The former British capital of India boasts of an illustrious past which reflects through the fascinating art, marvellous architecture, and declamatory literature of the city. Being the cultural and intellectual hub of India, this vibrant city invites you to witness its artistic grandeur, dazzling culture, and literary legacy through an exhilarating Kolkata sightseeing tour. Also, don’t miss out on an amazing experience in the alluring food streets of the city. Apart from its rich history, and ancient culture, here are some of the best places to visit in Kolkata which form an essential part of the city’s tourism. Check them out!

60 Best Places To Visit In Kolkata

The royal history of Kolkata is sure to fascinate you, and here is a list of the places you can visit to enlighten yourselves with it. These best places to visit in Kolkata have something or the other for every kind of traveller. From history buffs to avid readers, this city never fails to impress. Take a look!

1. Victoria Memorial

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Spread over 57 acres of land, housing 21 lush green gardens, 28,394 artefacts, and 3,900 artistic paintings, the Victoria memorial is one of the best and romantic places to visit in Kolkata. Built in the memory of Queen Victoria, this white marble beauty is a host to 20 lakhs of annual visitors.

Location: Victoria Memorial Hall, 1, Queen’s Way, Kolkata
Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Entry fee: INR 30 for Indians, and INR 200 for foreigners
Reviews |TripAdvisor ratings: 4.5/5

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2. Fort William

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Situated on the eastern banks of the Hooghly river, Fort Williams is a huge building from the colonial era that has served multiple purposes to date. It is one of the few Kolkata points of interest which is a must-visit place during your Kolkata sightseeing tour. Known as the ‘black hole of Calcutta’, this place was once a temporary jail where prisoners were hauled, but now it serves as the headquarters of the Eastern Command.

Location: Fort William, Hastings, Kolkata
Timings: 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
Entry fee: None
Reviews | TripAdvisor ratings: 4/5

3. Marble Palace

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This nineteenth-century palatial mansion in North Kolkata is one of the most visited tourist places in Kolkata. It is one of the best restored royal family palaces in India that boasts artistic statues, elegant glassware, and noteworthy paintings of illustrious artists of the British Raj. The regal architecture and unique design attract visitors from all over the globe who come in great numbers to witness this marble masterpiece, calling it one of the best places to visit in North Kolkata. To add, this museum has also earned itself a space on the list of most beautiful historical places in Kolkata which is exactly what makes it a must-visit.

Location: 46, Muktaram Babu Street, Jorasanko, Kolkata
Timings: 10:30 am to 4:00 pm
Entry fee: None
Reviews | TripAdvisor ratings: 4/5

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4. Howrah Bridge

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A Kolkata sightseeing tour is truly incomplete without visiting the ‘Harbour Bridge of India’, the Howrah Bridge. Titled as the ‘oldest but the busiest’ place in Kolkata, the Howrah Bridge was built over the Hooghly river to ensure connectivity between the two major cities of Kolkata and Howrah. It is among the top places to visit in Kolkata in the evening where you can hang out with your friends and gaze out at the lit bridge sparkling in the dark.

Location: Jagannath Ghat, 1, Strand Road, Kolkata
Timings: NA
Entry Fee: None
Reviews | TripAdvisor ratings: 4.5/5

5. Tagore’s House

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Known as the ‘Jorasanko Thakur Bari’, Tagore’s house is one of the best places to go in Kolkata for history buffs. The former residence of India’s most renowned literacies, Rabindranath Tagore, is now converted into a museum that houses a photo gallery, fascinating paintings, and Tagore’s literary works.

Location: Girish Park, Chittaranjan Avenue, Kolkata
Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Entry fee: INR 10 per person, and INR 5 for students
Reviews | TripAdvisor ratings: 4.5/5

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6. Mother House

Also known as the Missionaries of Charity, Mother House was established by Mother Teresa in 1950 as a religious assembly. The primary aim for the Sisters of the house is to provide free services to the sick, the poor, drug addicts, physically and mentally challenged individuals, victims of natural calamities, orphans, and even run schools to educate street children. Today, the institution has several branches running all over the world to follow the same practices of selfless devotion and serve those in need. The most intriguing part of the house for visitors is the tomb of Mother Teresa. Located alongside this tomb is also an exhibition displaying her life’s work and her personal belongings like sarees, sandals, and her bag, which makes this one of the most unique places to visit in Kolkata.

Location: 54A, Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Rd, Ripon Street, Kolkata 700016
Timings: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm- 6:00 pm (closed on Thursdays)
Entry fee: None
Reviews | TripAdvisor ratings: 4.5/5

7. Sundarbans

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The most famous Kolkata tourist spot, Sunderbans is one of the natural wonders of the world. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sunderbans is a part of the world’s largest delta formed by the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna. It is also the largest tiger reserve and national park in India. Other than wildlife, the Sunderbans are the epitome of breathtaking natural beauty and the most surreal landscapes which make them one of the best tourist attractions in Kolkata for couples.

Location: Dayapur, Gosaba, West Bengal
Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry fee: INR 15 for Indians | INR 150 for foreigners
Reviews | TripAdvisor ratings: 4.5/5

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8. Rabindra Sarovar

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Previously known as Dhakuria Lake, Rabindra Sarovar is an artificial lake in Kolkata. It is one of the best places to visit in Kolkata if you are looking for a quiet, and peaceful time. Every morning one would find numerous people jogging, or walking along the shores of the lake. It is also a perfect spot for nature admirers who wish to get close to the beauty of nature.

Location: Southern Avenue, Golpark, Tollygunge, Dhakuria, Lake Gardens, Kolkata
Entry fee: Free
Reviews | TripAdvisor ratings: 4.5/5

9. Botanical Gardens

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Located along the western banks of River Ganga, Botanical Garden is a 273-acre garden known for its extensive floral diversity. Housing more than 12,000 different species of plants, it is one of the most beautiful sightseeing places in Kolkata for travellers who wish to witness the mesmerizing beauty of nature.

Location: Shibpur, Howrah, West Bengal
Timings: 10 am to 7 pm
Entry fee: INR 10 for Indians | INR 100 for foreigners
Reviews | TripAdvisor ratings: 5/5

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10. Aquatica

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Spread across a huge 75,000 square feet area. Aquatica is one of the largest water amusement parks in Eastern India. For people who seek light-hearted adventure along with some fun-filled activities, Aquatica is one of the best places to visit in Kolkata with friends where one can enjoy numerous thrilling rides and activities.

Location: Kochpukur, P.O Hatgachia, Near Rajarhat Township, Kolkata
Timings: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry fee: INR 450 to 550 for adults, and INR 300 for children
Reviews | TripAdvisor ratings: 3/5

11. Nicco Park

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One of the best places to visit in Kolkata, Nicco Park is an exhilarating amusement park developed for the sole purpose of recreational activities for families. It is one of the oldest amusement parks in Kolkata that houses various adventurous, and fun-filled rides for children as well as adults where they can spend some rejuvenating time with their families.

Location: Jheel Meel, Sector IV, Salt Lake City, Kolkata
Timings: 10:30 am to 7:30 pm
Entry fee: INR 200 to INR 650
Reviews | TripAdvisor ratings: 4/5

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12. Alipore Zoo

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The Alipore Zoo is also sometimes called the Calcutta Zoo or the Zoological Garden of Alipore. It is India’s oldest ever zoological park and surely one of the best places to visit in South Kolkata. Attracting wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers from all over the country, it is immensely popular for once being the home of the ‘Adwaita’, the 250-year old Aldabra giant tortoise that had died in 2006. The many exotic animals living here include the Royal Bengal Tigers, white tigers, Asian elephants, one-horned rhinoceros, zebras, antelopes, and deer. Apart from these animals, the park is also home to bird species like Macaws, Swinhoe’s Pheasant, Lorikeets, Lady Amherst’s Pheasants, Ostriches, Emus, Hornbills, and even the Sarus Cranes that migrate here during winters. A sheer delight for families travelling to Kolkata, this park and its numerous wild animals always manage to bring a smile on the faces of youngsters and children. Location: Belvedere Road, Lake Place, Alipore, Kolkata 700025

Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed on Thursday)
Entry fee: INR 25 (adults) | INR 10 (kids below 5)
Reviews | TripAdvisor ratings: 4/5

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13. Dakshineswar Kali Temple

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Located in the Dakshineswar town of Kolkata, the Dakshineswar Kali Temple is a popular pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Kali. It is one of the must-visit places to visit in Kolkata in one day as one cannot afford to miss out on this architectural masterpiece which is also considered one of the holiest places in the city. It is also surrounded by some of the best cafes in Kolkata.

Location: Dakshineswar, Kolkata
Timings: 6:00 am to 12:30 pm and3:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Entry fee: None
Reviews | TripAdvisor ratings: 4.5/5

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14. Kalighat Kali Temple

Image Source Seek blessings from Goddess Kali during your trip to Kolkata when you visit the mystical Kali Temple. It is one of the best places to visit in Kolkata to get familiar with the culture, traditions, and religious beliefs of the people of this beautiful city.

Location: Anami Sangha, Kalighat, Kolkata
Timings: 5:00 am to 2:00 pm, and 5:00 pm to 10:30 pm
Entry Fee: None
Reviews | TripAdvisor ratings: 3.5/5

15. St. Paul’s Cathedral

Image Source Known for its Gothic style of architecture, St. Paul’s Cathedral is the largest cathedral in Kolkata. Resembling closely to Norwich Cathedral, St Paul’s Cathedral is also one of the best places to visit in Kolkata for people seeking a religious tour.

Location: Maidan, Kolkata
Timings: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Entry fee: None
Reviews | TripAdvisor ratings: 4/5

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16. Birla Mandir

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Built by the renowned Birla family, Birla Mandir is a famous Hindu Temple in Kolkata known for its magnificent architecture. This temple is the epitome of craftsmanship that is a product of an amalgamation of traditional, and contemporary art and is also one of the best places to visit in Kolkata.

Location: 29, Ashutosh Chowdhury Avenue, Ballygunge, Opposite Ballygunge Post Office, Kolkata
Timings: 5:00 am to 11:30 am and 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Entry Fee: None