Things To Do
in Kolkāta
Kolkāta, often called the cultural capital of India, sits on the east bank of the Hooghly River and blends colonial grandeur with vibrant street life. The city is famous for its literary heritage, historic architecture, and colorful festivals like Durga Puja. Its winding alleys reveal bustling markets, roadside snack stalls, and tram tracks that evoke a bygone era.
Despite rapid modernization, Kolkāta retains a warm, intellectual spirit that welcomes visitors from all over the world.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touch down in Kolkata and feel the vibrant energy as you make your way to a boutique hotel on Park Street. Check into your heritage-inspired room and freshen up for the day. Head out to sample steaming kathi rolls and aromatic masala chai at an iconic street stall.
Explore the colonial-era Coffee House on College Street and lose yourself in its vintage ambiance. Sip a creamy coffee while chatting with students and intellectuals. Browse the endless shelves of bookstores lining the thoroughfare.
Return to Park Street for an early dinner at a classic Indian-European restaurant serving Chelo Kebabs. Savor lush curries and chocolates at Flurys, the century-old patisserie. End the night with a leisurely walk under a canopy of streetlights and live music spilling from nearby bars.
Begin at Victoria Memorial as dawn breaks, admiring its gleaming marble façade against lush gardens. Join a guided tour to learn about the building’s colonial history and stories. Capture photographs of the serene lily ponds reflecting the majestic architecture.
Head to the nearby Maidan to witness locals playing football and cricket on vast green fields. Grab a street-side cut fruit bowl sprinkled with chaat masala to fuel your exploration. Continue to the Kolkata Race Course for a glimpse of British-era equestrian tradition.
Walk down Dalhousie Square to view the illuminated colonial buildings lining the Hooghly River. Sip on local tea from a tea vendor while you watch ferries glide by. End the night at a rooftop bar overlooking the river and the lit-up Howrah Bridge.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2–3 |
| 🚕Taxi start (metered) | $0.20 |
| ☕Coffee | $1 |
| 🥤Bottle of water (1 L) | $0.50 |
| 🎟️Movie ticket | $4–5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and festivals
- World-class street food scene
- Affordable cost of travel and living
- Historic architecture and literary legacy
- Heavy traffic and pollution
- High humidity in summer
- Crowded public spaces
- Occasional street harassment
- "Nomoshkar" - Hello
- "Dhanyabad" - Thank you
- "Ektu kom maşala/curry deben?" - Please make it less spicy?
- "Eta kothay?" - Where is this?
Places to Visit in Kolkāta
Visit one of these nice places.
Best shot at sunrise or blue hour from the riverbank to capture its silhouette.
Golden hour light on the white marble dome framed by lush gardens.
Behind-the-scenes view of artisans shaping idol faces in narrow lanes.
Vintage trams weaving past bookstalls create a timeless street scene.
Food in Kolkāta
Kolkāta Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Crisp semolina shells filled with spiced water and tamarind chutney, found at street carts everywhere.
Must-Try!
Grilled meat or paneer wrapped in paratha, first popularized at Nizam’s on Park Street.
Sweet fermented yogurt, best sampled at Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick in Shyambazar.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic bazaar with stalls selling mughlai kebabs, fish fry and sweets; try the kababs at Shiraz.
Bustling open-air market where you can sample jhal muri and aloo chops from roadside vendors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A slight bow with folded palms (namaskar) is respectful; handshakes are common in business settings.
Remove footwear before entering temples or someone’s home.
Avoid public displays of affection; keep voices moderate in religious sites.
Safety
Tipping in Kolkāta
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, 5–10% is customary if service charge isn’t included. Auto-rickshaw drivers don’t expect tips, but rounding up is polite.
Cash (INR) is king for street food and local shops; credit cards are accepted at most hotels and large restaurants. Mobile wallets (Paytm, Google Pay) are widely used.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
April–June brings high heat and humidity (35–40°C). Stay hydrated and plan indoor breaks.
June–September sees heavy rains and occasional flooding. Carry an umbrella and waterproof footwear.
November–February is mild and pleasant (15–25°C), ideal for sightseeing and festivals.
September–October features Durga Puja celebrations—expect crowds, decorated pandals and cultural programs.
Kolkāta at Night
Hiking in Kolkāta
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Day-trip boat and guided walks through mangrove paths in the Sundarbans wildlife sanctuary.
Short forest walks and birdwatching paths in this suburban nature reserve.
Airports
How to reach Kolkāta by plane.
Main airport located 17 km from city center with domestic and international connections; taxis and app-based cabs serve the route.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority community with deep roots in literature, art and commerce.
Historic community known for bakeries, churches and colonial heritage.
Business community active in trade and finance.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Passionate fan base supports local team Bengal in the Eden Gardens stadium.
Clubs like Mohun Bagan and East Bengal have fierce rivalries and dedicated followings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kolkāta.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Pure veg thalis are available at many South Indian eateries; street vendors also offer samosas, chola bhatura and jhal muri.
Request no ghee or yogurt in biryani and curries; many restaurants accommodate with plant-based dals and vegetable dishes.