20 Exhilarating Things To Do In Hyderabad: The City Of Pearls Has A Lot To Offer In 2021!

Tue May 04 11:20:52 IST 2021

Rightly said, Hyderabad is indeed the city of pearls. When you are in Hyderabad, you will first be blown away by the hospitality and the supposedly friendly behavior. And if you’re lost somewhere, you can ask anyone and they will gladly help you out or even better take you there. It has been voted as the best place in India to live, and now you will know it wasn’t a waste.

There are so many things to do in Hyderabad that you will be stunned. So, check out all the top things to do in Hyderabad and decide what you should be doing. You have a few historic places, a bit of shopping and loads of food! So, keep reading to know the 10 best things to do in Hyderabad.

20 Best Things To Do In Hyderabad

If you were thinking that all that there was to do in ‘the city of Nizams’, Hyderabad, was eating Dum Biryani or checking out Char Minar, then let us bust some myths today and tell you all about the many things to do in Hyderabad

. With so many options to explore, you’re surely run out of days and end up wishing you could stay here longer on your trip to Hyderabad.

Charminar: Attend A Foodwalk
Ramoji Film City: Spend A Day
Hussain Sagar Lake: Check It Out
Salarjung Museum: Rediscovering The Old Gems
Golconda Fort: Go Back In Time
Runway 9: Experience Thrill
KBR National Park: Take An Early Morning Walk
Chowmahalla Palace: Getting To Know The History
Laad Bazaar: Go On A Shopping Spree
Biryaniwalla & Co.: Gobble Delicious Biryani

Qutb Shahi Tombs: See The Grandeur Of Ibrahim Bagh

Koti Residency: Explore A British Mansion

Paigah Tombs: Get Inspired By Ancient Mughal Art

Nehru Zoological Park: Greet Jungle Beasts

Great Hyderabad Adventure Club: Go Paragliding

Mecca Masjid: Seek Blessings

Jagannath Temple: Be A Part Of The Rathyatra

Chilkur Balaji Temple: Pay Your Respects To The Visa God

Rock Walks: Climb High Boulders

General Bazaar: Buy Shining Trinkets

1. Charminar: Attend A Foodwalk

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Now, Hyderabad is famous for two things: One for its aromatic and amazing Dum Biryani and the other one for Charminar. Well, the shops around Charminar are the best! This monument is known and recognized globally and somehow every other film shows the picture of Charminar if they have to tell us the scenes are happening in Hyderabad City. Nevertheless, it is indeed a special monument. Visiting this is one of the must-try activities to do in Hyderabad. Now, when you are in Hyderabad, you can skip the aesthetics and go and a food walk organized by the many famous bloggers on Sunday. If you are in the city during Ramadan, then there is no other better escape. You will have delicious Haleem to have, the night bazaar for shopping and whatnot. You can either do a morning food walk or an evening food walk and stop at famous shops to have their special dishes. This is one of the best things to do in Hyderabad on Weekends.

Ideal for: Friends
Activity cost: The organizers may charge some amount and it depends from person to person.
Timings: open all-day
Location: Charminar, Old City.
Stay options: You have a lot of options to stay in Hyderabad. You have a range of exquisite 5-star hotels or 3-star hotels too. You can check online where to stay but try staying in the city center if you want to visit Charminar.

Must Read: 7 Resorts In Hyderabad Where You Can Plan You Lavish Getaway This Year!

2. Ramoji Film City: Spend A Day

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Major films including the Bollywood comes to shoot here. Yes, we are talking about the wonderful Ramoji Film City! This is a perfect place to visit if you are a huge movie buff. This place is an entire day of visiting the different sets and also some natural and artificial attractions. Strolling around the film city is among the top activities to do in Hyderabad. There are a film studio, an inbuilt hotel, and an amusement park too. Though you will not be permitted to visit the ongoing film sets, it is certainly one of the best things to do in Hyderabad City. To visit RFC, you need to start a little early in the morning around 7 AM to reach in the morning. Be aware of this: no outside food allowed in RFC.

Ideal for: Friends and Family
Activity cost: The General Guided Tour for Adults is INR 900 and for children without food is INR 800.
Timings: 9 AM – 5.30 PM
Location: Ramoji Film City Main Rd, Hyderabad, Telangana 501512
Stay options: There is a hotel in Ramoji Film City itself but you can stay in Hyderabad too. There are a few hotels nearby RFC but again, if you stay in the city center you can get to visit other places too. You do have transport facilities available.

3. Hussain Sagar Lake: Check It Out

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One of the top things to do in Hyderabad for couples is to visit the Hussain Sagar Lake. You will find a lot of newly married couples here. One of the romantic places to visit in Hyderabad in summers, do visit this Lake! This lake was built by Hazrat Hussain Shah Wali in 1562 and it was the primary source of water supply to the city. This man-made lake receives its water supply from the Musi river. You even have a 32 ft. tall Buddha statue that acts as the center of attraction to the lake. You can come here at night and spend some pleasant moments with your partner. Well no matter how much we say it is romantic, a lot of families come here too. This is another top thing to do in Hyderabad at night

and you will love the feels

Ideal for: Couples and Families too.
Activity cost: INR 55 for Adult for Mechanized Boat. INR 250 per Person for Jet Ski Boat. INR 300 for a Couple for Jet Ski Boat.
Timings: None.
Location: Necklace Road, Hyderabad

4. Salarjung Museum: Rediscovering The Old Gems

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Whether or not you accept, museums are always a fun thing to be around. One such place is the Salarjung Museum. One of the best things to do in Hyderabad, Salar Jung Museum is a complete package for people who wish to know about the history of Hyderabad. It is, in fact, those places where no one can miss. It is the third-largest museum in India too. This museum boasts of collections which trace the history back till the first century! You can see that there is a wonderful collection of art from European, Asian and a few other countries. This museum is a must-visit. Therefore, do not miss out on this place when you are in the city. Go for a photowalk and this would be among the best things to do alone in Hyderabad.

Located on the banks of River Musi in Hyderabad, Salar Jung Museum is a place that is meant for every history lover that visits this city of Nizams. It is one of those things to do in Hyderabad that no tourist can miss out on. This museum accommodates the biggest one-man antique collection from the world and is also the third-largest museum in India.

Ideal for: Family and Friends too.
Activity cost: INR 10 for adults, INR 5 for children. INR 150 for foreign tourists.
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM

Location: Salar Jung Rd, near Minar Function Hall, Darulshifa, Hyderabad, Telangana 500002

5. Golconda Fort: Go Back In Time

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How can you not visit the Golconda Fort when in Hyderabad? It is the must-visit place and the best things to do in Hyderabad. It is situated in the west of the city and is a marvel. This fortress was built on a granite hill during the reign of the Kakatiya Dynasty. It attracts a huge number of travelers now. Take a look at this architectural marvel when you are here and do not miss the evening light show. This was surely the best fort when it came to defending the kings and emperors in their time. Once you come here and get to know its scientific accuracy and the architecture, you will fall in love with this place.

Ideal for: Friends and Families too.
Activity cost: To enter the fort INR Rs.15; INR 200 foreign tourists.
Timings: 9 AM – 5.30 PM
Location: Khair Complex, Ibrahim Bagh, Hyderabad, Telangana 500008

6. Runway 9: Experience Thrill

If you are looking forward to some offbeat things to do in Hyderabad, then Runway 9 should spring up in your list. Go-karting in Runway 9 is very famous! This whole place is spread over 5 acres and it is a fun experience in itself! You can do several activities like Go Karting, Shooting, Bungee Trampoline, Laser Combat, FoosBall and many other activities. Once you are done playing here, you can chill at the nearby restaurants. You even have a movie multiplex right next to this place. So, if you are looking to relax a bit more, you can visit this multiplex for fun. Runway-9 is the most underrated place in Hyderabad and one of the best activities to do in Hyderabad and it truly stands up to its standards when it comes to the activities it offers.

Ideal for: Friends
Activity cost: Varies according to the activities you want to do
Timings: 11.30 AM – 10.30 PM
Location: Mahindra Showroom, 5-115, Mohan Reddy Commercial Complex, Medchal Road, Kompally, Hyderabad, Telangana 500014

7. KBR National Park: Take An Early Morning Walk

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Are you an ardent bird watcher? If then, you have to come on an early morning walk at KBR National Park which is one of the great things to do in Hyderabad. This was built in 1994 and the Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park is one of the best parks in the city of Nizams. When you come here, you can see for yourself how picturesque and scenic this park is. It is known for Chitan Palace that is within its perimeter. This park is home to some of the few rare species of birds and other insects. Try visiting this place early in the morning around 6 AM and you can catch the sunrise! When the sun rises here, it is so beautiful that it is almost magical. Thus, to relax a bit, you can visit the KBR National Park.

Ideal for: You can come here alone or with a friend of yours.
Activity cost: None
Timings: 5 AM – 9.30 AM and 4 PM – 7 PM
Location: Road Number 2, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034

8. Chowmahalla Palace: Getting To Know The History

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Just like any other city, Hyderabad too has its share of Palaces and Historic Places. The Nizams used to stay at the Chowmahalla Palace who were among the rich back in the day. Even now, you can notice the heavy influence and the taste left behind by the Hyderabadi rulers. For a lot of years, this palace has hosted a lot of historic occurs which made the trademark of the Nizams. This whole place spans over more than 40 acres and the interiors are crafted so elegantly that you will believe that this palace was inspired by the likes of Tehran’s Shah Iran Palace. This Palace has north and south courtyards and other important houses too. It has a lot of gardens and fountains for the opulence and visiting the palace is one of the top things to do in Hyderabad.

Ideal for: Friends and Family.
Activity cost: INR 50 for adults and INR 10 for children below the age of 12.
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM. It remains closed on Fridays.
Location: 20-4-236, Motigalli, Khilwat, Hyderabad, Telangana 500002

9. Laad Bazaar: Go On A Shopping Spree

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Shopping in Hyderabad city is like a dream come true! You have a lot of bazaars in Hyderabad like the Laad Bazaar, General Bazaar, Koti, Abids and many other places. But Laad Bazaar is known for its bangles shopping. It is situated in the old city and is close to places like Charminar and Chowmahalla Palace. Laad Bazaar is also nicknamed as Choodi Bazaar as they sell the different varieties of bangles.

Ideal for: A fun shopping date with your loved one or friends or your family
Activity cost: none
Timings: 6.30 AM to 6.30 PM and 10.30 AM -11 PM
Location: Near Charminar.

10. Biryaniwalla & Co.: Gobble Delicious Biryani

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You have come to Hyderabad and thus you are in a trap! Unlike other traps, you will like this one. Biryani is not just a dish for Hyderabadis, it is an emotion and trying out the traditional Hyderabadi Biryani is one of the best activities to do in Hyderabad. You have restaurants in Hyderabad like Biryaniwala & Co., Paradise, Café Bahar, Bawarchi and a few other places where you simply cannot resist your taste beats. This is the first and foremost thing to do in Hyderabad when you visit here. You can hop around some places in the old city too for lip-smacking Biryani! Also, you have to try Mandi here in Hyderabad. It originates from Arabia and they serve a huge plate where 3-4 friends can gorge on some delicious chicken or mutton biryani.

Ideal for: Foodies, food bloggers, families with kids, friends
Cost for two: INR 1,200/-
Timings: 11 AM – midnight
Location: 100, Ground Floor, Road 3, Beside TV 9 Office, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034

11. Qutb Shahi Tombs: See The Grandeur Of Ibrahim Bagh

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One of the top things to do in Hyderabad is to visit the Qutb Shahi Tombs set inside Ibrahim Bagh, an epitome of royalty and grandeur. Situated within close proximity to the Golconda Fort, these regal tombs were established here long ago to commemorate the seven Qutub Shahi rulers who had ruled this city in an era long forgotten. The tombs are set on a square platform and feature cenotaphs built as per Persian, Pashtun, and Hindu architecture styles. The tombs have intricately decorations with stunning chandeliers and are also enveloped with smooth velvets.

Ideal for: Architecture lovers, history geeks
Activity cost: None
Timings: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Location: Qutub Shahi Tombs, Hyderabad, Telangana 500008

12. Koti Residency: Explore A British Mansion

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The charming Koti Residency in Hyderabad gives visitors a chance to revisit the British era through a tour of this marvelous mansion. Walking in this vast British mansion and absorbing its colonial architecture as well as its detailed architecture is among the most interesting activities to do in Hyderabad for history geeks and those who have a profound love for architecture. Also called the British Hyderabad Residency, this enormous abode has still maintained the charms of the bygone era and the royalness of British architecture. It was built way back in the late 1700s and has brilliantly stood the test of time.

Ideal for: Architecture lovers, history geeks
Activity cost: None
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Location: Koti Road, Osmania Women’s College, Hyderabad 500003

13. Paigah Tombs: Get Inspired By Ancient Mughal Art

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Paigah Tombs are yet another set of architectural wonders that the royal city of Hyderabad takes pride in. Also called ‘Maqbara Shams al-Umara’, these tombs are nestled in the vicinity of Pisal Banda and are a testimony of the remarkable craftsmanship of the masons of old. Intricately embellished with mosaic works and adorned with marble stones, these tombs are a wonder to look at! They were built by the Paigah Family in a royal combination of the Mughal as well as Moorish style and visiting them is among some of the most offbeat things to do in Hyderabad city.

Ideal for: History geeks, families, couples
Activity cost: None
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Location: Santosh Nagar, Hyderabad 500058, India

14. Nehru Zoological Park: Greet Jungle Beasts

The Nehru Zoological Park provides as a refreshing break from the Mughal art and architecture of Hyderabad. Exploring this delightful zoo is among the most fun things to do in Hyderabad that should be on your list once you’re done exploring the monuments and temples in Hyderabad city. Witness the wild side of this city and meet animals like Indian Rhino, Asiatic Lion, Bengal Tiger, Panther, and Indian Elephant. It’s a great place to get away from the crowded city and take a refreshing break amidst nature.

Ideal for: Wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, students, families with kids
Activity cost: INR 50 (adults) and INR 30 (kids)
Timings: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: NH 44, Bahadurpura, Hyderabad, Telangana 500064

15. Great Hyderabad Adventure Club: Go Paragliding

Among other thrilling activities to do in Hyderabad is paragliding in the Great Hyderabad Adventure Club established to offer young travelers a chance to indulge in totally fun and challenging activities in this city and boost tourism. This wonderful adventure club offers a number of exciting activities and goes on to prove that there is more to Hyderabad than just culture, heritage, and architecture. Other activities offered here at a nominal price include trekking, white water rafting, bouldering, and more.

Ideal for: Adventure seekers, adrenaline junkies, families with kids, friends
Activity cost: Depends on the activity you pick and the season you visit it in
Timings: 10 AM – 8 PM
Location: Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034

16. Mecca Masjid: Seek Blessings

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People visit Hyderabad for its holy shrines in large numbers. For many elders and parents, seeking blessings at the revered Mecca Masjid is among the unmissable things to do in Hyderabad for kids. The Mecca Masjid is one such place where people offer prayers and seek blessings for their family and loved ones. But that’s not all that you’ll visit this shrine for. Mecca Masjid is also famous for the plethora of delicious food joints and street food vendors located on the road stretch outside it. It is here that you’ll see an army of foodies hogging down Hyderabadi delicacies like biryani, kebabs, and more.

Ideal for: Pilgrims, families, couples, spiritual travelers
Activity cost: None
Timings: 4 AM – 9:30 PM
Location: Charminar Rd, Charminar, Ghansi Bazaar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500002

17. Jagannath Temple: Be A Part Of The Rathyatra

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The stunning Jagannath Temple is an unmissable architectural marvel and a major Hindu attraction in this land of Nizams! The temple received a huge influx of devotees and worshippers of Lord Jagannath every month, especially during the Hindu festivals. Other than being an important pilgrimage site in Hyderabad, this magnificent shrine is also a beautiful architectural masterpiece that attracts a number of travelers and art lovers to its doors from around the country.

Ideal for: Pilgrims, families, couples, spiritual travelers
Activity cost: None
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
Location: Road No 12, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034

18. Chilkur Balaji Temple: Pay Your Respects To The Visa God

Visiting the Chilkur Balaji Temple is among the most common things to do in Hyderabad for kids and youngsters who are enthusiastic about traveling and are waiting for their visa to get approved. Yes, you read that right! The Visa God of Chilkur Balaji Temple is said to fulfill all visa demands and prayers of people. People who visit this temple have undying faith in the power of ‘Visa Balaji’ to get visitors visa clearance!

Ideal for: Pilgrims, families, couples, spiritual travelers
Activity cost: None
Timings: 5 AM – 8 PM
Location: Chilkur Balaji Temple Rd, Himayat Nagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500075

19. Rock Walks: Climb High Boulders

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The ‘Save the Rocks Foundation’ is an important establishment in Hyderabad the plethora of stones placed at Rock Walls over the Deccan Plateau are a part of this very foundation. Hyderabad is home to many natural marvels that give it it’s picture-perfect setting, and this rocky area is one of them. The fascinating rocks and boulders here are over 2,500 million years old and are a great abode for various adventure activities in the city. For instance, it’s among the best trekking places in Hyderabad, and this is one of the most adventurous things to do in Hyderabad when you’re visiting Rock Walks.

Ideal for: Adventure seekers, couples
Activity cost: None
Timings: 10 AM – 4 PM
Location: Rd Number 60, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500033

20. General Bazaar: Buy Shining Trinkets

Other cool things to do in Hyderabad involve shopping at General Bazaar. While you can buy myriad jewelry items here in silver, precious stones, and pearls, it’s not famous just for that. Youngsters and shopaholics also visit this market to buy ethnic jackets, fancy footwear, stylish bags, colorful dupattas, lotus earrings, dress material, printed sarees, Hyderabadi potlis, and even paper gift bags in traditional prints.

Ideal for: Shopaholics, female travelers, families
Activity cost: None
Timings: Open till 9 PM
Location: MG Road, Kalasiguda, Hyderabad, Telangana 500003

Best Time To Visit Hyderabad

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Hyderabad is a destination that offers a different experience in different months. Take a look!

March to May The months of March to May are the time for the summer season in Hyderabad. Summers in this city tend to get a little too warm. The temperature during this time can rise up to 45°C, therefore, it is not one of the most pleasant times for sightseeing.

June to September If you are planning your visit anytime between June and September, you are likely to experience unexpected heavy rain and strong winds to welcome the monsoon season. However, it is still a fairly good time to plan a visit to Hyderabad since due to the rain the weather isn’t that hot and good for sightseeing and enjoying the cool breeze.

October to February Winters are the best time to visit Hyderabad. From the months of October and February, one can easily enjoy sightseeing, enjoy tourist activities, and witness the best city views especially in the early morning. Moreover, since the weather remains pleasant, therefore, you will not have to worry about the unbearable heat of summer. The temperature during these months ranges from 14°C to 29°C.

How To Reach Hyderabad

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Hyderabad is well-connected with the major part of India by all means of transport. It has its own airport with flights originating from almost every significant city. Its railway station is an intersection and trains are associated with all parts of the nation.

By Air: Hyderabad airport, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is 22 km away from the city. There are non-stop flights from numerous nations. There is public transport accessible at the air terminal to take you to the significant focuses in the city.

By Train: Hyderabad is very much associated with the rail systems to all parts of India. There are three significant railroad stations serving the city – Secunderabad, Hyderabad and Kachiguda railway stations. .

By Road: Hyderabad is associated with all the significant Metros by the street. The public and private transports provide luxury and normal facilities from almost all the neighboring States. Road Transport is accessible for Hyderabad from urban areas in Andhra and Telangana and significant urban areas in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.

Further Read: Shopping In Hyderabad In 2021: 30 Spots Where You Can Get Almost Everything You Need!

Thus, these are some of the top things to do in Hyderabad. There are various other activities to do like visiting the Qutub Shahi Tombs, Koti Residence, Exploring the grand scale culture, trekking among many others. It completely depends on your stay duration and how you plan to do things in this city. This place is simply a relaxing vacation and you can do so many things in and around the city that it is the best places you have visited in India. Be it from any place, you will get the kind of food you eat at your home ground. However, do not miss the above-mentioned things at all on your trip to Hyderabad.

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Frequently Asked Question About Things To Do In Hyderabad

What can we do in Hyderabad?

You can visit the Golconda Fort, Qutub Shahi Tombs, Charminar, Chowmahalla Palace, and Paigah tombs. There is Husain Sagar, Eat-in Shah Ghouse Café and visit NTR and Lumbini Park too.

Is Hyderabad worth visiting?

Yes, Absolutely! Hyderabad has been voted as the best livable city and hence, you can visit Hyderabad. Be it the food or the places or the environment, you will simply love Hyderabad.

How can I spend one day in Hyderabad?

Visit the Golconda Fort, Hussain Sagar Lake, Charminar and Lumbini Park for evening walk for sure.

How can I spend 2 days in Hyderabad?

On day 1: cover the essential things to see in Hyderabad like the Salar Jung Museum, Charminar, Chowmahalla Palace, etc. You are covering the old and historic city. The next day you can visit temples like Birla Temple, Sangi Temple, etc. You can even go to the Golconda Fort.

What food is famous in Hyderabad?

Hyderabadi Dum Biryani, Haleem, Hyderabadi Marag, Keema Samosa, Mutton Samosas, Kebabs, Mutton Dalcha, Dum Pukht, South Indian tiffins are some of the famous foods in Hyderabad.

Is Hyderabad safe at night?

Yes, it is pretty safe when you consider other cities in India. It is the second-best city to live in the entire world so it is very safe for women at night.

When should I visit Hyderabad?

The best time to visit Hyderabad is during September- February months. The climate is pretty good at this time.

How can I have fun in Hyderabad?

There are plenty of things that you can do to have fun in Hyderabad including witnessing light & sound show, going for a heritage walk, relishing biryani, exploring the monuments, and much more.

What is Hyderabad famous for?

There is an array of things that Hyderabad is famous for including monuments, pearls, Irani cafes, biryani, and much more.

What is the best way to reach Hyderabad?

The best way to reach Hyderabad is to take a flight. It is the quickest mode of transport. There is public transport also available outside the airport.

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