Kolkata

Travel Guide

New Market featuring a city and street scenes
Victoria Memorial which includes heritage architecture, a pond and a memorial
Howrah Bridge featuring a bridge, boating and general coastal views
Kolkata which includes interior views, street scenes and markets
Dakshineswar Kali Temple featuring night scenes, a temple or place of worship and religious elements

The former capital of the British Raj is a friendly city blessed with architectural diversity, festivals and an eclectic cuisine.

Once the capital of British India, Kolkata is the bustling capital of West Bengal and often referred to as the cultural heart of India. Colonial landmarks battle for space with colorful temples and lively markets present a sensory overload. Public gardens offer a respite from this hot and crowded, yet ultimately rewarding destination. 

Many attractions are in and around the Maidan, a huge public park where locals relax and play cricket or soccer. Marvel at the marble Victoria Memorial before tracing Kolkata’s colonial-era history at the Calcutta Gallery. Visit British-built monuments such as Fort William and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Find archaeological relics, including centuries-old Hindu sculptures, at the Indian Museum.

Walk or take a rickshaw to the BBD Bagh district, or Dalhousie Square, to see more examples of the city’s past, such as the Raj Bhavan and the neo-Gothic High Court. Watch a cricket match at the Eden Gardens and sample street food cooked by vendors at nearby Fairlie Place. 

Take a taxi or rickshaw across the River Hooghly via the impressive Howrah Bridge. Visit the flower market at Mullick Ghat and see devotees offer prayers at shrines. Admire giant lilies and a centuries-old banyan tree at the picturesque Indian Botanic Garden, a 15-minute drive from Howrah Bridge. 

Shop and bargain for fabrics and leather goods in New Market. Explore the chaotic streets of Barabazar Market while browsing textile shops and spotting religious sights. Stroll down Phears Lane in Old Chinatown, famous for sweetshops, teahouses and kebab stores. Along Park Street, elegant restaurants present Kolkata’s tangy Bengali cuisine.

Kolkata proudly showcases Bengali and Hindu art, dance and music. A popular festival is the 5-day Durga Puja, a flamboyant event with music, parades and performances at pop-up temples.

Kolkata is close to the border with Bangladesh and you can reach it via India’s excellent network of long-distance buses and trains. The city’s international airport has connections to major destinations around the world.

Where to stay in Kolkata

Nicco Park featuring boating, a lake or waterhole and a park

Salt Lake

Discover Salt Lake, memorable for its lake views. Popular attractions in Salt Lake include Salt Lake City Centre Mall and Nicco Park, and you can see more of the area by hopping on the metro at Bengal Chemical Station.

Salt Lake
Awesome vide with amazing food

Park Street

Visitors often come to Park Street for its abundant dining options, but many stay to explore sights like ISKCON Kolkata, Sri Sri Radha Govind Temple and Park Street Cemetery. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you catch a ride at Park Street Station.

Park Street
Eco Tourism Park showing a lake or waterhole and boating

New Town

New Town is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like New Town Eco Park and Axis Mall.

New Town
New Market featuring a city and street scenes

Dharmatala

While you're in Dharmatala, take in top sights like New Market and jump on the metro at Esplanade Station to see more of the city.

Dharmatala
Finish dinner with these great dessert. Here is a melange of assorted nuts with grated Khoya. An Arabic delight. #sweetspot

Ballygunge

Restaurants and shopping are highlights of Ballygunge. Make a stop by Quest Mall or Birla Mandir while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Ballygunge Station to get around town.

Ballygunge
West Bengal

Sealdah

While you're in Sealdah, take in top sights like Thanthania Kalibari and jump on the metro at Chandni Chowk Station to see more of the city.

Sealdah
ITC Royal Bengal, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kolkata
ITC Royal Bengal, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kolkata
5 out of 5
1 JBS Haldane Avenue, Kolkata, West Bengal
The price is ₩150,834 per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
₩150,834
₩177,984 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kolkata. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (252 reviews)
"The Hotel is beautiful and a real oasis away from the streets of the city. The rooms were very comfortable and the restaurant food simply delicious."

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025

ITC Royal Bengal, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kolkata
Hyatt Regency Kolkata
Hyatt Regency Kolkata
5 out of 5
JA 1, Sector 3, Bidhannagar, West Bengal
The price is ₩100,027 per night from Jul 9 to Jul 10
₩100,027
₩112,031 total
Jul 9 - Jul 10
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Bidhannagar. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (447 reviews)
"This place is very conveniently located and the staff is extremely nice. If you’re visiting Kolkata and looking for a comfortable, sound-proof, well kept and modern hotel (without making a dent in your wallet) I strongly recommend this place."

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025

Hyatt Regency Kolkata
Novotel Kolkata Hotel & Residences Hotel
Novotel Kolkata Hotel & Residences Hotel
5 out of 5
CF11 Action Area 1C, New Town Rajarhat, Barasat, West Bengal
The price is ₩79,974 per night from Jul 26 to Jul 27
₩79,974
₩89,571 total
Jul 26 - Jul 27
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Barasat. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (240 reviews)
"Convenient location"

Reviewed on May 21, 2025

Novotel Kolkata Hotel & Residences Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Crystal Newtown Kolkata
The Crystal Newtown Kolkata
4 out of 5
AI 46 Street Number 31 Newtown, Barasat, WB
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Barasat. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions New Town Eco Park and Nazrul Tirtha are located ...
The Crystal Newtown Kolkata
Amã Stays & Trails 25 Farm House
Amã Stays & Trails 25 Farm House
5 out of 5
Vedic Village Plot No.25A, Mouza Chandpur Chapagachi, Baruipur, West Bengal
Stay at this 5-star luxury villa in Baruipur. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions New Town Eco Park and Eco Urban Village ...
Amã Stays & Trails 25 Farm House
Yellowbrick-Calcutta's Freshest BnB
Yellowbrick-Calcutta's Freshest BnB
2.5 out of 5
25, Ray Street, Kolkata, West Bengal
Stay at this apartment in Kolkata. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions New Market and Forum Shopping Mall are located ...
Yellowbrick-Calcutta's Freshest BnB
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Kolkata

3.8
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
24
5 - Excellent 28%
4 - Good
32
4 - Good 37%
3 - Okay
21
3 - Okay 24%
2 - Disappointing
10
2 - Disappointing 11%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Old city but i love it. Great for shopping!

5/5 - Excellent

KartikS

Timeless city with so much going on culturally.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

No complaints. Too crowded. Too polluted. But that’s what it is

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Airport at Kolkata is difficult to navigate through. Long lines and wait times at baggage claim. Allow yourself plenty of time to make things easier.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Kolkata being my Hometown will always be close to heart

2/5 - Disappointing

AJ

Not a place for relaxation and sight seeing.