Best Places to Visit in Hyderabad
A Heritage Walk from Charminar to Chowmahalla Palace
Located about one kilometre west of Charminar, Laad Bazaar is one of the best places to visit in Hyderabad. The market is famous for its colourful bangles and rich heritage. The word “Laad” refers to lacquer, the material traditionally used to craft these beautiful bangles.
Visitors can browse hundreds of bangle shops. The market sells lacquer bangles, designer collections, and stone-studded styles. You can also buy silk sarees, silver jewellery, Kalamkari paintings, traditional perfumes (itra), and wedding accessories. Many local artisans export these handcrafted bangles to Middle Eastern countries.
Laad Bazaar is more than a shopping destination. It is also a historic landmark. Many shopkeepers still live above their stores, following a centuries-old tradition. The wooden balconies, heritage buildings, and faded facades reflect Hyderabad’s royal past. Unlike modern malls, Laad Bazaar offers an authentic shopping experience and a glimpse into the city’s vibrant culture.
Charminar, one of the best places to visit in Hyderabad
No list of the best places to visit in Hyderabad is complete without Charminar. Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah founded the Qutb Shahi dynasty and built Charminar in 1591 CE as a symbol of gratitude after the plague ended. Often called the “Arc de Triomphe of the East,” Charminar is also a functioning mosque, and its upper balconies offer sweeping views of the surrounding heritage landscape including Mecca Masjid and Laad Bazaar below.
Builders added the four iconic clocks to each face of the structure in 1889.Visiting at sunrise, as this heritage walk does, gives you the rare chance to appreciate the intricate stucco carvings and grand arches without the overwhelming daytime crowds.
Laad Bazaar, one of the best places to visit in Hyderabad for shopping
Stretching about one kilometre west of Charminar, Laad Bazaar is one of the best places to visit in Hyderabad. The market is famous for its colourful shops and rich history. The name “Laad” refers to lacquer, the traditional material used to make beautiful bangles.
Visitors can explore hundreds of bangle shops. The market offers simple lacquer bangles, designer bangles, and styles decorated with artificial diamonds and stones. You can also shop for silk sarees, silver jewellery, Kalamkari paintings, traditional perfumes (itra), and wedding accessories. Many bangles made here are exported to Middle Eastern countries.
Laad Bazaar is also known for its historic architecture. Many old shops have family homes built above them, a tradition that has continued for centuries. The wooden balconies, faded paint, and heritage buildings give the market a timeless charm. Unlike modern shopping malls, Laad Bazaar offers an authentic glimpse into Hyderabad’s culture and history.
Mecca Masjid, a historic
Mecca Masjid is not just a religious landmark — it is a monumental piece of architecture and one of the most significant best places to visit in Hyderabad for history enthusiasts. The Qutb Shahi dynasty began constructing the mosque in 1614, and Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb completed it in 1693.
The mosque can accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers at a time, making it the largest mosque in Hyderabad and one of the largest in all of India. According to local folklore, craftsmen made the bricks for the central arch using soil brought from Mecca, giving the mosque its symbolic name.
The scale and serenity of Mecca Masjid early in the morning during the heritage walk is a powerful experience. The courtyard is grand, the architecture a blend of Qutb Shahi and Mughal styles, and the spiritual atmosphere is palpable.
Mehboob Chowk
Mehboob Chowk is one of the best places to visit in Hyderabad. It remains a major commercial and cultural landmark in the Old City. Asman Jah, the Prime Minister under the Nizam, built its famous five-storey clock tower in 1892. The Turkish-inspired tower features four clocks, each facing a different direction. Beautiful stucco work and a well-maintained garden add to its historic charm. Nearby, Moti Mahal showcases elegant European architecture from the 1880s. During our 7 AM heritage walk, the market was already full of life. Butchers, traders, and local residents filled the streets with activity. The lively atmosphere offers an authentic glimpse into Old Hyderabad. Every corner reflects the city’s rich history and aristocratic past.
Khursheed Jah Baradari – A Forgotten Royal Residence
Khursheed Jah Baradari is one of the hidden gems and best places to visit in Hyderabad. Nawab Khursheed Jah Paigah, the maternal grandson of the Third Nizam of Hyderabad, commissioned this elegant royal residence between 1880 and 1890.The palace reflects Hyderabad’s royal heritage and showcases beautiful European colonial architecture.
The Baradari features a beautiful European colonial design. It has eight tall columns, large arched windows, and elegant architecture. The palace once included landscaped gardens, ponds, crystal chandeliers, and luxurious interiors.
Today, the building stands in a weathered condition. Goats roam through its verandahs, and local children often play cricket on the grounds. Hussaini Alam Girls College now occupies part of the property.
Despite its faded glory, Khursheed Jah Baradari remains a fascinating heritage site. It offers visitors a glimpse into Hyderabad’s royal past and reflects the passage of time.
Iqbal-ud-Daula Devdi – A Palatial Haveli in Old Hyderabad
Among the best places to visit in Hyderabad, Iqbal-ud-Daula Devdi is a magnificent historic haveli. Locally known as a “devdi,” it stretches across almost an entire city street. Its massive size immediately grabs attention. The building blends Oriental, European (Palladian), and Hindu architectural styles. One of its most unique features is the rare Shankha-Chakra (shell and wheel) motif on the exterior.
Today, the haveli serves as a school, a taekwondo training centre, and homes for local families. Instead of remaining abandoned, it continues to serve the community. This living heritage site beautifully reflects how Old Hyderabad preserves its history while adapting to modern life.
Chowmahalla Palace – The Crown Jewel of the Best Places to Visit in Hyderabad
The heritage walk ends at Chowmahalla Palace, one of the best places to visit in Hyderabad. It served as the official seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty. The palace showcases royal architecture, history, and the grandeur of the Nizams.
Nizam Salabat Jung commissioned the palace in 1750. Architects drew inspiration from the Shah’s palace in Tehran, Iran. Workers completed the construction in 1869.
The name “Chowmahalla” means “Four Palaces.” The complex includes Afzal Mahal, Mahtab Mahal, Tahniyat Mahal, and Aftab Mahal.
Highlights of Chowmahalla Palace
Khilwat Mubarak (Durbar Hall)
This is the most impressive hall in the palace. The Nizams held royal ceremonies and official meetings here. Massive chandeliers, carved pillars, and a decorated ceiling make it unforgettable. The design blends Persian, Indo-Saracenic, European, and Rajasthani architecture.
Khilwat Clock
The historic clock stands above the main entrance. It has been running since the Nizam era.
Bara Imam
This long corridor once served as the administrative wing. It faces the beautiful central pond.
Gardens and Fountains
The landscaped gardens create a peaceful atmosphere.In addition, ducks swim in the pond, and the fountains make the surroundings even more beautiful. The calm surroundings contrast with the busy streets of Hyderabad’s Old City.