Old City Travel Guide
Discover the rich cultural heritage of Old City in Hyderabad, India. Learn about the top places to visit, the best things to do, the local food and culture, safety and health information, transportation options, and nearby excursions.
- Introduction to Old City
- List of Places to Visit in Old City
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Old City
- Best Things to Do in Old City: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Old City
- Food and Drink Scene of Old City
- Where to Stay in Old City: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Old City: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Old City
- Best Time to Visit Old City
- Do’s and Don’ts of Old City
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Old City: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Old City
- Where to Go Next from Old City: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Old City
Old City Hyderabad, often called the walled city, is the historical heart of the city of Hyderabad in Telangana, Southern India. It was established about 400 years ago during the Qutb Shahi dynasty and has a rich cultural heritage. The walled city is renowned for its iconic landmarks such as Charminar, Mecca Masjid, and Chowmahalla Palace, as well as its narrow lanes and bazaars that offer authentic experiences to visitors. The city is a fascinating blend of history, culture, and modern development, providing visitors with an opportunity to explore its unique and vibrant personality.
List of Places to Visit in Old City
Old City offers an array of cultural and natural attractions that will delight visitors of all ages. Here are some of the must-visit places in Old City Hyderabad.
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Charminar: This 16th-century monument is Hyderabad’s most iconic landmark and is often called the “Arc de Triomphe of the East.” Visitors can climb up to the first floor of the tower to enjoy a stunning view of Old City.
- Chowmahalla Palace: A palace of the Nizams, Chowmahalla Palace is a must-visit attraction for history buffs. The palace is spread over 12 acres of land and has a unique architectural style.
- Mecca Masjid: One of the largest mosques in India, Mecca Masjid’s construction was started in 1617 by the Qutb Shahi Dynasty and was completed by Aurangzeb.
Natural Attractions of Old City: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Nehru Zoological Park: Spread over 380 acres, the zoo is home to over 1,500 animals across 160 species.
- Lumbini Park: Located near the Hussain Sagar Lake, Lumbini Park is a well-maintained garden with numerous fountains and boats that take visitors on a joy-ride on the lake.
- Golconda Fort: This 13th-century fort situated atop a hill, south of Hyderabad, offers breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Old City
- The Charminar to Chowmahalla Palace walk: A leisurely walk of about 30 minutes, visitors can enjoy the iconic Charminar from the outside before heading through busy streets towards Chowmahalla Palace.
- Hyderabad Cycling Tours: A company that offers cycling tours of the city, Hyderabad Cycling Tours can tailor routes to explore Old City’s hidden alleys and markets or the whole of Hyderabad city as per the visitor’s convenience.
Best Things to Do in Old City: Activities and Tours
- Heritage Walks: There are several heritage walks and tours of the town that take visitors through lesser-known alleys and highlights of the old city.
- Food Walks: Take a food walk in the narrow lanes of Old City and relish some of the best local street food, such as haleem and biryani.
Week-Long Itinerary for Old City
Day 1: Charminar and Mecca Masjid, followed by shopping at Laad Bazaar.
Day 2: Visit the Chowmahalla Palace, Salar Jung Museum and nearby Qutub Shahi tombs.
Day 3: Nehru Zoological Park in the morning, followed by an evening walk at the nearby Mir Alam Tank.
Day 4: Visit the Palarova waterfall (about 100km from Old City), an ideal place to explore during monsoons.
Day 5: A food walk to explore the local dishes of Old City.
Day 6: A visit to the nearby city of Hyderabad, which is home to attractions like Golkonda Fort and the Birla temple.
Day 7: Relax and enjoy a sunset from one of the rooftop restaurants at Charminar.
Food and Drink Scene of Old City
Old City cuisine is known for its authentic taste and use of traditional methods of cooking.
Must-Try Dishes
- Haleem: A slow-cooked meat stew served during the month of Ramadan.
- Biryani: Richly flavored rice and meat dish cooked in a traditional pot.
- Osmania Biscuit: A buttery, salty shortbread.
Local Beverages
- Irani chai: Sweet and milky tea served in small hygienic glasses.
- Falooda: A rich creamy dessert made with ice cream, milk, and vermicelli.
Where to Stay in Old City: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Old City Hyderabad offers accommodation for every budget. Visitors can choose from hostels, guesthouses, and plush hotels. Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hotel Hyatt, and The Park Hyderabad are some of the top hotels in Old City.
What to Buy in Old City: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Nirmal paintings: Traditional paintings on wood that are unique to Hyderabad.
- Pearls: Hyderabad is renowned for its natural pearls, and visitors can purchase pearls of all sizes from the various pearl shops in the Old City.
Local Culture and Customs of Old City
Old City’s culture is an amalgamation of different beliefs and religions. Hyderabad’s people are known to be welcoming to all religious and cultural groups. Visitors should respect the city’s traditions, such as removing shoes before entering a mosque or temple, and dressing modestly.
Best Time to Visit Old City
The best time to visit Old City Hyderabad is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities.
Do’s and Don’ts of Old City
Do:
- Bargain: Visitors should negotiate the price while shopping, especially at the bazaars.
- Respect the Local Culture: Visitors should dress modestly and respect local customs and traditions.
Don’t:
- Drink Tap Water: Visitors should drink only bottled water to avoid stomach issues.
- Expect Modern Infrastructure: Visitors should be aware that Old City doesn’t have high-rise buildings or modern infrastructure.
Safety and Health
Safety in Old City
Old City’s narrow lanes can be crowded, and visitors should keep their valuables safe while walking, especially while in a crowd. Visitors should avoid venturing out too late in the evening.
Health in Old City
Visitors should avoid consuming street food from roadside stalls. In case of any health issues, visitors should approach a nearby hospital. The nearby Osmania Hospital is one of the top hospitals in Hyderabad.
Getting to Old City: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Old City
Hyderabad International Airport, located about 25km from Old City, is the closest airport to the destination.
Bus Stations Near Old City
Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station, one of the largest bus stations in India, is located about 3km from Old City.
Other Options
Visitors can take a train or hire a taxi to reach Old City Hyderabad from other tourist destinations in India.
How to Get Around in Old City
Visitors can hire taxis or auto-rickshaws to explore the city’s main attractions. There also are local buses from the bus station near Charminar that will take visitors to other parts of Hyderabad city.
Where to Go Next from Old City: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Hyderabad: The nearby city is home to attractions like the Golconda Fort, Hussain Sagar Lake, and the Salar Jung Museum.
- Warangal: Located about 150km from Old City, Warangal is known for its huge stone gateways and the thousand pillars temple.
- Bidar: Known for its historical forts and monuments, Bidar is situated about 150km from Old City.
Conclusion
Old City Hyderabad is a cultural hub that offers visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in a unique and enchanting experience. The destination offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and modern development that makes it an ideal place to explore during a trip to India.
