Start your day with a leisurely stroll through Cubbon Park, where tree-lined paths and colonial-era statues set a relaxed tone, then grab filter coffee and crisp idlis at a nearby popular South Indian café such as CTR or Brahmin’s Coffee Bar. From there head to the Bangalore Palace for a guided tour of its Tudor-style architecture and ornate interiors, finishing the morning with a short cycle ride or rickshaw trip around the leafy MG Road area to soak up local markets and street scenes.
After lunch, head to the bustling Commercial Street for some relaxed shopping — hunt for colorful kurtas, handicrafts and quirky souvenirs, then stroll over to the nearby Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace to admire its Indo-Islamic woodwork and peaceful courtyard. Finish the afternoon with a short visit to the Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum for interactive exhibits (great fun for a group) or unwind with craft beers and board games at a lively microbrewery in Indiranagar as sunset approaches.
As night falls, head to VV Puram Food Street to sample an array of Bengaluru street-food favourites—try the crispy benne dosa, piping hot chaat and sweet jalebis while hopping between lively stalls. Afterward, soak up the city's nightlife with live music and cocktails at a rooftop bar in Koramangala (such as Toit’s rooftop or a nearby lounge), where you can unwind with friends over city views and plan the rest of the trip.