5-Day Kolkata Adventure: Culture, Food, and City Experiences on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Cultural Immersion

Kolkata, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at 8EAST

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at 8EAST, known for its Kolkata-style breakfasts and fresh juices, fueling you for the day.
Located in the Park Street area, easily reachable via a short taxi ride from most city spots.
INR 200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Victoria Memorial

Explore the iconic Victoria Memorial, a museum dedicated to the legacy of Queen Victoria, showcasing beautiful art and heritage.
A 20-minute walk from 8EAST; the walk will immerse you in local life.
INR 30, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Prince Golam Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Bengali lunch at Prince Golam, famous for its fish curry and rice served with bharta.
Located a short taxi ride from the memorial.
INR 300, 1 hour

1:30PM

Stroll through Maidan and explore the Indian Museum

Relax and walk through Maidan, then visit the Indian Museum nearby, which is the largest and oldest museum in India.
A 15-minute walk through the park leads you to the museum.
INR 20, 2 hours

4:00PM

Tea at the historic Flurys

Indulge in a leisurely afternoon tea at Flurys, a well-known tearoom, enjoying its colonial charm.
A 15-minute walk from the museum.
INR 150, 1 hour

6:00PM

Visit Howrah Bridge

End the day with a visit to Howrah Bridge, an engineering marvel and a perfect photo spot, especially during sunset.
Take a taxi from Flurys; the bridge is about 30 minutes away.
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Bishnupur

Dine on local sweets like Rasgulla and Bengali dishes like Machher Jhol at Bishnupur.
A short taxi ride from Howrah Bridge.
INR 300, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: City Exploration

Kolkata, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kookie Jar

Start your day with pastries and coffee at Kookie Jar, a popular local café.
Located in Park Street, a brief taxi ride from your accommodation should suffice.
INR 250, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Kumartuli

Visit Kumartuli, the traditional potters' quarter of Kolkata, to see artisans create clay idols.
Take a taxi from Kookie Jar, about a 15-minute ride.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Visit Belur Math

Learn about the Ramakrishna Mission at Belur Math, an important spiritual site featuring stunning architecture.
Take a ferry from a nearby ghat to reach Belur Math.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Puriwala

Savor delicious Puri and aloo sabzi at Puriwala, a no-frills eatery popular among locals.
A short taxi ride will take you back to the city center.
INR 150, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the Marble Palace

Explore the Marble Palace, a grand mansion famous for its collection of sculptures and paintings.
A 15-minute taxi ride from Puriwala.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Coffee at Sienna Cafe

Unwind at Sienna Cafe, a quaint spot known for its cozy ambiance and great coffee.
It's a short taxi ride from the Marble Palace.
INR 200, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Barbeque Nation

Enjoy an affordable buffet dinner at Barbeque Nation where you can barbecue your own food.
A taxi ride back to ensure you enjoy the relaxed vibe.
INR 700, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Relaxation & Exploration

Kolkata, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Balaram Mullick and Radharam Mullick Sweets

Try traditional Bengali sweets paired with tea to kick-start your day.
Take a taxi to this popular sweet shop.
INR 150, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore the Birla Planetarium

Visit the Birla Planetarium to learn about astronomy through fun exhibits and shows.
A short taxi ride will get you there.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Walk in the Science City

Stroll through Science City, engaging in interactive exhibits focused on science and technology.
A taxi ride of about 30 minutes will take you to this expansive location.
INR 100, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Aahaar

Enjoy a thali that showcases a variety of Bengali dishes at Aahaar.
Return to the city by taxi; the restaurant is well-known for its authentic offerings.
INR 250, 1 hour

3:00PM

Relax at the Rabindra Sarobar Lake

Spend the afternoon relaxing near Rabindra Sarobar, a scenic lake perfect for a brisk stroll and people-watching.
A taxi ride of about 20 minutes will take you there.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Visit the Kalighat Temple

An iconic and sacred site in Kolkata, the Kalighat Temple is a must-visit for insights into local spirituality.
A quick taxi ride will take you uptown.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Bhojohori Manna

Indulge in authentic Bengali cuisine at Bhojohori Manna, a restaurant that allows you to feast on assorted fish preparations.
A taxi ride will get you back to the restaurant.
INR 500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Heritage and Architecture

Kolkata, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Nizam’s

Start your day off with the famous Kathi Rolls from Nizam’s, a quintessential Kolkata breakfast.
Head to Nizam’s on a quick taxi ride.
INR 200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Howrah Station Tour

Visit the historic Howrah Station, known for its magnificent architecture and bustling atmosphere.
Walk or take a taxi to reach the station.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit the Tagore House

Explore the ancestral home of the poet Rabindranath Tagore, which is steeped in history and offers insight into his life.
A short taxi ride will take you there.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Bhojohori Manna

Enjoy a variety of comfort foods that rouse nostalgia in every Bengali at Bhojohori Manna.
Return for lunch if motivated by what you learned from breakfast.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Chinese Town in Tangra

Discover the vibrant Chinese community of Kolkata in Tangra, famous for its unique culture and excellent food.
A taxi ride from the Tagore House, about 30 minutes away.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Tangra, Mrs. Changs

Experience authentic and affordable Chinese cuisine at Mrs. Changs in Tangra.
Dining in Tangra is a great option if you are already in the area.
INR 400, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Evening at Victoria Memorial Gardens

Spend your evening in the beautiful Victoria Memorial Gardens, enjoying the gardens and the view of the illuminated monument.
A taxi ride will take you back to this splendid location.
Free, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Local Life and Experiences

Kolkata, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Corner Courtyard

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at The Corner Courtyard, known for its eclectic menu featuring local and Western options.
Who could say no to this location, a delightful start that's a short ride away?
INR 300, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit the Kolkata Book Fair (seasonal)

If timed right, explore the Kolkata Book Fair, a massive celebration of literature and culture.
Check the location; usually at Central Park, accessible by taxi.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Visit the St. Paul's Cathedral

Discover the stunning architecture of St. Paul's Cathedral, showcasing Gothic design in the heart of the city.
About a 20-minute taxi ride from the Book Fair location.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant

Feast on traditional Chettinad cuisine at Anjappar for a change of pace while still being budget-friendly.
A taxi will take you from the cathedral to Anjappar.
INR 400, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Exploring New Market for Shopping

Dive into the hustle of New Market, where you can shop for everything from clothes to souvenirs and sample local snacks.
A taxi ride will take you to this bustling market area.
Free to browse, 2 hours

5:30PM

Tea at Chai Break

Choose from an array of flavored teas and snacks before concluding your trip with a sweet touch.
A quick walk from New Market.
INR 150, 1 hour

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at The Bikers Café

End your Kolkata adventure at The Bikers Café, enjoying a fusion of cuisines with an inviting ambiance.
A 15-minute taxi ride will get you there.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability