A Newcomer's Guide to Hyderabad: 7 Places You Must Visit

When your energy levels are at their peak, start your Hyderabad darshan at Ramoji Film City. Trust us, it's going to take you a whole day. It's the world's largest film studio and a complete package for couples and families who want to spend some adventurous as well as quality time together. You can visit the sets of some iconic movies like Bahubali and Golmaal and imbibe the magic of Indian cinema. You can also spend some time at the recreational and themed sections (including the ever-entertaining themes like space and dinosaurs) and an amusement park. The film city also has a variety of restaurant options for you to choose from. Make sure to book the tickets in advance, as they have many seasonal packages for you to consider. 

LBB-Tip: There's going to be a lot of walking involved, so we suggest you keep an umbrella with you to block out the sun at times and wear your comfiest shoes. 

Price: INR 1,250 for adults and INR 1,050 for children.

Timings: 9 AM to 5:30 PM

The landmark that is almost synonymous with Hyderabad, Charminar and the bustling old city around it will take you back in time. Built by the Nizams, this monument stands tall, towering over everyone and everything around it. Take a look around! You are surrounded by heaps of food and some of the cheapest shopping spots!  We suggest you visit Charminar in the morning to try some authentic Hyderabadi breakfast with Irani chai while you shop for yourself and your loved ones. 

LBB-Tip:  We'd advise you to take a cab or an auto as the roads are super narrow, and you'll mostly be walking around the shops and eateries. 

Price: INR 20 for Irani Chai and Osmania Biscuits at a nearby cafe.

Timings: The monument is open from 9 AM to 5:30 PM. The market is open from 9 AM to 9 PM. 

Once you're done eating and shopping at Charminar, make sure you reach Hussain Sagar by sunset. Asia's largest artificial lake, Hussain Sagar, is a visual treat as the sun sets on its horizon. The lake is located on Necklace Road, which lights up beautifully at night to highlight the curved beauty of the landscape. The Buddha statue in the middle of the lake offers a scenic view. You can take a boat to the statue or even visit the viewing gallery to capture the area's pulse. Treat yourself to an ice cream or two while you walk around the lake, and make the view even more memorable. 

Price: INR 55 and upwards for a regular boat, INR 250 and upwards for a Jet Ski. 

Timings: 8 AM to 10 PM. 

What's the dinner scene, then? Check out Jubilee Hills' famous food scene. You can either go cafe hopping or choose a vibey club or resto bar for a good time. Our current favorites are Halo, Sobremesa, Babylon, Fat Pigeon and Tabula Rasa. There are many options, with each one a stone's throw away from the other; feel free to catch an auto to hop, skip and jump. Whether you enjoy live music, a cozy place with comfort food or a party spot with a bombastic DJ night, Jubilee Hills has got you covered. You'll find the raddest and most happening places in this part of the city. 

Price: A good meal here would start at INR 1000 + taxes for one person.

Start the next day with a visit to this mighty fort. Touted to be one of the largest forts in India. It's an architectural marvel for many reasons. Right from the sheer size of it to the planning and strategic design inclusions, the fort's architecture is extremely clever considering its original purpose. Did you know there's a certain point near the entrance of one of the domes where if someone claps, it can be clearly heard at the top of a pavilion a kilometer away? That's just one story among many; make sure you experience this yourself. 

Price: INR 25 for Indians and INR 200 for foreigners.

Timings: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Closed on Saturdays and Sundays. 

Not so far from the fort are the Qutub Shahi Tombs, an excellent place for photography and history buffs. It's a cluster of small mosques and tombs built during the Qutub Shahi Dynasty, boasting grand domes that cut the sky in half. The pillars flaunt fascinating architecture as they run across the perimeter. You'll find a lot of photographers capturing this beauty. You, too, can do up your gram game or just take a nice, quiet stroll while taking in the rich history. 

Price: INR 10 for adults and INR 5 for Children.

Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. 

Spend one evening in KBR Park for a true Hyderabadi city experience. Hyderabadis somehow find time from their busy schedules to feel the calm of this national park. The 390-acre park inhabits a variety of exotic birds and animals. The best feature of the park is that you don't have to actively seek this fauna; they'll be walking with you.  The park also has open gyms where you can join others to sweat some calories off. It's difficult to predict a typical hour at KBR Park with so much to do, so find what you best vibe with and enjoy some me-time. 

LBB-Tip: Pets are allowed here, so you'll find many doggo friends who will want to play with you.

Price: INR 20 for adults.

Timings: 5:30 AM to 10: 30 AM in the mornings and 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM in the evenings.