“So in the streets of Calcutta I sometimes imagine myself a foreigner, and only then do I discover how much is to be seen…”
- Rabindranath Tagore, My Reminiscences
It is true, to discover Kolkata, you have to visit it as a foreigner. You have to strip away all the expectations you had from this city because Kolkata will always rise a step above it. We know that popular films like Howrah Bridge (1958) and Kahaani (2012) might paint a descriptive picture of the city or might even leave a taste of what this megapolis is like. But when you stand in Park Street or soak in the view of the mighty Hooghly from its banks, you’ll understand that the best way to experience Kolkata is to see it yourself.
And this is what this guide is here to help you do. We’ve pulled together a rough-and-ready list of the best places to visit in Kolkata. These popular and offbeat spots offer the spirit of the city, its rhythm, its stories, and its unique taste. Join us as we unravel the home city of Rabindranath Tagore, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Satyajit Ray.
The List of the Best Tourist Places in Kolkata
So, practise your Bengali, grab an umbrella & sunscreen, and get ready to explore with IamNavigato.
| Sr. No. | Tourist Places in Kolkata | Entry |
| 1 | Kalighat Kali Temple | Free |
| 2 | Tiretta Bazaar (Kolkata’s Chinatown) | Free |
| 3 | Indian Museum | ₹50 |
| 4 | Victoria Memorial Hall | ₹20 |
| 5 | Dakshineswar Kali Temple | Free |
| 6 | Howrah Bridge | Free |
| 7 | Alipore Jail Museum | ₹30 |
| 8 | Kumartuli Craft Neighbourhood | Free |
| 9 | St. John’s Church | Free |
| 10 | Jorasanko Thakurbari Museum | ₹20 |
1. Kalighat Kali Temple
A state that is home to the highest number of Kali temples in the world, this mandir stands out as the most visited of them all. The Kalighat Kali Temple is perhaps on top of the list of places to visit in Kolkata for everyone, and that too, for all the good reasons. Firstly, it is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India, believed to be where the toes of Goddess Sati fell. And secondly, it is among the oldest temples in Kolkata, dating back over 200 years.
Here, you can witness the pure devotion of the worshippers as they flock to the temple throughout the year to pay tribute to the Goddess Kali. The highlight of the temple is its main idol, which is not made of stone but of black basalt. On a normal day, you will find it adorned with gold jewelry, gorgeous silk sarees, and vibrant flowers.
Location: Anami Sangha, Kalighat, Kolkata
Timings: 5:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Morning) & 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM (Evening)
2. Tiretta Bazaar (Kolkata’s Chinatown)
After your darshan, you might feel a little hungry. So, head over to India’s only Chinatown, the Tiretta Bazaar, where you can indulge in a delicious Chinese breakfast. This place is famous for its momo, dumplings, pork rolls, and various soups. But make sure to arrive early in the morning to get the best lot. Within its narrow streets, you can also experience other offbeat tourist places in Kolkata, like the Temple of Lord Guan.
However, if you want to experience this place at its peak, visit during the Chinese New Year, when the whole bazaar is decorated with lanterns. You will surely get to witness vibrant dragon dances and have the opportunity to burst firecrackers with the locals.
Note: This place has many alternative spellings like: ‘Tirreti’, ‘Terita’, Tiriti, or ‘Territy’, so do not get confused.
Location: 22B, Rabindra Sarani, Teritta Bazar, Tiretti, Kolkata
Timings: 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM
3. Indian Museum
For a glimpse of the city’s (and even the country’s) history, head over to this famous place in Kolkata. The Indian Museum was the first organised museum in the country and one of the largest ones in Asia. Walking through this massive place, you’ll get to experience many artistic, geological, and archaeological specimens, including skeletons of ancient animals and humans, rare manuscripts, and other interesting artefacts. But be sure to visit with three to four hours in hand so that you can explore all the galleries at your own pace.
Location: 27, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Park Street
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM; Mondays closed
4. Victoria Memorial Hall
Many museums like the Birla Industrial and Technological Museum or the Marble Palace (a 19th-century neoclassical mansion repurposed for public use) are worthy of a visit, but if you are short on time, all you have to do is head over to this historical place in Kolkata.
The best word to describe this spot is “marvellous”.
Why?
Because this sprawling monument features some of the best hidden artifacts of Kolkata. In its vast, spatial galleries, you can find 5,000 paintings by the pioneers of the Indian art scene, such as Abanindranath Tagore, Gaganendranath Tagore, and Jamini Roy. Not only that, this place also has a colossal collection of fine watercolours and engravings, the largest in the world.
But don’t get overwhelmed! If you are in the mood for something less strenuous, you are free to roam around its manicured gardens or taste the local street food of Kolkata outside the monument’s premises.
Location: 1, Queen’s Way, Kolkata
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM; Mondays closed
5. Dakshineswar Kali Temple
This temple easily ranks among the most famous places in Kolkata, and it’s not hard to see why. The Dakshineswar Kali Temple is an architectural marvel constructed along the banks of the Hooghly River with a nine-spired structure. Within its complex, you will find many shrines dedicated to Goddess Kali and Lord Shiva, where popular personalities like Ramakrishna Paramahamsa used to perform puja.
When you are done with your visit, make sure to try the local Hinger Kochuri (Radhaballavi) outside the temple.
Location: Dakshineswar, Kolkata
Timings: 5:30 AM – 11:00 AM (Morning) & 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM (Evening)
6. Howrah Bridge
One of the most iconic landmark in the city – the Howrah Bridge offers a raw, untouched look at Kolkata. Throughout the day, you will find this steel bridge immersed in the noise of traffic with box-like buses and archetypical yellow taxis zooming past. But if you visit it in the morning, you’ll get to experience the true magic that this city has to offer. Try some warm chai in Kulhad (a clay cup) or the masala doodh, and you’ll be ready for a day-long exploration.
Plus, if you are up for some extra adventure, head over to the Mullick Ghat Flower Market right below the bridge. This hidden tourist attraction in Kolkata is a vibrant hub for local florists who gather daily to sell fresh flowers like marigolds, roses, tuberoses, lilies, and lotuses.
Location: New Howrah Bridge Approach Rd, Kolkata
Timings: 5:00 to 7:00 AM
7. Alipore Jail Museum
Shut down in February 2019, the Alipore Jail Museum is a testament to the Indian freedom struggle. This must-visit place in Kolkata tells the story of those who used to be incarcerated under British rule and depicts the terrible conditions of their treatment.
As you enter through the towering gates, patriotic verses by Kazi Nazrul Islam will greet you. The path leads past the former cells of Nehru, Subhash Chandra Bose, Sri Aurobindo, and other freedom fighters, some recreated with scenes of their daily prison life. Don’t miss the watchtower and the chilling sight of the gallows. The museum also hosts a sound and light show in Bengali/Hindi each evening.
Address: 17, Judges Court Rd, Alipore
Timings: Noon – 6 PM; Mondays closed
8. Kumartuli Craft Neighbourhood
In the narrow streets of this North Kolkata neighbourhood, you will discover around 150 families of potters and sculptors giving life to god idols. The artisans use techniques that are over 300 years old and have been passed down from father to son. Here, all kinds of Hindu gods take shape – from Lord Ganesha to Goddess Laxmi. But what Kumartuli’s artists are most famous for making are the idols of Goddess Durga for the Durga Puja (a 4-day festival celebrating the victory of the Goddess over the demon king Mahishasura).
You can spend hours watching the craftsmen at their work, but be sure to give a small tip of appreciation or a few words of compliment when you leave this tourist attraction in Kolkata.
Address: 1, 1, Banamali Sarkar St, Sovabazar, Kumartuli, Shobhabazar
Timings: Open throughout the day
9. St. John’s Church
This tourist place in Kolkata was built by the British Raj in 1787. Inside, you will find a sky-high ceiling with rustic pews, an altar with beautiful murals, and, of course, total tranquility that will touch your soul.
Interestingly, many churches dot the skyline of Kolkata like the Armenian Church (the oldest church in Kolkata), Portuguese Church (with a beautiful structure and elaborate decorations), St. Paul’s Cathedral (built in Gothic Revival style and truly massive in scale), and St. Stephen’s Church (with a unique rocket-like steeple that catches the attention of every passerby).
Also, it’s not only Hindus, Muslims, and Christians that populate the city. Kolkata has a rich Jewish heritage. A guided walk through the Jewish Quarter of Bowbazar will give you a glimpse of the close-knit and dwindling community of Baghdadi jews who take pride in their identity.
Address: 2/2, Council House St, opp. Dewars Garage, Lal Dighi, B.B.D. Bagh
Timings: 10 AM – 4 PM
10. Jorasanko Thakurbari Museum
Yes, there’s another museum on the list, which is understandable given that Kolkata is home to around 64 of them. Some, like Mother Teresa’s Mother House or Netaji Bhawan, beautifully preserve the legacies of iconic figures. But if we had to pick just one, it would be the Jorasanko Thakurbari Museum, Rabindranath Tagore’s ancestral home and a place that pays tribute to the Bard of Bengal.
As you enter this tourist place in Kolkata, you’ll see the room where Tagore passed away, and nearby, the birthing room once used by the women of the household. The portrait gallery displays striking life-size images of the Thakur family, their eyes seemingly following you. Other sections showcase Tagore’s travels to Hungary, China, Japan, the US, and Italy. Perhaps most touching is how visitors still sit on the stairs, singing Rabindra Sangeet, keeping his spirit alive in every corner of the home.
Address: 6/4, Dwarakanath Tagore Lane
Timings: 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM; Mondays are closed
Other Places to Visit In & Around Kolkata
If you find yourself with a little more time on your hands, pay a visit to these gems in and around the city:
- Belur Math: This famous place in Kolkata is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission and a symbol of religious harmony. Its unique architecture blends Hindu, Christian, and Islamic motifs to represent unity in diversity.
- Pareshnath Jain Temple: This stunning 19th-century temple in north Kolkata is a masterpiece of ornate architecture and intricate mirror work. Surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens and fountains, it’s dedicated to Shitalnathji, a Jain Tirthankara.
- New Market (Sir Stuart Hogg Market): Built in 1874, New Market is one of Kolkata’s most iconic shopping destinations. From traditional sarees and spices to leather goods and imported chocolates, this colonial-era market has it all.
- Prinsep Ghat: This spot is a riverside promenade built during British rule, known for its majestic Palladian-style monument and views of the Vidyasagar Setu. It’s a popular place for evening strolls, boat rides, and street food by the water.
- South Park Street Cemetery: One of the oldest non-church cemeteries in the world, South Park Street Cemetery is a hauntingly beautiful colonial-era graveyard tucked amid the chaos of central Kolkata. With moss-covered tombs, towering obelisks, and Gothic architecture, it feels like stepping into a forgotten chapter of British India.
- Sunderban National Park: Roughly 100 km (a 2 – 3 hour journey) from Kolkata, the Sundarbans is the world’s largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s famous for its elusive Royal Bengal tigers, rich biodiversity, and maze of tidal waterways.
How to Reach Kolkata
Planning your trip? Here’s how you can reach this city:
By Air:
Kolkata is well-connected by air through Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, located about 17 km from the city center. It operates regular domestic flights from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai, as well as international flights from destinations in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
By Rail:
The city has two major railway stations – Howrah Junction and Sealdah Station – both among the busiest in India. Trains from across the country, including Rajdhani and Shatabdi Express, connect Kolkata to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Guwahati.
By Road:
Kolkata is accessible by a network of national highways and state roads. Buses operated by government and private agencies run regularly from neighboring states like Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha. If you’re driving, NH16 and NH19 offer direct routes into the city.
Travel Tips for Kolkata Visitors
Here are a few handy and practical travel tips for those planning to visit Kolkata:
- Kolkata’s metro, trams, and yellow taxis are iconic and affordable! The metro is the fastest way to get around, while trams are best for a slow, scenic ride. Apps like Uber and Ola work well too, especially for longer distances.
- While digital payments are growing, small shops, food stalls, and hand-pulled rickshaws may still prefer cash.
- Kolkata can be hot and humid, especially from April to September. Light cotton clothes, sunglasses, and a water bottle are musts.
- Don’t miss Kolkata’s legendary street eats like puchkas, kathi rolls, and mishti doi. Stick to popular stalls with high turnover for freshness, and carry hand sanitizer just in case.
- Like most big cities, busy areas like New Market or Esplanade can be overwhelming. Keep your belongings close and be mindful of pickpockets.
- Durga Puja in October is the soul of Kolkata. The entire city transforms into an open-air art gallery. But book accommodation early, as it gets crowded fast!
Summing Up
And just like that, you are now ready to explore Kolkata. So, pack your bags, book your tickets, and make a visit to the most beloved city of India – the ‘City of Joy’. Come for the history, stay for the warmth, and leave with stories you’ll carry for a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the best time to visit Kolkata?
A. The best time to visit Kolkata is between October and February. The weather is pleasant, especially after the monsoons, and it’s also when the city comes alive with festivals like Durga Puja and Christmas celebrations at Park Street.
Q. How many days are enough to explore Kolkata?
A. 3 to 4 days are ideal to understand the spirit of Kolkata. This gives you enough time to visit major historical landmarks, enjoy the food, take a riverfront walk at Prinsep Ghat, and even plan a short day trip to places like Belur Math or Sunderban National Park.
Q. What are the famous foods to try in Kolkata?
A. Kolkata is a paradise for food lovers. Don’t miss the local favourite Macher Jhol (Bengali-style fish curry) and the legendary Mutton Biryani. Try it at Royal or Arsalan. Start your mornings with Hing er Kochuri (also called Radhaballavi) near Dakshineswar Temple, and cool down with a plate of Shukto, a delicately spiced vegetable dish.
Head to Park Street for iconic restaurants like Flurys (for breakfast and cakes) and the historic Indian Coffee House for endless gossip and coffee. For authentic Mughlai cuisine, Dal Ghosht at Zeeshan is a must. End your food trail on a sweet note with Sita Bhog and Bengali classics from Nalin Chandra Das & Sons.
Q. What are the famous things to do in Kolkata?
A. Explore colonial-era architecture, take a tram ride, walk along Prinsep Ghat at sunset, and visit bookshops at College Street. Watch a play at the Academy of Fine Arts, go cafe-hopping in South Kolkata, or enjoy a boat ride on the Hooghly River. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a live performance of Rabindra Sangeet in one of the city’s cultural hubs.
Q. Which area is best for a stay in Kolkata for tourists?
A. Park Street, Salt Lake, and New Town are great areas to stay for tourists. Park Street is centrally located and close to many attractions, restaurants, and nightlife. Salt Lake and New Town are more modern and quieter, with good hotels and easy access to the airport and other parts of the city.
Also Read: Must-Try Food in Jammu & Kashmir
