July 25th, 2019 by OYO Team

Culture might be spelt with ‘K’ as well if you have experienced ‘K’olkata. A city that has been immortalised in books, poems and restaurant menus across the world, offers a lifetime of things to explore. But what if you are staying for only a day in Kolkata? Fret not, here’s a list of things to do, which will give you an interesting teaser of Kolkata in just one day. 

To save time, make sure you check out the authentic hotel booking sites and book a hotel room in the city well in advance.

Explore Major Tourist Places in Kolkata in 24 Hours

1. Victoria Memorial – The Centrepiece

Victoria Memorial
Victoria Memorial

It would be a crime to ignore the Victoria Memorial so let us just put it on top of the list. Kolkata’s legacy owes a lot to its strategic importance during the British Raj. Victoria Memorial is the symbol of the city, a seamless blend of the two distinctive architectural disciplines—the gentle intricacies of the Mughal blueprints wrapped with the grandeur of the British architecture. Take a quick tour of the museum or squeeze a visit here at night time when it is illuminated by the myriad coloured lights.

2. The Beating Heart of Indian Cricket – Eden Garden

Eden Garden
Eden Garden

The tears of a World Cup semi-final, the triumph of one of the greatest test matches ever, and lately a stage for the glitzy Kolkata Knight Riders—Eden Gardens is indeed the Mecca of cricket in India.  Walk around the stadium and imagine the deafening roar and passion when all the lights are put on and the ball hits the bat.

3. The House of the Bard

Your Kolkata conversations are not complete without a nod to Rabindranath Tagore. A visit to Tagore House is recommended. The exhibits here include some of his personal artefacts and papers he had penned along with his old photographs.

4. The Colors of the Flower Market

Flower Market
Flower Market

The Mullick Ghat flower market is considered as the biggest of its kind in Asia. Get inundated by a spectrum of all the colours of the season as you navigate the narrow streets and soak in the buzz of around. This is the quintessential bazaar scene that has greeted visitors across the past centuries. It’s a recommended experience for those who want to feel the pulse of the city.

6. Howrah Bridge – Ferry Ride

Howrah Bridge
Howrah Bridge

Wrap up your one-day sojourn with a glimpse of the iconic Howrah Bridge. The best way to do it is from a ferry and the best time to catch a view is in the evening, as the bridge shines brightly above the dark waters and the city settles into a million lights in the backdrop.

7. Snack Breaks across the Town

Snack Breaks
Snack Breaks

Kolkata is a kaleidoscope of cultures, which has gifted some delicious cuisines to the city. Head over to Terreti Market to sample some of the most heavenly street snacks. Pick up some fresh Chinese sausages, bite into a delectable baozi bun and complete the culinary trip with a savoury fish meatball soup. End your one day tour on a sweet note. Enjoy some rolls and celebrate the day with a ravishingly sweet roshogolla at the famous Balaram and Radharam Mullick store.

8. Visit the old temples in and around Kolkata

Dakshineswar Temple
Dakshineswar Temple

Dakshineswar Temple and the Kalighat Temple are two most important Hindu temples situated in Kolkata. Dakshineswar is situated on the eastern banks of Hooghly River and Kalighat temple is in the south of Kolkata. The temples are devoted to the Hindu goddess Kali. If you are a Pilgrim wondering what to do in Kolkata in a day then you can pay a visit to these famous shrines and offer your prayers.

Note:
Dakshineshwar is 12.1 km from the central Kolkata. You can reach by availing public buses, cabs etc.
Kalighat is in South Kolkata. The easiest way to reach is by the metro.

9. Discover the wonders of science at the Science City, Salt Lake

Science City
Science City

The best place to visit with family and children is the Science City in Salt Lake. It is an eco-friendly and easily accessible place for people of all ages. One of the best things to do in Kolkata is to visit this hub of knowledge, intellect and science, something that Kolkata is popular for. Science City is the largest science hub in the subcontinent of India under the National Council of Science and Museums, Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

Note:
–It is open from 9 am to 7 pm.
The entry fees are INR 50 per person.

10. Enjoy rides at the Nicco Park

Nicco Park
Nicco Park

Nicco Park is the best amusement park in Kolkata that is located in Salt Lake. Nicco Park is a famous place for kids and teenagers to enjoy themselves. Also, adults who love thrill and adventure can enjoy the various rides here. The most thrilling rides in Nicco Park that you must try are Cyclone, Water Coaster, Water Chute, Pirate’s Ship, River Cave, Cable Car, Flying Saucer, Tilt-a-Whirl etc. Boating, Merry-go-round, Wet o Wild, Toy Train, Scary House are other exciting activity hubs to enjoy with your whole family while in Nicco Park.

Note:
Open on all day from 10:30 am to 7:30 pm.
Entry fee is INR 150.
3 to 4 hours will be required to explore the whole amusement park.
Food stalls, drinking water, washrooms are available inside.

11. Sink in the serenity of St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul's Cathedral
St. Paul’s Cathedral

It is the oldest and only cathedral in Kolkata that is known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful ambience. It exhibits a classical European architecture. Come here and spend some quiet time in the inside of the cathedral. The grand white building also has a classic clock tower. It is located very close to the Maidan area in Kolkata.

Note:
The Cathedral is open from 10 am to 6 pm.
The best time to visit is during Christmas.
You can reach there easily via metro or bus.

12. Take a walk at the Prinsep Ghat

Prinsep Ghat
Prinsep Ghat

Prinsep Ghat is situated on the banks of Hooghly River. It is one of the oldest ghats ever built during the British Raj and now it is famous as one of the most romantic places in Kolkata. This place offers the scenic views of River Hooghly and ferries. One can enjoy the various food and tea from the food stalls. You can also your try riding a boat in the river while sipping on lemon tea.

Note:
It is a lovers point and perfect place to hang out with your beloved hand in hand.
Try the pav bhaji and lemon tea from the food stalls nearby.

13. Explore the Mother’s Wax Museum

Mother's Wax Museum
Mother’s Wax Museum

It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kolkata is the Mother’s Wax Museum. It has been established a few years ago in 2014, since then it has been a famous place to spend a day watching a collection of wax figures of many great personalities. The best place to visit with kids and friends. It has some of the most realistic wax figures.

Note:
It is open from 12 pm to 7:30 pm.
The entry fees are INR 200.

14. Go for street shopping

Esplanade
Esplanade

Kolkata has some of the best street shopping destinations like Esplanade, Gariahat and Hatibagan. You can get all kinds of things from clothes, shoes, accessories etc. at unbelievably low prices. If you are a shopaholic and visiting Kolkata then head to any of these destinations to experience the best ever shopping experience.

Note:
Esplanade and Hatibagan can be reached by metro.
Gariahat is easily accessible via buses and cabs.

15. Go Karting at Eco Park

Eco Park Kolkata

Eco Park is the largest Ecological Park in Kolkata that is spread across 480 acres and it offers various activities that you can participate in like boating, cycling, Zorbing and go-karting. It is an urban park that is built to promote eco-tourism in Kolkata. It also has an artificial lake of 112 acres.

Note:
It is open on all days from 2:30 pm to 8:30 pm except Monday.
The entry fee is INR 20.

16. Tour the city in a Tram

Tram

Kolkata is among those few places where trams are still functional and going for a tram ride is one of the best things to do in Kolkata. You will get an experience of old Kolkata with a tram ride. It is considered to be one of the most charming aspects of Kolkata, these trams used to be the lifeline of the city that helped millions of office goers commute on a daily basis. Trams are still plying in some parts of North, South and Central Kolkata.

Note-
Tram tickets start from INR 6 only
You can ride the AC trams plying from Kalighat tram depot.

After exploring the best of the city, get rid of the day’s fatigue with a comfortable stay. We recommend booking your hotel in advance to avoid the last-minute inconvenience.

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About OYO Team

We’re people who love to travel and it’s a pleasure to share our experiences from around the world with you here. You’ll see our favourite destinations, quirky stays and budget stay. Also the best wedding banquet halls and the most lit party destinations. You’ll also find insightful opinions about why we travel in the first place and what it’s really like out there. Enjoy the blog and please tell us what you think - feedback welcome!