Top 9 must-visit tourist places in Hyderabad that you cannot miss
Hyderabad seamlessly combines centuries of royal Islamic architecture with booming IT innovation and Telugu cultural heritage. When you visit this sprawling metropolis, be sure to check out these top attractions:
The Charminar
- Grand 16th-century four-arched arch with towering minarets, so iconic that it features on the Indian Rs 2 coin
- Built by ruler Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah when he moved his capital here, now a monumental centerpiece
- Highlights the highlight of the city’s bustling bazaars selling bangles, fabrics and kalas (traditional pottery)
- Climb the narrow stairs to the 2nd floor balcony with beautiful views of the roofs of the old town
Golconda Fort
- Large hilltop fortress from the 13th century and once a gem trading center of the powerful Qutb Shahi dynasty
- Remains one of India’s most phenomenal acoustic wonders, able to hear the palm rubbing the fort gates from the highest point
- Sound and light show brings stories of kings, dynasties and legends to life amid ruins at night
- Highlights include the Queen’s Palace, grand mosques and the ancient Hindu Shiva temple
Hussain Sagar Lake
- Vast lake, built in 1563 under Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah, holds the title of the world’s largest heart-shaped lake
- Sparkling centerpiece for ceremonial processions with monolithic bronze Buddha statue on central island
- Illuminated Ferris wheel next to a popular recreation area with shops and restaurants, such as the 55-meter-high Sky Tower
- Starting point for serene boat trips at sunset
Salar Jung Museum
- Former private collection of more than 43,000 art treasures owned by one man – Nawab Mir Yousuf Ali Khan Salar Jung III
- Housed in an ornate building, several galleries display sculptures, Indian bronzes, Middle Eastern glassware, and more
- The world’s largest one-man collection of artifacts from civilizations dating back to at least 2 BC. until the early 20th century
- Highlights Room of Watches with more than 400 extensive timepieces
Qutb Shahi Tombs
- Beautiful garden mausoleums with intricately decorated domes from the 16th and 17th centuries
- Home to the resting places of the Qutb Shahi Sultans who shaped Hyderabad and nearby Golconda into an artistic wonder
- Largest tomb dedicated to the founder Sultan Quli Qutb-ul-Mulk, built entirely of black basalt
- Topped with spherical domes and arches, balancing on slender columns and pillars
Chowmahalla Palace
- Once the seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty, the sprawling palace covers 40 hectares spread over four courtyards
- Built with a mix of Mughal, Rajasthani and European styles; renovated from the original khilwat in 2005
- Displays dazzling chandeliers, antique furniture, royal costumes and a collection of classic cars
- Highlight Khilwat Mubarak with 19 spectacular Belgian chandeliers enveloping Durbar Hall
Load Bazaar
- Lively market one kilometer long, packed with more than 200 shops specializing in bracelets
- Evergreen shopping area from the Qutb Shahi period, when goods were paid for only with diamonds and pearls
- Explore narrow alleys decorated with glittering accessories, ittars (perfumes) and fabrics
- Admire the stately Charminar Monument that towers above the colorful bazaar hubbub at both ends
Ramoji Film City
- Certified by Guinness World Records as the largest integrated film studio complex covering approximately 2,000 hectares
- More than 5,000 film sets that recreate architectural wonders of the world, plus fantastic gardens and movie attractions
- Daily film shoots, educational entertainment section that unravels the magic of Bollywood films
- Scenes from blockbusters like Bajrangi Bhaijaan were shot on the spot
Sri Jagannath Temple
- Beautiful modern red sandstone temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath, form of Lord Krishna
- Architectural twin of the main Jagannath shrine in Puri; one of the few temples that celebrate the annual Ratha Yatra chariot processions here
- Beautifully carved pillars, decorated domes and shrines with traditional deities
- Follow the scent of incense and the harvest of devotees waiting to enter the sacred inner temple
With centuries-old royal architectural wonders alongside rapid urban expansion, Hyderabad offers a distinctive glimpse into India’s diverse religious influences and storied past. Use this list to unlock the city’s unique magic, which includes mighty fortresses, vibrant bazaars and serene lakes, as you explore the Pearl City.