India · 2026 itinerary
Kolkata 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Kolkata: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
Historic café founded in 1876, a former meeting spot for Bengali intellectuals and artists. High ceilings, old fans, wooden chairs. You pay only for what you consume – no entry fee.
🕐 Daily 9:00–21:00.
Free entry💡 Order a black coffee and a plate of singara (samosa). Sit upstairs near the balcony for atmosphere. Go before 11am to avoid the noisy lunch rush. Cash only.
Hotels near College Street Coffee House →Sprawling 64-acre grounds around the white marble monument. Well-tended lawns, statues, a lake with paddleboats. The gardens are free; the museum inside charges entry.
🕐 Gardens open daily 5:30–18:00. Museum closed Mondays.
Free entry💡 Enter through the north gate near the metro station to avoid the main queue. Best before 10am or after 4pm when the light softens. Free entry to gardens.
Hotels near Victoria Memorial Gardens →Dhaba · ££
Shiv Sai Hotel, South Indian Restaurant · ££
Deeper Into Kolkata
Traditional neighbourhood where artisans sculpt clay idols for Durga Puja and other festivals. Narrow lanes lined with open-air workshops. Watch potters at work year-round.
🕐 Lanes accessible 24/7. Best visited 6:00–10:00.
💡 Go early morning (around 7–9am) when the potters are most active. Autumn (Aug–Oct) is peak season. Don't take close-up photos without asking. Free entry – just walk around.
Palladian riverside pavilion on the Hooghly built in 1841 to honour James Prinsep. A long, clean promenade with views of the Vidyasagar Setu bridge. Popular for evening walks and chai stalls.
🕐 Always open. Best visited 16:00–19:00.
💡 Come at sunset for the best light. Avoid weekends when it gets crowded with families. Walk south along the river wall for quieter stretches. Free entry.
Azad Hind Dhaba
Alibaba
Final Favourites & Departure
The oldest and largest museum in India, dating from 1814. Six sections cover archaeology, art, geology, and natural history. The Egyptian mummy is the main draw
💡 Buy a combined ticket for the main building and the anthropology wing. Go on a weekday morning to avoid school groups. Entry is ₹75 for Indians, ₹500 for foreigners – no free entry but very cheap.
BB's
Bowler's Den
Getting Around Kolkata
Most economical option; download KolkataMetro app for tickets; avoid rush hours; clean and air-conditioned
Budget-friendly; confirm drop point location; luggage space limited; slower but scenic route through city
Iconic heritage experience; requires metro/bus to reach Esplanade first; vintage charm; ideal for tourists; minimal luggage recommended
Pre-book through hotel concierge for guaranteed rates; avoid peak traffic hours (8-10 AM, 5-8 PM)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Kolkata?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like College Street Coffee House and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Kolkata?
See our full best time to visit Kolkata guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include ITC Royal Bengal, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kolkata, Hyatt Regency Kolkata, The LaLiT Great Eastern Kolkata. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.