Hyderabad Things to Do – Attractions & Must See

Hyderabad Things to Do

India’s Hyderabad is a tourist attraction for its incredible buildings and picturesque natural features. If you’re looking for the must-see places then check out these things to do.

The Lakes of Hyderabad

Peaceful gardens await you at the Gandhipet Lake. Also known as Osman Sagar, this place is best visited between October and March (right after the monsoons.) Popular at any time of year, it has a swimming pool and grounds to keep you busy all day. Visit Treasure Island to go horseback riding, dancing, or go-carting. There’s also Hussain Sagar Lake which has a giant Buddha statue, fountains, and boat rides. The gardens surrounding Hussain Sagar are a beautiful place to walk, or try the nearby street for traditional snacks and a bustling atmosphere.

Museums, Shops and History

Salar Jung Museum has masterpieces and relics from every corner of the world, and this tribute to the past has been declared an Institution of National Importance by the Indian Parliament. See two floors and 36 galleries of different collections made from canvas, marble, wood, and ivory. You’ll learn about the past going back as far as the first century, and about the noble family for which the museum is named. There’s also Nizam’s Museum, which displays a collection of the gifts that was presented to the ruler of Hyderabad in 1936. If you’re looking to shop for gifts yourself, check out Secunderabad markets for a wide selection.

Hyderabad Studios, Forts and Tombs

Ramoji Film City is a studio complex where you can see shows that are similar to the ones in Hollywood. If you love Bollywood films, then this is definitely the place to be. There’s also the Golconda Fort for an impressive sight and a look into the history of the city. Built in the 13th century, it was used by kings to protect themselves, but the real appeal seems to be its acoustic features. You might be able to catch a light and sound show if you visit at night. Before you leave the fort, see the magnificent tombs that hold Quli Qutb Shah, an sultan from the 1500s.

Buildings to Remember

Visit the Charminar, which is a landmark built to celebrate the end of the plague in the 1500s. There’s a small mosque at the top and it offers an incredible view of the city. Nearby Mecca Madjid is one of the oldest mosques in the city, and built to accommodate more than 100,000 people at a time. If you have time see Chomahalla Pallace, which was restored to its natural beauty and charm, and features incredible architecture and extravagance. The Hindu Temple Birla Mandir is made entirely of marble, and sits at the top of a hill.

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Hyderabad.