Kolkata, the City of Joy, is undoubtedly among the most popular travelling destinations in India! Thanks to its vibrant culture, well preserved heritage, and the serene Hooghly river, this metropolis attracts all kinds of travellers. However, exploring this city requires proper planning and awareness about attractions and engaging activities. That said, we bring a list of the things to do in Kolkata for friends, couples, and families.

Some of the must-do activities include taking a boat ride on the Hooghly River, trying the exciting activities at the Eco Park, and exploring the Iconic Howrah Bridge. Besides, you can also witness the Bengali art performances at the Rabindra Sadan. And we aren't making this up!

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Here are the Top Things To Do in Kolkata!

• Things To Do in Kolkata With Friends

• Things To Do in Kolkata With Family

• Places to Visit in Kolkata in One Day

• Unique Things To Do in Kolkata

Things to Do in Kolkata with Friends

Kolkata, the cultural haven of the East, is among the best destinations to explore in West Bengal. Thanks to its lip smacking food, heritage charm, and romantic ambience, it's a great place to leave behind your stress and frustration, especially for friend groups. That said, here are some of the best things to do in Chandigarh with friends.

1. Explore Park Street

Source: Wikimedia Commons: Biswarup Ganguly

Park Street is a vibrant centre of activity for many youngsters. It's also known as the Food Street of Kolkata. Thanks to its iconic restaurants, lively cafes, and buzzing nightlife, it's the perfect place for friends to unwind and explore the best of Kolkata's popular spots

You can try delicious meals at legendary spots like Flurys for a classic English breakfast or Peter Cat for their famous Chelo Kebab. The street transforms into a party hub in the evenings with pubs and bars offering live music and cocktails.

2. Take a Heritage Tour of the Indian Museum

Source: Wikimedia Commons: Vyacheslav Argenberg

If you have history and culture buffs tagging along, you can't miss out on the Indian Museum. It's one of the oldest museums in Asia and has an impressive collection of artifacts, including ancient sculptures, rare fossils, and even Egyptian mummies.

As you walk through its vast galleries, you step into the glorious past that offers insights into the treasured accounts of the rich history and geography of the World.

3. Attend Live Music Gigs

Source: Wikimedia Commons: Slyronit

Music lovers, this is where you'll find your inspiration for your own musical journey. Kolkata has a thriving music scene, and venues that cast a magical spell in the hearts of travellers and locals. Examples like Someplace Else in The Park Hotel are known for hosting top-notch live performances you simply can't miss out on.

Whether it's soulful music or upbeat rock gigs, the ambience at these venues makes for a fantastic night out with friends. You can enjoy great music while sharing drinks and conversations for an unforgettable experience.

4. Take a Boat Ride on the Hooghly River

If you're tired of the hustle and bustle of the city, you can take a break with a serene boat ride on the Hooghly River. All you have to do is head to the Princep Ghat during the golden hour to catch a stunning sunset while gliding over the waters.

With the iconic Howrah Bridge in the backdrop, the entire scenery makes for a picturesque setting and is ideal for capturing memorable photos with your friends. Also, you discover the eccentric beauty of this heritage wonderland at its best.

Source: Wikimedia Commons: SubrataPalStat

5. Go Street Shopping at New Market

If you love shopping and buying some souvenirs during your trip, you can explore the New Market. It is a treasure trove of trendy clothes, accessories, and quirky souvenirs, where you and your friends can choose the best takeaways to remind you of Kolkata's charm.

The bustling market lanes are adorned with vibrant stalls and shops that offer everything from ethnic wear to imported goods. The best part is that you can bargain here for an interactive and exciting experience for everyone.

Source: Wikimedia Commons: Goutam1962

Things to Do in Kolkata With Family

Kolkata is a great metropolis like Mumbai and Delhi. But it stands out with its harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. And this is what makes it a popular destination for family getaways in the east. It has various public spaces, museums, and planetariums, it has everything you're looking for in a weekend getaway. That said, here are the best things to do in Kolkata with families.

1. Take a Trip to the Victoria Memorial

Source: Wikimedia Commons: Vyacheslav Argenberg

At Victoria Memorial, families can take a stroll through the beautifully maintained gardens surrounding the majestic white marble structure, that reminds of the British colonial era. As you enter the memorial, you and your loved ones can explore the museum's immense collection of British-era paintings, sculptures, artifacts, and rare photographs.

This place is perfect for history buffs and families looking for calm and picturesque spots. Kindly visit it in the late afternoon to catch a stunning sunset. Also, don’t miss the light and sound show in the evening, which narrates Kolkata's rich history.

2. Broaden Your Mental Horizons at the Science City

Source: Wikimedia Commons: Biswarup Ganguly

The next best attraction to explore for families is the Science City. It's known for educational activities such as interactive exhibits, a space theatre, a dynamic earth exploration section, and the ropeway for a panoramic view of the campus. Kids will love to try the Time Machine ride and the outdoor science park.

It's perfect for curious minds, science enthusiasts, and kids who wish to learn and dive deep into the scientific world. If you wish to visit, you must reserve at least half a day to explore it completely. The park is quite expansive so wear comfortable walking shoes and don't miss the 3D theatre for an exciting space experience.

3. Try the Exciting Activities at the Eco Park

Source: Wikimedia Commons: Samrita Mondal

Eco Park has something for everyone when it comes to the activities. It's spread across 480 acres and offers paddle boating, kayaking, and cycling along scenic tracks. Apart from these activities, the park is home to a Japanese garden, butterfly park, and the famous miniature replicas of global wonders, such as the Eiffel Tower and Christ the Redeemer.

This park is best for families, couples, and those seeking some outdoor fun and relaxation. You can visit it in the late afternoon to enjoy the best of peace and adventure. You can also bring a picnic blanket if you plan to spend time by the lake. Although you may face a huge crowd on weekends, so arrive early in the day.

4. Explore the Wilderness at the Alipore Zoo

Source: Wikimedia Commons: Biswarup Ganguly

Alipore Zoo is India’s oldest zoological park and home to a diverse range of animals, including the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger, white peacocks, giraffes, and reptiles. The zoo boasts lush greenery, which makes it a pleasant place for a family day out.

It's ideal for nature lovers and animal enthusiasts in a family. If you wish to head to this zoo, you must arrive early to avoid long queues. Don't forget to explore the reptile house and aviary, which are the highlights of this zoo.

5. Learn about Space in the Birla Planetarium

Source: Wikimedia Commons: Avrajyoti Mitra

Kolkata has one final surprise for families in its sleeves. The amazing Birla Planetarium. It's an exciting place to explore and experience the unique cosmic shows that cover topics ranging from the Milky Way to other celestial wonders. The museum section offers astronomy exhibits, charts, and celestial models, where kids can learn with a great sense of wonder.

As usual, it's best for families with kids and space enthusiasts. For a good viewing experience, it's advisable to arrive a bit early to get good seats. Also, the commentary is available in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, and Bengali, so you won't have any issues.

Places to Visit in Kolkata in One Day

Sometimes it's difficult to plan a long weekend stay and all you're left with is a day to explore the destination. Well, in that case, Kolkata may surprise you as it's entirely possible to explore it in just a day of you trip. That said, here are the best places to visit in Kolkata.

1. Explore the Iconic Howrah Bridge

Source: Wikimedia Commons: Dr. Moumita Sahana

One of the best places to explore is the iconic Howrah Bridge. You can start your day early by visiting this bridge, which is also known as Rabindra Setu. It’s one of the busiest cantilever bridges in the world and offers breathtaking views of the Hooghly River.

As you walk across the bridge during sunrise or early morning, you can avoid the crowd and enjoy the fresh air. But remember to not miss out the vibrant flower market beneath the bridge at Mallick Ghat. It's one of Asia’s largest flower markets.

2. Pay Respects at the Dakshineswar Kali Temple

Source: Wikimedia Commons: Ravi Dwivedi

Next, you can head to the Dakshineswar Kali Temple. This temple is situated about 12 km from central Kolkata. This 19th-century temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali and holds immense spiritual significance. If you're on a religious or a spiritual trip, this is a great attraction for attaining mental and emotional peace.

You can spend time meditating by the Hooghly River or take a boat ride to the nearby Belur Math. However, it's advisable to dress modestly and visit early in the morning to avoid long queues.

3. Step Back in Time at the Victoria Memorial

Source: Wikimedia Commons: DeepanjanGhosh

After visiting the temple, you can return to central Kolkata to visit the grand Victoria Memorial. It's an architectural masterpiece made of white Makrana marble. Here, you can take a guided tour of the museum inside, which houses British-era paintings and artifacts.

The memorial boasts lush gardens surrounding that offer picture-perfect views. You can visit during the afternoon or early evening to catch the beautiful golden hour lighting.

4. Witness the Architectural Beauty of St. Paul’s Cathedral

Source: Wikimedia Commons: Subhrajyoti07

Just a short walk from Victoria Memorial lies the majestic St. Paul’s Cathedral. It's a stunning Gothic Revival-style church built in 1847. If you're a fan of architectural wonders, you'll definitely love exploring this exotic colonial charm in Kolkata over your one day trip.

As with every other church, this religious haven has stained-glass windows, elegant interiors, and a calming ambience. In fact, the peaceful surroundings make it a great spot for some quiet reflection.

5. Visit the Artisan District of Kumartuli

Source: Wikimedia Commons: Indrajit Das

Finally, you can end your day by visiting Kumartuli. It's a famed artisan district of Kolkata where you'll find clay idols of gods and goddesses that are carefully made by hand.

You can witness the artisans and craftsmen at work sculpting intricate idols, especially before major festivals like Durga It's better to take a guided tour to talk to the artists and learn more about the history of the district.

Unique Things to Do in Kolkata

We have so far discussed the popular things and activities to do in Kolkata. However, this destination has more to it than meets the eye, especially if you're seeking something new that lies in the blind spots of most travellers. So, if you're ready to discover the hidden wonders of Kolkata, here's a list of the unique things to do in this city.

1. Capture the Uniqueness of Kumartuli

Source: Wikimedia Commons: Tarunsamanta

Kumartuli is a historic artisan district where traditional idol makers craft magnificent deities for festivals like Durga Puja. You can visit this haven between August to October, during the pre-Puja season.

It's a great place to learn about the delicate process of clay idol-making, vibrant paints, and the craftspeople at work. You can also engage with the artisans and explore narrow alleys for candid photo sessions with your friends and loved ones .

2. Hop on a Tram to Ride through Heritage Streets

Source: Wikimedia Commons: Vyacheslav Argenberg

If you wish to experience something unique, you can take a step back in time by riding India’s oldest functioning tram system. This is once-in-a-lifetime experience for most travellers. You can board it from Esplanade to Shyambazar to see the heritage charm of Kolkata or Ballygunge to Tollygunge to soak in the natural wonders.

You'll pass through various relics of the past including the colonial-era buildings, bustling markets, and iconic landmarks. It's unique as it's the only remaining tram network in the country.

3. Bring Out Your Inner Nerd in the College Street

Source: Wikimedia Commons: Pinakpani

The College Street, also known as, Boi Para or Book Town is a heaven for book lovers. This city is perfect if you wish to browse countless second-hand and rare books, from academic texts to literary gems.

You can bargain for the best deals on books and read them in a serene place or a café. Indian Coffee House is a great place where intellectuals and artists gather for a lovely time reading various accounts. You can try various delicacies over here such as Mutton Cutlet and Infusion Coffee.

Kindly visit this area in the afternoon when the area is livelier, and be prepared to lose yourself among books!

4. Visit the Marble Palace

Source: Wikimedia Commons: Souvik pal

The Marble Palace is a 19th-century mansion is a hidden architectural gem. It boasts stunning marble interiors, Corinthian pillars, and grand chandeliers. Beyond its architecture, it also has a private collection of European paintings, sculptures, and rare artifacts.

Moreover, it offers a quaint garden that's home to some exotic birds. It's one of the few preserved private palaces in India with a treasure trove of artifacts. If you wish to explore it, you have to take prior permission from the West Bengal Tourism Office for entry.

5. Attend a Bengali Theatre Performance at Rabindra Sadan

Source: Wikimedia Commons: Biswarup Ganguly

Finally, you can lose yourself in Kolkata’s rich cultural beauty with a Bengali theatre performance at Rabindra Sadan. Here, you can witness the compelling storytelling, listen to the traditional music, and marvel at the powerful performances by the artists.

For a more refined experience, you can check the timings to witness the renowned troupes such as Nandikar and Bohurupee. Also don't forget to explore the Nandan Film Complex and the Academy of Fine Arts for art exhibitions.

Wrap Up!

To sum up, Kolkata is a heritage city and offers weekend getaways to various scenic attractions in West Bengal and beyond. Whether you're a solo traveller, a nature lover, or a luxury seeker, you can head to this destination, explore the scenic local attractions, and create memorable experiences.

Some of the must-do activities include taking a boat ride on the Hooghly River, trying the exciting activities at the Eco Park, and exploring the Iconic Howrah Bridge.

If you want to experience the best of nature and hospitality, Yuyiii is here to help! We prioritise a good travel experience above all and offer the best stay options for your comfort and sophistication.

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