Hyderabad, Telangana’s capital and largest city, seamlessly blends the allure of the past with the dynamism of the present. This captivating city boasts a rich history, evident in its stunning 16th-century architecture, while simultaneously embracing a thriving modern metropolis with a gleaming skyline. This guide brings you the best of Hyderabad, from exploring its iconic tourist places like Charminar, Golconda Fort, and the Qutub Shahi Tombs to savouring the legendary Hyderabadi biryani and other local delicacies at the city’s finest eateries.
Hyderabad is a living testament to its evolution, an interesting contrast where tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously. One side of Hyderabad’s charm lies in Charminar’s bustle and labyrinthine streets, where the air is thick with the aroma of spices and the lively chatter of vendors selling everything from colourful bangles to fragrant attars. Conversely, the city also presents the energy of a thriving tech hub where polished professionals navigate sleek corridors of glass and steel.
Let’s step into this living history book and explore the best places to visit in Hyderabad. Our selection of the most beautiful places in Hyderabad can be the starting point, from fortresses to lakes and so much more in the City of Nizams.
Top tourist places to visit in Hyderabad
Charminar
With magnificent 16th-century architecture and old-world charm, bustling markets and narrow lanes, Charminar (in Old Hyderabad) probably makes it to the top of the list for compiling tourist places in Hyderabad. Charminar is not just a destination for history lovers but anyone who wants to experience the heart and soul of Hyderabad.
Top attractions and experiences: The iconic Charminar monument, Makkah Masjid (one of the largest mosques in the city), pearl jewellery shopping, Chowmalah Palace for neoclassical architecture, Laad Bazaar, which is famous for colourful bangles, souvenir shopping, street food and spices.
If you decide to ditch the Charminar (you shouldn’t), here are three hidden gems of Hyderabad to explore instead.
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Golconda Fort
Golconda Fort, one of the top places to visit in Hyderabad, was initially built in the 12th century as a mud fort. Over the centuries, it has witnessed the rise and fall of several dynasties, from the Kakatiyas and Qutub Shahis to the Mughals. The fort is a remarkable example of medieval military architecture, a stunning blend of Islamic, Persian and Deccan architectural influences. Its sprawling gates, thick stone walls and royal palaces reflect the grandeur of its time. One of the most fascinating aspects of Golconda Fort is its connection to the legendary Koh-i-Noor diamond, which is believed to have been discovered here.
Entry ticket: INR 25 (HKD 2)
Timings: 9 am to 5 pm
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Qutub Shahi Tombs
Just a 20-minute drive from the Golconda Fort, the Qutub Shahi Tombs are a remarkable collection of tombs and mosques built as tributes to the various kings of the Qutub Shahi dynasty. Nestled in Ibrahim Bagh, the tombs showcase intricate craftsmanship, including dome-shaped structures, carved stonework, and tile patterns.
Entry ticket: INR 10 (HKD 0.90)
Timing: 9:30 am to 6 pm
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Ramoji Film City
Spanning over 2,000 acres, Ramoji Film City is the world’s largest film studio and entertainment hub, featuring grand movie sets and elaborate backdrops. A must-visit tourist place in Hyderabad for movie enthusiasts and families alike, the film city is divided into several themed zones that recreate real-world locations, offering an immersive cinematic experience.
Experiences: Live performances, adventure activities, theme park attractions, a buffet, film street festivals, a musical glow garden, and more.
Entry ticket: Starts at INR 1400 (HKD 125), depending on the package.
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HITEC City
Nestled in the heart of Hyderabad, HITEC City (Hyderabad Information Technology and Engineering Consultancy City) is a bustling business hub housing an array of MNCs, IT companies and more. Besides being a thriving tech ecosystem, HITEC City offers lively entertainment, shopping, food and leisure options.
Experiences and attractions: Shilparamam (a traditional craft village), InOrbit Mall, HITEC City Park (to find some greens amidst the concrete), Escape Room, top pubs and bars and HITEX Exhibition Centre.
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Hussain Sagar Lake
Find tranquillity amidst the bustling city at Hussain Sagar Lake, a serene man-made lake built in 1562 by the Qutb Shahi dynasty. What makes this a popular tourist place in Hyderabad is the majestic Buddha statue located at the centre of the lake, the tallest monolith of Gautama Buddha in the world.
Experiences and attractions: Boat ride to the Buddha statue (look out for a laser show at night), walking, cycling, and watching the sunset alongside the Necklace Road (a beautiful promenade that surrounds the lake) and Lumbini Park (a well-manicured garden, a 10-minute drive).
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Salar Jung Museum
India’s third-largest museum and a historic place to visit in Hyderabad, the Salar Jung Museum, is home to an extraordinary collection of over 46,000 art objects and antiques, more than 8,000 manuscripts and 60,000 printed books. Widely regarded as one of the largest one-man art collections in the world, these priceless artefacts were meticulously collected by Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, a noble in the court of the Nizam of Hyderabad. From its rare clock collection to the famous ‘Veiled Rebecca’ marble structure, this museum is a must-visit place tourist attraction in Hyderabad for any history buff. For a deeper insight, consider opting for a guided tour.
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm
Entry fees: INR 50 (HKD 4) onwards
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Statue Of Equality
The Statue of Equality, a monumental tribute to the Hindu philosopher Ramanuja, is the world’s second-largest sitting statue at 216 feet. This statue symbolizes his timeless teachings, which championed equality, tolerance and compassion.
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All about Hyderabad nightlife
From swanky clubs and rooftop bars to traditional Sufi nights and EDM music, experiencing the city’s energetic and lively nightlife should be a top thing for any party animal in Hyderabad.
- Top night clubs to dance the night out: Prism Club & Kitchen and Club Rogue (Gachibowli); TOT and Prost Brewpub (Jubilee Hills); Altitude Lounge Bar (Marriott Hotel); Aqua (Park Hotel); Trops (Hitech City) and Tos Club (Banjara Hills). Most are open until midnight.
- Enjoy live music and karaoke: Air Live; The Moonshine Project; LoKo Rooftop Bistro & Bar, Blue Block Club, Enigma The Experience and Fly Feel The High (Jubilee Hills); SNORT: Club & Kitchen; 10 Downing Street (Begumpet); and SkyHy Live (Gachibowli).
- Go-karting till 4 am: Unleash your inner adrenaline junkie at Kartainment Go Karting Track, where you can race through the night with go-karting sessions available until 4 AM.
- Outdoor light and sound show: Experience Hyderabad’s rich history in a new light with two spectacular outdoor shows. At Golconda Fort, enjoy a mesmerising laser and multimedia show starting at 6:30 pm (timings vary by month); the tickets cost INR 140 (HKD 12). Alternatively, head to Warangal Fort for a captivating 50-minute sound and light show; the tickets cost INR 40 (HKD 3).
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Shopping in Hyderabad
From pearls and colourful bangles to handwoven textiles, shopping in the city introduces you to its rich culture and heritage through the night bazaars and narrow street alleys. Some of the must-buy souvenirs in Hyderabad include pearl jewellery, bangles, attar, spices, Pochampally Ikar sarees (handwoven textiles), Kalamkari Handicrafts (handpainted fabric), Bidriware (unique Persian metal handicraft), and biscuits from Karachi Bakery for your foodie friends and family.
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Top bazaars and street shopping
- Laad Bazaar is for bangles, fabric, jewellery, and Kalamkari shopping.
- Charminar Bazaar is for pearl jewellery, perfume attar, and clothes.
- Sultan Market is one of the oldest in the city (200 years plus) and is popular for traditional clothing, bags, textiles, and accessories.
- Perfume Market, in the narrow lanes of Moti Bazaar, is popular for traditional and handcrafted perfumes.
- Moazzam Jahi Market is for spices and fresh produce.
- Begum Bazaar is one of the largest wholesale markets for groceries, decor and handicrafts.
- Nampally Market is for textiles and clothes.
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What to eat in Hyderabad and where
Hyderabad boasts a vibrant food culture, offering a rich blend of South Indian, Mughlai, and Persian influences. A paradise for food lovers, the city delivers culinary experiences that satisfy every palate.
- Top regional dishes/beverages to try: Hyderabadi biryani (of course!), Irani chai with Osmania biscuits (true Hyderabadi experience), Mirchi ka Salan (spicy curry made with chillies), Mutton Haleem (a slow-cooked stew made from meat), Pathar Ka Gosht (Tender meat marinated and cooked on a hot stone), Bagara Baingan (an eggplant dish), Shahi Tukda (a royal and sweet treat), Double ka meetha (a local dessert) and Falooda.
- Iconic joints for Hyderabadi biryani include Hotel Shahdab, Paradise Restaurant, Choice Hotel (for chicken Biryani), Fanooz Restaurant, Bawarchi, Shah Ghouse, Grand Hote, Terrassen Cafe (for jackfruit/vegan biryani), and Hotel Nayaab (for mutton biryani).
- Top cafes: Autumn Leaf Cafe, Roastery Cafe (try their cranberry coffee), Aaromale (for vegan hot chocolate), NUE Cafe, Farzi Cafe, Coffee Cup, Karachi Cafe, Chai Kahani, By The Bay, The Whole In The Wall Cafe, Aster Cafe & Kitchen, Beluga Gram, Sobremesa and The Weekend Cafe.
- Themed restaurants: Platform 65 (train-themed restaurant), Ohri’s Gufaa (cave-inspired decor) and Robo Kitchen (city’s first-ever robot-themed restaurant).
- Fine dining: Mazzo Rooftop Bar, Okra Marriott, Turquoise Le Meridien, Taro, Jewel Of Nizam, Golconda Pavillion, Altitude, MoMo Cafe, Arena Taj Deccan, Peswari ITC, Taj Falaknuma Palace, Alfresco: Taj Krishna, Jade Terrace and Mist: The Poolside Kitchen.
- Rooftop restaurants: So The Sky Kitchen, Ambaram The RoofTop Kitchen, Olive Bistro & Bar, Mustang Terrace Lounge, Raise The Bar, Exotica Hitech City, Over The Moon and The Waterfront.
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Hotels in Hyderabad
Whether you’re staying near the historic Charminar, in the heart of HITEC City or at a lakeside retreat, Hyderabad offers warm, comfortable and luxurious hospitality that suits every type of traveller.
- Luxurious resorts and hotels: ITC Kohenur, Taj Krishna, Marriott, Park Hyatt Hyderabad, Trident Hotels, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre, The Manohar, The Westin, Mercure Hyderabad KCP, Sitara Hotel in Ramoji Film City and Avasa.
- Heritage and palace-like stays: Taj Falaknuma Palace and Amrutha Castle Hotel
- Hostels: Zostel Hyderabad, Kygo Hostel, Wanderers Cave, Shepherd Stays: A Community Stay, Beehive Commune and Bonjour Travellers Hostel.
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Visiting tourist places in Hyderabad: Essential information
How to reach Hyderabad
By air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is approximately 30 km from the city centre.
By train: Hyderabad Deccan Railway Station is approximately 5 km from the city centre.
The best time to visit Hyderabad
Winter, from October to late February, is considered the best time to visit Hyderabad. The weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 16°C to 25°C, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. However, it’s best to avoid travelling during summer, as the temperatures can soar to scorching levels.
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Insider tips for visiting Hyderabad
- To avoid the evening crowd at heritage sites and markets, visiting them in the morning is best.
- If you’re street shopping, remember that bargaining is part of the fun. Don’t hesitate to offer half the price they quote and work your way up!
- Hyderabad’s traffic can be heavy, especially during peak hours (9 am to 11 am and 5 pm to 7 pm). To avoid delays, consider using the metro for a more convenient commute.
- While auto rickshaws are easily accessible, they might charge differently for tourists. Always agree on a fare before hopping in, or use the OLA/Uber app for more reliable pricing.
- Power cuts in Hyderabad might occasionally cause inconvenience.
- Google Maps can sometimes be inaccurate, especially in the older parts of the city. Don’t hesitate to ask locals for directions.
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(Feature image credit: Roman Saienko/Pexels)
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The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
You can explore Hyderabad comfortably within four to seven days.
Boating at Hussain Sagar Lake, trekking at Ananthagiri Hills, and cycling around Necklace Road are some of the best outdoor activities in Hyderabad.
Golconda Fort, Charminar, Hussain Sagar Lake & Buddha Statue, Chowmohalla Palace and Lumbini Park are some of the best spots for photography in Hyderabad.
Hyderabad offers cultural experiences such as visiting the Shilparamam Art and Craft Village, indulging in Hyderabadi biryani, attending sufi nights, and visiting Charminar and Qutub Shahi Tomb.
Durgam Cheruvu (a peaceful lake), Taramati Baradari (a Persian-style garden), Shamirpet Lake, and Pochampally (a village known for textiles) are some offbeat destinations in Hyderabad.
Rock climbing, paragliding, river rafting and kayaking, and trekking are some adventure activities in Hyderabad. The city is also home to India’s first indoor skydiving, GravityZip.
As a landlocked city, there aren’t beaches within the city itself. However, there are plenty of scenic lakes nearby.
Hyderabad has historical sites such as Golconda Fort, Charminar, Chowmohalla Palace, St. George’s Church, Birla Mandir, and Macca Masjid.
Ugadi, Diwali, Ramzan and Bonalu are some festivals you can attend in Hyderabad.
Hyderabadi biryani, mirchi ka salan, kebabs, haleem, Osmania biscuit and kheema samosa are some local food dishes you can try in Hyderabad.
Auto rickshaws, Ola/Uber/Rapido, metro and public buses are the best ways to commute locally in Hyderabad.
Written By
Shaili Shah
An ailurophile, a full-time snacker, an emoji fanatic, and secretly a pahadi - Shaili is mostly found ..Read More
