Ancient monuments steeped in history, the aroma of biryani wafting in the air, streets buzzing with people and commerce, and a lively ambiance, that’s Hyderabad in all its distinct glory. Interestingly, if this dated part of the city evokes a sense of nostalgia, the other hip and happening part entices you with sleek multiplexes, sprawling malls, trendy pubs and clubs, and upscale restaurants. Travelers visiting the city are often overwhelmed by the plethora of attractions awaiting them once they step out of their hotels in Hyderabad.
Wondering where to begin? Here, in this blog, we give you handpicked list of the things to do in Hyderabad. Read on…
1. Take a Stroll around the Charminar
#1 of 25 Best Things to Do in Hyderabad
There’s no doubt that Charminar is the prime landmark of Hyderabad. This enormous four-storied structure comprises of four ornate columns with minarets atop each and four grand arches. It stands with a height of 56 meters and offers a fine view from the first floor. A walk through the bustling area surrounding the imposing monument is a must if you want to truly soak in the vibe of this city. You can indulge in some shopping or taste a few of Hyderabad’s famous dishes here as well.
- Entry Fee: ₹ 5 per person for Indians; ₹ 100 per person for foreigners
2. Explore the Golconda Fort
#2 of 25 Best Things to Do in Hyderabad
One of the most impressive landmarks to visit in Hyderabad, Golconda Fort is a medieval structure known for its brilliant architecture and historical significance. Standing at the summit of a 120m-high granite hill, the massive fort remains a testimony to the grandeur of the bygone era. Do not miss out on the light and sound show that is held here every evening.
- Timings: 8:00 am to 5:30 pm; every day
- Entry Fee: ₹ 15 per person for Indians; ₹ 200 per person for foreigners
- Light and sound show: ₹ 130 per person
3. Visit the Qutb Shahi Tombs
#3 of 25 Best Things to Do in Hyderabad
Only a few cities in India can boast of a tomb-garden and Hyderabad is one among them. As the name says, the Qutb Shahi Tombs are the resting place of several rulers of the Qutb Shahi dynasty that once ruled over the city. The splendid granite tombs represent a blend of Indian and Persian architecture and are a sight to behold. The place also has landscaped gardens that add to its visual appeal.
- Timings: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm; closed on Fridays
- Entry Fee: ₹ 5 per child; ₹ 10 per adult
4. Witness the Opulence of the Chowmahalla Palace
#4 of 25 Best Things to Do in Hyderabad
Imagine walking into a palace compound that contains not just one or two but four opulent palaces. That’s Chowmahalla Palace for you! The place was once the official residence of the Nizams of Hyderabad. Take a walk of this palace compound to get a fine idea of the magnificence and grandeur of the erstwhile rulers of Hyderabad and their architectural taste.
- Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; closed on Fridays
- Entry Fee: ₹ 80 per person for Indians; ₹ 200 per person for foreigners
Suggested Read: Hyderabad Metro Route Map
5. Soak in the Grandeur of Koti Residency
#5 of 25 Best Things to Do in Hyderabad
When you are in Hyderabad, you can never be too far away from grand monuments and mansions. The Koti Residency or Hyderabad Residency is a wonderful example of this. This opulent mansion that once served as the embassy of the East India Company shares resemblance with the White House in Washington DC. A visit to Koti Residency will take you back to the days of colonial rule in Hyderabad.
- Location: Esamiya Bazaar, Koti
6. Enjoy the City Views from Moula Ali Dargah
#6 of 25 Best Things to Do in Hyderabad
Perched on a rocky hilltop, Moula Ali Dargah holds much religious significance. It is believed that the place houses an imprint of Ali’s palm, who was the son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad. A climb of around 500 steps to reach the dargah is worth the effort since visitors are rewarded with breath-taking views of the city and the surrounding areas. The hill is also an ideal spot for trekking.
- Timings: 5:30 am to 10:00 pm; every day
- Entry Fee: No entry fee
7. Witness the Magnificence of Makkah Masjidor Mecca Masjid
#7 of 25 Best Things to Do in Hyderabad
One of the largest mosques in India, the Makkah Masjid is a colossal structure that dates back to the 17th century. It is believed that the bricks used in constructing this structure were made from the soil brought from Mecca.
- Timings: 4:00 am to 9:30 pm; every day
- Entry Fee: No entry fee
8. Take a Trip Down History at Salar Jung Museum
#8 of 25 Best Things to Do in Hyderabad
Salar Jung Museum boasts of being one of the three National Museums of India and one of the largest museums in the world. The place is a treasure of artifacts, paintings, sculptures, clocks, furniture, carpets, carvings, manuscripts, ceramics, and textiles collected from all around the world. With 38 galleries full of interesting displays, you will never have a dull moment exploring this museum.
- Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; closed on Fridays
- Entry Fee: ₹ 20 per person for Indians; ₹ 500 per person for foreigners
9. Visit the Birla Temple
#9 of 25 Best Things to Do in Hyderabad
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Birla Temple is a grand structure situated on a 280 feet hill called Naubath Pahad. The pristine white temple is a celebration of Rajasthani, Dravidian, and Utkala architectural styles. Thanks to the awesome architecture, the temple presents an impressive sight to the visitors. The incredible views from the hilltop add to the experience of visiting the temple.
- Timings: 7:00 am to 12:00 noon; 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm; every day
10. Seek the Blessings of the ‘Visa God’ at Chilkur Balaji Temple
#10 of 25 Best Things to Do in Hyderabad
You wouldn’t want to miss out on visiting the Visa God during your Hyderabad trip, would you? The ancient temple of Lord Balaji located on the banks of Osman Sagar is famous as the Visa Balaji Temple. It is believed that if you pray here, you will get your visa clearance. So, now you know where you should go to get your visa cleared!
- Timings: 5:00 am to 8:00 pm; every day
11. Offer Your Prayers at the Jagannath Temple
#11 of 25 Best Things to Do in Hyderabad
Whether you are religiously inclined or not, the Jagannath Temple has got to feature in your list of places to visit in Hyderabad for its sheer architectural splendor. A recent addition to the architectural landscape of the city, the temple attracts thousands of people during its annual Rath Yatra festival.
- Timings: 6:00 am to 11:00 am; 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Hyderabad has quite a few famous temples. Read about them in our blog on the temples in Hyderabad.
12. Go on a Jungle Safari at Nehru Zoological Park
#12 of 25 Best Things to Do in Hyderabad
If you thought Hyderabad is all about history and architecture, a visit to the Nehru Zoological Park will offer you a different face of the city. Also known as the Hyderabad Zoo, the park is home to around 100 species of animals, birds, and reptiles, and is a wonderful place to spend some time amidst nature and her wonderful creations. One of the fun things to do in Hyderabad is to go on a safari in this park and get close to wild animals like the Asiatic lion, sloth bear, Bengal tiger, etc.
- Timings: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm; closed on Mondays
- Entry Fee: ₹ 40 per adult; ₹ 25 per child (3 to 10 years)
13. Spend Some Tranquil Moments at Hussain Sagar Lake
#13 of 25 Best Things to Do in Hyderabad
With placid waters and a huge statue of Lord Buddha in the middle of it, Hussain Sagar Lake is indeed an embodiment of beauty and tranquility. This artificial lake was built in 1563 and boasts of a heart shape. It is an ideal spot to spend some romantic moments with your special someone in Hyderabad. You can even go on a ferry ride to the middle of the lake and enjoy the magical views of the surroundings.
- Timings: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm; closed on Mondays
- Entry Fee: No entry fee; boat ride charges applicabl
14. Shop at Laad Bazaar
#14 of 25 Best Things to Do in Hyderabad
Love shopping? The shopaholic in you will be delighted to explore the Laad Bazaar or Choodi Bazaar. An ancient market located near the Charminar, this bustling bazaar is famous for its collection of bangles. You can also shop around for pearls, semi-precious stones, hand-woven silk items, sarees, imitation jewelry, and other wedding related items.
- Timings: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm; every day
Want some more dose of retail therapy? Here is our blog on the shopping malls in Hyderabad where you can shop till you drop.
15. Enjoy a Fun-filled Day at Ramoji Film City
#15 of 25 Best Things to Do in Hyderabad
A full day of entertainment is guaranteed when you take a trip to the Ramoji Film City. Whether you are visiting the place with friends, family or alone, you will be thrilled to explore the natural and artificial attractions inside this place that is touted to be the largest studio complex in the world. A number of permanent sets ranging from temples to courts, an amusement park, multi-cuisine restaurants, and souvenir shops are among the many attractions that await you here.
- Timings: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm; every day
16. Experience the Thrill of Go-Karting at Runway 9
#16 of 25 Best Things to Do in Hyderabad
If you are looking for adventurous things to do in Hyderabad, you will love it at Runway 9. The place is known for having some of the best go-karting tracks in the country. You can expect unlimited fun and thrill while racing here.
- Location: Mohan Reddy Commercial Complex, Kompally
- Timings:
- 2:30 pm to 11:00 pm (Monday to Friday)
- 11:00 am to 11:00 pm (Saturdays and Sundays)
- Entry Fee: ₹ 210 onwards, depending on the number of laps
17. Have Unlimited Fun at Wonderla
#17 of 25 Best Things to Do in Hyderabad
It’s not without reason that Wonderla counts among the top places to indulge in fun-filled activities in Hyderabad. One of the largest amusement parks in the country, the place is a wonderful world full of adventurous rides and water slides. Age becomes just a number when you visit Wonderla!
- Timings:
- 12:30 pm to 5:00 pm (Normal Season Weekdays)
- 12:30 pm to 6:00 pm (Peak Season* and Normal Season Weekend/Holidays)
- Entry Fee:
- Adults: ₹ 815 (Normal Season); ₹ 1015 (Weekends/Holidays); ₹ 1060 (Peak Season)
- Children: ₹ 635 (Normal Season); ₹ 790 (Weekends/Holidays); ₹ 825 (Peak Season)
- Senior Citizen: ₹ 610 (Normal Season); ₹ 760 (Weekends/Holidays); ₹ 795 (Peak Season)
- Free entry for children below 85 cm in height
Interested in exploring the other amusement parks in Hyderabad? Know all about them in our blog on the amusement parks in Hyderabad.
18. Chill Out at the Snow World
#18 of 25 Best Things to Do in Hyderabad
How about indulging in some snow-fun while on your trip to Hyderabad? The city may be infamous for its sweltering heat, but a visit to the Snow World is sure to bring you not just respite from the heat but loads of fun too. This snow-theme amusement park welcomes you to freezing temperatures and has a number of activities to keep you engaged and enthralled. You can take a ride on a snow slide, build ice sculptures, go on merry go round, have fun on sleigh slide, try ice skating, and lots more.
- Location: Lower Tank Bund Road, Bharath Seva Ashram Marg
- Timings: 11:00 am to 9:00 pm; every day
- Entry Fee:
- ₹ 500 for Adult (4ft 6inch and above)
- ₹ 300 for Child (2ft to 4ft 6inch)
19. Satiate the Thrill-seeker in you at the Great Hyderabad Adventure Club
#19 of 25 Best Things to Do in Hyderabad
If you are a thrill-seeker, you can head off to the Great Hyderabad Adventure Club where you can indulge in a host of adventure activities, including paragliding, trekking, white water rafting, rock climbing, etc. You will need to register with them to take part in the activities.
- Location: Banjara Hills
- Timings: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm; every day
20. Be Close to Nature at KBR National Park
#20 of 25 Best Things to Do in Hyderabad
Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park or KBR National Park is a green paradise in Hyderabad that never fails to entice visitors. The park has more than 600 species of plants. Around 100 species of birds and 30 species of butterflies call this place their home. You can also spot a variety of animals like the small Indian civet, the pangolin, and the jungle cat here. It is a great place to go on a morning walk and enjoy the beauty of nature.
- Location: Jubilee Hills
- Timings: 5:00 am to 10:00 pm; 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm; every day
- Entry Fee: ₹ 25 per adult; ₹ 10 per child
If you are a nature lover, you can read about the other parks of this city in our blog on the top 10 parks in Hyderabad.
21. Dig into Hyderabadi Biryani at Shah Ghouse Café
#21 of 25 Best Things to Do in Hyderabad
If you haven’t tasted the world-famous Hyderabadi biryani, your trip to the city can’t be called complete. The city is full of places that serve this famous gastronomic delight. If you wish to relish the authentic taste of this flavorsome dish, make your way to one of the oldest yet very popular restaurants that is frequented by the locals – the Shah Ghouse Café. The restaurant is located in the Charminar area, so you can drop in at the place after your visit to the monument.
- Location: Shalibanda Road, Charminar
- Timings: 12:30 pm to 12:30 am; every day
- Cost for two: ₹ 400 (approx.)
22. Relish Irani Chai and Osmania Biscuits
#22 of 25 Best Things to Do in Hyderabad
When you are in the city of the Nizams, make it’s a point to relish a cup of steaming Irani Chai and a couple of the delectable Osmania biscuits. You will find plenty of places that serve this staple combination. If you are in the mood to try theses, head to Sarvi Restaurant, a five-decade-old establishment with a huge fan following!
- Location: Banjara Hills
- Timings: 12:00 noon to 4:30 pm; 7:00 pm to 11:30 pm; every day
Know all about the famous street food destinations in the city in our blog on the best street food places in Hyderabad.
23. Chill Out at Olive Bistro
#23 of 25 Best Things to Do in Hyderabad
Hyderabad has a fun side too, which can be experienced once you step into one of its famous pubs, the Olive Bistro. The in-house brewery serves great food along with some amazing music. The wonderful ambiance further adds to the attraction of this place.
- Location: Road 46, Jubilee Hills
- Timings:
- 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm (Monday to Friday)
- 12:00 noon to 3:30 pm; 7:00 to 11:00 pm (Saturdays and Sundays)
- Cost for two: ₹2000 (approx.)
- Must-try items: Home-brewed beer, Gnocchi, Pizza, Tiramisu
Got pub-hopping on your mind? Our blog on the best pubs in Hyderabad will tell you everything you should know about the nightlife in the city.
24. Explore the Haunted Places in the City
#24 of 25 Best Things to Do in Hyderabad
Want to try out something in Hyderabad that can truly label you as a daredevil? Then you ought to explore a few of the haunted spots in the city. If you have it in you to be a ghost-buster, the city has plenty of places where you can expect a spooky encounter or a spine-chilling adventure. Remember, this activity is not for the faint-hearted! A few haunted places in Hyderabad include:
- Shamshabad Airport
- Golkonda Fort
- Ramoji Film City
- Ravindra Nagar
- Khairatabad Science College
- Dedh Lakh Ghar
25. Enjoy a Dinner at Dialogue in the Dark
#25 of 25 Best Things to Do in Hyderabad
Hyderabad is a foodie’s paradise, but if you want to enjoy a unique dining experience in the city, you must head to Dialogue in the Dark. The novelty of the restaurant is that you will be dining in the dark. You will be asked to keep aside your phone, watch or anything that may emit light before you step into the dining area. While your order is being prepared, you and your partner can engage in some heart-to-heart conversation, totally in the dark and minus any distractions! Isn’t this so romantic and unique?
- Location: Inorbit Mall, Hitech City
- Timings: 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm; 7:30 pm to 10:15 pm; every day
- Cost for two: ₹1300 (approx.)
This is only a handpicked list of things to do in Hyderabad. There’s a lot more to explore and experience. Start off with this list and you will soon find the city leading you to new places and newer experiences.
