Are you ready to be surprised by a side of Kolkata that you have probably not seen before? Spoiler alert: the city’s magic is not just in its landmarks; it is in the bustling flower markets under the iconic Howrah Bridge, the tranquil ghats of Princep Ghat and hidden corners brimming with stories waiting to be discovered. From iconic riverside attractions to unique places to visit in Kolkata, get ready to explore the places to visit in the capital city of West Bengal like never before. 

Kolkata, known as the City of Joy, is not a city you simply visit; it is a city that wraps you in its warm, timeworn embrace. The city envelopes your senses like the enticing aroma of a steaming cup of chai brewed on an Indian Coffee House table or on a street corner, mingling with the echo of laughter and the cadence of an argument about politics, cricket or art; because here in Kolkata, everything sparks a good discussion. The city of joy, Kolkata, wakes up early in the morning by the Hooghly, where priests chant at the ghats and ferrymen untie their boats for the day’s fresh catches, while beneath the iconic Howrah Bridge, tonnes of colourful flowers change hands at Asia’s largest flower market, painting the morning air with bursts of colour and life. 

There is poetry in Kolkata’s pace, which is unhurried yet full of life. If you are visiting here anytime soon and wish to discover the best places to go in Kolkata, you are at the right place. Just follow the river’s curve and let the city of joy, Kolkata, whisper its stories through old colonial facades, quiet temples and sunlit gardens. And if you listen closely, every ripple tells you where to head next, revealing a riverfront alive with nostalgia and discovery that stays enclosed in your heart forever. So, read ahead to see why you must explore Kolkata tour packages right away! 

Best Places To Go in Kolkata 

• Princep Ghat 

• Howrah Bridge 

• Belur Math 

• Dakshineshwar Kali Temple 

• Victoria Memorial 

• Indian Museum 

• Marble Palace Mansion 

• Park Street 

• St. John’s Church 

• Kolkata Chinatown 

Princep Ghat 

On the southern stretch of the Hooghly River, Princep Ghat feels like a poem in marble. The Palladian-style monument, built way back in 1843, overlooks a riverside promenade where ferries float by and the Vidyasagar Setu glows when the sun goes down. Under the moonlit sky, locals come for their evening walks, couples share ice cream, and photographers wait for that perfect sunset frame, a slice of calm in a city that rarely keeps its pace of moving slowly. Street performers often add spontaneous music to the evenings, and sometimes you will find artists sketching the silhouettes of ferries against the backdrop of a setting sun.  

Travel Tip: Visit the monument around the evening hours when the sun sets for the best views. One of the most memorable things to do in Kolkata while at Princep Ghat is taking a short boat ride on the river. The area is family-friendly, making it a perfect stop when visiting the places in Kolkata for a family trip. Nearby, you can explore the Princep Bridge area for local shopping or enjoy a riverside coffee from pop-up stalls. 

Howrah Bridge 

No journey through the best places to go in Kolkata is complete without marvelling at the beauty of the Howrah Bridge. It is a sheer symbol of engineering wonder that carries thousands of vehicles daily, yet remains graceful and intact in its strength. Beneath the Howrah Bridge lies the bustling Malik Ghat Flower Market, where tonnes of flowers are being sold each morning. Malik Ghat Flower Market is Asia’s largest flower market, making it one of the most unique places to visit in Kolkata. The cacophony of traders calling out, the colours of roses, marigolds, lilies, hibiscuses and lotus flowers and the aroma of fresh flowers make it an immersive experience like no other.

Travel Tip: Visit the Howrah Bridge before sunrise to catch the flower market in full bloom and witness the city waking up by the river. Do not miss a chance to stroll along the promenade to watch ferries and cargo boats navigating the Hooghly. To have your breakfast, try the nearby street vendors selling authentic kathi rolls, a real treat while exploring these iconic, must-visit places in Kolkata.

Belur Math

Across the Hooghly from Dakshineshwar, Belur Math is a religious spot next on the list of best places to go in Kolkata. Founded by Swami Vivekananda, the temple blends Hindu, Christian and Islamic architectures, which is a sheer physical embodiment of harmony. The calm river breeze, the white marble facades and chanting monks make it one of the must-visit places in Kolkata to seep into for inner peace. Visitors often spend hours simply walking the gardens, observing the prayer rituals or meditating by the riverbank. The peace and serenity here offer a stark contrast to the city’s hustle, making it a rejuvenating stop for travellers and worshippers of all ages alike.

Travel Tip: Shoes are not allowed around the temple premises. Visit during evening prayer time for a soulful experience or during morning hours to enjoy quiet contemplation. Near the temple, you can explore the charming riverside ferry ride to Dakshineshwar Kali Temple, which is another one of the best places to go in Kolkata. 

Dakshineshwar Kali Temple 

Dedicated to Goddess Kali, Dakshineshwar Kali Temple is an iconic site that tops the best places to go in Kolkata travel lists. The ghats come alive with pilgrims offering prayers, and the scent of incense sticks and flowers fills the air. During the dusk hours, lamps are floated into the Hooghly, which creates a magical golden reflection that has inspired generations of artists and photographers alike. The temple’s 12-cornered structure, intricately carved arches, and beautiful courtyards showcase the craftsmanship of 19th-century Bengal. 

Travel Tip: Combine your visit to Belur Math for a complete spiritual tour along the Hooghly River; two places to visit near Kolkata that reflect the city’s devotion and architectural beauty. Visit the temple during the early morning hours when the crowd is thin and ferry rides along the river offer a picturesque view of Kolkata’s skyline. 

Victoria Memorial 

Few landmarks capture the essence and legacy of Kolkata’s colonial past, and what is better than the Victoria Memorial, a magnificent marble monument set amidst sprawling gardens. Inside the monument, galleries trace the city’s evolution through art, manuscripts and memorabilia. It is one of the must-visit places in Kolkata that beautifully bridges British elegance and Bengali charm. The gardens inside this iconic landmark are perfect for leisurely strolling, with pathways shaded by tall trees, statues dotting the lawns and fountains adding gentle murmurs.  

Know Before You Go: The light and sound show in the evening adds magic to your visit. Maidan Park is a place to visit near Victoria Memorial, Kolkata, where you can enjoy horse rides or watch local cricket matches. If you are visiting places in Kolkata for a family trip, your family will appreciate the open spaces that Maidan Park offers. 

Indian Museum 

The Indian Museum is a treasure trove of history that takes you back to a bygone era. From ancient fossils to Mughal paintings, tribal artefacts and Egyptian mummies, you will be stunned by the collection displayed at the Indian Museum. Founded in 1814, the Indian Museum is among the oldest museums in Asia, offering fascinating glimpses of India in its early days. The architecture of the museum reflects colonial design, while the collection captures centuries of artistry and knowledge. For travellers seeking unique places to visit in Kolkata, this museum is sure to amaze you. 

Travel Tip: Allocate at least two hours to explore the museum. The museum is near Sudder Street, which is filled with colonial-era buildings, cafes and quaint bookshops. Ideal for visiting places in Kolkata for a family trip, it is educational yet engaging for kids and adults alike. 

Marble Palace Mansion 

A 19th-century mansion tucked away in North Kolkata, Marble Palace Mansion is an artistic secret in the city, housing sculptures, Belgian mirrors, and oil paintings, making it one of the most unique places to visit in Kolkata. Entry to the mansion is limited, which adds to its charm, so you can take your time to explore each section of the mansion. Walking through its rooms is like wandering through a private museum, with every corner offering an exquisite view and a surprise around every corner.  

Know Before You Go: Photography is strictly prohibited inside the mansion. To gain context on the priceless collection of the Marble Palace Museum, it is preferable to opt for a guided tour. A short walk around nearby Shobhbazar will introduce you to more colonial-era buildings and local markets, a perfect place near the iconic places in Kolkata to visit.

Park Street

From vintage cabarets to iconic eateries providing delectable street food, Park Street is where old-world charm meets urban energy. Park Street is one of the best places to visit in Kolkata for family trips, coming alive during Christmas when fairy lights drape every building. Dining at Mocambo or Flury’s, listening to pop beats or simply watching people busy eating or enjoying at Park Street offers a slice of Kolkata’s modern heartbeat. The street is also dotted with boutiques and historic pubs, making it a blend of nostalgia and contemporary flair. 

Travel Tip: Try a heritage food walk at Park Street and sample dishes, like kathi rolls, chops and pastries. Evening visits to Park Street give it a warm and festive feel, making it one of the best places to go in Kolkata.

St. John’s Church

One of the earliest churches built by the British, St. John’s Church in Kolkata, stands quietly amid Dalhousie’s colonial quarter. Its faded yellow facade, gothic architecture and marble memorials tell stories of an era gone by. The surrounding gardens and walkways invite reflection, while the nearby colonial buildings reveal hidden tales of the city that you are sure to get inspired by. It is one of the best places to visit near Kolkata for history lovers and photographers alike. 

Know Before You Go: Pair your visit with a walk around BBD Bagh, situated near St. John’s Church. Prefer visiting the park early in the morning to enjoy the soft light on the facades and avoid crowds at peak hours. Families will enjoy the calm environment for leisurely walks and picnics under the shade of a tree. 

Kolkata Chinatown

To get familiar with the culture of a city, it is important to taste its local cuisine, and there is no better place in Kolkata than Kolkata Chinatown. Tucked in Tiretta Bazaar, Chinatown is among the most unique places to visit in Kolkata. Here, heritage meets street food, where you will find steaming dumplings, rice noodle rolls and bao, sold by generations of Chinese-Indian families. During the Chinese New Year, lion dances, lanterns, and vibrant cultural festivals bring the area to life. Exploring Tangra nearby offers some of the best Chinese-Indian cuisine in the city, making it a feast for the senses. 

Travel Tip: Plan to arrive early in the morning in Chinatown for breakfast and spend some time exploring the narrow lanes to see old temples, murals and local markets. It is also one of the best places in Kolkata for visiting with family, offering children a taste of living heritage and authentic food culture. 

So, are you ready to explore the city of joy, Kolkata, in all its charm? With Veena World, you can indulge in some of the best things to do in Kolkata through its curated itineraries. Whether it is a family outing, a cultural journey or a riverside adventure along the Hooghly, let Veena World be your travel partner, guiding your way. Book your Kolkata tour packages today, as the best time to visit Kolkata is now!

FAQs 

Q1. Why does the majestic Hooghly Imambara (in Hooghly town) look unusual compared to typical mosques? 

The Hooghly Imambara was built between 1841 and 1861 by philanthropist Hazi Muhammad Mohsin and features a twin-tower clock over the entrance, intricate marble work, and Qur’anic inscriptions on its walls.  

Unlike many mosques, this structure doubles as a congregation hall, with spacious courtyards and a somewhat secular heritage appeal. For travellers, the surprising bit is that you can climb up the tower for sweeping views of the river, and the old Jubilee Bridge remains.  

Q2. What’s surprising about the riverside walk at Prinsep Ghat along the Hooghly? 

While many know Prinsep Ghat as a colonial white arch monument by the river, what few realise is that the evening ambience there is deliberately enhanced with soft music (often Rabindra-sangeet) flowing through the gardens, blending with the sound of the river and birds.  

Q3. Why does the ferry ride across the Hooghly feel so different from road transport? 

If you choose a ferry from ghats like Chandpal Ghat or Fairlie Place instead of taking road traffic across into Howrah, you’ll find a much calmer rhythm of movement: the boat glides, the city noise dims, wind enters the space, and you see the city’s skyline from the river.  

Q4. What makes the lesser-visited Hangseshwari Temple in Bansberia (Hooghly district) particularly odd and intriguing? 

This temple, built around 1814, is dedicated to Goddess Hangseshwari (a form of Kali) but features architecture shaped like the human body, where each floor and spire corresponds to an anatomical element (head, arms, legs, etc.).  

Q5. What is a quietly captivating “heritage path” around Hooghly that most tourists skip? 

The riverside town of Chandannagar in Hooghly district was once a French colony, and its Strand Road along the Hooghly retains European-style promenades, colonial mansions, and tranquil river views.