Best Places to Visit in Kolkata for Culture and History

Located in eastern India, along the banks of the sacred Hooghly River, Kolkata is one of the most historically, spiritually, and culturally rich cities in the country.

Serving as the capital of British India from 1772 to 1911, there's no denying Kolkata's colonial past. Some of the best places to visit in Kolkata to this day are its grand colonial relics, including the magnificent Victoria Memorial, the Howrah Bridge, and St Paul's Cathedral.

But there are so many other incredible things to do in Kolkata besides delving into its colonial history. From experiencing the city's diverse spiritual sites and hunting down delicious street food in sprawling marketplaces to riding roller coasters at Kolkata's answer to Disneyland, the best places to visit in Kolkata have something to offer every type of traveller.

When it comes to places to visit in Kolkata, the Victoria Memorial should be at the top of every traveller's list. This incredible Makrana marble monument first opened to the public in 1921 and was built in honour of the late Queen Victoria, who died in 1901.

With its gleaming white domes, stately porticoes, and unique blend of British, Mughal, and Venetian architectural styles, the Victoria Memorial stands proud as one of the top attractions in Kolkata.

Spend some time exploring the memorial's expansive museum and grounds, and you can learn about Kolkata's British colonial past, peruse art and artefacts in the 25 galleries, and go for walks around the manicured gardens and lakes, to name just a few interesting activities.

Pro tip: Come back at night to see the Victoria Memorial all lit up.

Located just a short walk from Victoria Memorial is yet another colonial remnant. Completed in 1847, this Anglican cathedral was the first of its kind in Asia. It was actually built to replace St John's Church, which was far too small to accommodate the growing number of Christian worshippers arriving in Kolkata.

Take a stroll along Cathedral Road, and you'll recognise the sprawling St Paul's Cathedral by its Indo-Gothic architecture and beautiful bell tower. Be sure to go inside to check out the spectacular stained-glass windows, as well as the many intricate sculptures and murals.

Howrah Bridge (aka Rabindra Setu) is another one of the most famous places to visit in Kolkata. Stretching 705 metres across the sacred Hooghly River, this steel structure is one of the longest cantilever bridges in the world. It's also one of the world's busiest.

Completed in 1943, the bridge is still regarded as a symbol of the city. To see this landmark attraction for yourself, you can either join the crowds and walk across it or take a ferry ride to see the bridge from a more unique vantage point. If you happen to be in the area after dark, you'll have the chance to see it all lit up.

Mother House was the home of Mother Teresa from 1953 until her passing in 1997. Also known as Saint Teresa of Calcutta, Mother Teresa was an Albanian-Indian Catholic nun who dedicated her life to serving the poor in Kolkata, India, and beyond. She famously earned the Nobel Peace Prize for her work in 1979.

The house contains the simple tomb of Mother Teresa, where you can pay your respects. Inside the small museum, you'll learn about her life and charitable work, see photos and other memorabilia, and view the humble room where she lived and worked until her passing.

Nestled right on the banks of the Hooghly River, a visit to the Dakshineswar Kali Temple is one of the top things to do in Kolkata if you want to experience the local culture and spirituality. This magnificent Hindu temple was built to honour Bhavatarini (Kali) in 1855 by Rani Rashmoni, a wealthy landowner at the time. Fast-forward to today and the temple still draws a great many devotees who come here to pray.

Take your time exploring the grounds, where you'll find a dozen smaller shrines dedicated to Shiva, intricate carvings, towering spires, and ghats along the river. You will likely see many people giving offerings to the goddess and performing rituals and ceremonies.

Yet another architectural marvel on the Hooghly River, Belur Math is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission. The complex spans 16 hectares and features a number of different architectural styles, including Islamic, Christian, and Hindu influences. This place is all about promoting harmony, which is why people of all faiths are welcome to visit.

Kolkata has no shortage of grand religious sites, and Nakhoda Mosque is one of them. Built in 1926, this massive mosque can accommodate thousands of worshippers. With its red sandstone facade, marble details, and Mughal-style domes, this mosque was modelled after Akbar's Tomb in Sikandra.

Nakhoda Mosque is open to visitors of all faiths. If you do want to go inside, you will have to dress modestly. However, do note that the mosque is typically closed to non-Muslims during Friday prayers. However, you are always welcome to admire it from the outside.

With its imposing white marble towers, detailed stonework, and intricate carvings, the Hindu temple of Birla Mandir is another one of the top places to visit in Kolkata for architecture buffs. Take a moment to just look at the structure, and it won't take long to see why this magnificent temple took 26 years to complete.

This is not just a place of worship - it’s a popular stop on the tourist trail, and it's often used as the site of cultural events, including community gatherings and festivals. The temple is typically open in the morning and the evenings and closed during the afternoons.

Kolkata was once home to a thriving Jewish population. In the 18th century, Baghdadi Jews began arriving in the city, starting businesses and building synagogues. While there used to be numerous synagogues, only three remain - Beth El, Neveh Shalom, and Magen David.

Built in 1884, Magen David is the city's most famous synagogue. With its mix of Mughal and European architecture, stained-glass windows, high ceilings, and beautifully adorned pillars and archways, it's beautiful both inside and out. While you're there, you can also visit Beth El and Neveh Shalom, which are both a short stroll away.

Whether you're looking to pick up a few trinkets or sample some Kolkata street eats, visiting New Market is one of the best things to do in Kolkata. This place is labyrinthine, crowded, and chaotic, which is part of the appeal. Thankfully, it is covered, so you'll be protected from the elements.

Explore the seemingly endless stalls and you'll find vendors selling everything from spices, nuts, and dried fruits to jewellery, saris, shoes, fabrics, and more. You can find some great deals at New Market, but be prepared to bargain.

If you're feeling peckish, there are loads of food vendors and no-frills restaurants selling tempting Kolkata street food staples, from kathi rolls, chelo kebabs, and Mughlai paratha to puchka (Kolkata-style pani puri), jhalmuri (puffed rice with mustard oil), and plenty of chai.

While you're at New Market, you should also pay a visit to the famous Nizam's Restaurant. Established in 1932, Nizam's is the birthplace of the Kolkata kathi roll, a simple yet ingenious dish of juicy mutton or chicken, onion, and a spritz of lime all wrapped up neatly in a fresh and flaky piece of paratha. Don't worry -vegetarians can get in on the kathi roll action, too, with options like the Double Egg Roll and the Masala Paneer Roll.

For a completely different market experience, take an early morning trip to the Mullick Ghat Flower Market. This bustling market is located on the banks of the Hooghly River, right under the Howrah Bridge. Not only is this one of the largest flower markets in India, but it's also one of the oldest.

It's best to visit when the fresh flowers arrive, which is usually around 4 or 5 am. Explore the area, and you'll find roughly 2,000 vendors selling all manner of colourful flowers, garlands, and more. If you skipped breakfast, there are always plenty of chai and street food vendors at the market, too.

The market may be muddy and messy, but it's a photographer's dream come true. Just make sure to always ask permission before you photograph vendors or customers. People here are very friendly and they'll likely grant you permission.

The Indian Museum was founded in 1814 and is one of the largest museums in Asia. Plus, like so many Kolkata attractions, the building it's housed in is an attraction unto itself. If you have a keen interest in learning a bit about the country's culture and history, then visiting the Indian Museum is a highlight for visitors.

There's a lot to uncover in this grand museum. From collections of Indian art, armour, and antiques to displays of fossils, mummies, and skeletons, the collections here are both vast and diverse. No matter what you're into, chances are you'll find something that piques your interest at Kolkata's Indian Museum.

If you happen to be visiting Kolkata in September or October, try your best to time your visit for Durga Puja. This major Hindu festival takes place for five days during the Hindu month of Ashwin each year, which falls in either September or October of the Gregorian calendar.

Experiencing this unique festival is easily one of the best cultural things to do in Kolkata, as the entire city transforms into one giant celebration of art, spirituality, and community. From the elaborate pandals (temporary shrines) to the cultural performances, traditional street foods, and traditional outfits, there's so much to see and do in Kolkata during Durga Puja.

Rabindra Sadan is a cultural hub in Kolkata, often playing host to music concerts, plays, cultural festivals, literary events, and more. It's well worth seeing what's on the calendar during your visit. The grounds are well worth checking out, too. Take some time to look around and you'll find colourful murals, beautiful statues, and lush gardens.

Looking for family-friendly places to visit in Kolkata? Then spend the day in Nicco Park. Adventure junkies can get thrills on the topsy-turvy Cyclone roller coaster, take the plunge of Sky Rider Dive, or get serious speed on Water Chute. You can also splash around at Wet-O-Wild Water Park, go bowling at Nicco Super Bowl, see virtual reality shows in the 7D Theatre, take the little ones to the Kids Corner, and so much more. It really is fun for the whole family.

To experience Kolkata's natural side, visiting the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden is one of the most interesting things to do in Kolkata. Located in Howrah, right on the Hooghly River, this place spans 109 hectares and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.

You absolutely have to check out the iconic Great Banyan Tree. This specimen is over 250 years old and is one of the largest banyan trees in the world. Other than that, it's a lovely place to spend a few hours checking out the area's many lakes, flowers, plants, and birds. Do note that there are no plastic bottles allowed inside the gardens, so it's best to bring a reusable one.

Eco Park spans nearly 200 hectares, making it one of the largest urban parks in India. There are so many family-friendly activities available at Eco Park, making this a prime spot to spend the day. Make sure you explore the themed gardens, check out the seasonal flower displays, paddle around the lake, check out the critters at the zoo and butterfly garden, or rent a bike and cycle around the park.

When it comes to kid-friendly places to visit in Kolkata, Science City is such a cool option. There's enough to do here to keep the whole family entertained for the entire day, including interactive exhibits exploring everything from the solar system to gravity.

You can also learn about India's maritime history at the Maritime Centre, learn about space in the Fulldome 3D Digital Theatre, have outdoor fun in the Children's Play Corner, and learn about the life cycle of butterflies in the Butterfly Nursery, to name just a few activities.

Known as the 'Lungs of Kolkata', Maidan is one of the biggest green spaces in the city. With 160 hectares of land, this is a popular spot for jogging, cricket and football matches, and other family-friendly outdoor activities.

It's one of the top places to visit in Kolkata to get outside, but there are quite a few attractions in Maidan as well, including the Victoria Memorial, Brigade Parade Ground, Eden Gardens, and Fort William.

The top places to visit in Kolkata are the galleries and gardens of Victoria Memorial, the iconic and always bustling Howrah Bridge, the Indo-Gothic St Paul's Cathedral, and the beautiful Hindu Dakshineswar Kali Temple, to name just a few attractions.

Some family-friendly things to do in Kolkata include spending the day riding roller coasters and water slides at Nicco Park, seeing the Great Banyan Tree at Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, learning about space and science at Science City, and exploring the themed gardens at Eco Park.

The most culturally and spiritually significant places to visit in Kolkata are the many diverse places of worship. A few of the top religious places to visit in Kolkata are St Paul's Cathedral, Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Nakhoda Mosque, and the Magen David Synagogue.

The best time to visit Kolkata is from October to March. The weather during this time is cool and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. If you travel during October, then you may also be able to participate in festivals such as the major Hindu festival of Durga Puja.

If you're looking for a family-friendly and amenity-packed hotel, Novotel Kolkata - Hotel & Residences is a great option. This Kolkata hotel offers a lovely pool, fitness centre, spa, and multiple bars and restaurants. Plus, you'll appreciate the choice between modern guestrooms and spacious suites.

For a budget friendly Kolkata hotel, ibis Kolkata Rajarhat is perfect for both business and leisure travellers. The rooms are both stylish and well-thought-out, featuring comfy Sweet Beds, large flat-screen TVs, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, coffee and tea-making facilities, and everything you need for a relaxing stay.