Hyderabad is usually called the city of pearls because a booming industry in pearls is centred in the city. However, it is also home to a lot of other attractions and a visitor to Hyderabad needs to plan their time well because it offers a myriad number of things to do, depending on what interests them.
The malls and multiplexes draw crowds from smaller towns but what does one do if they have already had their fill of such attractions? Not to worry, because there are so many things to do in Hyderabad.
Top Things To Do In Hyderabad (Day Long Visits)
1. Spend a Day At the Nehru Zoological Park
Unless Hyderabad is reeling under the scorching heat of summer, the zoo in Hyderabad is a haven of greenery and wildlife enjoying a serene existence in beautifully designed enclosures most suited to their wellbeing.
Ride the battery powered vehicles to roam the zoo, take the toy train to go round the zoo or go on a safari to watch the tigers and lions in their natural habitat. Birds, reptiles, nocturnal creatures and snakes have their own space here.
Suggested to Read : A Complete List of Things & Places Hyderabad Is Famous For
2. Witness The Architectural Splendour of Golconda Fort
Replete with the history of kings who ruled Hyderabad and the prison where Bhakta Ramadas was held for embezzling money to construct a temple at Bhadrachalam, the Golconda Fort is an architecturally marvelous place to visit.
For proof, clap your hands in the portico at the very entrance and have it heard clearly on the mountain, a kilometre away!
3. Be Part of the Movies at Ramoji Film City
For entertainment unlimited, especially when you are a bunch of movie buffs, head to the sprawling film city which is the biggest in the World. The environs are designed and maintained immaculately and you will be guided through one beautiful location after another, and regaled with tales of which movie was made where!
Picnics are not allowed, and you will be required to eat at one of the eateries. There is accommodation too if you want to stay longer.
4. See A Treasure Trove at Salar Jung Museum
The museum is a treasure trove of artifacts, organized in a systematic way and offers an amazing opportunity to look at the lost skill with which marble can be turned into diaphanous cloth (Rebecca) or the same statue of wood can have a man on one side and a woman on the other (Mephistopheles and Margaretta).
The ivory carvings, embroidery of the East (China and Japan), the Western paintings which boasts one by John Constable … the list goes on!
Best Things To Do In Hyderabad (Parks & Lakes)
1. Have a Picnic at Taramati Baradari
Close to Golconda is the tourist attraction named Taramati Baradari, which was built for the King’s favourite courtesan, Taramati.
This is one of the favourite haunts of tourists in Hyderabad, who enjoy the beautiful grounds and serene atmosphere of this beautiful construction which employed an ingenious design to ensure cross ventilation for these private quarters. Go ahead and have a picnic.
Also Read : 17 Popular Places To Visit Near Hyderabad
2. Go Boating at Hussain Sagar
You can view the beauty of the Hussain Sagar with the Buddha Statue standing tall in its middle from the Tank Bund, the Khairatabad Flyover or the Necklace Road. Or, hop on a boat and go to the island where it stands and view it up close.
When you are there, don’t forget to enjoy the street foods or visiting Eat Street on Necklace Road or the McDonalds at Prasad’s Imax.
3. Go Peacock Spotting at KBR park
Even if you are strapped for time and unable to spend your day out at a museum or zoo, do head to the Kasu Brahmananda Reddy Park in Banjara Hills, where you can stroll amidst landscaped gardens on the stretch developed for walkers or head in and walk in the scrub jungle which offers walkways amidst untouched nature.
Keep your fingers crossed as you hope to see a peacock (or more) strutting about.
Best Things To Do In Hyderabad (Amusement Parks)
1. See Snowfall at Snow World
Haven’t seen snow yet in your life? Well, here’s your chance. And you don’t need to head abroad or even Kashmir. Right here in Hyderabad you can witness snowfall at Snow World. This magical location, on Tank Bund Road, alongside the Hussain Sagar Lake, is a great place to take the kids. Snow World is a theme park, with a play arena and actual snow.
2. Make it Splash at Jalavihar
A water park along the Hussain Sagar Lake, Jalavihar may not be the fanciest amusement park in the country. But in Hyderabad’s scorching summer heat, you’ll need it to cool you off. Spread over 13 acres, Jalavihar has a host of exciting slides and rides, a few good eateries and is also close to the Sanjeevaiah Park, where you may go for a picnic after you’re done at the park.
Best Things to Do in Hyderabad (Shopping)
1. Shop for Porcelain at Shilparamam
Head here to pick up completely amazing souvenirs of your trip to Hyderabad and be spoiled for a choice as you browse through costume jewelry, readymade clothes, woven and embroidered stoles of silk, cotton and even wool. Clay and porcelain pottery, handcrafted wooden items, weaves of pure silks and cottons are just some of the items you can hope to find here.
Also Read : The 15 Most Romantic Places to Visit In Hyderabad For Couples
2. Shopping At Begum Bazar
The Begum Bazar is one of the most popular markets in the city. At this always crowded bazaar, you can shop for a variety of products, ranging from utensils to bangles and even shoes. The best time to go is during the closing hours of the market, as shopkeepers want to make a sale and will be willing to give you a good bargain.
Best Things to Do in Hyderabad (Food)
1. Eat Some Delicious Hyderabadi Biryani
In most of India, biryani is Hyderabadi Biryani. And where would you get a better version that in Hyderabad itself? While most locals have their own opinion on the best place to get the good stuff, outsiders tend to swear by Paradise, which has expanded into other parts of the country. For the original version, you’ll need to head to the first location in Secunderabad. And only ask for Mutton Biryani. It takes longer, but you won’t be disappointed.
2. Enjoy Some Street Food at Pragati Galli
Pragati Tiffins was the first to start a street food joint to serve lip smacking dosa (a South Indian breakfast item) and became so popular as to lend the same name to the gali (or narrow street) where it was set up. If you are in Sultan Bazaar or Koti, make a small detour to enjoy the amazing varieties of street food available in Pragati Gali at unbelievable prices.
3. Experiment With Dosas at Ram Ki Bandi
Ram ki Bandi (meaning Ram’s Push Cart) is in Nampally, with a restaurant counterpart called Ram’s Dosa House in Banjara Hills. It was the first Hyderabadi joint to serve an assortment of dosas to extremely appreciative clients.
Ranging from Spring Roll Dosa to Pizza Dosa, the place is quite famous for its experimentation with flavours. The place serves other types of Indian cuisine as well. Visit, and pick a favourite.
4. Try the Delicious Fruity Flavours at Famous Ice Cream
If tired of the regular chocolate ice cream, a visit to Famous Ice Cream Parlour in Hyderabad might satisfy a craving for something different.
Located in Mozamjahi Market outside a heritage stone structure, this place offers various fruit-based flavours like mango, pineapple, anjeer in much like a bistro. Brave the crowds and be rewarded with a bowlful of the flavourful stuff.
Also Read : 11 Great Hill Stations Near Hyderabad For A Perfect Getaway
Best Things to Do in Hyderabad (Nightlife)
1. Enjoy the Nightlife
Hyderabad offers a varied nightlife experience, with cool cafes, fun bars and hip party spots. In areas such as Jubilee Hills and Banjara Hills, the parties continue till late into the night. From karaoke to ladies’ night to live gigs, you can enjoy it all. For a tremendous night out, go look for Hard Rock Cafe, The Bar, Liquids Again and Tabula Rasa.
2.View the Majestic Buddha Statue
When N T Rama Rao visited New York in the early eighties, he decided that Hyderabad would also have a monolith. It was then decided to build the Buddha Statue. Now the tallest monolith of Gautama Buddha, it was inaugurated in 1992. The statue can be reached by boat in just 15 minutes and it is a majestic sight at night.
So come to Hyderabad and enjoy all these and many more delights waiting for you. Now that you know the best things to do in Hyderabad, do book your tickets and stay. And if you need any help with planning an itinerary, do let us know in the comments.
Book your budget-friendly and trusted hotel in Hyderabad immediately!
