Every nook and corner of “India’s cultural capital”, Kolkata has a story to tell, the story of rich history, culture and spirituality. You can hear the musical notes on the busy streets of New Market, Park Street and Kumortuli. The city offers a perfect blend of heritage buildings and modern architecture, showcasing a deep connection with colonial history and a will to accept contemporary lifestyles simultaneously. No wonder it is often addressed as the “City of Joy”. There are numerous things to do in Kolkata for people from all walks of life and across the globe.
If you are planning to visit the city any time soon, then there are endless things to do in Kolkata for a travel experience that gets imprinted for life. Also don’t forget to check out budget-friendly hotels in Kolkata for a comfortable and affordable stay.
Things to Do In Kolkata, the City of Joy
1. Visit the Victoria Memorial:
If you want to witness the colonial architecture then planning a visit to Victoria Memorial, Kolkata is the first among various other things to do in Kolkata. This Victorian marvel is now a full-fledged restoration and conservation museum, with a well-equipped laboratory, library and different galleries of paintings and engravings. It is home to the works of major Indian artists like Abanindranath Tagore, Gaganendranath Tagore and Jamini Roy along with European artists like Johan Zoffany, George Chinnery and Emily Eden.
The wonderful architecture and the artefacts make it the most-visited museum in India and one of the top museums with the highest footfall in the world.
2. Explore the Indian Museum
Marked as a crucial step towards the development of the heritage and culture of India, the Indian Museum is the oldest and largest multipurpose museum from the Asia-Pacific region. While looking for things to do in Kolkata, explore the Indian Museum.
Founded in 1814, as one of the museums in Kolkata, it marked the start of the museum movement in the country with the beginning of the modernity and end of the medieval era. You can witness some of the rare artefacts including Mughal Paintings antiques, armour, ornaments, fossils, skeletons and mummies here.
3. Take a boat ride on the Hooghly River near Howrah Bridge
You must have come across various movie scenes based in Kolkata showcasing a fisherman singing Bengali songs and sailing through the famous Hoogly River. It is the western tributary of the Ganga River over which the iconic landmark Howrah Bridge stands upright connecting Howrah with Kolkata.
You can never miss a boat ride here while searching for things to do in Kolkata. The breathtaking sunrise and sunset create a picture-perfect backdrop while enjoying the ride on the river.
4. Stroll through Eco Park
If you think of Kolkata just as a rustic and crowded city with traditional architecture, then you are about to change your mindset. Eco Park is one of the largest open recreational spaces in the city established to promote a healthy and self-sustaining ecosystem.
While exploring things to do in Kolkata there are various activities in Eco Park that you can enjoy with your friends and family. Some of the activities include duo cycling, high-speed boating, rifle shooting, toy train rides and taking a stroll through the park.
5. Visit Dakshineswar Kali Temple
A trip to the city is never complete without experiencing the spirituality at temples in Kolkata. The city is blessed with various temples dedicated to Goddess Kali and one of the significant ones is Dakshineswar Kali Temple. The deity of the temple Bhavatarini (Kali) resides in the form of Mahadevi or Parashakti Adya Kali.
The temple built in 1855 is an architectural marvel in itself with the nine-spired Navaratna-style main temple, courtyard and rooms along the boundary wall. So, add the visit to Dakshineswar Kali Temple to your things to do in Kolkata list, especially during the Navratris.
6. See the stunning Marble Palace
Another time-travelling portal with architectural beauty is the Marble Palace, a nineteenth-century mansion built in 1835 by Raja Rajendra Mullick. The palace is still a residence of his descendants. The three-story neoclassic style building with tall fluted Corinthian pillars and ornamented verandas with fretwork and sloping roofs, the rock garden, a lake and a zoo, make it a must-visit place in Kolkata.
Along with admiring the stunning Marble Palace, you can also witness some of the Western sculptures, Victorian furniture, decorative items and paintings by both Indian and European artists while looking for things to do in Kolkata.
7. Enjoy the science exhibits at Science City
For all the science enthusiasts and the curious cats, enjoy the science exhibits at a one-of-its-kind science city in the country. The Science City, Kolkata is one of the largest and finest in the world offering an engaging learning experience for science and technology lovers.
From tornado, energy balls and ocean waves to the aquatic world and Jurassic Park, there are endless amusing areas to discover for all visitors looking for interesting things to do in Kolkata.
8. Take a Tram Ride through the City
There are a few things to do in Kolkata that you can not experience in any other city in the country and a tram ride is one of them. Once a major mode of transportation, the iconic trams are still inseparable from the Bengali identity. For this very reason, you can still take a tram ride across the busy streets of the city on the Esplanade to Maidan route.
The fun tour of the city includes iconic landmarks like the Victoria Memorial, South Park Cemetry and St. Teresa’s Home. The tram ride tour is perfect for exploring the local life, history and culture of the city.
9. Explore Kumortuli (Potters’ Colony)
The majestic idols of Goddess Durga during Durga Puja, catches everyone’s attention. And if you want to take the first-hand experience of watching them being sculpted, then visit Kumortuli.
The art and tradition are still deeply rooted in Kumortuli, popularly known as the potter’s colony. The artisans not only make these idols just for the festivals but also export their art worldwide. This experience will surely amaze you and you should definitely include it in things to do in Kolkata.
10. Admire the architecture of St. Paul’s Cathedral
Just at a walking distance from the Victoria Memorial, you get to witness the Indo-Gothic architecture come to life at St. Paul’s Cathedral. This stunning place of worship dedicated to Paul the Apostle, is the largest church in Kolkata and the first Anglican cathedral in Asia.
You can also explore the library, memorabilia and a display of plastic art in the Cathedral premises while looking for things to do in Kolkata.
11. Shop and eat at New Market
A trip to any city is never complete without exploring the authentic shopping and food streets. If you have shopping and food hopping on your things to do in Kolkata list then you cannot skip New Market. Situated on Lindsay Street at Dharmatala, this market complex is one of the oldest markets in Kolkata with an indoor arcade filled with food, clothing and handicraft stalls.
Also, don’t forget to test your bargaining skills and get the best deals on clothes, jewellery, fresh fruits and seafood.
12. Try authentic Bengali cuisine at local restaurants
Bengalis and their love for food are well-known and how can you skip trying authentic Bengali food, especially in the local restaurants? With an influence of history, climate and neighbourhood regions like Bangladesh and Assam, Bengali cuisines have now found their place in world-famous dishes.
Apart from the famous Rosogulla, Mishti Doi, Fish curry and Puchka, there is an endless variety of food items that you can try on your visit. Some of the items include Fried Hilsa Fish, Haleem, Aloo Potol Posto, Illish Macher Jhol, Shukto and many more. You can also take your partner to a romantic restaurant for an amazing culinary experience.
13. Experience the charm of College Street and its bookstores
Kolkata is the origin of the literary movement in the country and the birthplace of famous literary personalities like Rabindra Nath Tagore, Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay, Suchitra Bhattacharya, Sukanta Bhattacharya, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Satyajit Ray and more. The love for literature and other books is still evident in the city and to witness it you need to visit College Street, the largest book market in India as well as in Asia.
From science fiction novels, history of music, children’s books, comics and classical literature to academic books, the area is filled with makeshift bookstores which attract book lovers from every corner. This place is a must-visit for literary lovers and can be added to things to do in Kolkata.
14. Watch a play at Nandan or Rabindra Sadan
As the “Cultural City of India”, the city has preserved its cultural heritage through theatrical plays, musical concerts, dance recitals and literary gatherings at Nandan and Rabindra Sadan (once home to Rabindra Nath Tagore). These landmarks are the cultural centres promoting cinematic awareness through showcasing classical masterpieces and hosting Kolkata International Film Festival in December every year.
So, if you want to get a first-hand experience of Bengali cinema culture then add watching play in these historical buildings as one of the things to do in Kolkata.
15. Spend time at the serene Prinsep Ghat
The serene Prinsep Ghat offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. So, when you want a break from the busy streets of the city don’t forget to take a break and spend some time in one of the oldest recreational places to visit in Kolkata for couples.
Most people who wish to explore and indulge in things to do in Kolkata include boating and taking a stroll on this ghat while enjoying local street food on its beautiful riverfront. The landscape gardens and fountains on the stretch add more beauty to the place making it a perfect relaxing spot.
16. Watch the sunset at Millennium Park
Looking for the best weekend destination from Kolkata, to spend time with your family and friends in the city centre, Millennium Park is the perfect spot to enjoy the riverfront view, sunsets and boat rides. The 2.5 kms park is created on the eastern shore of the Hooghly River near the Fairlie Place Ghat opposite the Railway Club.
The kid’s zone makes it a perfect place for kids as it offers various fun rides for them including a toy train, a bumpy car, a break dance and a pirate ship.
17. Catch a cricket match or explore Eden Gardens
Who hasn’t heard of the famous Eden Gardens in Kolkata? Known as the Mecca of Cricket, it is the oldest and second-largest cricket stadium in India and the third largest in the world. Don’t miss the chance, if you get to watch a match in this historic stadium while creating a list of things to do in Kolkata.
You can also explore the area around the stadium and visit nearby key landmarks like St. John’s Church, Shaheed Minar, Fort William and Writer’s Building.
18. Visit Kalighat Temple
One of the 51 Shakti Peeth, the Kalighat Kali Temple holds a significant position as a pilgrimage site in Kolkata. Dedicated to Goddess Kali, the temple is known for its mythological fables, devotion and spirituality attracting devotees in large numbers. It is not only a place of worship but also a timeless architectural masterpiece located in the heart of the city.
So, while looking for things to do in Kolkata, don’t miss to visit this tranquil oasis of devotion and heritage. As per the legend, it is said that the right toe of Sati fell in this place.
19. Explore Park Street for Nightlife and Eateries
The street that never sleeps, Park Street is the best example of an amalgamation of the historic and modern lifestyle of the city. A shopping street in the day turns into a vibrant party place. The city has everything from small stalls to shopping complexes and bookstores to pubs.
So, whether you are looking for street food, shopping, live music shows or books, you get it all here. If you have a shortage of time and cannot explore the whole city, make sure to explore Park Street while looking for things to do in Kolkata on a short trip.
20. Attend a cultural event or festival like Durga Puja
The best time to experience the rich culture and religious traditions is by attending cultural events mainly the Durga Puja. It is one of the must things to do in Kolkata for a spiritual experience.
Durga Puja which signifies the homecoming or a seasonal return to one’s roots is the festival that showcases the devotion, music, dance, art and craft of the city. You can check various events happening around the time of your visit and attend at least one.
With endless things to do in Kolkata, the city justifies being the cultural capital of the country. So, whenever you get a chance to witness the rich culture of the city do check out this list of things to do in Kolkata. The city has something for every traveller, whether you are visiting to explore pilgrimage sites, science city, historic monuments or recreational centres, you get it all, even affordable and comfortable hotels in Kolkata. So book your stays now and be ready to be welcomed to the “City of Joy”.
