With its literary legacy, galleries, street food and British era monuments, the hardest thing about finding things to do in Kolkata is squeezing them all in.

Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is a city of contrasts - where colonial-era charm meets a buzzing contemporary spirit. Once the heart of the British Raj, the city still wears its history on its sleeve, with grand buildings like the Victoria Memorial and Howrah Station standing alongside vibrant neighbourhoods teeming with life.

Proudly known as the cultural capital of India, Kolkata is a hub for literature, art, music, and theatre, and home to Nobel laureates, revolutionary thinkers, and timeless traditions. The city's intellectual legacy blends seamlessly with its everyday rhythms, from the lively chatter in coffee houses to impromptu poetry recitals and book stalls lining College Street.

Yet, the energy of Kolkata is perhaps best experienced on the street - in its bustling markets, yellow taxis, and unforgettable food culture. Despite its density and pace, Kolkata has a way of drawing you in with its warmth, charm, and authenticity, leaving many travellers with a lasting sense of connection.

The Hooghly River is the lifeblood of Kolkata, shaping its history, trade, and daily life, and flowing through the heart of the city as both a cultural and economic artery.

What is Kolkata best known for?

Formerly known as Calcutta, India’s "City of Joy" has been home to some of the country’s most influential figures, including poet and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore and filmmaker Satyajit Ray, whose work continues to shape Indian literature and cinema.

The city is also synonymous with lively debate, progressive thought, and a strong tradition of theatre, classical music, and visual arts. Institutions like the Indian Museum and the Academy of Fine Arts highlight its long-standing commitment to culture and education.

Architecturally, Kolkata reflects its colonial past with grand structures like the Victoria Memorial, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the iconic Howrah Bridge, all of which add to its distinctive skyline. For visitors, these key Kolkata attractions are simply a part of everyday life for the locals.

However, the soul of Kolkata is most vividly felt on its streets - food stalls serving spicy puchka and kathi rolls, trams trundling through historic neighbourhoods, and the scent of fresh books wafting through College Street, one of the world’s largest second-hand book markets. One of the best things to do in Kolkata is to simply take a stroll.

Kolkata is also known for its passionate celebration of Durga Puja, a city-wide festival that transforms streets into galleries of art and devotion. It's a place where the past and present meet in every cup of roadside chai and every conversation in a local coffee house, creating a unique atmosphere that’s both nostalgic and alive.

Kolkata is a city of writers, poets, and artists, and its creative spirit has earned the city the title of India’s cultural capital and a lasting reputation for intellectual and artistic achievement.

What language is spoken in Kolkata?

The primary language spoken in Kolkata is Bengali (Bangla), which is also the official language of the state of West Bengal. It is widely used in everyday communication, education, media, and government. In addition to Bengali, English is commonly spoken, especially in business, education, and among the urban population. Hindi is also understood and spoken by many, particularly in markets and by people from other parts of India living in the city.

The people of Kolkata take great pride in their language, Bengali, viewing it not just as a means of communication but as a central part of their cultural identity. It is deeply tied to the city’s literary, artistic, and political heritage, with a long tradition of poets, authors, and thinkers who have shaped Bengali as a language of expression and intellect. There’s a strong emotional connection to Bengali, and many Kolkatans are passionate about preserving its richness through literature, theatre, music, and everyday conversation.

This pride also stems from historical events like the Bengali Language Movement and the role of language in India’s broader cultural and independence movements. While English and Hindi are spoken, especially in professional settings, Bengali remains at the heart of local identity, used in schools, newspapers, street signs, and homes. For many, speaking Bengali is not just about tradition, but about belonging and asserting a distinctive cultural voice in a diverse country.

Despite the city’s colonial architecture and the lingering legacy of the British Raj and East India Company, Kolkata remains deeply proud of its Bengali language and heritage, which continue to define its identity and cultural vitality.

What are the best things to do in Kolkata?

Kolkata greets every traveller with layers of charm that unfold slowly but stay with you long after you leave. The city moves at its own rhythm, filled with everyday moments that feel both familiar and entirely new. If you are curious to discover what truly sets this city apart, these experiences are the perfect place to begin.

Howrah Bridge

Walk or drive across the iconic Howrah Bridge, a vital lifeline that connects Kolkata to Howrah over the Hooghly River. This massive cantilever bridge bustles with energy from dawn to dusk. From flower sellers to street vendors, it captures the pulse of the city. Early mornings offer great photo opportunities with soft light and local activity in full swing.

Queen Victoria Memorial

Step into colonial elegance at the Victoria Memorial, a grand white-marble monument dedicated to Queen Victoria. Surrounded by landscaped gardens and tranquil water bodies, the museum inside showcases a rich collection of paintings, sculptures and historical artefacts. This is one of the most iconic places to visit in Kolkata, and is especially beautiful when lit up at dusk.

Eden Gardens

Visit Eden Gardens, one of the most famous cricket stadiums in the world. Whether you catch a live match or simply walk through its impressive structure, the ground holds deep significance for Indian cricket fans - Australians often find the passion here infectious. Even if you are not a cricket lover, the stadium's history and atmosphere are worth experiencing.

High Tea Experience

Take a relaxing break from sightseeing with a refined high tea at Glenburn The Penthouse. Overlooking the Victoria Memorial and the Hooghly River, this boutique hotel serves a blend of Darjeeling tea, local snacks and classic favourites. The elegant setting, attentive service and skyline views make this a perfect experience for those who enjoy a touch of luxury.

Kolkata Walking Tour

One of the best things to do in Kolkata is to take to the streets on foot with a guide. Wander through narrow lanes, colonial architecture, hidden temples and bustling local markets. A walking tour brings you closer to everyday life and the cultural layers of the city, with themes like heritage, food or photography available to choose from.

Eat Like A Local

Kolkata’s street food is a vibrant celebration of flavour, best experienced on its busy corners and local markets. Start your day with a Chinese breakfast at Tiretti Bazaar or explore the no-frills charm of pice hotels serving traditional Bengali meals. From tangy puchka and spicy kathi rolls to syrupy mishti, each bite reflects the city’s rich culinary heritage.

Kalighat Kali Temple

Visit Kalighat Temple, dedicated to ‘Kaali,’ the fierce form of the mother goddess and primarily associated with time, death and destruction. This centuries-old temple attracts pilgrims and curious travellers alike. Kalighat is a powerful place to witness rituals and devotion in action. Be prepared for a lively atmosphere with chanting, offerings and temple priests.

Shop The Bazaars

Browse through vibrant fabrics, handloom saris and traditional crafts at local markets and boutiques. New Market, Dakshinapan, and local emporiums offer a wide variety of Bengal cottons, silks and embroidered goods. You can also support local artisans by purchasing handcrafted jewellery, pottery and jute products that reflect the heritage of West Bengal.

Ride The Trams

Hop on one of Kolkata’s vintage trams and enjoy a slow ride through the city’s historic streets, and experience the oldest operating electric tram system in Asia. Passing through neighbourhoods filled with colonial buildings, leafy parks and local shops, the experience is nostalgic and charming, especially for travellers interested in heritage transport.

College Street

Wander through College Street, home to one of the largest second hand book markets in the world. Stacks of books line the footpaths, ranging from rare academic texts to literary classics. Stop for a cup of tea at the Indian Coffee House, a local institution where students, writers and thinkers have gathered for generations - the perfect stop for readers with curious minds.

With its endless street food stalls, lively markets and interesting approach to traffic management, one of the best things to do in Kolkata is to simply take a walk.

How about day trips from Kolkata?

Once you’ve ticked off the best places to visit in Kolkata, your next adventure lies outside of the city boundaries. If you’re on the hunt for day trips from Kolkata that combine culture, history and nature, consider the following.

Sundarbans (Gateway Area)

While a full Sundarbans safari requires an overnight stay, a day trip to the gateway region - like Godkhali or Jharkhali - offers a taste of the world’s largest mangrove forest. To make the most of the landscape, take a short boat ride, spot birds and wildlife, and learn about this UNESCO-listed region’s ecological importance.

Shantiniketan

About 3 to 4 hours from Kolkata by train or car, Shantiniketan was founded by Rabindranath Tagore and is home to Visva-Bharati University. If you’re up for the travel time, the town blends art, education, and nature, with open-air classes, artisan markets, and Baul music performances offering insight into Bengal’s creative soul.

Chandannagar

Just over an hour from the city, this small riverside town was once a French colony and still retains colonial buildings, a charming promenade along the Hooghly River, and a quiet, laid-back vibe. Ideal for those interested in lesser-known chapters of Bengal’s colonial history, it’s one of the most popular day trips from Kolkata thanks to its distance.

Explore West Bengal and beyond with India Unbound

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10 Unmissable Things To Do In Kolkata