Kolkata has its own youthful personality, with a unique blend of art, culture, literature, fashion, gastronomy, and bustling nightlife. In this land of maach, mishit doi, and football, there’s so much to see, do, and enjoy. You won’t be short of options if you’re planning a trip to the City of Joy with your buddies. The greatest part is that many of these sights are within walking distance of top hotels in Kolkata, allowing you easy access to them.
Here are some of the best places to visit in Kolkata to know about the rich heritage & food.
1. Botanical Garden, Kolkata
How about marveling at the world’s tallest tree and chatting with your pals in its shade? The Great Banyan Tree may be found in the Calcutta Botanical Garden. Spend an afternoon exploring this 200-year-old garden’s incredible collection of over 12,000 plant and tree varieties spread across 109 hectares.
- Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Time Required: 2-3 hrs
- Entry Fee: Indian Nationals: INR 10, Foreigners: INR 100, Camera: INR 20
2. Park Street, Kolkata
Park Street is the center of youthful Kolkata, with a variety of well-known restaurants, cafés, pubs, and retail malls. Park Street is one of the best spots in Kolkata to meet up with friends because of its nightclubs and pubs. Visit cafes such as Peter Cat, Mocambo, Barbeque Nation, Naturals Ice Cream, and others to treat your taste buds to some delectable delights, including real Bengali cuisines.
- Timings: 24 hours
- Time Required: 4-5 hours
- Entry Fee: No entry fee
3. Nicco Park, Kolkata
Nicco Park is the place to go in the City of Joy if you’re looking for some excitement and fun with your buddies. This adventurous destination, known as West Bengal’s Disneyland, allows you to relive your carefree youth days with a group of pals. Gravity-defying coasters, a haunted house, a toy train, and other attractions make this a must-see destination. Nicco Park is also one of Kolkata’s best water parks, where you may have infinite aquatic fun with your friends. One of the best places to visit in Kolkata.
- Timings: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Time Required: 5-6 hours
- Entry Fee: Entry Fee: INR 185
4. Aquatica, Kolkata
How about a fun-filled method to beat the city’s searing heat? Aquatica is one of Kolkata’s most popular water parks, and it’s sure to get your pulse pumping. From the high-speed, heart-pounding Black Hole ride to the Cyclone, which tests the daredevil in you by transporting you through a long tunnel, this adventure zone has a wide range of rides, slides, and other fun options to satisfy the thrill-seeker in you and keep you entertained throughout the day.
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Time Required: 5-6 hours
- Entry Fee: Adults: INR 600, Children: INR 450
5. Snow Park
Snow isn’t something you’d associate with Kolkata, would it? Snow Park, on the other hand, is the place to go if you want to have a snowy experience in this city. This exclusive snow-themed park welcomes you to a super-cool setting with a constant temperature of minus 6 degrees Celsius. You and your pals can enjoy a variety of thrills and frills, such as ice skating, ice cycle riding, snow disco, Swiss sled riding, tube slides, and more while escaping the scorching heat outdoors.
- Timing: 11 AM – 7 PM
- Time Required: 1-2hrs
- Entry Fee: INR500 per person
6. Maidan, Kolkata
Make your way to Maidan when you and your pals want to sit and talk for hours without thinking about anything else. Maidan is a cheerful location for people of all ages, from taking leisurely walks to playing spontaneous cricket or football.
- Timing: 24hrs Open
- Time Required: 1-2 hrs
- Entry Fee: Free
7. Eco Park, Kolkata
The Newtown Eco Park, India’s largest park, is a one-of-a-kind amusement attraction. This park, which spans 480 acres and includes a large waterbody with an island in the middle, has a variety of attractions to keep you and your friends entertained for hours.
- Timings: 1st March to 31st October (Summer Season) Tuesday to Saturday: 2:30 PM – 8:30 PM Sundays and Public Holidays: 12:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Time Required: 2-3 hours
- Ticket Price: INR 30 per person (3 years and above), Ticket counter closes at 7:30 PM
8. Mystery Rooms, Kolkata
Mystery Rooms is quickly becoming one of the most intriguing locations to visit in Kolkata with friends, thanks to its unique and interactive live escape games. Solve puzzles, locate clues, solve mysteries, and emerge as winners all within a set time limit.
- Timing: 10 AM – 9 PM
- Time Required: 1hr
- Ticket Price: INR300 per person
9. Eden Gardens, Kolkata
All cricket fans visiting the City of Joy should pay a visit to Eden Gardens. Eden Gardens, India’s largest cricket venue in terms of capacity, has hosted many high-profile international cricket matches for many years.
- Timing: Depends on the events
- Time Required: 1-2 hrs
- Entry Fee: Dependent on events/matches being played
10. College Street, Kolkata
Have you and your buddies developed a passion for reading? Then College Street, which is home to the world’s largest used book market, is the place for you. This 1.5-kilometer-long boulevard is home to a wide variety of books, including rare first editions.
- Timing: 10 AM – 9 PM
- Time Required: 2-3hrs
- Entry Fee: Free
11. Prinsep Ghat, Kolkata
Prinsep Ghat, a spectacular historical monument built in Gothic and Greek architectural styles, is a great site to go with your friends in the evening to watch the sunset over the River Hooghly and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere.
- Timings: 24 hours
- Time Required: 1-2 hours
- Entry Fee: No entry fee
12. Tiretta Bazaar, Kolkata
Kolkata is famed for its love of Chinese cuisine, and Tiretta Bazaar is one of the city’s hidden gems where you and your companions may sample true Chinese fare. Chicken baos, momos, sausages, rolls, rice balls, meatball soup, breaded pig fillets, pork pies, fish Sui Mai, and other breakfast items are popular.
- Timings: 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM
- Time Required: 1 – 1.5 hours
- Entry Fee: Free
13. New Market, Kolkata
New Market, often known as a shopper’s paradise, is where you and your pals may shop till you drop. It certainly helps that the rates are pretty affordable here, and you can even haggle to obtain the best offer. Everything from bags, shoes, clothing, and jewelry to home items, spices, fruits, veggies, and cuisine may be found here.
- Timing: 10 Am – 10:30 PM
- Time Required: 3 – 4 hrs
- Entry fee: Free14. Nandan Theater, Kolkata
14. Nandan Theater, Kolkata
If you and your pals enjoy viewing old movies, Nandan is the place to be. The theatre, which is a well-known cinema and cultural institution, showcases the greatest of international and national classics at low ticket prices. Next door is an art gallery where painting and art exhibitions are presented on a regular basis.
- Timing: 9 AM – 10 PM
- Time Required: 2-3hrs
- Entry Fee: INR200-300
15. City Centre, Kolkata
City Centre is a one-of-a-kind shopping center. Unlike other malls, this lifestyle destination is built with the spirit of ‘adda,’ or hangout, in mind. As a result, there are a variety of zones specifically intended for adda sessions where you and your pals can chat and stay out for several hours.
- Timing: 9 AM – 9 PM
- Time Required: 2hrs
- Entry Fee: Free
16. Howrah Bridge, Kolkata
Howrah Bridge, Kolkata’s main entrance, is one of the city’s most famous monuments and is currently the world’s sixth-longest cantilever bridge. It first opened in 1943 and is currently one of the country’s busiest bridges. A ferry journey is the finest way to appreciate the magnificence of this magnificent edifice.
- Timing: Open 24hrs
- Time Required: 1hr
- Entry Fee: Free
17. Science City, Kolkata
Science can be a lot of fun, and the Science City in Kolkata goes to great lengths to demonstrate this. This is the country’s largest science center, and it’s a fascinating universe of information presented in an approachable and fun manner. The attractions here are intended not only for young, inquisitive minds but also for anybody interested in learning about the wonders of science.
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Time Required: 5-6 hours
- Entry Fee: INR 50
18. Millennium Park, Kolkata
Millennium Park is one of Kolkata’s most romantic destinations for couples, but it’s also a great location to hang out with your friends. This park, located away from the hustle and bustle of the city, emanates a calm air and provides breathtaking views of the Hooghly River. The park even provides a clear view of the entire Howrah Bridge.
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
- Time Required: 1 – 2 hrs
- Entry Fee: INR 5
19. South City Mall, Kolkata
Once you go inside the South City Mall, you’ll understand why it’s one of Kolkata’s most popular hangout spots for friends. The posh mall isn’t just a haven for shopaholics; it’s also a hub of entertainment. The mall also has a large food court, a number of restaurants, and multiplex, in addition to several national and international brand retailers.
- Timing: 10 AM – 10 PM
- Time Required: 2hr
- Entry Fee: Free
20. Quest Mall, Kolkata
Quest Mall, one of Kolkata’s largest shopping malls, puts you one step ahead of the fashion game by giving you a slew of well-known designer names from around the world. You can choose from the most up-to-date designs and top brands for clothing, shoes, bags, watches, and accessories.
- Timing: 11 AM – 9 PM
- Time Required: 2hr
- Entry Fee: Free
21. Park Street, Kolkata
Park Street is the place to go if you enjoy sharing images of brunches with your friends on social media. Because there are so many instagrammable cafes and restaurants in this area! Park Street has become a gathering place for those looking to unwind in the evening. This area has everything, from high-end restaurants to legendary clubs and pubs.
- Timings: 24 hours
- Time Required: 4-5 hours
- Entry Fee: No entry fee
22. Victoria Memorial, Kolkata
Victoria Memorial, an imposing white structure, is one of Kolkata’s most popular tourist attractions, and with good reason. It is currently a museum dedicated to Queen Victoria and is ideal for history buffs. If you ever want to take a trip down memory lane and reflect on how far India has progressed from its colonial days, this is the place to go. In the evenings, there are light and sound shows. One of the most famous places to visit in Kolkata.
- Timings: Garden: 5:30 AM to 6:15 PM, Gallery: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day, except Monday and national holidays.
- Time Required: 2-3hrs
- Entry Fee: Garden: INR 10 Museum – Indians: INR 20Foreigners: INR 200 School children up to 12 years age in uniform and army personnel in uniform: Free
23. Babu Ghat, Kolkata
While Princep Ghat is one of Kolkata’s most well-known attractions, Babu Ghat is a great place to come if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy gorgeous vistas. It is ideal for photography enthusiasts and deserves a visit before it becomes too busy since it offers a wonderful perspective of the renowned Howrah Bridge.
- Timing: 6 AM to 9 PM
- Time required: 2-3hrs
- Entry Fee: Free
24. Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Kolkata
The temple is dedicated to Bhavatarani, a form of Goddess Kali who is known as “the universe’s savior.” It is one of the world’s oldest and most important temples, drawing people from all over the world. Rani Rashmoni, who had lost her husband and inherited a large sum of money, constructed the shrine.
- Timings: 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM – 9:00 AM
- Time Required: 2hrs
- Entry Fee: No Entry Fee
25. Kumortuli, Kolkata
Durga Pujo is one of Kolkata’s most colorful and lavish festivities. This event takes place over ten days, and everything from the pandals to the exquisite food served on the final day is on a large scale. While seeing the splendor of the festival in the city should be on everyone’s bucket list, if you’re more of a creative kind, we recommend going to Kumortuli to see how the Durga idols are constructed.
- Timing: 8 AM – 12 AM
- Time Required: 1-2hrs
- Entry Fee: Free
26. Alipore Zoo, Kolkata
The Alipore Zoo is one of Kolkata’s most popular tourist attractions, especially for families with children. The zoo is the country’s oldest and is home to a wide variety of animals, birds, and reptiles. The one-horned rhinoceros, white tigers, zebras, Swinhoe’s Pheasant, and a variety of migratory birds can all be found here. One of the best places to visit near Kolkata.
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed on Thursday)
- Time Required: 2-3 hrs
- Entry Fee: Adults: INR 25, Kids (Below 5 years): INR 10
27. South Park Cemetery, Kolkata
Visit South Park Cemetery if you enjoy all things creepy and ghostly. This spot is equal parts gorgeous and terrifying, making it one of India’s most haunted locations. Established in 1767, the cemetery was founded by the British and is a remnant of their architectural style.
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Time Required: Less than 1 hour
- Entry Fee: No entry fee
28. Old Chinatown, Kolkata
This is India’s only Chinatown, and it’s a sanctuary for those who wish to sample the cuisine of this Asian country. Chinese traders who came to work on the ports settled here, and the area grew. Authentic Chinese appetizers such as pork sausage, prawn crackers, momos, and fish ball soup are still available at select stalls, despite the fact that the area has lost its authenticity.
- Timing: 11 AM – 9 PM
- Time Required: 2-3hr
- Entry Fee: Free
- Food to Try: Hot noodle soup
29. Indian Museum, Kolkata
The Indian Museum is one of the world’s oldest, having been established in 1814. Its 35 galleries house historically significant artifacts such as magnificent Mughal paintings, skeletons, fossils, Egyptian mummies, and other sacred artifacts.
- Timings: Tuesday to Sunday: March to November: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM December to February: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Time Required: 1-2 hours
- Entry Fee: Indian visitor: INR 10 per head, Foreign visitor: INR 150 per head
30. M.P. Birla Planetarium, Kolkata
The grandiose Birla Planetarium is a must-see on any list of things to visit in Kolkata. The planetarium, which was inaugurated by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in 1963, contains exhibition sections, various galleries, a library, and a large theatre room with high-end projection screens.
- Timings: 12:00 AM – 6:30 PM
- Time Required: 2-3 hrs
- Entry Fee: INR 40
