Your Ultimate Guide For Best Places To Visit In Hyderabad

Hyderabad promises a uniquely refreshing experience to all. From historical monuments to natural getaways to mouth-watering world famous cuisine to appealing shopping places and thrilling entertainment parks, this city has it all to keep you glued.

 

Tourist attractions in Hyderabad 

1. Charminar

Tracing its origin back to the late 1500s, Charminar is one of the most reckoned structures of all the historical places in India. Serving as an iconic landmark to look forward to, it indeed one of the best places to visit in Hyderabad for all travelers alike. Originally built as a mosque, the glorious Charminar stands as an epitome of art and architecture in the heart of the city. Also, it is a must for the food lovers to relish some of the best Hyderabad street food near Charminar.

 

Location: Charkaman, Ghansi Bazar

Timings: Monday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM

Entry fee: INR 5 per person for Indians, INR 100 per person for foreign nationals

Photography: Allowed

 

2. Golkonda Fort

A historical place to visit in Hyderabad, the Golconda Fort is much famed for its architectural techniques. Having seen several dynasties, this fort is exceptionally well planned even if measured along with the benchmarks of today. Situated about 11 kilometers from Hyderabad, this fort now hosts some spectacular Light and sound shows in the evening.

Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia

 

Location: Ibrahim Bagh

Timings: Monday to Sunday – 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Entry fee: INR 15 per person for Indians, INR 200 per person for Foreign Tourists, INR 130 for Sound & Light Show

Photography: INR 25 for Still Camera 

 

3. Ramoji Film City

Ever heard that big surprises come in small packages? Well, Ramoji Film City sure does live upto that expression. It not only is one of the famous tourist places in Hyderabad but also holds a Guinness World Book Record for being home to more than 50 well-equipped film sets at a single location. Did you know that before?

Photo Courtesy: Film City Tour

 

Location: Anaspur Village, Hayathnagar Mandal

Timings: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5.30 PM

Entry Fee: 

1. INR 800 per person for general guided tour for adults without food

2. INR 700 per child for general guided tour for children (3-12 years) without food

3. INR 1,799 per person for Ramoji Star Experience for adults with food

4. INR 1,499 per child for Ramoji Star Experience for children (3-12 years) with food

Photography: Allowed

 

4. Qutub Shahi Tombs

Located within the premises of Ibrahim Bagh, the Qutb Shahi Tombs is reckoned to be one of the most historical places in Hyderabad as it houses the tombs of all the seven rulers of Qutub Shahi Dynasty. Casting a magical spell on the visitors with its grandeur, travelers will surely be charmed to witness the tombs that strike a perfect balance between the Indian and Persian style of architecture.

Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia

 

Location: Qutub Shahi Tombs

Timings: Saturday to Thursday – 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM; Closed on Fridays

Entry Fee: INR 5 Per Child; INR 10 Per Adult, INR 20 Per Camera

Photography: Allowed

5. Birla Planetarium

Birla Planetarium ranks among the most modern planetariums in the country, located at the Naubat Pahad in the heart of Hyderabad. Established in the year 1985, this is one of the popular sightseeing places in the city which is not an only favorite amongst the children but also the adults. This was the first phase of the Birla Science center which was indeed a landmark in terms of innovation and bridging the gap between common masses and the science.

Photo Courtesy: Holidify

 

Location: Near Birla Temple, Ambedkar Colony

Timings: 11:30 AM- 8 PM

Entry Fee: INR 100 & Combo (Planetarium + Science Museum): INR160/-

Photography: Not Allowed

 

6. Mecca Masjid

A religious site by nature, Mecca or Makkah Masjid happens to be one of the oldest places to see in Hyderabad. Listed as one of the top heritage sites in India, the Masjid got its name after the bricks that were brought for construction from the famous city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Standing tall at a height of 23 meters, this fascinating Masjid is not only the most spectacular places to visit in Hyderabad but also one of the largest mosques in India.

Photo Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

 

Location: Near Charminar, Ghansi Bazaar

 

7. Lumbini Park

A modern urban park located at the core of the city, Lumbini Park is one of the refreshing places to visit in Hyderabad in the evening. Letting the locals unwind after a tiring day and entertaining the travelers with the magical light and sound show, the park is dedicated to Lord Buddha and is named after Lumbini of Nepal.

Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia

 

Location: Opposite Secretariat New Gate, Khairatabad

Timings: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 9 PM

Laser Show Timings: Weekdays – 7.15 PM, Weekends: 7.15 PM and 8.30 PM

Entry Fee: INR 20 for adults and INR 10 for children

Photography: Allowed

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Shop Till You Drop

1. Jummerat Bazaar (Chor Bazaar)

This is one of the oldest shopping destinations in Hyderabad. This market is only set up on Thursday, so mark the date for some affordable stuff! From clothing to shoes, silverware to wooden goods, this market has everything one can imagine. A majority of the things sold here are stolen, so the prices as very cheap. So you can carry a whole set of utensils at a price as low as Rs. 100. At this flea market, it is best to buy old and antique items. The stalls here sell very good old furniture, home décor items, and even kitchen and home tools at throwaway prices. You will get the best junk jewelry at this market.

Image Source: New Indian Express

 

Highlights: Antique items at cheap rates

Nearby Restaurants: Temptations, Choice Dhaba, Hotel Aadab

Closed On: All days except Thursday

 

2. Laad Bazaar

This market has the best location in Hyderabad, it is situated next to the Charminar, Laad Bazaar is located in a street packed with shops selling perfumes, textiles, and jewelry. This is a shopping paradise for every bride-to-be. Its specialty is hand-crafted lac bangles, which are produced in local workshops and embellished with glittering, colorful stones. You will be shocked to know that the Laad Bazaar exists for over 100 years ago. It is located close to the Charminar on one of the four lanes that branch out from the historic monument. At the Laad Bazaar, you get bangles and other accessories at reasonable prices. 

Image Source: Conde Nast traveler

 

Highlights: Bangles and other accessories at reasonable prices

Nearby Restaurants: Laad Bazaar, evergreen restaurant

Closed On: Open on all days

 

3. Perfume Market

This market has the most oozing fragrance of all! This should be your go-to place for perfume shopping as this is the only perfume market in Hyderabad. It is located close to Mir Chowk, not you will fall in love with the fragrance of these perfumes but the cute glass bottles will steal your heart. The Perfume Market in Hyderabad is located between the Laad Bazaar and Moti Chowk. This nawaabi town is famous for having luxurious scents which are called 'Itr' in local lingo. Some of the shops in this market are centuries old and the business has been passed down the family for generations altogether. Head to the Perfume Market near Charminaar, to make your shopping experience in Hyderabad, fancier!

Image Source: Pack ur bags

 

Highlights: Famous for Itr

Nearby Restaurants: Talking Hands Restaurant, Barbeque Nation - Hyderabad - Banjara Hills

Closed On: Sunday

 

4. Begum Bazaar

Begum bazar is the shopping hub of every Indian wear lover. You name it, they have it, you can shop for Indian wear, bangles, spices, junk jewelry, and accessories at throw-away prices. This is the place to head for a true street shopping experience. This is not just the go-to place for shopping but also for all the tobacco takers. As a matter of fact, Begum Bazar is renowned for the variety of items sold here. This includes household products and décor, kitchen essentials, cosmetics, and daily use items, toiletries and perfumes, and the list is endless. 

Image Source: Begum bazar Youtube

 

Highlights: Indian wear, bangles, spices, junk jewelry

Nearby Restaurants: Hotel Nayaab, Paradise Biryani

Closed On: Sunday

 

 

5. Sunday Book Bazaar

If your love for books is eternal, then Sunday Book Bazaar is your spot. You can find old printed editions of your favorite books and authors in this flea market at a really affordable price. Not just this, you can also get your hands on a rare out of print book in this market. Apart from buying books, you can also sell or donate some of your books here and share a part of your knowledge with other

Image Source: Sunday Book Bazaar

 

Highlights: Affordable books and magazines

Nearby Restaurants: Kaficko, Nimrah Cafe and Bakery

Closed On: All days except Sunday

 

6. Pot Market

You will find all kinds of necklaces, bracelets, chains, and an earring in this pot market. It sells a variety of artificial as well as pure jewelry with excellent, modern designs. At the end of the market are a few garment and vegetable shops. If you are also obsessed with pots. Then, come to the pot market and explore a range of pots and assorted utensils. The bazaar is perpetually crowded and buzzing with people. Not just pots, you can take home different types of utensils and other famous Hyderabadi accessories.

Image Source: Treebo

 

Highlights: Necklaces, bracelets, chains, and earring

Nearby Restaurants: Sigree Restaurant, Golden Dragon Restaurant 

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Suggested Reads:

Apart From Special Weekend Buffets, Head To These Best Dinner Buffet Restaurants In Hyderabad

Enjoy These Absolute Best All-You-Can-Eat Buffet Restaurants In Hyderabad

Make Your Dining Experience Memorable At These Best Restaurants In Hyderabad

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Best Restaurants In Hyderabad 

Picture Courtesy: Urban Asia Kitchen and Bar

 

Let' start with the list of the best buffet in Hyderabad with a spot that takes inspiration from authentic Chinese cuisine putting its fare a notch above the other buffets in Hyderabad. Urban Asia- Kitchen & Bar is located at Jubilee Hills that celebrates their lunch and dinner buffet featuring many classic Chinese and Thai dishes prepared perfectly, including a sumptuous Spicy Crabmeat Soup Kimchi Salad. Do not forget to try their assorted dessert platter which melts in the mouth when you even take a small bite. 

 

Picture Courtesy: Dineout

Mop it all at this amazing buffet in Hyderabad which is A’La Liberty. A whopping 4 different cuisine are available—everything from Asian to  Italian—so you can end your meal on a (very) sweet note. For those looking to explore beyond the bacon and eggs for a morning meal, head to this buffet in Hyderabad. Asian and Italian specialists like Javanese Skewers, Chilly Honey Lotus Stem and Jalapeno Poppers makes the lunch and dinner buffet a not so light meal.

 

Picture Courtesy: Dineout

The  Citrus Café is an insanely popular buffet place in Hyderabad because of its Goa-theme. The lush decor, vibrant walls, and open rooftop can almost convince you that on some wonderland, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Their dinner buffet is absolutely incredible and it would be a sin to not order this specialty. The Citrus Café is a great place for a corporate dinner or an outing with a large group.

 

Picture Courtesy: Dineout

 

The name of this restaurant in Hyderabad gives away the theme: yes, they serve delicious regional food from kitchens across the country. Apart from Andhra food, you can try the Mughlai, North Indian, and Chettinad food, which is certain to leave you impressed. The Murgh Khurchan here comes highly recommended and is one of our personal favorites too. The casual setting is ideal for a relaxed evening with friends and family.

 

Picture Courtesy: Dineout

 

Adaa in Taj Faluknama Palace is for those who prefer to dine in luxury. The wooden ceiling and ornate white pillars exude an air of grandeur. The service here is flawless as the staff ensures that each customer is treated like royalty. Head for some of the most sumptuous North Indian delicacies in Hyderabad. Their fabulous Patthar Ka Gosht makes them one of the best restaurants in Hyderabad.

Street food In Hyderabad 

Picture Courtesy: Dineout

 

Mayur Pan house is every pan lovers go to place! After hogging onto a full plate of flavourful Biryani, the pan ends the meal on a delightful note. Head to Mayur Pan House in Abids to pick your favorite paan from their endless variety. If you think, this is all that this place has to offer then you would be shaken by their huge variety of fresh juices, parathas and much more. 

 

Picture Courtesy: Zomato

 

If you are a North Indian in the south in search for the tingly street food delicacies akin to your home city? Get the authentic street food with the comfort of a restaurant. Head to Ohri's Chowpatti for authentic Hyderabadi where you will find every kind of street food, from gol gappas to gajar ka halwa. Head on over with your friends and share some yummy treats with them.

 

Picture Courtesy: Zomato

 

Want to taste one of the best flavourful biryani in Hyderabad? Head to Al-Akbar Fast Food Corner for the flavourful biryani and mouth-watering street-style food. The best part about this spot is that you're served within minutes of having placed your order. Head on over to this spot if you want to indulge in meaty dishes.

 

 

Picture Courtesy: Zomato

 

Momos Delight in Gachibowli is open only from the evening until a little after midnight. They just serve momos but they do have a lot of different varieties for you to pick from. They have steamed, fried, momo burgers and kurkure momos. Take your pick and share a few plates with your friends!

 

Picture Courtesy: Zomato

 

Sardarji's Chaat is another great place for street food in Hyderabad. If you're a North Indian living in Hyderabad and miss Delhi's tangy chaat, you can head to this spot to indulge in delicious dahi bhalla, samosas and papdi chaat. This spot can accommodate about 30 people at a time, so if you happen to go in a large group, you may have to wait a few minutes before you can get your fix.

 

Picture Courtesy: Tripadvisor

 

Don't judge this place by its size as the small shack serves one of the best chaat in Hyderabad. Head over to Gokul Chaat when you're in the mood for some chaat. Make sure you do not miss out on their famous dahi puri this street food tastes absolutely heavenly!

Fun Things To Do In Hyderabad 

1. Golconda fort light and sound show

One of the most renowned monuments of the city of Hyderabad by day turns into quite a magical place displays a plethora of colors at night. An architectural wonder, the Golconda Fort was built with the state of the art techniques in its time. The scientific principles behind it all still amaze the tourists.

2. Heritage walk through the lanes of the city

The thing that Hyderabad and its people most pride in is the legendary heritage of the place. Simply a walk through the lanes of the city of Nizams is enough for you to understand the grandiose cultural treasure that the place possesses. A guided tour of this city of the Charminar helps you understand it all.

Image Courtesy: mindvoices

 

3. Explore the Charminar and its surroundings

The epic monument of Hyderabad, the place which is the city’s most important landmark, the Charminar, is another thing that needs to be explored at its best when in the city.

Image Courtesy: Yatra.com

 

4. Savor the luscious biryani

Counting the things that you directly associate with Hyderabad, your first guess is the Charminar and the second the dum biryani. The pioneering flavors of this rice dish that this city serves have set quite high benchmarks when it comes to the Indian food.

Image Courtesy: Swasthi's Recipes

 

5. Relive the charm of the British

There are many monuments in the Hyderabad, most of which are famed for their Islamic architecture but among these gems there lies a place that symbolizes the period of the British Raj in the country.

Image Courtesy: Wikipedia

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Suggested Reads:

Apart From Special Weekend Buffets, Head To These Best Dinner Buffet Restaurants In Hyderabad

Enjoy These Absolute Best All-You-Can-Eat Buffet Restaurants In Hyderabad

Make Your Dining Experience Memorable At These Best Restaurants In Hyderabad

---

FAQ's

Q: What is famous in Hyderabad for shopping?

A: Hyderabad is known as the city of pearls and colorful lac bangles which are available at the Laad Bazaar. Apart from that, the Ikkat pattern cloth is also available for shopping.

 

Q: What can we do in Hyderabad on Sunday?

A: Hyderabad is the city which has abundant places to visit around and spend the Sunday. People can go and explore the various water parks and historical places like the Golconda Fort and Charminar.

 

Q. What is the difference between Hyderabadi Biryani and Lucknowi Biryani

A. Strong blend of flavors and spices, the Hyderabadi biryani: What's unique to Hyderabadi biryani is its strong blend of flavors and spice. The dish is not only influenced by the unique flavors of South India but also enriched by foreign flavors as brought by the daughters of nobles from Morocco, Turkey, Egypt and other Middle Eastern/West Asian countries who married Hyderabadi nawabs in the olden days. When preparing the Hyderabadi Biryani, the mutton/chicken/vegetables are first marinated in yogurt, herbs, and spices and then cooked with rice over a low flame. Rice cooked this way absorbs all the spices along with the juices from the meat and vegetables.