Best Things to do in Ahmedabad

Being a local, I am proud when I say that there are amazing things to do in Ahmedabad, India. With endless places to visit in Ahmedabad, which includes museums, parks, heritage places, and temples, here is the list of the best Ahmedabad attractions.

Ahmedabad has made me fall in love with its awe-inspiring architecture in the old walled city as well as with the more contemporary and modern buildings in the western areas. While the tranquil Ashram of Gandhiji gives ultimate peace, I personally enjoy shopping in the colorful bazaars and eating the delicious street food which tantalizes my taste buds. If asked about the best places to visit in Ahmedabad, my answer would be the Ahmedabad Heritage Walk.

I have been living in Ahmedabad for over a decade which makes me know about the best things to see and do in Ahmedabad, the best food to eat, and suggest the best places to stay with great views. 

Ahmedabad, India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City was recently featured in Time Magazine’s list of the world’s greatest places of 2022. The city eats, lives, and breathes heritage through its old lanes.

So let’s dive into the list of what to see and what to do in Ahmedabad, with this perfect Ahmedabad travel guide.

For the ease of tourists visiting first time, I have divided the article in places to visit in Old city of Ahmedabad which includes most of the heritage places and temples and New Ahmedabad which includes museums and other fun places to visit.

THINGS TO DO IN AHMEDABAD OLD CITY

Ahmedabad is known for its unique blend of centuries-old architecture, contemporary culture, vibrant festivals, a hub of industries, and a food lover’s paradise. 

Ahmedabad is a city where traditions and culture date back 600 years and many religions have been woven together. So it’s only fair to start exploring Ahmedabad to know why it is a Heritage City. 

Ahmedabad Heritage Walk is also known as Mandir se Masjid tak as it starts at a temple and ends at a mosque. This walk is a two-kilometer walk held every day. There are a total of 20 sights that include, Hindu and Jain temples, a mosque, chowks and exquisitely carved bird feeders. The duration of the walk is approximately 2 hours and is a guided tour.

Whether visitors decide to go on a walk or not, some of the best places to visit in Ahmedabad old city are:

Pay respects at Shree Swaminarayan Temple, Kalupur

Shree Swaminarayan temple was built in 1822 and is a multi-colored, wood-carved Swaminarayan Temple in Ahmedabad. This is where the Ahmedabad Heritage Walk starts from.

It was the first temple of the Swaminarayan Hindu sect. It presents idols of Nara Narayana, who occupies the principal seat of the temple, and forms of Arjuna and Krishna at the central altar. The sculptures showcase the cultures and costumes of Maharashtra and Gujarat. The devotees can avail themselves of the live darshan of the temple here.

Swaminarayan Temple, Kalupur

Get lost in the Pols of Ahmedabad

A pol (પોળ) is a housing cluster just like the gated housing societies. Each pol is self-contained with its own community well, a chabutara (bird feeder), and a place of worship. The central chowk of each pol plays the role of a community center – doubling up as a playing space for the kids and a corner for the men, women, and elders to catch up daily chit-chat.

There are over 300 pols in the walled city of Ahmedabad.

Say a prayer at Jama Masjid Ahmedabad

The Jama Masjid is a mosque with a reservoir in the center. The massive proportions of the place reminded me Jama Masjid Delhi. Overlooking a towering overhead light, there are 15 domes and 260 elegant pillars. 

Constructed by the founder of Ahmedabad, Ahmed Shah I in the early 14th century, it is a peaceful and quiet area with a huge expanse. People can be seen praying throughout the day. 

The exterior of the mosque has elements from Islamic and Gujarat styles of architecture. The sculptures include floral motifs and geometrical patterns on walls and pillars.

Get awed by Dada Harir ni Vav

Out of the two ancient step-wells that are located around Ahmedabad, Dada Harir Stepwell (Bai Harir Vav) is often cast aside for the more famous one in Adalaj.

But, I would highly recommend that you don’t skip this historic stepwell as it is far bigger with equally as amazing architecture on its many levels. Not to mention, you will probably have the whole vav to yourself!

The Dada Harir Stepwell is a 15th-century water temple that has five levels and they are held up by intricately carved pillars that have perfect symmetry throughout the well. 

At one end, there is a huge octagonal vav that is 190 feet deep. It can be accessed via a narrow spiral staircase inside the structure.

This stepwell has both Arabic and Sanskrit inscriptions as well as Jain and Hindi idols carved inside. There are also Persian carvings of flowers and elephants lining the walls too.

Also Read: Rani-ki Vav, Patan and Sevasi Vav, Vadodara 

Visit Sidi Saiyyed Mosque

Another architectural marvel is the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, which is a tribute to Ahmedabad. Sidi Saiyyed Jali is so popular that it has become an unofficial symbol of Ahmedabad and is often used as an Ahmedabad souvenir or for felicitating delegates in workshops. The mosque is located in the heart of the 600-year-old walled city of Ahmedabad, at a very busy intersection. The mosque is set up like a theatre without a fourth wall and has carvings depicting a tree with intertwining branches of filigree work hewn from solid stone. 

Tickets: Free

Visit Bhadra Fort and Bhadrakali Temple

Bhadra Fort was built by Ahmed Shah, the founder of Ahmedabad city, in the 14th century. 

The fort was given its name due to the Bhadrakali Temple that stands nearby.

The fort housed royal palaces and the beautiful Nagina Baugh and the royal Ahmed Shah’s Mosque on the west side and an open area known as Maidan-Shah on the east side. It had a fortified city wall with 14 towers, eight gates and two large openings covering an area of 43 acres.

Explore the carvings at Hutheesing Jain Temple

Ahmedabad has been a significant religious place for Jainism and houses several Jain pilgrimage centers. Hutheesing Jain Temple is one of the must-see places in Ahmedabad. An architectural gem of the city, the temple draws a huge crowd owing to its divinity and serene ambiance. Ornamented with stunning stone carvings, the temple is a masterpiece built in white marble. 

Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm every day (closed from 1pm-2pm)

Entry: Free

Question the architecture at Jhulta Minar of Ahmedabad

Jhulta means to shake and Minar means a pillar. I remember visiting Ahmedabad as a kid when visitors were allowed to go inside the Minar and actually see them shaking. Now in a dilapidated state without any maintenance, they are closed for demonstrations, i.e. one cannot go inside. However, you can still wonder about the working of the monument from the outside. It is definitely one of the Ahmedabad heritage places from yesteryears.

These minars have fascinating architectural styles made of stone with intricate carvings. What makes them special is that if one of the pillars was shaken with a gentle force, the opposite pillar would sway. It is indeed difficult to comprehend the kind of science people used, centuries before to make such wonders work. 

There are two well-known pairs of Jhulta Minar in Ahmedabad, one located opposite the Sarangpur Darwaja and the other near the Kalupur Railway Station Ahmedabad.

Entry: Free

BEST THINGS TO DO IN AHMEDABAD CITY (NEW)

Feel at peace at Sabarmati Ashram Ahmedabad

Also known as the Gandhi Ashram, it is the highlight of the Ahmedabad sightseeing tour. Sabarmati Ashram is the must-visit place in Ahmedabad as it is popular as Mahatma Gandhi’s yesteryear residence. Sabarmati Ashram also referred to as Harijan Niwas is situated on the banks of the Sabarmati river. 

Gandhi’s residence was turned into a museum and it is a great place to learn about his principles and his overall life of struggle and contribution to India’s freedom. The Ashram can be visited at any time of the day, and it has a positive vibe which will make the visitors relaxed.  You cannot miss the Charkha (spinning wheel) used by him wherein he made khadi clothes, his handwritten letters, paintings, and library. There is also a 90 minutes guided tour in case you want to know everything in detail. 

Entry: Free

Explore Sarkhej Roza

Sarkhej Roza Ahmedabad is another mosque on the outskirts of the city. It is an elegant architectural complex in the city that combines designs from Persia with indigenous Hindu and Jain features to form a composite “Indo-Saracenic” architectural style. The structure is stunning because of the complete absence of arches. The Sarkhej Roza overlooks a beautiful lake and looks breathtaking after a monsoon rain. It is certainly Ahmedabad’s best places to visit.

Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm every day

Entry: Free

Visit ISKCON Temple

ISKCON temples are present all over the world and like every other counterpart, it reflects a perfect blend of Gujarat and Rajasthani style of architecture. There are beautiful images of Lord Vishnu and his different avatars on both sides of the walls in the temple. 

Many facilities are provided by the temple which include a library, hostel, restaurant and a meditation room. Visitors generally prefer to experience the delicious pure vegetarian Prasad. A restaurant situated within the premises of the temple provides varied types of mouth-watering vegetarian delicacies.

Timings: 4:30 am to 1:00 pm  and 4:00 pm to 09:00 pm every day 

Tickets: Free

Catch the latest movie at Drive-in Cinema Ahmedabad

This is one of the offbeat places to visit in Ahmedabad, especially after visiting all the temples and mosques. Sunset drive-in cinema has 2 shows of the latest movies (mostly Bollywood in Hindi) in the evening. There is an amphitheater-like seating plus an open ground. Bring in your own seating arrangements or simply relax in your car and watch the movie while munching on the snacks. Drive-in cinema can accommodate about 600 cars and over 5000 moviegoers in one show! No wonder it is one of the most popular things to do in Ahmedabad for couples.

Timings: Evenings 

Entry: Ticket costs Rs 70 – 100 per adult

Visit Auto World Vintage Car Museum Ahmedabad

If you like anything vintage then this Auto World Vintage Car Museum is one of the places to see near Ahmedabad. A permanent vintage car exhibition has been set up with a collection of over 100 vintage cars, including Bentleys, Cadillac, Rolls Royce and others. If cars don’t fascinate you, motorcycles and carts manufactured by well-known automobile companies are also exhibited there. 

At an additional cost of Rs. 500, visitors can enjoy a 3.5km luxurious ride in the car of their choice. 

Timings: 8 am to 9 pm every day

Entry: 50 Rs per adult (Camera charges extra)

Enjoy picnic at Kankaria Lake

Looking for adventurous things to do in Ahmedabad? How about some water activities or hot air balloon rides or adventure park rides? Kankaria Lake Ahmedabad is the answer for things to do in Ahmedabad for visitors of all ages.

A quick stroll around a lake with flocks of birds over your head is something Kankaria lake offers the best. But if that doesn’t interest you, a boat ride, adventure rides, sports activities, a toy train, a zoo, or even a stationary hot water balloon ride is available. It is a perfect spot for spending the evening with family or for people of all ages. There are many food stalls too, in case you want to indulge in some local cuisine overlooking the lake water. 

Timings: 9 am to 10 pm ( Closed on Mondays). It is free for jogging from 5:00 am to 8:30 am every day.

Entry: 25 Rs per adult and Rs 10 per child

Explore Calico Museum

Ahmedabad was formerly a textile hub. As a tribute to the textile industry, the Calico museum was set up to display various collections of ancient and modern textiles. The museum has an exclusive collection of religious textiles, miniature paintings, bronze items, royal tents, carpets, furnishings, and costumes of the Mughals and Jain art.

About 30 visitors are allowed each day on a first come first serve basis and hence it is advisable to do advance booking. Children below ten years are not allowed inside the museum. Children aged between 10 to 15 years are required to come along with their parents, guardian, or tutor. Photography is not permitted.

Timings: Guided tour from 10.30 am till 1 pm in the afternoon (Closed on Wednesday)

Entry: Free

Watch the sunset at Sabarmati Riverfront

Sabarmati Riverfront is the top choice for picnic places in Ahmedabad and has many fun things to do in Ahmedabad. A riverfront is developed around the Sabarmati river which offers fantastic views of the river while taking a walk on the promenade. It is perfect to spend a morning or evening here with family or friends. The riverfront is popular for Ahmedabad photography place with a lot of couples getting their pre-wedding photoshoot in Ahmedabad as well as many Gujarati movies being shot here. It definitely features the top things to do in Ahmedabad! Some things to do in Sabarmati Riverfront are

• flower shows
• sports activities like boating and zip lining
• amusement park, 
• joggers park
• concerts and plays
• festivals such as Kite Festival Ahmedabad 

Timings: 09.00 am till 09:00 pm 

Entry: Rs. 10

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial, Ahmedabad

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial is a museum and exhibition center in Ahmedabad, dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. 

The museum is housed in Moti Shahi Mahal which exhibits over 10,000 specimens of art and craft, describing all the phases of his life. The museum is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities like multimedia halls, LCD displays, a jail zone, multi-touch tablets, and a 3D sound, light, and laser show.

Learn and Play at Gujarat Science City

Science City has been developed with the aim to provide education with a blend of entertainment for visitors. There are exhibitions of labs, working models, activity corners, and virtual reality with live demonstrations to provide an understanding of science and technology to the visitors. The must-visit highlights include Hall of Science, amphitheater, Life Science Park, IMAX 3D theatre, and musical fountains which are especially popular amongst young visitors.

Timings: 10:00 am till 7:30 pm

Ticket: Different rates for different activity

Walk on the Atal Bridge

Atal Bridge, a marvel of engineering and a testament to modern architecture, is the latest addition to things to do in Ahmedabad. Constructed on the Sabarmati River, this cable-stayed bridge offers a visual spectacle of the river as well as the essence of the city’s life.

The bridge is named in honor of the late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and its design is a blend of functionality and aesthetic brilliance. As the sun sets, the bridge comes to life with a breathtaking display of colorful LED lights that illuminate the night sky, creating a mesmerizing panorama for onlookers.

Beyond its architectural grandeur, Atal Bridge holds symbolic significance as a link between the old and new Ahmedabad. It connects the eastern and western parts of the city, fostering unity and accessibility. The scenic views from the bridge provide a unique perspective of the Sabarmati Riverfront, showcasing the vibrant urban landscape that has evolved around it.

Atal Bridge, Places to visit in Ahmedabad

Best things to do near Ahmedabad

Visit Dandi Kutir, Gandhinagar

Dandi Kutir is a museum devoted to the struggle of Mahatma Gandhi. 

Through audio-visuals, the museum displays Gandhi’s role in organizing the Dandi march against the imposition of salt laws in India. 

The Dandi March was one of the turning points in the history of colonial India, and the museum provides an elaborate illustration of it. The museum also has paintings, memoirs, and relics of Gandhiji, which he used during his freedom struggle.

Pray at the Swaminarayan Temple, Akshardham

The beautiful Akshardham Swaminarayan Temple is one of the best places to visit in Ahmedabad. Set amidst a sprawling garden in Gandhinagar, Swaminarayan Temple is a magnificent temple complex made of 6000 metric tons of pink sandstone. What’s interesting is that no steel has been used to construct this masterpiece.

Inside the sanctum, you will find a 7-foot-tall statue of Lord Swaminarayan in a sitting posture. There is also an Abhishek Mandapam within the premises where devotees can perform abhishek, a sacred Hindu ritual. The temple is closed every Monday.

Check out the Wetlands near Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad and its surrounding areas are blessed with wetlands that attract many migratory birds. It is a haven for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers. Thol Lake and Nalsarovar are one of the best getaway destinations from Ahmedabad. Read More here: Birdwatching near Ahmedabad

Photograph the Adalaj Ni Vav

Move away from Ahmedabad towards Gandhinagar to visit the popular Adalaj ni vav. Vav means ‘Stepwell’. Complete with Indo-Islamic architectural style, the awe-inspiring stepwell is extremely impressive with its wall carvings. It used to be the source of water for travelers coming to this semi-arid area and for the nearby villagers in yesteryears before the pipelines reached people. 

The stepwell still enjoys a pleasantly cold temperature thanks to some water being present at the bottom of the well. However, beware of the mosquitoes because of the stagnant water, and the water also stinks. Adalaj ni Vav is one of the best places to visit near Ahmedabad.

Timings: 6 am to 6 pm every day

Entry fees for Adalaj ni Vav: Rs 25 for adults

Places to visit near Ahmedabad in One Day

Statue of Unity

The Statue of Unity is the world’s tallest statue and it is the statue of Shri Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Built as a memorial to the contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai in the country’s freedom struggle and the stellar role he played in unifying the country into a nation. Read More here: One day trip from Ahmedabad to Statue of Unity 

Modhera Sun Temple

Modhera Sun Temple has intricate carvings in the temple which is a depiction of the Sun and its unity with earth’s elements – air, water, soil & space. Read More here: Modhera Sun Temple

Rani ki Vav & Patan Patola Museum

This trip to Modhera can be combined with Patan which is further 43 km from Modhera. Patan is popular for 2 things: Patola Sarees and Rani ki Vav. Rani ki Vav is a stepwell situated in Patan and is the finest and the largest stepwell in Gujarat. Read More here: Rani-ki-Vav, Patan

Lothal

Lothal is a 4,500-year-old town that was an important port on the Indian subcontinent during the Harappan Civilization. It was discovered in 1954 and is an important archaeological site due to its scientific layout and a massive dockyard that facilitated trade with other civilizations of the time.

Vadnagar

Vadnagar, famous as Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s hometown, is an ancient heritage town. Although it does not feature on the tourist circuit, it is one of the best places in Gujarat for architecture lovers. Read More here: Vadnagar Heritage

Have more than 2 days or a weekend in Ahmedabad? Read about Weekend destinations from Ahmedabad.

Kirti Toran Vadnagar Gujarat

Shopping in Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad Shopping Markets

Ahmedabad being a textile hub, visitors prefer shopping for cotton textiles in Ahmedabad. There are many markets catering to various requirements. Some of the famous markets in Ahmedabad for shopping are

Law Garden

Coming to Gujarat and not shopping is a crime of various proportions. Being a textile hub, cotton is the most sought-after textile and one must indulge in shopping. Law Garden is the popular choice for purchasing handicrafts with mirror work, Indian outfits like kurti, household linen like bed sheets, or the popular festival favorite – Chaniya Choli for Navratri,.

Other shopping options include Dhalgarwad and Teen Darwaja. Many shopping complexes and malls are also available in the western part of the city.

Teen Darwaza

Teen Darwaza was a historical gateway on the east of Bhadra Fort, Ahmedabad. It was associated with historical as well as legendary events. But now it is a gateway to a shopping haven. Teen Darwaja has street vendors lined up on both sides of the roads selling everything from beauty products to kitchen appliances.

Dhalgarwad

Dhalgarwad is one of Ahmedabad’s most prominent textile wholesale markets. Shoppers can get a variety of textile products such as bed sheets, dress materials, towels, etc.

Rani no Hajiro

Rani No Hajiro is a market that has several shops and stalls selling traditional clothing, traditional fabrics, and accessories. It is popular for buying Chaniya Choli and traditional jewelry for the festival of Navratri.

Best places to eat in Ahmedabad

This section probably requires a post on its own because Ahmedabad thrives on its food. We may not have many fun places to visit but our weekends are full of visiting Ahmedabad famous street food! Dhokla, Patra, Gathiya, Fafda, Methi gota are some of the most popular street foods which can be savored at any time of the day. 

There are ample restaurants offering global cuisine including Continental, Mediterranean, Mexican, Thai, Chinese, etc with vegetarian options in all. Most locals in Ahmedabad are vegetarian and all the restaurants offer vegetarian counterparts to their global cuisine. Apart from global cuisine, all types of Indian cuisines are also available – 

Kerala cuisine in Ahmedabad– Kovallam

Punjabi cuisine in Ahmedabad – Kake di Hati, Mirch Masala

South Indian cuisine in Ahmedabad – Sankalp, Dravida

Bengali cuisine in Ahmedabad – Kolkata Connection

Maharashtrian cuisine in Ahmedabad – Madhavrao

Talking about street food, how can I forget about the best things to do in Ahmedabad at night! Yes, it involves street food too.

Manek Chowk Ahmedabad

Manek Chowk is a jewelry market during the day and turns into a street food market at night. The street market opens at 9 pm and starts bustling only after 11 pm. It closes at 2 am with a lot of families still loitering around the food stalls for that last yummy bite! Must-try food items in Manek chowk Ahmedabad include: Gwalior Dosa, Pav Bhaji, Pulav, Chocolate Pineapple sandwich, Chaats, Asharfilal Kulfi, etc.

Best Gujarati Restaurants in Ahmedabad

Other than this, the Gujarati thali is a must-try while in Ahmedabad. Thali offers a variety of food items on one huge plate and is primarily vegetarian. Each dish is cooked in a unique traditional style using different kinds of spices. The Thali features 4-5 vegetables, pickles, farsans, chutney, dal, etc. all of which are always high in nutritional value. 

Gordhan Thal

Gordhan Thal offers one of the best Gujarati thalis in Ahmedabad. Situated on the S G Highway, one can always find a lot of people waiting to get in. Families and friends gather together to enjoy a delicious traditional meal here at Gordhan Thal.

Gopi Dining Hall

Situated in the Ahmedabad old city area, Gopi Dining Hall is one of my favorites. It offers Gujarati thali at an affordable rate.

Best time to visit Ahmedabad

The best time is certainly the winter months (November to February) as the summers tend to get uncomfortably hot even for the residents. From mid-March onwards, the summers creep in and the May temperature tends to hover around 45 degrees Celsius. Monsoons bring a respite in the temperature but still the humidity makes it difficult to travel.

How to reach Ahmedabad?

Ahmedabad is well connected with all major Indian metro cities by bus, train, and flight. 

By flight

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport has excellent connectivity with all major cities of India. Ahmedabad also has an international airport and is well connected to South Asian countries and Gulf countries with direct flight services.

By Train

Ahmedabad Railway Station, also known as Kalupur Railway Station, is well connected with the rest of the country.

By road

Gujarat State Road Transport Service (GSRTC) has excellent connectivity within and outside Gujarat state. Several buses also connect Ahmedabad from all major cities. 

Getting around Ahmedabad

Auto-rickshaw and App based taxi like Ola and Uber is the best way to get around Ahmedabad. Drivers understand Hindi and English so it is easy to converse.

Where to stay in Ahmedabad?

Ahmedabad is a business hub that caters to all budgets of accommodation. There are heritage options, hostels, luxurious properties, and more.

Heritage homestay: French Haveli, The House of MG

Mid-range hotels: Aarya Grand Hotel, Ginger Hotel, Lemon Tree Hotel

Luxurious hotel: Courtyard by Marriott, Hyatt Ahmedabad, Double tree by Hilton

FAQs for Things to do in Ahmedabad

What is Ahmedabad famous for?

Ahmedabad is the first in the world to be declared a World Heritage City by UNESCO. Ahmedabad has a rich culture, heritage, architecture, and food, making it one of the best places to visit in India. 

Is Ahmedabad worth visiting?

Yes! It is one of India’s most historic cities and has a beautiful old town that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

What is special food in Ahmedabad?

Gujarati food is majorly vegetarian food and has popular snacks. Some of the must-try food in Ahmedabad is Khakra, Handvo, Khaman, Dalvada – Ambika Dalvada Centre, Fafda Jalebi, and Mohanthal.

Which festival is celebrated in Ahmedabad?

Uttarayan, Navratri, Diwali, Holi, Ganesh Chaturthi, Eid ul-Fitr, and Christmas are celebrated with great fervor in the entire of Ahmedabad. Apart from the main festivals, many international fairs and expos are also organized in Ahmedabad on a large scale.

Sustainable tips for Things to do in Ahmedabad

• This is a UNESCO Heritage city, so please respect it in all ways.
• Respect the ancient structures of step wells, temples, and mosques by not sitting on them. Use the garden space instead.
• Do not harm the structures by carving or writing on them.
• Observe peace and silence in Gandhi Ashram.
• Do not litter any of the tourist areas.

Read About More cities from Gujarat

• Camping in Beyt Dwarka
• Bhuj
• Jamnagar
• Mandvi
• Vadodara

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