Kolkata is known as the City of Joy, and that title makes sense when you arrive.
It’s famous for its colonial architecture, street markets and love of football (specifically Argentina). The city is decorated in colour, and you’ll find murals of Lionel Messi alongside old business signs from 1950. It’s a mish-mash of modern India and times gone by.
In many ways Kolkata is a bit like a more relaxed, culture-focused version on Mumbai. It’s still noisy and busy, but people have a more laid-back approach to life. Its iconic yellow taxis weave through a maze of markets, record shops, temples and crumbling colonial buildings, but behind it all, there’s a charming sleepiness to some of its back streets, which are lined with coffee shops and boutiques.
If you’re curious to explore the historic capital of India's West Bengal state and see relics of the British Raj existing next to modern day India, Kolkata is the perfect place to visit. Here is our weekender guide to the city.
Where to stay:
JW Marriott Hotel Kolkata
If you want top-tier hospitality with all the trimmings, the JW Marriott Kolkata (from £99, marriott.com) delivers on every front. Guests are welcomed into the buzzing hotel lobby by friendly staff who greet you with a namaste and a smile.
Rooms are spacious and contemporary, with views overlooking the city skyline. The hotel attracts everyone from business types to tourists, and the hotel’s 5 star services give you a taste of true Kolkata hospitality. From the hotel’s spa and swimming pool to its multiple restaurants serving everything from refined Indian cuisine to pan-Asian plates, there’s plenty to keep you entertained on site.
A real highlight is the daily breakfast buffet, which serves up local cuisine, popular regional Indian breakfast foods and continental offerings. Whether you want a dosa, aloo paratha or eggs benedict, you’ll be able to enjoy it here. There’s also a rotation of daily curries and specials, a masala chai station and live cooking counters, which means you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice - perfect fuel for a day of sight seeing.
The hotel really comes alive in the evening. The hotel bar, 2:Fifty9, is often buzzing with groups enjoying pre and post dinner cocktails. This is the ideal stay if you’re looking for somewhere that has everything at your fingertips.
It’s a convenient 20 minute drive from the airport, and the hotel’s airport transfer service is worth booking as they send a spacious air conditioned vehicle which makes the journey seamless.
The Glenburn Penthouse
For something more intimate and design-led, The Glenburn Penthouse (from £141, glenburnpenthouse.com) offers a welcoming contrast to the city’s larger, more commercial hotels such as the Hyatt Regency or the ITC Royal Bengal. This maximalist residence feels more like a private home than a hotel, and it’s located just off Park Street, where you’ll be within easy reach of the city’s bars, clubs and restaurants.
With just nine suites, you can enjoy a peaceful escape with attentive service from the staff. There’s an air of exclusivity that comes with a hotel this small. Interiors draw on colonial Bengal, with each room boasting four-poster beds, Indian art and antique furniture. Each room is carefully curated and visually striking, with the kind of detail you’d expect to find in a glossy interiors magazine.
The rooftop pool and terrace are a highlight, offering sweeping views across the city, including a clear sight of the Victoria Memorial, making it an ideal spot to unwind at the end of the day.
Where to eat:
Siena Calcutta
This rustic café is a favourite among the city’s creative and foodie crowd. Sienna Calcutta started as a family-run business just over ten years ago and has grown into one of the city’s most stylish dining destinations. On the ground floor, a carefully curated shop showcases artisanal products such as clothing and pottery, with a focus on Bengal’s rich craft heritage. Upstairs is a relaxed restaurant which serves a menu built around regional Bengali ingredients. With an array of small plates and larger mains, Sienna is the perfect place to explore local flavours beyond the usual classics. Plus, the food is beautifully presented on handmade earthenware, most of which is available to buy in the shop. Its focus on seasonal ingredients is a huge draw, and their entire menu appeals to audiences who want something delicious and innovative.
For something more elevated, check out Rannaghor, the intimate 8-seater chef's table experience led by Sienna’s chefs which is also available to book.
Peter Cat
This is a true Kolkata institution. Once you enter, you’ll feel as if you've stepped decades back in time. With its dim lighting, wood-panelled interiors and old-world charm, the restaurant has barely changed over the year, and that’s the entire charm. Staff dress traditionally in white kurtas and bright red turbans whilst delivering platters of Indo-Iranian led dishes.
This restaurant is best known for its legendary chelo kebab, which is a platter of tender skewers of meat served with buttered rice, a fried egg and a glistening knob of melting butter. It’s widely considered one of the city’s must-try dishes, and goes down brilliantly alongside a crisp pint of beer. Portions are generous, so if you’re dining with a group, sharing a selection of dishes is highly recommended.
Flurys
Flurys has been serving tea, cakes and pastries in Kolkata since 1927. While the brand has expanded to other locations across the city and country, its Park Street café remains the most iconic. Step inside for a slice of old-world Kolkata, with kitsch pink-and-white interiors that feel straight out of a Disney film. Inside there are glass counters filled with colourful desserts, ice cream and other sweet treats. Afternoon tea here is a cherished ritual, complete with Darjeeling tea and freshly baked pastries. Breakfast and lunch items are also available if you prefer something savoury. For a taste of Flurys at home, the café sells its own brand of teas and snacks, perfect for souvenirs or gifts.
What to do:
Victoria Memorial
One of Kolkata’s most recognisable landmarks, the Victoria Memorial is a striking reminder of the British Raj. It was built by the British government between 1906-1921, and boasts a beautiful white marble façade surrounded by well kept gardens. The monument now houses a museum which narrates the city’s colonial past. To make the most of your visit, arrive in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid both the crowds and the midday heat. Once you’ve explored the museum, take time to wander the expansive grounds. The gardens provide a serene escape from the city’s bustling streets, making it the perfect spot to pause and take in the grandeur of one of Kolkata’s most iconic sites.
Gariahat Market
If you enjoy the thrill of shopping in chaotic markets, head to Gariahat Market. This bustling shopping district is the place to pick up everything from beautiful handwoven saris to jewellery and homeware. It’s loud, crowded and full of energy. Make sure you are ready to bargain!
Good Earth
Housed in a restored 20th-century Bengali villa, Good Earth is a must-visit for anyone obsessed with beautiful homeware. Good Earth is one of India’s most famous luxury lifestyle brands, and its Kolkata store showcases intricate textiles, ceramics and decor inspired by the country’s rich artistic traditions. Each floor is dedicated to different collections, from bedroom and living essentials to kitchenware, fragrances and candles.
Products sit at a higher price point than local artisan goods, but they are perfect if you’re looking for luxury pieces for your home or a sophisticated souvenir.
Where to drink:
Nutcase Etc.
A relative newcomer to Kolkata’s nightlife scene, Nutcase Bar has quickly made a name for itself with creative cocktails and an intimate social atmosphere. The bar is designed to encourage conversation, with seating arranged in a circle around a central island where bartenders mix everything from mini martinis to bespoke creations like the Papaya Got Goated, featuring Tanqueray, goat’s cheese, soju, papaya liqueur and tomato water.
Seating is limited, so it’s wise to book ahead or join the waiting list to secure a spot. For lovers of live music, head upstairs where you’ll find a hidden jazz bar, which adds another layer to the venue’s energetic evening vibe.
Conversation Room
For cocktails in a relaxed, casual setting, Conversation Room is a fun neighbourhood bar that offers drinks, food and evening DJ sets. True to its name, the venue encourages conversation with a daily prompt for guests to ponder, embodying their motto “Come for the drinks. Stay for the conversations.” It was voted 26th in the Top 30 Best Bars in India 2026, and their cocktail menu offers an exciting mix of kooky drinks alongside classics. Take the New York Slice for example, which fuses mezcal, tequila, sugar syrup, margarita sauce and cheese air. Think of it as a pizza flavoured margarita.
For cocktails in a relaxed, casual setting, Conversation Room is a fun neighbourhood bar offering drinks, food and evening DJ sets. True to its name, the venue encourages conversation with a daily prompt for guests to ponder, living up to their motto: “Come for the drinks. Stay for the conversations.” It was voted 26th in the Top 30 Best Bars in India 2026, and the cocktail menu blends playful, inventive creations with classic favourites. Take the New York Slice, for example, which fuses mezcal, tequila, sugar syrup, margarita sauce and cheese air. Essentially a delicious pizza-flavoured margarita.
Broadway Hotel and Bar
A lot of Kolkata’s charm comes from its characterful nostalgic institutions. The Broadway Hotel & Bar is a perfect example of this. It’s worn-in and rough around the edges, but it remains full of character, offering a glimpse into the city’s old drinking culture. Expect simple drinks and no-frills.
Over the years Broadway has gained legendary status, and its storied past includes regulars from generations of office workers to celebrities. The bar also hosts regular gigs, including jazz nights and musical tributes, so check their website if you want to experience live performances in one of Kolkata’s most iconic venues.
