Much has been written about Charminar, its beauty and significance to the city of Hyderabad over the decades so we'll spare you the history lesson. What holds true even today, however, is the 431-year-old monument's role in keeping the city's cultural fabric thriving over centuries. While we do recommend visiting this iconic heritage site during the holy month of Ramzan, if you'd like to skip the bustling crowds, most places mentioned can also be visited leisurely, or as we like to call it here, fursat se. Here's your ultimate guide to Charminar, starting with the iconic places to visit in 1 day!
Places To Visit In Hyderabad In 1 Day: The Only Guide You Need
Where To Eat
Pista House
Pista House claims to be the world's biggest maker of Haleem, made with fresh meat, choicest dry fruits and pure ghee. While we can gorge on their biryani all year round, don't miss their haleem during the season!
Google rating: 4.5/5
Timings: 10 AM - 12:45 AM
Contact: 085759 55955
Social Handle: @pistahousehyd
Hotel Shadaab
Hotel Shadaab features on our must-visit list of restaurants, for their melt-in-your-mouth meat and double masala Biryani. Their Haleem and Chicken 65 have staunch loyalists too, so don't miss out!
Google rating: 4/5
Timings: 5 AM - 11 PM
Contact: 040 2456 5949
Social Handle: @shadabhotel
Pro Tip: Here's why this place is iconic.
Kebaabs
You may have heard from your grandparents or elder family members that Hyderabad had a lot of kebab handis decades ago that served up some of the best meat-based snacks. While the trend has fizzled out and been replaced with other street food, these Kebab places still serve some mean street food-style snacks that can give any high-end restaurant a run for its money!
Al Akbar Fast Food Corner
No nonsense ambience but a place that smells of marinade, go here for Hyderabadi starters. Heads up, you're gonna find a crowd of foodies at most times so get ready for the hustle and bustle.
Must Try: Chicken 65 with Rumali Roti
Google rating: 3.9/5
Timings: 1 PM - 1 AM
Al Farooj Sonu Kabab
One of the most popular street food spots in Old City, get here for kebabs made fresh, hot and delicious. It's a bang for the buck too and you'll have your pick in your hands in a jiffy.
Must Try: Marag and Kebabs
Google rating: 4/5
Timings: 11 PM - 11 AM
Contact: 76749 02490
Kabab-E-Jahangiri
This street food joint is known for its kebabs, so we bet you won't be disappointed by the spicy meat balls. It's better to get here at night because this street gets super busy during the evening, no thanks to traffic!
Must Try: Seekh Kebabs
Google rating: 3.7/5
Timings: 2 PM - 11 PM
Hotel Deewan
Picture a typical Irani Cafe and that's Hotel Deewan. It's a humble establishment with tables and chairs but before you judge the place based on its ambience, you should try their food and you'll be sold. After all, it is one of the most booked places in the area at all times.
Must Try: Beef Patthar ka Ghosht
Google rating: 3.8/5
Timings: 6 AM - 12 AM
Matwale Doodh Ghar
Matwale Doodh Ghar is a hole in the wall that's been whipping delicious dairy desserts since 50+ years now. If you don't pay attention, it's an easy miss but on weekends, the crowd in front of the place will show you the way. It's that famous!
Must Try: Lassi and Faluda
Google rating: 3.9/5
Timings: 10 AM - 1 AM
Contact: 094410 90900
Desserts
If you'd like to skip to the good part and indulge your sweet tooth first — here are some places that should be on your radar!
Milan Juice Center
If you are ever around Charminar and ask around for something cold and chill, the unanimous answer is going to be Milan Juice Center. This place has been recently revamped with better and brighter interiors and you can easily spend an hour here with reorders.
Must Try: Shahdood Malai & Himayat Malai.
Google rating: 4.2/5
Timings: 8 AM - 12 AM
Contact: 091608 32786
Pro Tip: See what more you can have here.
Tawakkal Nazeer Juice Center
This is the first juice spot you'll find near Laad Bazaar so make sure to quench your thirst here after a day of shopping. We like that this place took our no-sugar request without skipping a beat and kept the pulp for our orange slurp.
Must Try: Mango Malai
Google rating: 3.9/5
Timings: 12 PM - 5:29 AM
Breakfast
Is breakfast the most important meal? We say "hau!" Follow this list of places for a plate you will not regret but celebrate.
Hotel Nayaab
While a lot of old joints here serve some of the best Khichdi-Khatta-Keema, Hotel Nayaab is our pick for an authentic Hyderabadi breakfast and their amazing Paya!
Google rating: 4/5
Timings: 4:30 AM - 12 AM
Social Handle: @hotel_nayaab
Govind Dosa
If crispy dosas with yummy fillings with cheese are your thing, you can't miss out on Govind Dosa! There's always a crowd around this bandi so we recommend you get there early.
Must Try: Tawa Idli, Rava Dosa
Google rating: 4/5
Timings: 6 AM - 12 AM
Contact: 092465 22078
Dahi Vadas Near Hotel Shadab
Ramzan is the best time to get your Dahi Vada fix in the Old City! You'll find multiple vendors selling this cold dish right near Hotel Shadab.
Nimrah Cafe
Begin your day by sipping on some hot, creamy chai with delicious biscuits at Nimrah Cafe in Ghansi Bazaar. With a view of the Charminar and not too much of a crowd, this little space is peaceful and refreshing and will gear you up for the rest of the day. You can pick from different varieties of chai and biscuits, as well as choose to stand outdoors or sit indoors and spend a good one hour here, learning about the interesting history of the café too.
Google rating: 4.2/5
Timings: 5 AM - 12 AM
Contact: 040 6671 8688
Social Handle: @nimrahcafeandbakery
Pro Tip: More about it, here.
Where To Shop For Women's Apparel
Charminar and the adjacent neighbourhoods in the Old City are filled with hidden gems and tiny stores that are a haven if you're into shopping and don't mind taking the time to look for that perfect piece of fabric or dress. Lucky for you, we've already scouted some unique places that have you sorted — right from wholesale stores, fabric stores, accessories to ready mades. Bring your A-game to bargain here!
Irfan Textiles
One of the best things about Irfan Textiles aside from their large selection of bridal and occasion wear, is their price point. Expect to find great ghararas, khada dupattas and other traditional wear for a steal here. We love their prompt service too!
Google rating: 4/5
Timings: 11 AM - 10 PM
Social Handle: @irfantextiles
City Plaza Moosa Estates
If your budgets are tight and you'd like to buy sarees and traditional wear for wholesale prices, head to Moosa Estates. You'll find a plethora of stores selling sarees and other occasion wear at great price points.
Google rating: 4.1/5
Timings: 10:30 AM - 10 PM
Laad Bazaar
At Laad Bazaar, you can shop for the famous lacquer bangles, studded with artificial diamonds. You can also shop for more trendy items here like potlis, sling bags, desi crop jackets, and earrings too. Nothing can prepare you for a shopping spree quite like this one — here are some unique shopping spots you must visit here!
Timings: 10 AM - 12 AM
Saree Borders And Lace Stores
We've searched the lanes of this shopping market to get the best finds. All you have to do now is walk our path and discover what you need and more. Behold!
Meena Lace Shop
Among the many tiny shops scattered around Laad Bazar, this place is a pretty significant one. The shop is replete with every bride-to-be’s favourite colours from hues of golds to reds to pinks.
Timings: 10 AM - 10 PM
Pro Tip: Thinking saree makeover? Read this.
B. Laxmichand Jariwala
B. Laxmichand Jariwala in Old City will quirk up all your plain blouses and dresses with their zari borders. Whether you are looking for simple lace borders or an elaborate embroidered one, they've got them all.
Google rating: 5/5
Timings: 11 AM - 9:30 PM
Pro Tip: What's the price range you should expect? Read here.
Fabric Stores
Whatever you are looking for, go here for all kinds of fabric - literally anything!
Nazakat Creations
Whether you like lace or embroidered fabric or fancy chiffon, this store stocks up on plenty. You can score colours like pastels, greys, and off-whites. Mix and match with different pieces across the store, and an outfit is ready. The price range starts at INR 350 per metre for fancy fabric.
Google rating: 3.3/5
Timings: 11 AM - 11 PM
Social Handle: @nazakat.creations
Farhan Silk Creations
The shaadi season is here and if you are looking to customise your outfits, here's a store that comes to your rescue. Farhan Silk Creations in Laad Bazaar is home to stunning fabric — Benarasi Silk to georgette. The price range of the fabric begins at INR 250 per metre while the dupattas are priced INR 500 onwards but you can totally bargain to get a price that suits you!
Google rating: 4.4/5
Timings: 11:30 AM - 10 PM
Where To Buy Perfumes, Ittars And More
Charminar is home to Ittar shops that have been around for decades, run by generations of perfumers. While you will find a lot of hole-in-the-wall perfumers selling replicas of high-end perfumes, we recommend trying some of their original Ittars. Remember to ask for subtle one-two note fragrances if the potency of Ittars bothers you.
Hyderabad Perfumers
Set up in 1975, Hyderabad Perfumers is a popular spot for ittars and oils that smell timeless. As you walk in, you'll be in awe of the old world charm, straight out of an Arabian nights story. Get your hands on bottles as small as 10ml and upwards and gift it to yourself or your loved one.
Great for: Ittar, unique fragrances
Google rating: 5/5
Timings: 10 AM - 8:30 PM, Sunday closed
Famous Perfumery
This store has been around since the 50's and the shelves narrate stories from Dubai to France in the form of aromas that linger in your mind. If you're on a hunt to create your signature scent, tell the folks here your preferred note, like Jasmine or Vanilla, and they'll whip up a custom concoction that's uniquely you.
Great for: Arabic Scents
Google rating: 4.1/5
Timings: 10 AM - 9 PM
Contact: 091214 98763
Where To Shop For Men's Wear & Accessories
Men, we've not left you out. There are plenty of spots you can check out to scout apparel and accessories. Check these out.
Shahi Libas
Tucked away in the lanes of old city, this showroom has everything to get groom-ready. From turbans to sherwanis, kurtas, and accessories, get them in a variety of materials and colors as per the latest trends.
Great For: Men's Traditional Wear, Sherwanis
Google rating: 4.2/5
Timings: 11 AM - 11 PM
Contact: 098482 67397
Pro-tip: Here's why we think this store is great for wedding shopping.
Sana Shoe Point
This particular shack-like store is popular for all kinds of kolhapuris that are oh-so-comfy. Tan, dark brown, and beige; find your sole mate in many colors and shades. Open-toed and closed, they're durable and worth the buck.
Great For: Kolhapuris
Timings: 10 AM - 11 PM
Pro-tip: Read this to find your sole-mate.
Iconic Places To Visit
Ahem, there's plenty to do and see in Hyderabad other than shopping and eating. Here's all the iconic places that will complete your itinerary!
Charminar
Walk to this glorious monument and get some picturesque views, admire the intricate architecture and pure genius in its design. You can climb the steps of Charminar for a thrilling experience and enjoy the beautiful view of the entire Old City. Take time to soak in one of the most iconic spots in Hyderabad!
Google rating: 4.5/5
Timings: 9 AM - 5:30 AM
Chowmahalla Palace
For some sightseeing and a dash of royalty in your schedule, travel to Chowmahalla Palace in Motigalli (10 minutes by car) and witness true luxury. Feel like a complete tourist here, as you understand the history, architecture, and lifestyle of the Nizam era. You will also spot some pretty cool vintage cars, photographs of the Nizam family, armour, and other items from their household on display, here.
Google rating: 4.4/5
Timings: 10 AM - 5 PM
Pro-tip: There's an interesting history behind this palace, read here!
Mecca Masjid
The beauty of Mecca Masjid increases sevenfold during Ramzan or at night with all the lights and the crowds. There is no way a day in Old City would ever be complete without a visit to this grand mosque. Just a visit to the spot, complete with a large courtyard and pigeons flying around is enough to fill you with peace!
Google rating: 4.7/5
Timings: 4 AM - 9:30 PM
Pro-tip: Read here for everything you need to know before paying a visit.
Badshahi Ashoorkhana
The Old City area is home to many Ashoorkhanas of Shias. However, Badshahi Ashoorkhana remains on our must-visit list owing to its stunning architecture with huge arches, enameled tiles with verses from the Quran. The Ashoorkhana is a site of mourning for worshippers so we recommend dressing modestly.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Mehboob Radio Service
Set up in 1948, Mahboob Radio Service is one of the very last Radio repair centers left in Hyderabad. The service center was frequently sought out by the nobility of the yesteryears and the Nizam royal family as well. While you may not have a radio on your hand to fix, we recommend visiting the shop to check out some rare vintage radios that have now gone out of production.
Google rating: 4.7/5
Timings: 10 AM - 9 PM
Haziq and Mohi Rare Books
If you'd like to keep a piece of history all to yourself, you must visit this tiny but significant shop, Haziq and Mohi Rare Books. They stock books that date back a couple of decades, some even a century! We also found single editions that only get sold via photocopies here. Make sure to look keenly among all the rare books here!
Google rating: 4/5
Timings: 1 PM - 5 PM
Social Handle: @haziqnmohirarebook
Munshi Naan
170-year-old Munshi Naan is known for its naans that go with traditional Hyderabadi foods like Paya, Nihari, and even Chai occasionally. While the fifth-generation owners sell nearly 2000 naans every day, we love their unique, subtly sweet naans over every other naan shop in the area. What's sweeter is they're just INR 15!
Google rating: 4.4/5
Timings: 8 AM - 9 PM
Price for two: INR 200-800
Pro-tip: Did you know the naan here is called Char Koni Naan? Read more here.
Ramzan Food Walks and Night Market
The holy month of Ramzan is hands down the best time to visit Charminar in all its glitz, bustle, and chaos. Almost every eatery starts dishing out special offerings for the season. Thanks to summer, we even get to taste delicious desserts like Shahdood and Mango Malai. Several bloggers organise food walks to explore the food scene at Charminar once the season begins. If you love shopping, please be prepared to get overwhelmed with options at the various bazaars and shops; some of which we've mentioned in this very guide!
Timings: 9 PM - 2 AM
Pro-tip: It's one of the busiest nights of the year. Here's what you should know.
Sunday Market
If you've missed visiting the city during Ramzan, fret not! The Sunday Markets here nearly replicate the experience with fresh street food, vendors and a barrage of lanes filled with tiny stores all waiting for you to step inside! From apparel, accessories, home decor, jewellery, beauty stores; the Sunday Market has got it all. The lanes are tiny so we recommend using public transport to get here, and explore the place on foot. If you're unable to do that, you can trust the auto drivers to drive you around.
Timings: 6 AM - 12 PM
Pro-tip: There are plenty more flea markets in Hyderabad. Check these out.
Telangana State Central Library
Previously known as Asafia Library, the Telangana State Central Library is a 72,247-square-yard-building with two reading areas. The library set up in 1891 has a vast collection of literature including Telugu, Urdu, French, Italian, Portuguese, Bengali, Tamil and other translations as well! While the library is frequented by researchers and students, try heading here during the National Library Week to attend various events.
Timings: 8 AM - 8 PM, Closed on Thursday
Entry Fee: INR 15 for adults, INR 10 for kids
Pro-tip: For more information, read this.
Statue Of Equality
For history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and spiritual souls, the Statue Of Equality is an interesting place to learn more about Bhakti Saint Sri Ramanujacharya and his teachings. To the eye, it's a 216-foot-tall golden statue that pays respects to the 11th-century philosopher, but there's more to the place. You can take part in the guided tours, visit the nearby temple, and experience the Leela Jala Neerajanam, a dancing water and laser show. You can also sit and meditate here for a while.
Timings: 5:30 AM to 8 PM on weekdays, 5:30 AM to 8:30 PM on weekends; Closed on the last Wednesday of every month
Entry fee: INR 200 for adults and INR 125 for kids
Social handle: @statue_of_equality
Pro-tip: If you're planning to visit, this is everything you should know.
Kandlakoya Oxygen Park & Aviary
This scenic place is a smooth long drive away from Hyderabad. Located near the ORR, close to Medchal highway, the Oxygen park is spread across 75 acres and it's perfect to get away from the city's hustle and bustle. It has a 2.2 kilometres walking track and dedicated 260-meter canopy tracks. You can easily spend the day here gawking at the different birds you can spot, ancient trees standing majestically, and other plants and shrubs. There's a special section for children with swings, jungle gyms, and tree-climbing spots.
Timings: 6 AM - 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: INR 15 for adults, INR 10 for kids
Best Time To Visit: Evenings for sunset and pleasant weather.
Pro-tip: Read more about the park here.
Gandipet Landscape Park
After Gandipet lake, the area has a new star attraction and it's a landscape park that comes as a respite for all us city dwellers. This means you can ditch the usual cafe, pub and movie hangouts and drive down to this green place. It's a 18-acre park overseeing the Gandipet reservoir and there are plenty of walking tracks to frolic. Thinking of a kids day out? Let them run in the open. For plant lovers and photography enthusiasts, there are plenty of photo ops to take advantage.
Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM
Entry Fee: INR 50
Best Time To Visit: Evenings for sunset and pleasant weather.
LBB tip: This place has free parking.
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