Things To Do
Numaish – Exhibition Grounds
One spot we absolutely must recommend is the iconic Numaish Exhibition Grounds. This isn’t just any exhibition—it’s a special place for us because it’s where we finalized our wedding dates! Yes, you read that right! Every year, families from all over Hyderabad flock here for their annual dose of shopping. It's a massive event where vendors from all over India come to showcase their goods, from textiles and crafts to gadgets and home decor. The atmosphere is buzzing, and the shopping is unbeatable! But here’s the best part: We actually moved our wedding dates just so our guests could enjoy this unique experience! So, trust us when we say: Don’t miss it! Take some time to explore, shop, and soak in the fun at Numaish while you’re here. We wouldn’t have it any other way!
Charminar (Old City)
A visit to Hyderabad isn’t complete without seeing the iconic Charminar—the heart and soul of the city! This grand 16th-century monument, with its four towering minarets, stands proudly in the old city and offers a glimpse into Hyderabad's rich history and stunning architecture. You can explore the surrounding lanes filled with bustling bazaars, where you’ll find everything from pearls to bangles, and of course, some of the best biryani spots in town.
Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad
For a truly royal experience in Hyderabad, we highly recommend a visit to Taj Falaknuma Palace. This stunning 19th-century palace, perched high on a hill, is a perfect blend of opulence and history. The Falaknuma Palace once served as the residence of the Nizam, and today it offers an unforgettable dining experience along with a tour of its magnificent grounds. The Jade Room restaurant here is one of the most exquisite places to enjoy a meal, offering both Indian and continental delicacies in a truly majestic setting. Whether you’re enjoying a royal brunch or a romantic dinner, the view from the palace is simply breathtaking. Pro tip: Be sure to book your table in advance as it can get busy, especially during the wedding season and peak tourist times. It’s also highly recommended to book the Palace Tour alongside your meal, so you can explore the grand halls, the antique furniture, and the rich history that makes this place one of the most luxurious in the world.
Golconda Fort and the Hyderabad Golf Club
Golconda Fort! A small 11th Century mud fort that was evolved into a citadel in the 15th Century by the Qutub Shahi Dynasty. The outer fortification is now home to the Hyderabad Golf Club course, where golfers get to move in and around the fort wall and admire views of the hill-top fort, the site of the second-largest cannon during the Qutub Shahi rule and the Seven Tombs. All completely valid excuses to use when you hit two-in-a-row in the water on the 7th hole. Amazing food too! The presence of golf and the strong loving attachment Amer's mother has to the Seven Tombs makes these places tightly intertwined with our family and we hope you get the chance to experience it all.
Birla Mandir (Temple)
This one's a classic and something you shouldn’t skip if you are even slightly into history, architecture, or peaceful places. Birla Mandir is a beautiful white-marble temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, perched on a hill called Naubath Pahad. The temple blends elements of South Indian, Rajasthani, and Utkala architecture—super intricate carvings and a serene vibe. No phones or cameras allowed inside, which actually makes it feel more peaceful. The walk up to the temple is short climb, but totally worth it for the panoramic view of Hyderabad—Hussain Sagar on one side and the city skyline on the other. It’s open to everyone, but you will need to remove your shoes before entering, so socks are a smart move (especially during hot afternoons when the marble gets toasty). Going during golden hour or early morning is best—cooler and less crowded.
Necklace Road
Necklace Road is perfect for when your friends want to take it easy but still soak in the city’s vibe. It wraps around part of Hussain Sagar Lake and links up with places like Sanjeevaiah Park and Eat Street. In the early morning, they’ll see joggers, yoga folks, and uncles doing slow stretches. In the evening, it gets livelier—couples, families, and kids flying kites. You should check out the Buddha statue in the middle of the lake—either admire it from afar or take a short boat ride from Lumbini Park. Street food here is classic: roasted corn, chai in paper cups, and sometimes even kulfi vendors (ice cream) making rounds. It’s also super photogenic, especially during sunset when the city lights start reflecting off the water. Perfect spot for a casual walk and a soft landing into Hyderabad’s vibe.
Financial District
If you want to see the modern, glassy side of Hyderabad (and maybe spot a tech bro or two), the Financial District is the place. It’s home to big names like Google, Amazon, Microsoft—you name it. The buildings are sleek, the cafes are hip, and the traffic... well, let’s just say it's an experience. They won’t find ancient monuments here, but they will get a sense of how fast the city is moving. We suggest you hit up one of the stylish cafés like Roastery Coffee House or Autumn Leaf Café—both are tucked away, leafy, and full of people pretending to work on their MacBooks. Also a good excuse to name-drop “I was hanging out in the same neighborhood as Microsoft HQ in India” when you get home.
Shilparamam Art & Craft Village
Shilparamam is basically a charming little village plopped in the middle of the city, designed to showcase Indian crafts, culture, and colorful chaos in the best way. It’s great for picking up souvenirs that aren’t mass-produced fridge magnets—think handmade pottery, woven shawls, wooden toys, and jewelry that looks way more expensive than it is. The whole place is super photogenic, with cobblestone paths, cute huts, and sometimes even folk dances or puppet shows. If you have a boho streak in you, then this is your paradise. Pro tip: Bargaining is KEY and part of the fun, but do it with a smile. Also, bring cash and maybe an extra bag— you will probably leave with more trinkets than planned on.
Chowmahalla Palace
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like royalty without the responsibilities (or the crown weight), Chowmahalla Palace is your spot. Once home to the Nizams of Hyderabad — who knew a thing or two about luxury — this stunning palace is full of grand halls, vintage cars, sparkling chandeliers, and enough photo ops to make your Instagram followers jealous. Take a stroll through history, pretend you're hosting a royal banquet, and definitely don’t miss the clock tower — it’s been ticking since the 1800s (no, seriously). A must-visit if you're in the mood for a little old-world glam with a side of "where’s my throne?" P.S. A 5-year-old Amer was part of the palace’s grand reopening event — so you’re basically walking in VIP footsteps!
Salar Jung Museum
This museum is a unique collection of artifacts that was owned by the Salar Jung Family, one of the most illustrious families in Deccan history, five of them having been prime-ministers in the erstwhile Nizam rule of Hyderabad-Deccan. Unfortunately, given, its close proximately to other iconic locations in Old City, the vast 37 gallery collection may be too large to see in completion in one visit. If you have an interest in art, sculpture and history this is a top recommendation.