Classic Kolkata patisserie on Park Street — try the egg benedict, continental breakfast and their Bengali sweets; great for people-watching. Typically open from 8:00am–10:00pm but check current hours.
Grand white marble monument and museum with galleries on Bengal’s history and art; excellent grounds for photos and a calm stroll. Museum typically open 10:00am–5:00pm (often closed on Mondays) — confirm before you go.
Reliable Bengali home-style restaurant serving traditional fish and rice thalis — a good introduction to authentic Bengali flavours. Open for lunch roughly 12:00pm–3:30pm and in the evening; check local branch times.
India’s oldest museum with archaeology, art and anthropology collections — especially strong on Indian sculpture and fossils. Usually open 10:00am–5:00pm (often closed one day a week — verify), allow time for the highlights.
Victorian-era cathedral opposite the Victoria Memorial with peaceful gardens — a short visit to appreciate the Gothic architecture and calm interior. Typically open in daytime; small donation may be requested.
Catch a short vintage tram ride or stroll Park Street to experience old Kolkata nightlife and colonial-era streets. Trams run during the day; services can be limited — check local timetables.
Legendary restaurant known for Chelo Kebab and classic Anglo-Indian dishes — reserve for dinner peak time. Open into the evening (often until 11:00pm); booking recommended.
Iconic riverside Kali temple complex on the Hooghly; early morning is a spiritually charged time to attend the aarti and avoid the crowds. Temple generally open from early morning until late evening (approximately 4:00am–9:00pm) — confirm local timing.
Simple, authentic Bengali street breakfast like kachori and aloo bhaja — a good way to taste local flavours close to the temple. Small stalls operate early mornings; hygiene varies, so choose busy popular places.
Calm riverside ashram and architecturally harmonious temple complex founded by Swami Vivekananda; a short ferry/drive from Dakshineswar. Usually open around 9:00am–5:00pm — check current opening days and timings.
Famous Kolkata biryani destination — rich, aromatic biryanis and kebabs, ideal after a morning of sightseeing. Open for lunch and dinner (roughly 12:00pm–11:00pm); expect queues at peak times.
Walk the iconic Howrah Bridge and take a short public ferry or private boat on the Hooghly for unique riverside views of both banks. Ferry/boat services run through daylight hours — public ferries are inexpensive but check schedules for tourist boats.
Classic riverside promenade with Victorian columns, great for sunset photos and a relaxed evening by the Hooghly. Open at all hours; best at dusk when the riverfront cools off.
Well-regarded restaurant for traditional Bengali dishes in a comfortable setting — try fish dishes and seasonal preparations. Open evenings (generally until late); booking recommended for dinner.
Historic café popular with students and writers — try the strong coffee and simple Bengali-Indian breakfasts; soak up the old-world intellectual atmosphere. Opening hours typically from morning until night, but check for closures.
The traditional sculptors’ neighbourhood where artisans craft the clay idols used across Bengal’s festivals — fascinating to watch sculptors working on large idols. Best visited in the morning when workshops are active; respectful photography is appreciated.
Upscale restaurant specialising in refined Bengali cuisine — a good place to sample bhapa ilish, shorshe ilish and other regional specialities in a polished setting. Open for lunch and dinner; reservation recommended for peak times.
19th-century mansion with an eclectic private collection of art, sculpture and vintage furnishings — a hidden gem of colonial Kolkata. Visits often require prior permission or admission at the gate; typically open around 10:00am–4:00pm (closed some weekdays) — check and plan ahead.
Wander Asia’s largest second-hand book market and enjoy another cuppa at the iconic Indian Coffee House — ideal for bibliophiles and to experience the city’s literary vibe.
Historic shopping arcade for textiles, jewellery and street food — sample jhalmuri or fish fries while browsing. Shops generally open from late morning to evening; some vendors stay late.
Another Park Street institution offering continental and Indian favourites — excellent for steaks and old Kolkata ambience. Open late; booking suggested for weekends.
Old-school Kolkata institution popular with journalists and writers — hearty breakfasts and an atmospheric, colonial-style interior. Typically opens from early morning; check current hours.
Rabindranath Tagore’s ancestral home, now a museum dedicated to his life and work — essential for understanding Bengal’s literary and cultural history. Usually open around 10:00am–5:00pm (often closed certain weekdays) — verify before visiting.
Try the original Kolkata kathi roll and other quick local favourites; an iconic fast-eat spot in the city centre. Open mainly through lunch and dinner hours; check branch timings.
Large interactive science centre with exhibits, a space theatre and walk-through displays — ideal for families and a hands-on afternoon. Typically open 10:00am–6:00pm; planetarium shows and special exhibits may require separate tickets, so check schedules.
Historic colonial cemetery with atmospheric tombs and inscriptions — interesting for history buffs and a quiet early-evening stroll. Open during daylight hours; dusk visits recommended for photos and ambiance.
Enjoy a relaxed final meal — either revisit a favourite (Park Street restaurants are convenient) or grab a simpler dinner en route to your onward transport. Airport/train transfer time depends on your departure — plan 1.5–2 hours to the airport from central Kolkata.