Kolkata: Old Capital Energy, Bookstalls and Tram Tracks

Kolkata is a city of conversations. Political debates at tea stalls, poetry lines on walls and a stubborn affection for trams and bookshops set it apart from India’s other major metros.

💡 QUICK INTEL

• Best for: Literature and history fans, food lovers, festival travelers
• Ideal trip length: 3 to 4 days
• Budget: Broad hotel range, excellent affordable eating
• Vibe: Intellectual, nostalgic, sometimes chaotic

From College Street to the riverfront

College Street’s long line of bookstalls and the Indian Coffee House capture much of what outsiders expect from Kolkata. Remnants of colonial architecture cluster around B.B.D. Bagh and Park Street, while the Hooghly riverfront and the Howrah Bridge add scale and a sense of movement. Museums such as the Indian Museum and houses associated with figures like Rabindranath Tagore offer deeper dives into regional culture.

Food as a way into the city

Kolkata’s food scene spans mishti (sweets), rolls, puchka (pani puri), Park Street restaurants and new cafés. Trying fish preparations such as kosha maachh or simple plates of luchi and chholar dal is a way to understand local preferences. Street food is a major part of life here. Picking busy stalls, watching how food is handled and listening to local recommendations help make it both safer and more enjoyable.

Weather, festivals and timing

Humidity can be high, especially before and during the rains, so light clothing and frequent water breaks matter. Durga Puja season fills the city with temporary pandals, lights and crowds, offering a spectacular but intense version of Kolkata. Off season visits show a slower, more everyday face. Either way, this is a city that rewards walking, listening and joining in conversations when invited.