15 Popular Hangout Places in Kolkata For Tourists

Kolkata is a great mix of fun, food, flora and fauna. Thanks to the number of parks and other recreational areas, you and your friends will have plenty of places to chill outdoors. Here you can enjoy some monumental sights (quite literally) or just relax in the lush greenery.
For those groups who love to shop, Kolkata has a range of malls and street markets to satiate the shopaholic in you. And let’s not forget about food! Kolkata has streets full of places to grab some local cuisine – and their famous street food. So, no matter what you and your friends idea of fun is, Kolkata has something for you.

Hangout Places in Kolkata: Parks

1. Eco Park

This park is also known as New Town Eco Park. Spread over 480 acres, this park is huge which means it rarely gets crowded, ensuring that your hangout time here is fun and uninterrupted. With its lush greenery, it’s a popular hangout spot for families, couples and kids. Some of the attractions here include the many water bodies, the flower meadow and children’s park.

• Location: Action Area II, New Town
• Timing: 12 pm to 8 pm (Monday closed)

Suggested to Read : Amusement Parks in Kolkata

2. Riverfront Park

While this is not really a park, it is one of the most peaceful and scenic places you can visit in Kolkata. At Riverfront, you are treated to a view of the long Hooghly River with the magnificent Howrah Bridge and the Vidyasagar Setu adding to the backdrop. There are park benches and even a few street food stalls you can grab a sandwich at.

• Location: Strand Road, Bara Bazar
• Timing: All day

3. Central Park

This park is a very popular hangout spot with the after-work crowd and college students. There are a number of places you can sit, chill out and catch up with your pals here. The park boasts of a large water body and an island in the middle of the lake – complete with a pagoda. There is also a rose garden (best enjoyed during winter) and butterfly garden here.

• Location: Salt Lake City
• Timing: 10 am to 5.30 pm

Must Read : Water Parks in Kolkata

Hangout Places in Kolkata: Famous Streets

1. Chinatown

Chinatown or Tiretta Bazaar as it is called is a great hang out place for you and your friends as there is lots to do here. Be ready to walk as the area is quite large and you really need to take your time exploring it all. Some things to check out include the Chinese eateries that serve mouth-watering dim sum, momos, spring rolls and other specialities.

• Location: Tangra Chinatown
• Timing: 8 am onwards

Also Read : Street Food in Kolkata

2. Park Street

You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to Park Street. A popular hang out area for locals as well as tourists, there are a ton of eating options available here. Some of the popular joints include Mocambo, Peter Cat and Marco Polo. There’s also a lot of shopping to do and street performers to watch.

• Location: Mother Teresa Sarani
• Timing: All day (Stores open between 8 am and 10 am)

3. Princep Ghat

This is a famous recreational spot in Kolkata and has been the backdrop for many movies and television serials. Apart from the stunning calm the river provides, the regal monument built in 1841 adds to the view thanks to its Gothic-Greek architecture. There are a number of seating options where you and your friends can catch up and enjoy the view which is especially charming at night.

• Location: Fort William
• Timing: 8 am to 10 pm

4. Chowringhee Road

This street offers some amazing sights that you and your friends will enjoy. Apart from the range of terracotta items on offer, you will find some truly unique pieces here ranging from the lovely to the downright bizarre. It’s a good place to visit in a group and there are some eateries you can grab a bite at too.

• Location: Park Street Metro Station
• Timing: 10 am to 9 pm

Must Read : Places to Visit in Kolkata

5. Dacres Lane

This is a popular eating and meeting spot in Kolkata. There are a number of eateries lining this popular lane which is located in heart of the city’s business district. Here you will find an incredible spread of dishes. From wok-fried noodles to hot parathas (pan-fried flaky Indian bread) and curry sauces, you and your pals can sample it all here.

• Location: Bow Barracks
• Timing: 10 am to 10 pm

Hangout Places in Kolkata: Malls & Bazaars

1. Quest Mall

This is one of the most well done up malls in Kolkata and offers a range of luxury as well as high end brands. It’s a popular hangout spot as it offers a great mix of shopping, food and entertainment option. Catch a movie or check out brands such as Burberry and Gucci. Eateries include Pizza Hut, KFC, Yauatcha , The Irish House and lots more.

• Location: Park Circus, Ballygunge
• Timing: 10 am to 10 pm

2. Acropolis

This mall offers a lot of high street shopping options such as ONLY, Vero Moda, Global Desi and more where you and your pals can indulge in a little retail therapy. Apart from shopping, there are also a lot of fast food options, a movie theatre and our favourite part: Timezone, where you and your pals can battle it out with each other over games. You can easily spend a whole day here.

• Location: East Kolkata Township
• Timing: 10 am to 10 pm

Suggested to Read : Shopping Malls in Kolkata

3. Forum Courtyard

This mall is not as loud as the others making it a great place for a relaxed day out with friends. Some of the brands you can find here include Cottonworld, Promod, and Amrapali, and a good mix of eateries such as Oh! Calcutta, Cafe Mezzuna, TGIF, Biscotti, Pizza Hut and Subway.

• Location: Sreepally, Bhowanipore
• Timing: 11 am to 9 pm

4. Gariahat

If you and your friends are looking for a fun place to experience the pulse of the city, then visit one of its most famous street markets. Here you will find great deals on garments, home décor items and electronics at reasonable rates. You can also check out their extensive street food options where you can get delicious chaat and snacks for under Rs. 100.

• Location: Rash Behari Avenue, Gariahat Crossing
• Timing: 10 am to 10 pm

Also Read : Nightlife in Kolkata

5. New Market

What was once a shopping destination for the British residents in India has turned into one of Kolkata’s most loved markets frequented by tourists and locals alike thanks to its range of offerings. You and your friends can spend hours browsing clothes and footwear; fashion jewelry and precious stones, electronic gadgets and toys, food stuff and more. There are also a number of eateries here.

• Location: Lindsay Street
• Timing: 10 am to 10 pm   

Other Hangout Places in Kolkata

1. Victoria Memorial

Here you will find sprawling gardens, beautiful shrubs, colorful flowers, and serene water bodies. Do visit this historic spot in the evening when it is lit up beautifully in a range of hues. This place is a great hang out spot once the sun sets and is usually filled with couples looking for a quiet spot and families out for an evening stroll.

• Location: Queens Way
• Timing: 10 am to 5 pm

2. College Street Coffee House

Located opposite the Presidency College in College Street, for decades this has been the place for intellectuals and students to meet up and discuss ideas. It is known as the hub of intellectual debates and it also offers some delicious coffee and snacks. Here you will find people debating for on cinema, arts, politics and science for hours over a few cups of brew.

• Location: Bankim Chatterjee Street, College Square
• Timing: 9 am to 9 pm

Kolkata has a range of things you and your friends can do when you visit. The city of joy will make sure you and your pals have a great time here thanks to all the must visit hangout places in Kolkata we have mentioned above. When you visit these best places in Kolkata to hangout, do let us know about your experiences, we would love to hear about them in the comments section below.

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