Kolkata Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Top things to do in Kolkata

Kolkata rewards slow exploration, from grand avenues and colonial landmarks to riverside ghats, old neighbourhoods and markets full of life.

• Victoria Memorial — A vast white marble monument and museum set in landscaped gardens, the city's most famous landmark.
• Howrah Bridge — An iconic cantilever bridge over the Hooghly River, best seen at dawn when the flower market beneath it is at its busiest.
• Dakshineswar Kali Temple — A celebrated riverside temple complex on the northern edge of the city, linked by river ferry to the Belur Math across the water.
• Indian Museum — One of the oldest museums in the world, with extensive collections of art, archaeology and natural history.
• College Street — A legendary stretch of bookstalls near the university, home to a historic coffee house popular with writers and students.
• Kumartuli — A traditional potters' quarter where artisans sculpt clay idols for Durga Puja and other festivals.
• Park Street — A lively avenue of restaurants, cafés and colonial-era buildings, especially festive around Christmas.

Best time to visit Kolkata

The best time to visit is from October to March, when the weather is dry and pleasant, with warm days and cool evenings. December and January are the coolest months and are ideal for walking tours of the old city and boat trips on the river.

Durga Puja, the city's biggest festival, usually takes place in September or October. For several days the city is transformed by elaborately themed pandals, illuminations and crowds celebrating late into the night. It is a remarkable time to visit, but expect heavy traffic and book accommodation early. Kali Puja and Diwali follow a few weeks later, and Christmas is celebrated with lights on Park Street.

From April to June the weather is hot and very humid. The monsoon arrives around June and lasts until about September, bringing heavy rain and occasional waterlogging, although the city takes on a lush, green look and travel is generally quieter.

Getting from the airport

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport lies at Dum Dum, in the north-east of the city, around 15 to 17 kilometres from central Kolkata.

• Taxi — Prepaid and metered taxis are available outside arrivals. The drive to Park Street or the city centre usually takes around 45 to 75 minutes, depending heavily on traffic.
• Ride-hailing — App-based car services operate widely and pick up from designated areas at the airport, and are a convenient way to reach most neighbourhoods.
• Bus — Air-conditioned buses connect the airport with several parts of the city, including central and southern Kolkata, offering a budget alternative.
• Metro — Kolkata's metro network is expanding; check the latest information to see whether a metro link from the airport area suits your journey.

Areas such as Salt Lake and New Town are much closer to the airport and are quicker to reach than the historic centre.

Where to stay

Kolkata is large and traffic can be heavy, so it pays to stay in an area close to the sights or business districts you plan to visit.

• Park Street and Chowringhee — Central and lively, close to the Maidan, the Indian Museum and many restaurants; ideal for first-time visitors.
• Esplanade and BBD Bagh — The historic colonial heart of the city, convenient for heritage walks and government and business offices.
• Ballygunge and southern Kolkata — Leafy, residential districts with a local atmosphere, good dining and easy access to the metro.
• Salt Lake and New Town — Modern planned areas close to the airport, suited to business travellers and those with early flights.
• Sudder Street area — A long-established base for budget and backpacker travellers, close to New Market and Park Street.

Travel tips

• Getting around — The metro is the fastest way to cross the city and avoid traffic. Yellow taxis, ride-hailing apps and the historic trams are other options, and river ferries cross the Hooghly.
• Etiquette — Dress modestly when visiting temples and religious sites, remove your shoes where required and ask before photographing people.
• Food — Try Bengali specialities such as fish curries and famous sweets like rosogolla, choosing busy stalls and drinking bottled or filtered water.
• Payment — Cards and digital payments are widely used in hotels, malls and restaurants, but carry some cash for markets, small shops and taxis.
• Weather — In summer and the monsoon, plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings and allow extra time for travel when it rains.
• Entry requirements — Visa and entry rules depend on your nationality. Check the latest requirements with official sources before you travel.