Kolkata, the City of Joy, is a continuous celebration of life, literature, culture, and history. A 350-year-old metropolis, it basks in the moniker of India’s cultural and intellectual capital and rightly so. As the erstwhile capital of British India, Kolkata paints an impressive saga of old-world grandeur. Its historical monuments, illustrious clubs, old markets, magnificent temples, sprawling gardens, all are odes to a glorious past. At the same time, it portrays a picture of contrast – a city where pulsating nightclubs, swanky malls, trendy eateries, new-age architectural splendors, and a cosmopolitan culture come together to create a youthful feel.

Simply put, there is so much to see, explore, discover, and relish in this city! To help you out, we have put together the ultimate list of the top tourist places to visit in Kolkata. Here you go!

Must to Visit Places in Kolkata for Youngsters

Places to Visit in Kolkata for Youngsters | Eden Gardens

Must to Visit Places in Kolkata for Youngsters | Eden Gardens

It’s nearly impossible to miss the irresistible old-world charm of Kolkata, but its youthful vibe is equally palpable. This fascinating city of art and culture has a number of places where the young brigade can head out to and enjoy a whale of a time. Check out some of the favorite hangout zones for youngsters in Kolkata.

Eco Park

To start with, it is the largest park in India and boasts of a beautifully landscaped area of 480 acres. Enhancing the beauty of the park is a huge waterbody that has an island in the middle. This urban park is a relaxing place, a picnic spot, and an adventure center, all rolled into one. Spending time here is really fun as it offers a long list of attractions, like the replicas of the Seven Wonders of the World, Urban Museum, Artists Cottage, Adda Zone, Butterfly Garden, Mask Garden, Sculpture Garden, and Food Court, to name a few. You can also indulge in kayaking, zorbing, ice skating, rifle shooting, archery, trampoline, water cycling, boating, and several other activities while at the park.

  • Location: New Town
  • Timing
    March to October – 02:30 pm to 08:30 pm (Tuesday to Saturday); 12:00 pm to 08:30 pm (Sunday and Holidays)
    November to February – 12:00 pm to 07:30 pm (Tuesday to Saturday); 11:00 pm to 07:30 pm (Sunday and Holidays)
    Closed on Mondays
  • Entry Fee*:
    ₹30 per person (3 years and above)
    Activities and rides are charged extra

Nicco Park

Often referred to as the Disneyland of West Bengal, Nicco Park takes pride in being the first amusement park in the state. It is one of the most popular adventure destinations as well as water parks in Kolkata, thanks to its thrilling rides, slides, and other attractions, such as the Toy Train, Cyclone, Flying Saucer, Twist & Turn, Water Coaster, Paddle Boat, River Cave, Haunted House, Wave Pool, Body Slide, and Pirate Ship.

There are more such places where you can have great aquatic fun with your friends. Check out our blog on the top waterparks in Kolkata for more details.

  • Location: Sector IV, Salt Lake City
  • Timing: Gate: 10:30 am to 6:30 pm; Rides:  10:45 am to 7:30 pm     
  • Entry Fee:
    Entry ticket – ₹185 per person (Entry + 12 rides and attractions in the main park)
    Park’s package – ₹600 per person (Entry + all rides and attractions of the main park + water park)

Maidan

Sprawling lush green parkland in the heart of the city, Maidan is to Kolkata what Central Park is to New York. Whether you are in the mood to enjoy a leisurely walk with your friends, up for a spirited outdoor game or usual idling, this open field is the place to enjoy all these and more. Once a parade ground for the British army, Maidan is where you can happily indulge in a game of football or cricket. The tram line passing through the field provides a wonderful opportunity to hop into one of the slow-moving carriages and enjoy a ride through this green-lung of the city and its surrounding areas.

  • Location: Guru Nanak Sarani
  • Timing: 24×7
  • Entry Fee: No entry fee

College Street

Fancy doing something unique? Head to College Street, especially if you and your pals have a thing for books! A spot frequented by Kolkata’s literary crowd, this 1.5 km long street houses the world’s largest second-hand book market, where you can buy rare, first edition, and popular books at throwaway prices. Spending time at the iconic Indian Coffee House is another reason to visit College Street with your friends.

  • Location: Central Kolkata
  • Timing: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm; every day
  • Entry Fee: NA

Eden Gardens

Established in 1864, Eden Gardens is the largest cricket stadium in the country by dint of capacity. The famous ground has played host to many high-profile cricket matches. It is known for its large and enthusiastic crowd. What can be a better way to spend a day with your friends than watching a live game of cricket at this renowned stadium? 

  • Location: BBD Bagh
  • Timing: N/A   
  • Entry Fee: N/A

South City Mall

One of the swankiest malls of Kolkata, the South City Mall is a cool place to hang around with your shopaholic friends. Apart from housing over 130 stores, the mall also boasts of a spacious food court and an INOX multiplex. Whether you want to shop, eat, catch up on the latest releases or simply chill out, South City is the perfect pick.

  • Location: Prince Anwar Shah Road
  • Timing: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm; every day
  • Entry Fee: N/A

Must to Visit Places in Kolkata for Couples

Places to Visit in Kolkata for Couples | Prinsep Ghat

Must to Visit Places in Kolkata for Couples | Prinsep Ghat

Love finds its own ways to flourish and spread its wings, but it definitely helps if there are places where you can spend some romantic moments with your significant other. When you are in Kolkata, you can explore a number of destinations where your love story can reach new heights.

Prinsep Ghat

Considered to be one of the most romantic spots in Kolkata, Prinsep Ghat features a splendid structure with rich Gothic and Greek inlays. Standing on the banks of the River Hooghly, the monument serves as the perfect dating spot. During the evening, the whole monument lights up to create a dreamy aura. Take a walk along the river bank, hand-in-hand, or enjoy a serene boat ride with your partner. Whatever you do, you are sure to create lasting memories of the moments spent at this lovely location.

  • Location: Strand Road, Vidyasagar Setu
  • Timing: 24×7   
  • Entry Fee: N/A

Millennium Park

A beautiful park standing on the eastern shore of the River Hooghly, Millennium Park is a great place to spend time with your beloved. Away from the bustling crowds of the city, the quiet atmosphere of the park is just right to indulge in some heart-to-heart chat. If you can manage to turn your eyes off your partner, you will be able to see the entire Howrah Bridge from the park. As the setting sun bids adieu to the day, the evening lights add a magical touch to the park and make it all the more romantic.

  • Location: BBD Bagh
  • Timing: 11:00 am to 08:00 pm; every day
  • Entry Fee: N/A

Nandan

Do you and your partner like watching classic movies? You can indulge in some amazing cinematic experiences at Nandan, a renowned film and cultural center in Kolkata where you can catch up on the best of Indian and international classics at nominal admission rates. In case you are not really enthusiastic about movies, Nandan is still a great place to spend some quality time with your beau as the cultural compound counts among the top hangout places for couples in Kolkata.

  • Location: A J C Bose Road
  • Timing: N/A   
  • Entry Fee: N/A

Nalban Boating Complex

Surrounded by lush greenery, Nalban Boating Complex presents a mesmerizing picture of natural beauty. With the serene lake forming the backdrop of the complex, the place is ideal for couples to sit and soak in the scenic view, simply get lost in each other or enjoy a picnic with your partner. But the best thing to do is to go for a boat ride on the placid waters of the lake. The picturesque surroundings also form the ideal setting for some amazing photos with your beloved. Now, what more do you want in a dating spot?

  • Location: Nalban Bheri, Bidhannagar
  • Timing: 09:00 am to 08:15 pm   
  • Entry Fee: N/A

Boating charges applicable

Rabindra Sarobar

Rabindra Sarobar is an enticing artificial lake that provides the ideal atmosphere for couples to escape from the rush of the city and get lost in their own world. The place abounds with colorful flowers that dot the engulfing green location of the lake. If your idea of the perfect date involves a quiet walk by a lakeside while the setting sun paints the sky in myriad hues, this is where you should be!

  • Location: Southern Avenue
  • Timing: Sunrise to sunset   
  • Entry Fee: N/A

Ozora

Wooing your sweetheart over dinner is an idea that never fails. Now add to that a romantic rooftop setting, a breath-taking view of the cityscape, and amazing food, and you can be completely set for a great evening together. Ozora ushers you into such an ambiance of romance and coziness! Tucked on the 20th floor of the Acropolis Mall, the rooftop lounge is an idyllic place to enjoy a dinner date with your significant other.

  • Location: Acropolis Mall, Kasba
  • Timing: 04:00 pm to 12:00 midnight; every day     
  • Cost for two: ₹2700 (approx.)

Must to Visit Places in Kolkata at Night

Places to Visit in Kolkata at Night | Vidyasagar Setu

Must to Visit Places in Kolkata at Night | Vidyasagar Setu

As the day makes way for the night, Kolkata seems to put on a costume of dazzle and shine. Exploring the city by the night is an experience in itself. Check out some of the popular sundown places to explore in Kolkata.

Someplace Else

Are you in the mood for a classy evening out in the City of Joy? Someplace Else fits the bill perfectly! A preferred haunt of the nightbirds of Kolkata, this British-style pub entices visitors with the best live bands, amazing food, and great drinks. Whether you are with your partner or friends, you will never find a reason to say no to this place on your nocturnal outings.

  • Location: Park Street Area
  • Timing: 04:30 pm to 02:00 am; every day
  • Cost for two: ₹2400 (approx.)

UG Reincarnated

A shining jewel in the night scene of Kolkata, UG Underground is a nightclub featuring the theme of London’s Underground railway. The pulsating ambiance inside the lounge is heightened due to the presence of the dance floor. It is one of the hippest places in the city where you can let your hair down and show some amazing moves. If partying is on your mind, now you know where to go!

  • Location: Hotel Hindusthan International, A.J.C. Bose Road
  • Timing: 08:30 pm to 11:00 pm; every day
  • Cost for two: ₹1300 (approx.)

The Bridge- Floatel

Ever dreamt about spending a night under the star-filled sky with the River Ganga rounding up the whole scene? Floatel Hotel is the place where such dreams come true. Situated in Howrah jetty, the place provides a mesmerizing nighttime view of the city. With the river, the stars, and the romantic ambiance creating a surreal feel, you can sit down to enjoy a cozy dinner in one of the most scenic sundown destinations in the city.

  • Location: Dalhousie BBD Bagh
  • Timing: 24×7   
  • Cost for two: ₹1600 (approx.)

Park Street

A walk down Park Street after sunset is one of the best ways to soak in the night time vibe of Kolkata. The brightly lit street is the address of many popular eating joints and restaurants in Kolkata. There is no dearth of pubs and nightclubs either, in and around the area. No wonder, the party scene is most pronounced in this part of the city.

  • Location: Mother Teresa Sarani
  • Timing: 24×7   
  • Entry fee: N/A

Vidyasagar Setu

Discovering Vidyasagar Setu under the starry sky has its own charm. A drive to the place at night opens up a scintillating version of the bridge and the city in front of your eyes. Situated over the River Hooghly, the bridge is illuminated with a number of lights that come up after the sun sets down for the day. It is a treat to watch the lights creating a radiating image, while River Hooghly flows at its own pace below. As you drive to the bridge, you can also get a glimpse of some of the other illuminated tourist attractions in the city, including the Prinsep Ghat.

  • Location: Munshi Prem Chand Sarani
  • Timing: 24×7   
  • Entry fee: N/A

Must to Visit Places in Kolkata with Kids and Family

Places to Visit in Kolkata with Kids and Family | Victoria Memorial

Must to Visit Places in Kolkata with Kids and Family | Victoria Memorial

When it comes to places to visit in Kolkata with family and kids, you can be spoilt for choice. Trust us, the list of attractions is very interesting, long, and varied. To help you out, listed below are some of the handpicked destinations.

Victoria Memorial

Regarded as the most iconic monument in Kolkata, Victoria Memorial is a standing symbol of British legacy and brilliant architecture. The celebrated structure built in honor of Queen Victoria is designed in white marble and stands surrounded by sprawling gardens that spread over an area of 64 acres. Today, it serves as a museum with 25 galleries, each of which displays a rich collection of portraits, sculptures, arms and armor, paintings, and other historic artifacts. The city has several other famous museums that you can explore on your trip. Click top museums to visit in Kolkata to know in detail about them.

  • Location: Queens Way
  • Timing:
    Museum – 10:00 am to 05:00 pm; closed on Mondays and National Holidays
    Gardens – 05:30 am to 06:15 pm; every day
  • Entry Fee:
    Museum – ₹20 for Indians; ₹500 for foreigners
    Gardens – ₹10 per person

Alipore Zoo

Kids can never really resist the excitement of visiting a zoo, can they? If you are looking for a tourist spot in Kolkata where your kids can have a wonderful time, the Zoological Garden at Alipore is an excellent choice. Popularly known as the Alipore Zoo, it is home to diverse species of animals, including the Royal Bengal Tiger, the Great Indian one horn Rhinoceros, Indian Elephant, White Tiger, Asiatic Lion, African Lion, Grant’s Zebra, and Red Kangaroo. You can also spot various species of birds and reptiles inside the park.

  • Location: No.2, Alipore Road
  • Timing: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm; closed on Thursdays
  • Entry Fee: ₹10 per person (Up to the age of 5); ₹30 per person (Above the age of 5)

Nehru Children’s Museum

Unlike other museums in the city, Nehru Children’s Museum displays a spectacular assortment of dolls. Started in 1972, with the aim to impart education to kids through casual ways of learning, the museum today boasts of a vast collection of dolls belonging to 88 countries from around the world. A visit to this museum is sure to delight your little ones!

  • Location: Chowringhee Road
  • Timing:
    Tuesday to Friday- 11:00 am to 07:00 pm
    Saturday and Sunday- 10:00 am to 07:00 pm
    Closed on Mondays
  • Entry fee: ₹10 for visitors under 16 years; ₹20 for visitors of 16 years and above

Science City

The largest science center in the whole country, the Science City of Kolkata is a treasure trove that presents science and technology to young minds in a stimulating manner. What makes it a popular tourist destination is that it has a long list of attractions designed to enthrall the kids as well as the adults. From robotic models of prehistoric animals to space odysseys, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Science City!

  • Location: Mirania Gardens, Topsia
  • Timing: 09:00 am to 08:00 pm; every day
  • Entry fee: ₹50 per person   

Birla Planetarium

Want to spend some time with your kids, learning a thing or two about the movements of the stars and the planets or the universe and its various mysteries? The Birla Planetarium is where you need to head to. Here, you will discover interesting details about the planets, know about other fascinating celestial bodies present in the sky, and watch exciting shows about the universe. It, needless to say, is a place where entertainment and education go hand in hand.

  • Location: Jawaharlal Nehru Road
  • Timing:  12:30 pm to 06:30 pm (Monday to Saturday); 10:30 am to 06:30 pm (Sunday)
  • Entry fee: ₹80 per person

Marble Palace Museum

Built in 1835, the Marble Palace Museum is a palatial mansion and serves as a brilliant example of architectural beauty and flawless craftsmanship. It is among the most elegant and well-preserved houses belonging to the nineteenth century. The palace draws its name from its marble floors, walls, and sculptures. The mansion is designed in the neoclassical style of architecture. The place is also famous for housing an outstanding art collection that has masterpieces of some of the most renowned artists from around the world, including Van Gogh and Reynolds.

  • Location: Gour Nagar, Thakurpukur
  • Timing: 10:00 am to 04:00 pm; closed on Mondays
  • Entry fee: N/A

Calcutta Botanical Garden

At Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, aka Calcutta Botanical Garden, a world of peace and serenity awaits you. As you make your way inside the 200-year-old garden, you will discover an incredible collection of rare plants and trees. Spread over 109 hectares, the garden is home to more than 12,000 specimens of plants and trees. The star attraction of the garden is the Great Banyan tree, which is considered to be the largest tree in the world. With a circumference of more than 330 meters, it definitely makes for an impressive sight for not just the kids but adults as well.  

  • Location: Shibpur, Howrah
  • Timing: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm; closed on Mondays
  • Entry fee: ₹10 for Indians; ₹100 for foreigners

Indian Museum

The Indian Museum tops the list of the most visited tourist destinations in Kolkata due to more than one reason. For starters, it is among the largest museums in the country. It dates back to 1814, making it one of the oldest museums too! But the most of all, it is a treasure trove of priceless antiques, fossils, ornaments, armors, and Mughal paintings. A highlight of the museum is the presence of the Egyptian mummies in its collection. Skeletons of prehistoric animals are also big draw cards for the museum that never fail to entice kids and adults alike.

  • Location: Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Park Street
  • Timing:
    March to November- 10:00 am to 05:00 pm
    December to February- 10:00 am to 04:30 pm
    Closed on Mondays and Holidays
  • Entry fee: ₹20 for Indians; ₹500 for foreigners

Oxford Bookstore

When you are in the literary capital of the country, a visit to the renowned Oxford Bookstore is a must. It has been serving the bibliophiles, both young and old, in the city since 1920. In its century-old journey, the bookstore has earned a long list of patrons and readers, thanks to its eclectic collection of books. The best part is that they have a wide section of children’s books and also a gift shop, a tea bar, and a reading room. Now, isn’t that a cool destination to explore with your kids?

  • Location: Park Street
  • Timing: 11:00 am to 09:00 pm; every day
  • Entry fee: N/A

Howrah Bridge

It’s hard to visualize Kolkata without the Howrah Bridge! The massive steel structure remains suspended over the Hooghly River and serves as the gateway to the city. Operating since 1943, the bridge is an engineering marvel and the sixth longest cantilever bridge in the world at present. It is also among the busiest bridges in the world. The best way to witness the beauty and grandeur of this cultural icon of Kolkata is through a ride on a ferry. The bridge turns into a splendid sight after sundown, when it lights up and forms a magical picture against the dark waters of the river.

  • Location: Howrah
  • Timing: 24×7
  • Entry fee: N/A

Kolkata is truly a traveler’s paradise. Its historic legacy and splendor are matchless and so are the infinite charms it extends through its lesser-known destinations. How about checking in at one of the hotels in Kolkata and start experiencing all that the city has to offer?