Things to do in Kolkata

Activities, attractions and tours

New Market showing a city and street scenes
New Market showing a city and street scenes
Victoria Memorial featuring heritage architecture, a pond and a memorial
Howrah Bridge featuring boating, general coastal views and a bridge
Kolkata which includes interior views, markets and street scenes
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Top places to visit

1. New Town Eco Park

Spend a relaxing afternoon in New Town Eco Park, 480 acres (190 hectares) of themed gardens, ecological spaces and play areas surrounding a man-made lake. Inaugurated in 2012, the park has quickly become one of the most popular recreational spots in the city.
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Kolkata featuring a park, a city and night scenes

2. New Market

Crowded, chaotic and colorful, New Market is a busy and enormous labyrinth of more than 2,000 stalls and shops, many under one roof. Come here to find a vast range of merchandise from cheap clothing and expensive jewelry to fresh fruit and seafood.
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New Market showing a square or plaza, markets and a city

3. Dakshineswar Kali Temple

Dakshineswar Kali Temple is a large riverside Hindu temple complex and a place of pilgrimage for millions of Hindus around the world. The sacred site was founded in the middle of the 19th century by philanthropist Rani Rashmoni.
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Dakshineswar Kali Temple featuring religious aspects and a temple or place of worship

4. Victoria Memorial

The large, domed Victoria Memorial is one of Kolkata’s most recognizable landmarks. Created as a tribute to Queen Victoria, this building is a museum that charts the evolution and history of the city. Choose from 25 galleries showcasing art, photographs, sculptures, weapons, rare books and more.
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Victoria Memorial featuring heritage architecture, a pond and a memorial

5. Howrah Bridge

Howrah Bridge is an architectural marvel and a well-known Kolkata landmark. It has served as a backdrop for numerous movies since the 1950s, including a 1958 film named after the bridge. Walk across the bridge and admire its unique construction or glide underneath while on a boat ride along the Hooghly River.
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Howrah Bridge showing a bridge, street scenes and a city

What to do in Kolkata

Popular places to visit

Kolkata featuring a park, a city and night scenes

New Town Eco Park

Known for its diverse ecological landscapes, man-made lake, children’s play area and musical fountain show, this ecological park is fun for all the family.

New Town Eco Park
New Market showing heritage architecture, street scenes and a city

New Market

Hunt for bargains at one of Kolkata’s oldest markets, an indoor arcade with food, clothing and handicraft stalls that’s been serving the city for over 135 years.

New Market
Dakshineswar Kali Temple featuring religious aspects and a temple or place of worship

Dakshineswar Kali Temple

Admire architectural beauty and see important religious icons at this sacred temple complex on the banks of the Hooghly River.

Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Victoria Memorial showing a park, heritage architecture and a memorial

Victoria Memorial

See photographs and paintings charting Kolkata’s history at this marble palace dedicated to England’s Queen Victoria, the former Empress of India.

Victoria Memorial
Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan Exhibition Centre, Kolkata, India

Biswa Bangla Convention Centre

Learn about the events happening in Biswa Bangla Convention Centre during your trip to Barasat. You can enjoy the restaurants while in the area.

Biswa Bangla Convention Centre
Views from the ferry!#BelurMathToDakshineshwar #waterlust #WestBengal #IncredibleIndia

Belur Math

Find out about the history of Howrah when you spend time at Belur Math. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the monuments in this culturally rich area.

Belur Math
Dakshineswar Kali Mandir Temple Built in navaratna or nine spires style on high platform. Sunset time. Famous heritage historical architecture. Kolkata West Bengal India South Asia Pacific March 2020

Kalighat Kali Temple

After visiting Kalighat Kali Temple, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Kolkata. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the monuments in this culturally rich area.

Kalighat Kali Temple
Howrah Bridge which includes a bridge and a river or creek

Howrah Bridge

Set foot on or glide under a famous Kolkata landmark, a colossal engineering feat that’s inspired many movie-makers.

Howrah Bridge
Kolkata city of architecture design MARCH 15, 2024 Kolkata metro city Indian, science centre in India under National Council of Science Museums.

Science City

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Science City during your trip to Kolkata. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the monuments in this culturally rich area.

Science City

Areas of Kolkata

Park Street,Kolkata, India - 12th November 2020 : Park street Camac Street crossing is decorated with diwali lights for Diwali or deepabali. It is the festival of light, good over darkness, evil.

Park Street

4/5(13 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Park Street, you might enjoy attractions like Park Street Cemetery and Camac Street. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at Park Street Station to see more of the city.

Park Street
Nicco Park showing a garden, a lake or waterhole and boating

Salt Lake

Discover Salt Lake, memorable for its lake views. Popular attractions in Salt Lake include Salt Lake City Centre Mall and Nicco Park, and you can see more of the area by hopping on the metro at Bengal Chemical Station.

Salt Lake
Eco Tourism Park which includes a lake or waterhole and boating

New Town

4/5(38 area reviews)

New Town is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like New Town Eco Park and Axis Mall.

New Town
Long before Departmental Stores were as popular, this building at the very centre of #kolkata was the Whiteway Laidlaw department store built in 1905. It is now known as Metropolitan building post Metropolitan Life Insurance Co taking over it Post India’s independence. #Hometown

Dharmatala

3.5/5(26 area reviews)

While you're in Dharmatala, take in top sights like New Market and jump on the metro at Esplanade Station to see more of the city.

Dharmatala
Vidyasagar Setu bridge over Hooghly River in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, Beautiful Aerial panoramic view

Ballygunge

3.5/5(13 area reviews)

Restaurants and shopping are highlights of Ballygunge. Make a stop by Shrine Basilica Bandel or Quest Mall while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Ballygunge Station to get around town.

Ballygunge
Panorama of Howrah bridge on river Ganges in kolkata city , India

Dum Dum

2.5/5(3 area reviews)

Restaurants and historical sites are just a few things travellers like about Dum Dum. A stop by Acharya Bhavan is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.

Dum Dum
Botanical Gardens showing a river or creek, a city and boating

Howrah

Boats Goavari River, Papikondalu, Andhra Pradesh, India, Asia

Shrirampur

Musk Garden Visit after sunset to see hundreds of musk around the world Unique collection indeed

Barasat

Frequently asked questions

Is Kolkata worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Kolkata is explore Victoria Memorial. Tick this major attraction off your itinerary, then discover more of this area's history and culture.
How do I spend a day in Kolkata?
Victoria Memorial and Nicco Park are two good places to start your adventures. Be sure to explore the retail and dining options in Kolkata while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Kolkata?
Don't leave without visiting Victoria Memorial, rated the top tourist attraction in Kolkata.
Is three days enough to stay in Kolkata?
You can easily enjoy popular attractions like Victoria Memorial, Nicco Park and Science City with a three-day break in Kolkata. On average, most travellers book three days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so stay a while longer and check out Phool Bagan.
Is Kolkata a walkable city?
That comes down to what you want to see and do in Kolkata. Several attractions, such as Victoria Memorial and Science City, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Kolkata's neighbourhoods, Taltala is 2 kilometres away from downtown, while Dharmatala is 2 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Kolkata with kids?
If you're searching for sights and tours for all the family, check out these excellent ideas for what to do in Kolkata with kids.

What to do in Kolkata for adults?
Sudder Street and Missionaries of Charity's Mother House are just two of the things to do in Kolkata. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Kolkata?
In Kolkata, Holy Rosary Cathedral is a popular spot for anyone wishing to see the city without opening their wallet. Also, stroll around the parks and other neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It's a top way to find out about the best free things to do in Kolkata.

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