15 Best Things to Do in Kolkata

Kolkata is a city replete with cultural importance, colonial buildings, art galleries, and various gastronomic delights. It is the capital city of the state of West Bengal, and people lovingly call it the “Cultural Capital of India.” Listed down here are the 15 best things that can be done in Kolkata:

Victoria Memorial Visit

Victoria Memorial is one of the best places to visit in Kolkata. It is a museum built in memory of the deceased Queen Victoria. The gardens here are beautiful, and tourists take nice walks. This place gives room for many beautiful photos as well. Artefacts here include paintings, statues, manuscripts, and other artefacts related to the British reign in India.

Take a Walk on Howrah Bridge

The bridge provides a breathtaking view of the Hooghly River and the city of Kolkata, making it an amazing way to understand this city by walking. This bridge connects Kolkata to Howrah and is also called Rabindra Setu. This is very popular in the usual Kolkata travel itinerary and, therefore makes itself a part of the vital list of places to visit in Kolkata. The busiest bridge in the world is this bridge.

Visit the Dakshineshwar Kali Temple

The temple, which was built by Rani Rashmoni, can be found on the banks that lie to the East of the Hooghly River. The temple is of the Hindu religion and is dedicated to Goddess Kali. The temple is a very significant religious place for followers of Ramakrishna Paramahansa. The head priest of this temple was Paramahansa himself.

 Indian Museum, Kolkata

The Indian Museum in Kolkata is the oldest in the world. It is the largest multipurpose museum not only in India but also in the Asia-Pacific region, with an extended collection of items from various subjects like archaeology, art, anthropology, geology, zoology, and botany. One guided tour around the museum can prove to be extremely educational and fun at the same time.

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Explore South Park Street Cemetery

It holds one of the records for the oldest nonchurch cemeteries in the world. This place is glorious because of the beautiful tombstones, monuments, and mausoleum. It is also one of the tourist spots of Kolkata because the architecture is a mixture of Gothic and Indo-Saracenic architecture. There are some important tombs of some important personalities like Henry Louis Vivian Derozio, Sir William Jones, and Rose Aylmer.

Experience Kumartuli

Kumartuli is the heart of clay idol-making in Kolkata. This is the place wherein generations of artisans have been showing their work and crafting idols. Artisans use the techniques taught by their forefathers. One can take a stroll down the narrow lanes and have an amazing view of workshops where artisans are at work. It is an amazing opportunity to capture the most amazing pictures. Each time you buy something little to take back home, it benefits the artisans and adds to your Kolkata memories too.

New market shopping

It is one of the most crowded shopping destinations in Kolkata. This marketplace attracts shopaholics because of the wide diversity of items it has. Items range from clothes to foods, accessories to household items. Originally called Sir Stuart Hogg Market, it is the perfect example of the mix of modern and traditional ways of shopping.

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Discover Science City

Visiting Science City in Kolkata offers a fascinating blend of education and entertainment, making it a must-see destination for travellers of all ages. As the largest science centre in the Indian subcontinent, Science City Kolkata captivates visitors with its interactive exhibits, 3D shows, and immersive experiences that bring science to life. Perfect for families, students, and anyone curious about the wonders of science, a trip to Science City is an unforgettable experience in Kolkata.

Explore the Marble Palace

The Marble Palace is an experience not much talked about in Kolkata. It is a completely underrated gem and brings in the interest in a very fascinating way. The palace gives a sneak peek into the grandeur of 19th-century Kolkata. The place is known for brilliant architecture, the interiors of which are lavish. The marble that went into constructing this palace was brought from Rajasthan and Italy and this palace was built by Raja Rajendra Mullick in 1835.

Visit Princep Ghat in the Evening

Princep Ghat is a very well-known place in the city of Kolkata. On the banks of the Hooghly River, this place is a perfect place to spend time in the evening. People come over here to take a look at the beauty of the city of Kolkata while admiring the huge beauty of the river beside them. Rarely are cultural performances like music concerts also arranged in the Princep Ghat. It also provides a scintillating view of the lighted Vidyasagar Setu.

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Around St.Paul’s Cathedral

The cathedral is a very good place of interest for those having knowledge or some liking for fields like architecture and history. It is an example of Indo-Gothic architecture. It has striking stained-glass windows. The location of this cathedral allows a person to take a break from the normal hustle and bustle of the city and get a contrasting experience. The tour of Kolkata will be incomplete if this place is not visited.

Roaming in College Street

This is a prominent place for book lovers in Kolkata. Known as “Boi Para” in colloquial language by the people of Kolkata, this place has become a loitering zone for collegegoers, youths, and scholars. The biggest highlight of the place is a second-hand book market. The books are not only too inexpensive, but the collection is also unique.

Take a Tram Ride

Kolkata is the only city in India where a functional tram network crisscrosses almost all parts of the city. Travelling in a tram is like travelling through a suspended golden past with an occasional flash of sweet nostalgia. No Kolkata tour is complete without riding in a tram

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Savouring Bengali Sweets

Sweets are much popular and relished delicacy in Bengal and trying a few of those in Kolkata must constitute part of the Kolkata tour plan. Traditional sweets are an inseparable part of Bengali culture and festivals.

The Night-life of Park Street

The city of Joy Kolkata is a place where magic exists for night dwellers. To enjoy the lively nightlife scene for a dynamic experience there are popular hotspots such as roof-top restaurants, pubs, and nightclubs along with other live concerts. The street lights up with beautiful colourful decorations to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Which of these activities do you want to try first? Let us know in the comments.