Best Places To Visit In Kolkata That Every Traveler Needs To Check Out

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We tell you the best places to visit in Kolkata, to make the best of your time in the City of Joy.

Kolkata, also known as the City of Joy, is often touted as being one that is safely tucked away a few decades in the past. If that is really true or not, depends on the eyes of the beholder. But one truth that has to be acknowledged is that the city does have a certain beauty that is unparalleled. Its charm lies in the little details, in the heritage, history, and culture. Visitors to Kolkata can spend numerous hours wandering around its streets, checking out local landmarks, and immersing yourself in the culture. So, if you want to explore this iconic city’s beauty, we are here to help you out with the best places to visit in Kolkata.

Here are the best places to visit in Kolkata:

The Ghats on Ganges

ghats of ganges kolkata
Photo Credit:seetheworldinmyeyes
The ghats of the river Ganges have a beauty like no other. Each season you visit it in, you feel a whole different vibe. In the summer the evening breeze soothes you, in the autumn it brings the charm of Durga puja, in the monsoons the drenched steps make for a nostalgic feeling, and in the winter they look almost ethereal, enveloped in the morning fog.

Victoria Memorial

Perhaps the most iconic monument in Kolkata, the Victoria Memorial, situated in the heart of the city, is not only an architectural marvel, but also a monument that serves as a reminder of this city’s history and is one of the best place to visit in Kolkata. Built by the British more than 300 years ago, Kolkata was a colonial city established by the the East India Company, and subsequently the British Empire’s capital in India. And to understand this city, one must understand this history. What better way to do that, than at Victoria?

Park Street

Photo Credit: Wikimedia
Head right over to the famous and lively junction of nightlife and eateries, at Park Street. The street is one of the oldest parts of Kolkata, and quite close to Victoria Memorial. Find yourself taking a walk along the street, crossing many iconic restaurants, bakeries, and shops. At night, you can enjoy a drink at any of the pubs and bars, whether new or old.

New Market

Photo Credit: Wikimedia
Many people may not consider Kolkata’s New Market as a destination on one’s sightseeing list. But trust us when we say that at least one visit to this centre of chaotic energy is a must to understand the vibe of Kolkata. According to the locals, if something exists under the sun, it can be found (or ordered) in the myriad of shops in New Market. A quick history lesson; New Market was built in the late 1800’s by the British administration to cater to the local affluent British community. Built in the style of British Gothic architecture the market has continued to play a huge part in the Indian community as well, especially after independence.

The Bylanes of North Kolkata

Photo Credit: Arka Dhara
Not a specific ‘place,’ but this is one of the things you must see and experience in Kolkata. The older parts of the city, some built as early as early as the 1800s. Most of North Kolkata was inhabited by locals by mid 1800s, and much of the original cobbled streets and building still exist, somehow managing to stay away from the gentrification that many other metros have seen. So while in Kolkata, make sure to take some time out to walk around and explore bylanes of the old city, in places like kumortuli, garpar, baj bajar, and more.

Princep Ghat

Another historical structure, you might recognise this one from the numerous visual references in films, videos, and photographs. The ghat (or the series of steps leading into a river) is called such, due to the Palladian porch that was built right next to water in 1841, in the memory of Anglo-Indian scholar James Princep. The white pillars of Princep are quite iconic, and a visit to Kolkata is incomplete without a stop here. Enjoy the evening breeze, a view of the lit up Vidyasagar Setu, and river, aside from the view of the monument itself. You can enjoy a few quick bites of local street food, and take a walk along the pathway built on the riverside while you are there.

China Town

Photo Credit: Golden Joy
Not known to many people outside of eastern India, Kolkata has a sizeable China Town. It used to be a bustling and crowded hub of Chinese culture, thanks to many generations of Chinese immigrants who came to Kolkata over the many years. The China Town is spread around Tangra, a neighborhood in the eastern part of the city. There are a number of great restaurants to choose from, which have perfected the cuisine that has become popularly known as ‘Kolkata Chinese.’ You can also head out early morning, but before 7am, to Territi Bajaar, where every morning vendors pop up with Chinese street foods like baos, momos, dumplings, and soup in a variety of meat, and at unbelievable prices.

Jorasankho Thakurbari

Photo Credit: Kolkata Tourism
Located in North Kolkata, the Thakur Bari of Jorashankho is the ancestral home of none other than Rabindranath Tagore. The house is called ‘Jorashanko Thakurbari,’ which literally translates to The house of the Thakurs, Thakurs being the original Bengali pronunciation of the anglicised Tagore. The eternally remembered poet’s home is currently located on the Rabindra Bharati University campus at 6/4 Dwarakanath Tagore Lane. Tagore was not only born here, but also spend most of his childhood, and eventually died in 1941. Take a trip of this iconic building to not only feel a connection to the first Indian, and non-European Nobel laureate, but also to be a part of a very important aspect of Bengali culture.

The Indian Museum

Photo Credit: Kolkata Tourism
The Indian Museum in Kolkata was founded in 1814, at the present building of the Asiatic Society at 1 Park Street. Indian Museum is the earliest, and the largest multipurpose museum in not only India, but also the subcontinent, and in the Asia-Pacific region of the world. The museum houses some amazing artefacts and safeguards many important objects of history. It also happens to be the only place in India where you can see a mummy. The building itself is a testament to architectural grandeur and a simple elegance that defines the spirit of the monument.

Maidan

Photo Credit: Aakash Souvik Haldar
Kolkata’s Maidan, which literally translates to ‘open field,’ is one of those places that every true Calcuttan has a special place in their heart set for. The vast stretch of field includes numerous playing arenas, and many statues and architectural works. With its vast green fields,known for lending freshness to the city’s heart, it is one of the best places to visit in Kolkata if you are looking for a place to idly pass my some time. You can take walks, see horses from the Kolkata Mounted Police pass you by, enjoy the city’s skyline, host a picnic, find some Instagram-worthy spots, and enjoy a leisurely few hours away from the bustle.

Rabindra Sarobar

Rabindra Sarobar, also known simply as ‘Lake’ to everyone who is a part of the city. The Lake is a irreplaceable part of the city’s culture, with it’s green walkways that line the eponymous lake. You can find every kind of activity here, from rowers practicing their strokes, to morning walkers, couples enjoying a sunset, music festivals under the open sky, to simply finding a quiet spot for some contemplation, if you so require.