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The city of Joy, Kolkata is loved by tourists and locals alike. An old city, Kolkata also has had much influence over how the country was shaped, given that so many of the great minds came from the city. It’s sweet, inviting, and warm.
And while as a tourist, you might find numerous historical monuments and places to visit, the essence of the city is in the smaller experiences it offers. When it comes to things to do in Kolkata, the city of joy shall delight you with the most simple and yet the most exceptional of activities that you’ll always cherish.
Here are 7 things to do in Kolkata
1. Visit Park Street for iconic restaurants
Also known as the ‘Food Street’ or ‘The Street That Never Sleeps’, Park Street in Kolkata in an upscale area famous for its long list of iconic eateries such as Peter Cat, and Marco Polo. Did you even visit Kolkata if you did not relish a meal at any of these iconic restaurants still churning scrumptious fare?
We suggest the Jumbo Prawns at Marco Polo, Devilled Crab at Mocambo, and Chelo Kebabs at Peter Cat.
2. Witness the art of idol-making
Every year, months before Durga Pujo, the prep for the festival starts at Kumartuli, which happens to be an old neighbourhood dedicated to keeping the skill of pottery alive. Each year, the artisans at Kumartuli painstakingly work on every single idol of Ma Durga, bringing alive her divine feminine power with the most beautiful of productions
3. Have breakfast at Tiretti Bazaar
If you love authentic Chinese food, this will be a treat for you. Tiretti Bazaar is home to small stalls and shops that retail freshly made Chinese food that’ll leave you asking for more. The market opens at 5 each morning, except on a Monday when an off is observed.
4. Local shopping at New Market
One of the most popular, and iconic markets in Kolkata, the New Market has everything you can possibly need. From garments to accessories and flowers to food items, New Market is where you go to for extraordinary finds and bargains. It also houses iconic sweet shops like Nahoum & Sons, and it is also where you can find Bandel cheese, which happens to be an indigenous variety of cheese found in the city.
5. Picnic in the Eco-Park
One of the newer additions to the tourist attractions in the city, Eco-Park in New Town Kolkata is one of the biggest open spaces in the city of joy. Full of activities, thematic areas, and lush green views, the Eco-Park is just as exciting for kids as it is for adults. Explore this stunning park with a picnic basket in tow for an experience like no other.
6. Take a heritage tram tour
Kolkata is the only city in the country to have a tram network and over the years, many more efficient transportation options have emerged, the charm of the tram is unmatched. Hop onto this short tour that lets you explore the history of not only the trams but also iconic places connected by the network.
7. Take a food tour
What is the point of visiting Kolkata if you didn’t explore all the culinary delights in the city of joy? Take a food walk in Kolkata to experience the wide variety of flavours and dishes that rule the hearts of locals. This might be a little tough if you have dietary restrictions but we suggest you confirm with your guide if they could accommodate them.