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Neighbourhood in Kolkata in West Bengal, India
Photo: The original uploader was P.K.Niyogi at English Wikipedia., CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
বো ব্যারাক Bō Byārāk
A small hub of mainly Anglo-Indian population who have lived here for generations. According to a legend, Bow Barracks was a garrison's mess built for the army during World War I. When the soldiers left India, they handed over the flats to the Anglo-Indians who took them on rent. Bow Barracks is also famous for its Christmas celebration.
A single-screen cinema known for its Art Deco architecture. The semicircular building with three viewing levels was originally an opera house, which was converted to a cinema in the 1940s. It has been a cultural hub of Central Kolkata for decades.
Whiteways and Laidlaw Building
It was a famous department store in Kolkata during the British period. This neo-baroque emporium—with domes, a clock tower and arched recessed windows—exemplifies fashionable shopping during the British Raj.
ভারতীয় সংগ্রহালয় Bhārotīyo Songrohāloy
Established in 1814, this was the first such museum in Asia. Among its famous collection is the urn that held the ashes of the Buddha (though this is generally not on display), a Pillar of Ashoka (the three-lion symbol which became the official emblem of the Republic of India) and numerous rare antiques. A varied collection of exhibits include unique fossils, Buddhist Gandhara art and an Egyptian mummy. The Indian Museum has a library of excellent historical value, with a special focus on the British Raj and Kolkata.
দ্য ফোরটি-টু Dyo Phōrṭi-ṭu
A 260 m high box-shaped apartment building, and the tallest building of the city.
স্মরণিকা Smoroṇikā
A museum housed inside a decommissioned tram, showcasing the 150-year-old heritage of the tram system in Kolkata. There's a cafeteria in the museum which serves basic tea and coffee. The cafeteria is considered a great place for adda.
One of the buildings previously owned by Jewish businessman David Elias Ezra. The residential building was built in the Art Nouveau architecture style. As of 2022, it is owned by the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) and houses commercial, railways and other government offices.
The oldest library in Kolkata, with hundreds and thousands of books, journals and microfiche in various languages, along with a collection of different images. The main reading room has an internet facility, where you can search for books online. Its collection includes the Edict of Ashoka in granite from 250 BCE, a Brahma statue in black basalt stone from the 12th century, Maitryavyākaraṇa from 940, and Ashṭasahasrikā Prajnāpāramitā from 1231.
The final resting place for early British traders and settlers.
বেকার হোস্টেল Bekār Hōsṭel
A historical building founded in 1910 by Edward Norman Baker as a government hostel for the male students of Maulana Azad College. Rooms 23 and 24 of the building are converted into a museum in honour of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father and the first president of Bangladesh. Room no. 24 (Bangabandhu Memorial Room) contains Rahman's used bed, table and chair. There is a small library where his books are arranged.
Mother House
The Missionaries of Charity is a new order formed in 1950 by Mother Teresa. Their vow to give wholehearted and free service to the poorest of the poor was put into action with the setting up of several homes. Visit Mother Teresa’s tomb at the Mother House, Nirmal Hriday (home for the dying), Shanti Nagar (for lepers), and Nirmala Shishu Bhavan (the children’s home).
টিপু সুলতান মসজিদ Ṭipu Sultān Mosjid
One of the major landmarks of Esplanade, locally known as the Dharmatala Mosque (ধর্মতলা মসজিদ Dharmatalā Masjid). Built in 1842 by Prince Ghulam Mohammed, the youngest son of Tipu Sultan. People from all sections of society and religions are allowed to visit and take pictures of this historical premise.
প্রভু যীশুর গির্জা Probhu Jīshur Girjā
Formerly a Church of Scotland Presbyterian, the Catholic church is a unique one in the city, with most of the religious services being done in Bengali.
Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
A Catholic church building, built in 1832-34 as a Portuguese church. It was renovated in 1971, with the upper part of the building occupying the actual church.
জোড়া গির্জা Jōṛā Girjā, literally "twin churches"
One of the most elegant churches in the city. Built in 1862, its twin spires of St. James' Church dominate Kolkata's skyline.
A Roman Catholic church.
Sudder Street Church
One of the most popular and oldest single-screen movie theatres of Kolkata. Hindi films and English Hollywood films used to be screened regularly. The theatre had a steady audience for its comfortable seating, good screen quality and stereophonic sound.
A uniplex cinema hall and a heritage building with Art Deco architecture.
The namesake of Park Street.
Surendranath Park
A small park with a sculpture at the middle, dedicated to the Bengali Language Movement in Bangladesh.
A popular park among young people, especially as students from nearby visit the park in between their classes. It has a 1.5 km jogging strip for evening walks, as well as morning walks for locals.
The central lake of Taltala, a locality known for its Urdu-speaking Muslim population.
A small park with a statue of Indira Gandhi at the middle.
অনাদি কেবিন Onādi Kebin
Known for Mughlai paratha (মোগলাই পরোটা Mōglāi Porōṭā).
The food is cheap, the place is clean and service is truly fantastic. Great if you are on an extended stay as they offer both Indian and some Western food. You will not find nicer waiters anywhere. Try the fresh squeezed juices.
One of the oldest and best places to sample Chinese food. Drinks served.
This small hole-in-the-wall eatery is quite an institution in the area, and a generation of travellers have gorged themselves on the fresh and thick yoghurt. Check out the filter coffee and 'mock' cappuccino. Service staff don't speak English, which makes it hard when their menu is in English.
James Hickey Sarani
A popular alley for lunch by commuters.
An outdoor restaurant offering a wide range of good vegetarian and non-vegetarian fare (Indian/Chinese). AC area available, staff speaks good English and is friendly.
North Indian vegetarian street food.
Offers clean and tasty South Indian food. It is completely vegetarian. It is on the same street as the US Consulate.
Best known for its rasgullas, which is fondly called "rosogolla" (রসগোল্লা) in Bengali.
offers excellent and cheap Punjabi food.
Vegetarian fast food spot. Dosa, chaats and curry served at high tables. The cafe is known for its chola-bhatura, a chickpea dish served in a phuchka shell. Turnover fast here, not even stools to sit on, but it is nonetheless tasty.
Delicious Chinese food.
নিজামস Nijāms
Opened in 1932, the restaurant is an unpretentious place that is famous for 'Muslim' food and lays claim to be the place where Kathi Rolls were invented, it is still considered to make the best ones. The roll initially became popular among the BBD Bagh officers during lunch time, then became an iconic food of Kolkata. It also serves a special potato roll named after Indian actor Amitabh Bachchan. It has a separate beef counter that serves beef kebab, bhuna, chaap, biryani and khiri (cow udder).
Serves breakfast and espresso based coffees. Mexican, pizza, and other Western staples.
Vegetarian restaurant known for various kind of snacks. Chats and South Indian foods are common. Famous for non alcoholic drinks including various kinds of milk shakes.
Vegetarian fast food
Biryani and Mughlai food. Popular items: firni, mutton kosha, mutton boti kebab, chicken chatpata, mutton biryani, egg chicken roll.
ফ্লুরিস Phluris
A popular and stylish café serving a good variety of baked goods and various coffees, sandwiches and entrees. A great place for breakfast or lunch. Baked goods ₹80-₹100, drinks ₹80, meals ₹600-₹1000.
Serves a variety of vegetarian food but is particularly famous for its Rajasthani or Marwari food.
Pastry shop and an eclectic mix of cuisines dominated by Indian and Chinese styles.
Been around for years with sharply dressed waiters serving tasty tandoori and north Indian food to well-off locals. Try their Chhola-bhatura.
The only Bengali restaurant in the Park Street area, specialised to various hilsa (ilish) dishes.
Same owners as Peter Cat, but here the cuisine is a bit more rounded. Continental, Indian and even some Chinese dishes served in upscale surrounds.
not to be confused with Paris night club
Cosy restaurant with variety of Indian and Chinese foods. Has a small bar service counter with three stalls.
Very popular for its chello kababs. However, their service has not received the best reviews. Serves Indian, tandoori and Continental fare.
A heritage-inspired eatery serving Indian, Chinese, and Italian meals, with the Continental being the best one. It re-imagines traditional recipes with modern techniques, with a blend of heritage interiors and diverse cuisines. The balcony offers a great view of the buzzing city below.
Biryani and Mughlai food since 1941. Popular items: firni, mutton biryani, brain masala, chicken tikka, chicken reshmi butter masala, mutton haleem. It has four food outlets in Kolkata: Kankurgachi, Salt Lake Sector III, Ajay Nagar, and Nagerbazar.
Serves delicious Chinese food
Authentic Bengali food, served in brass utensils in a Bengali marriage environment. Drinks not served. +phone=+91 33 4400-3900
For an authentic taste of Thailand, visit Baan Thai. Widely recognised as the premier Thai restaurant in the country. Drinks served.
They serve Indian and continental cuisine, but what has made this outlet famous is the variety of kebabs that go wonderfully well with drinks.
A modern and chic cafe with a great selection of teas, including herbal, smoothies. Cha Bar also sells coffee, but this is of mediocre quality. A large window offers views of street life below, while the books provide a literary dimension. Cha Bar is an excellent place for a budding writer or a day dreamer.
The universal colors of chic decor, black and red, are used extensively to give this cafe a warm but modern feel. Good selection of coffees and healthy snacks opposed to what the name might make you think. This cafe is about as far from representing Kolkata street life as you could possibly get, but it makes a good alternative to the ubiquitous Baristas and Coffee Days.
Recommended for a glimpse of a bygone era. Also one of the few places which serves beer with a plate of sliced cucumber.
Only serves beer. Eccentric atmosphere with greenery everywhere. Famous among travellers and volunteers. Great place for meeting people and early evening drinking. Snacks and dinner available.
Mediterranean charm and handmade cocktails.
A fine affordable bar, famous for the beer and the beef steak.
Air-conditioned and clean place. Serves beer and hard liquor and seasonal fruit juice. Snacks and eateries are reasonably priced.
Clean, large, albeit drab, rooms with private bathrooms. It has a variety of options for dining and also has fitness amenities. The hotel staff are usually considered helpful, though the receptionist is sometimes considered rude and unhelpful.
Despite lacking AC the very large rooms with high ceilings make for a great space and the price is definitely right. Don't miss the authentic ambience of the restaurant and bar of this 1937-built hotel. Supposedly due to the hotel's popularity rooms are often difficult to get unless you book ahead, however, try hanging around and see if one magically opens up while you're there (especially if you're first offered a more expensive room). Upper triple rooms have balconies. Also one of the few places which serves beer with a plate of sliced cucumber.
All rooms AC and breakfast included. Close to the Bangladesh bus stations. There are better deals out there but not quite as new as this place.
Very clean and reasonably quiet rooms, albeit not massive. Has a free and reliable Wi-Fi service. The staff and the manager are considered very helpful and accommodating.
Clean, simple, and convenient location with AC rooms. Has kitchen and drinking water supply facilities. The hotel staff are considered helpful.
Reasonably clean AC and non-AC rooms available with a very small private bathroom and cable TV. Beds are surprisingly comfortable given the thin and well-worn mattresses, but some rooms are chokingly musty - check before checking in. The hotel staff are not considered helpful.
Not very modern, but cheap and fairly clean. ₹150 for a single with a shared cold-water bathroom.
Clean and large A/C & non-A/C rooms with private bath, TV, STD/ISD.
Young Men's Christian Association
An extremely drab and dark hotel that appears not to have received a lick of paint since its founding in the mid-19th century. However, in some ways, that is the hotel's distinctive charm, and so it may appeal to strict traditionalists. There is a heritage café on the first floor (see #Eat), with the balcony offers a great view of the buzzing city below.
Clean and great location. Those who tote lots of luggage be warned there are stairs to climb to the top floor reception.
An upscale new venue that's breaking the trend from the Sudder St backpacker tide. 29 rooms
The hotel is well-lit and clean. Its facilities, including a room minibar, hot water, tea and coffee, make it a good value four-star property.
All rooms equipped with air-conditioning, TV, and private bath.
The building dates to 1783 with many colonial-era relics.
Good location near Rabindra Sadan metro station. Good food. Five star rates.
The unassuming exterior hides an elegant and homely interior with stylish Indian features. Drink at Aqua (First Floor), Roxy (Ground Floor), and Someplace Else (Ground Floor).
An upscale new venue that's breaking the trend from the Sudder St backpacker tide. 29 rooms
Esplanade
It is the central market place for the people of Kolkata. There shops ranging from computer peripherals to paint brushes and accessories, from cloth merchants to "foreign" (ফরেন pharen) goods. There are cinemas and restaurants.
Coffee shops, bookshop, designer wear, toy shops, boutiques, footwear stores, electronic stores, discotheque, beauty salons, gift shops, game parlours, multiplex
One of the old markets in Kolkata. Shops sell ready-made garments, vegetables, groceries, textiles, margarine, fish and fruits. This market was once famously known for its dairy product shops that provided high quality dairy items such as paneer, ghee, yogurt, condensed milk, cheese and butter.
Despite being named as such, New Market is not new at all! In fact, it is one of the oldest surviving markets in the city. Opened in 1874, it was named Sir Stuart Hogg Market after the commissioner, and it is still sometimes known as such. Although the beautiful fountain and benches at the market no longer exist, its popularity has not waned and the beautiful Gothic clock tower recalls the British heritage of the market. New Market is a good place to sample Indian sweet delicacies and generally soak up the atmosphere of Kolkata. There are also a few handicraft stalls inside. The market is in a large red brick building on Lindsay Street (the road parallel Sudder Street to the north). It has got over 2,000 stalls and is a bargain hunter's delight. The shops are arranged merchandise-wise. It is supposed to be the ultimate marketing experience in Kolkata.
A good place to pick up Indian art films.
A row of shops at the ground floor of the Oberoi Grand hotel, hidden by the grand Ionic columns of the hotel.
Between Sudder Street and Surendranath Banerjee Road
It has several shops selling handicrafts. The largest is at the corner of Surendra Nath Banerjee Road. Those who are particular about handicrafts can also try 'Dakhinapan Shopping Complex' (see South Kolkata)
Bidhan Market
It has garments, sports goods and other shops.
Mother Teresa Sarani
Famous for its restaurants but also showcases fashionable clothes, books from all over the world. and so on. Park Street has retained the British spirit, and is so well decorated during Christmas, as if it is still part of the British Empire. The overwhelmingly non-Christian crowd gather there to enjoy Christmas. Queues at most restaurants.
A wonderful independent bookstore tucked away in an alley leading from Middleton St. As the name suggests, the bookstore specializes in environmental titles but also has a wide range of local subjects and poetry.
Mirza Ghalib Street
It is famous for its second hand bookshops and second hand record stalls. Rummaging through the LPs for sale on the street, one may find real gems from the jazz age.
A large and well organized bookstore. Good selection of books on India and by Indian writers. Discount books and cafe (Cha Bar, see Drink section) on the second floor.
Locally manufactured readymade clothes. Many shops deal only in imported garments, mostly from Bangkok. The latest footwear and lingerie. Good parking facility.
Department Store
Full of garment shops.
Forerunner of today's large shopping malls, it was the earliest air-conditioned market. Little shops and stalls line the walls of this mall selling shoes, handbags, toys, saris, salwar suits and western wear for ladies, shirts, tee shirts and trousers for men and children's clothes for all ages, chocolates and snacks.
Clothes for the whole family, footwear, cosmetics, perfumes and handbags, household accessories, lingerie, and gifts. Fashionable goods priced a little on the higher side.
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Kolkata · International · CCU
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