are our suggested choices from the long list of restaurants in Kolkata where you can have a great lunch or dinner with your friends.
21. 6 Ballygunje Place, Kolkata
Location: Ballygunje
Timings: 12:30pm to 3:30pm, 7pm to 10:30pm; every day
Cost for two: ₹ 700 (approx.)
22. Peter Cat, Kolkata
Location: Park Street Area
Timings: 11:00am to 11:20pm; every day
Cost for two: ₹ 1200 (approx.)
23. Mocambo, Kolkata
Location: Park Street Area
Timings: 11:00am to 11:20pm
Cost for two: ₹ 1100 (approx.)
24. Oudh, Kolkata
Location: Deshapriya Park
Timings: 12:00 noon to 3:30pm, 6:30pm to 10:30pm; every day
Cost for two: ₹ 1200 (approx.)
25. Rendezvous, Kolkata
Location: Salt Lake
Timings: 11:00 am to 12:30 pm; every day
Cost for two: ₹ 1200
Want to eat, drink, and dance the night away in the company of your besties? There’s no dearth of pubs in Kolkata and each of these nightlife spots gives you a heady mix of music, dance, food, and spirits. Here are a few spots to check out with your gang.
26. Monkey Bar, Kolkata
Location: Camac Street Area
Timings: 12:00 noon to 12:00 midnight (Sunday to Thursday); 12:00 noon to 1:00 am (Fridays and Saturdays)
Cost for two: ₹ 1500 (approx.)
27. The Grid, Kolkata
Location: Topsia Road
Timings: 12:00 noon to 12:00 midnight (Sunday to Thursday); 12:00 noon to 2:00 am (Fridays and Saturdays)
Cost for two: ₹ 2000 (approx.)
28. Hard Rock Cafe, Kolkata
Location: Park Street Area
Timings: 12:00 noon to 12:00 midnight; every day
Cost for two: ₹ 2500 (approx.)
29. Someplace Else, Kolkata
Location: Park Street Area
Timings: 4:30 pm to 2:00 am; every day
Cost for two: ₹2400 (approx.)
30. Olypub, Kolkata
Location: A J C Bose Road
Timings: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm; every day
Cost for two: ₹ 1100 (approx.)
Now, isn’t that a whole lot of interesting places to visit and things to do in Kolkata with your buddies? So, why wait any longer? Chalk out your trip to the City of Joy and go back carrying lovely memories for a lifetime.
Places to Visit in Kolkata: FAQs
Q: Best time to visit Kolkata?
Enjoy Kolkata's pleasant weather from October to March, avoiding the monsoon season for a more comfortable experience.
Q: Is it safe to explore Kolkata at night?
Kolkata is generally safe, but it's advisable to stick to well-lit and crowded areas when exploring the city after dark.
Q: Are there entry fees for the mentioned attractions?
Yes, some attractions have nominal entry fees. It's recommended to check the respective websites for updated information.
Q: Can I explore these places on foot?
Many attractions are centrally located, allowing for a delightful walking tour. However, consider local transportation for more distant sites.
Q: Any must-try local dishes in Kolkata?
Indulge in Kolkata's street food, especially the iconic Kathi Rolls and delectable sweets like Rasgulla and Sandesh.
Q: How can I travel around Kolkata efficiently?
Opt for the extensive metro network, iconic yellow taxis, or app-based ridesharing services for convenient and efficient transportation.
Conclusion
Kolkata's allure lies in its seamless blend of tradition and modernity, offering a diverse range of experiences for every visitor. Whether you're a history buff, a food enthusiast, or a nature lover, the City of Joy beckons with open arms. Immerse yourself in the cultural tapestry of Kolkata, and let the city unfold its charm in every corner you explore.
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