Things to Do in Hyderabad

Activities to Do in Hyderabad

Visit Golconda Fort, Witness the Qutb Shahi Tombs, Stroll around the Charminar, Visit Moula Ali Dargah, Have fun at Ramoji Film City,  Shop Around Laad Bazaar, Jungle Safari at Nehru Zoological Park, Do Go Karting in Runway 9 and many more.

There are endless activities to do in Hyderabad, encapsulating something for everyone. Whether you’re planning a relaxing vacation, on a quest to indulge in the grandiosity of the culture, a religious vocation to the renowned temples here, or just a family or friends outing, Hyderabad will serve you just right.

With an array of activities, you can also participate in go-karting,  Bungee Trampoline, rock climbing, trekking, paragliding, bouldering, white water rafting, and many others, that will definitely make your heart thump louder as the rush surges through your veins. Not to worry, you can also enjoy sitting by the tranquil lakes once you get weary of the adventure the place offers.

Here are the best things to do in Hyderabad:

1. Visit Golconda Fort

The 'Shepherd's Hill' or the Golconda Fort is one of the must-visit landmarks of the city. Situated in the western part of the city, this glorious fortress is not just an important tourist spot, but also an architectural marvel of the past!

Built on a granite hill during the reign of the mighty Kaktiya dynasty, it has witnessed the rise and fall of several other dynasties that ruled over the region at different points of history. Measuring around 400ft, it now attracts a large number of travellers, history buffs, archaeological enthusiasts and others alike. A visit to this historic monument will surely take you back to the era when it served as a strong line of defence for the kings and emperors.

Along with these, its detailed and exuberant architecture that showcases the brilliance of the past is truly a sight to behold! A visit to Golconda Fort will surely serve your purpose of getting acquainted with Hyderabad’s glorious past!
Must Read: Places to visit in Hyderabad.
Forts and palaces have always been a mark of the reputation and fame of the kings and emperors! The Chowmahalla Palace that was once the official residence of the Nizams is once such palace that explains the influence and architectural taste of the Hyderabadi rulers.

For several decades, this meticulously designed palace hosted grand celebrations, witnessed several historic occurring and made a prominent mark of the royalty of the Nizams. Built over more than 40 acres, the detailed architecture, elegantly crafted interiors and the layout of Chowmahalla Palace is believed to be inspired from Tehran's Shah Iran Palace.

Divided into northern and southern courtyards, it also has several gardens and intricately designed fountains that defines the opulence and royalty of the then rulers.

Two things, without which Hyderabad won’t be Hyderabad: dum biryani and the Charminar! Known globally as the most important landmark of the city, a visit to this historical monument is indeed among the must to have experiences in Hyderabad!

Built by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shai in the year 1591AD, this stunning minaret stand on the banks of the Musi River and once marked the centre of the city. Surrounded by the Laad Bazaar and the Makkah Masjid, this architectural marvel is built in Indo-Islamic style and has four different gateways. All the four minarets of the structure has domes that are decorated with several intriguing designs and artefacts.

During your Hyderabad tour, take a stroll around this stunning structure, witness how life thrives around it. Go shopping, sample some of the delicious Hyderabadi dishes and add an extra flavour to your trip!

5. Revisit the British Essence around Koti Residency

Call this mansion as the Koti or British Hyderabad Residency; you will always find the charms of a bygone era around this opulent mansion. Built during 1798-1805 by James Kirkpatrick, one of the British residents in Hyderabad, it served as his private mansion back then.

Standing as testimony to the golden era of the city of Nizams, the architecture of the British Residency is believed to be inspired from the White House, U.S. In the past, it served as the embassy of the East India Company and was later converted as Osmania University College for Women.

High and elegant, British Residency now stands as one of the protected monument in Hyderabad, and a visit to this opulent mansion is a must!

6. Visit Moula Ali Dargah

Located on a hilltop, Moula Ali Dargah in the Moula Ali suburb of Hyderabad was originally built in the memory of Ali, the son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad. A place of high religious importance, it was originally built as a masjid and said to have the handprints of Ali.

The sanctity that exists here and its healing properties has made it an important pilgrimage among the devotees. This pious site can be reached by traversing an array of steps that lead to the main campus. In addition, the rugged and undulated terrains to the hilltop makes it for an amazing experience! Though visitors are allowed inside only during the three days of 'Urs' festival during the holy month of 'Muharram', you can still climb to the dargah and witness its grandeurs.

On your Hyderabad tour, make it to this astounding hilltop, and enjoy the panoramic views from the hilltop; it is also one of the ideal spot that offers amazing views of almost the entire city.

7. Visit the Paigah Tombs

The royal city of Hyderabad is jotted with several historical monuments and marvellous architectures. The Paigah Tombs; also konwn as the 'Maqbara Shams al-Umara', is among the must visit masterpiece of the past! Located in the vicinity of Pisal Banda, it is a testimony of the brilliant craftsmanship of the bygone era and is intricately adorned with mosaic works and marble stones.

Built by the Paigah Family, its architecture and layout is a combination of Mughal and Moorish style. Adorned in stucco style, its shape and pattern are yet another remarkable aspects; the geometrical pattern used in its construction is unique and cannot be commonly found anywhere in the world!

The final abode of several Paigah members, these remarkable tombs depict some of the glorious tales of the past. Their structure and architecture is truly an inspiration for the present day world; a visit to these tombs is indeed one of the most delightful things to do in Hyderabad.

8. Spend an Fun-filled Day in Ramoji Film City

A perfect destination to visit; may it be with family or friends, Ramoji Film City is an entire day entertainment for the tourists to Hyderabad. Any kind of activity from enjoying the spellbinding view at this wonderful film city to engaging yourself in an adventure activity, it is all just a step away at Ramoji Film City.

The film city not just has a record-setting film studio but also is famous for both natural and artificial attractions. With an inbuilt film studio, amusement park and hotel, a visit to this stunning destination is one of the best things to do in Hyderabad.
To fulfil your shopping spree, Hyderabad has number of places in store for you! The most popular among them is the Laad bazaar which is best known for bangles. Close to the Charminar and Chowmahalla Palace, this place is also called the ‘Choodi Bazaar’ as the entire market place is known for selling bangles.

Operating since the times of Nizams and Qtub Shahi’s, this bustling market is known for the authentic bangles and other traditional jewellery. A hub for wedding shopping,  silver, precious stones and pearls, are sold in this market along with the many other items and jewels.

Laad Bazaar is of huge attraction to people who love shopping and is one of the major looks outs among the other shopping outlets in Hyderabad.

10. Feel the Peace and Tranquillity beside Hussain Sagar Lake

If you are looking for a quiet and calm evening in Hyderabad, you must visit the Hussain Sagar Lake! Built by Hazrat Hussain Shah Wali in the year 1562, it was once the primary water source to the city and now serves as an important tourist destination as well as a major sailing destination in the country.

Located within the diameter of several other landmarks of the city, this artificial lake receives its supply from the Musa River. Enjoying the beauty of this lake and its magnificent view is something that should not be missed by any tourist of Hyderabad.

Within the lake, there stands a 32ft high state of Gautam Buddha that enhances the charm and appeal of the lake. Visit this lake in the evening, spend some of the pleasant moments along with clicking some of the most amazing pictures during your Hyderabad tour.