Nothing compares to the joy of exploring a city on foot. The bustling bazaars, cobbled avenues, and cultural hotspots come alive as curious travellers pace along the streets. Case in point: Hyderabad. The City of Pearls is sprinkled with iconic neighbourhoods, architectural marvels, and numerous high streets for retail therapy. If a Hyderabad holiday is on the cards for you, we recommend street-hopping and walking the tourist trails.
Admire the buildings that flaunt multiple architectural styles, interact with the locals, and pocket memories — one stride at a time. Whether you fancy a quiet stroll along the lake, sampling street food, or shopping at a promenade — Hyderabad’s popular streets offer it all.
Step by step: Walking through Hyderabad’s scenic streets
Necklace road
Mimicking a sparkling necklace ornamenting the Hussain Sagar Lake, the Necklace Road delights with a lake-side walkway, coffee shops, and exciting activities for all age groups. At first glance, the Gautam Buddha statue in the middle of the lake emerges as the highlight. On walking some more, you’ll be greeted by a host of restaurants and coffee shops — perfect for a quick break, until you’re fuelled to walk some more. We recommend hitting the ‘Eat Street’ on Necklace Road for lake-side munchies and get-togethers. Click a memorable shot in front of the “Love Hyderabad” sculpture, stop at Nani’s Tiffins for a sumptuous breakfast, make some furry friends at the Dog Park, or partake in go-karting at Pitstop. Occasionally, cultural activities, games, and band performances are also organised at this hotspot!
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Book your stay at Taj Falaknuma Palace via Agoda.com
Abids
This commercial hub takes its name from the iconic Jewish valet, Albert Abid, who served the sixth Nizam. Dotted with some of the city’s oldest churches, Irani cafes, and a Parsi Fire Temple, Abids promises to teleport you to a vintage wonderland. A brief walk through the lanes will introduce you to a mix of Anglican, Persian, and Modern architectural styles that have been preserved for over 200 years. Saunter through the locality and pay respects at the myriad churches like St Joseph’s Cathedral Church, Wesley Church, and Centenary Methodist Church. Stop for one of the best Hyderabadi Biryanis in the city at the Grand Hotel, an establishment dating back to 1935. Better yet, brace your tastebuds for South Indian fare at the Taj Mahal Hotel. For a sweet lesson in history, stop by the Hameedi Confectioners. It is said that the last Nizam loved their Jouzi Halwa, a Turkish dessert. In addition to architectural marvels and palate-pleasing diners, Abids is also a shopper’s haven. Head to Meena Bazaar for traditional attires spanning everything from Anarkali suits to sarees. A little further, Kamal Watch Co. delights with timepieces of international and indigenous origin — housing horological creations by Rolex, Balmain and more.
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Jubilee Hills
Another bustling and upscale neighbourhood perfect for exploring on foot is Jubilee Hills. If you start your day early, begin with a stroll along the tranquil Lotus Park. Just 3 minutes into the walk, you’ll face the Shri Jagannath Temple — a vibrant creation by the Kalinga Cultural Trust that pleases with its intricate architecture. For those who fancy an open gym area, walking trails, and peacocks in the wilderness, the KBR National Park is a mere 10-minute walk away. Grab a wholesome breakfast at nearby diners like The Hole In The Wall Cafe and Sage Farm Cafe. As the sun sets, Jubilee Hills rolls the carpet for some of the city’s best nightlife destinations. Say yes to pub-hopping and explore Tabula Rasa Cafe and Bar, Prost Brewpub, Fat Pigeon, and The Moonshine Project, among other options. Additionally, if your itinerary includes some retail therapy, hit Road Number 36 — an upscale shopping street filled with trendy brands in the heart of Jubilee Hills.
Book your stay at ITC Kohenur, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hyderabad via Booking.com
Book your stay at ITC Kohenur, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hyderabad via Agoda.com
Tank Bund road
Among the most walkable streets in Hyderabad is the Tank Bund Road. Spread across 2.09 km, this road helps you pocket about 3000 steps while enjoying soul-soothing views. A 20 to 25-minute walk along this road will take you to the NTR Garden and Lumbini Park. With its well-manicured lawns and views of the Gautam Buddha statue and Birla temple, the NTR Garden is a must-visit. In addition to indulgent walking paths, it has water tunnels, fun rides for kids, and a haunted house too! The Lumbini Park, on the other hand, pleases with a boat ride to the Gauntam Buddha statue in the Hussain Sagar Lake, and a laser show in the evening. For those seeking a day of outdoor exploration amidst lush greens, the Tank Bund road and its nearby (and walkable) destinations are an excellent choice.
Charminar Bazaar
The next port of call is Hyderabad’s celebrated Charminar Bazaar. Needless to say, Charminar is an inseparable jewel in the city’s heritage. Built by Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the structure is over 200 years old, and the adjoining Charminar Bazaar is about the same age. Unlike other markets, Charminar Bazaar only opens after 11 am and continues to entertain visitors until 11 pm. Here, buy the choicest of cultural finds like radiant bangles, kharra dupattas with zardosi work, signature perfumes and ittars, and much more. The market is also known for its authentic pearl stores that sell everything from Basra to Cultured pearls. After a day of shopping, head to Nimrah cafe for authentic Irani chai and Osmania biscuits. Other must-try delicacies in this market include sheer qorma, seewaiyyan, and dahi bhalle.
Sindhi Colony
Satiate all your street-food cravings at Sindhi Colony — one of Hyderabad’s favourite haunts to indulge in giant dabeli, chocolate paan, paani puri, burger pizza, and much more! Hit up Bombay Chaat House, Chachaji Wada Pav and Dabeli, Pizza Den, and Popular Punjabi Paratha House for the most lip-smacking meals. After you’ve savoured the salt and spice, head to Prachi’s Kulfi Celebrations and Dimmy’s Paan Palace to culminate your culinary escapades on a sweet note.
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Book your stay at Radisson Hyderabad Hitec City via Agoda.com
Moazzam Jahi Market
Built in 1935, the Moazzam Jahi Market presents a tryst with vintage Hyderabad. At one glance, visitors can discern the all-pervasive old-world charm. Arches, spiral stairways, and granite stone architecture contribute to the nostalgia of the structural sensibilities of the yesteryears. Eateries with outdoor seating and a sea of shopping nooks ensure a well-rounded experience for the entire family. One of the mainstays of the market is the Famous Ice Cream Shop — their handmade ice creams come in classic and seasonal flavours and are a treat for the palate. We also recommend purchasing baked delights from the famous Karachi Bakery; from plum cakes to dilkush and fruit biscuits, there’s no dearth of flavoursome confections here. Additionally, get your hands on striking pottery items sold by local vendors, Hyderabadi souvenirs, and exotic fruits at the market. Make sure to try mangustaan (mangosteen), Buddha’s hand (fingered citron), and ambarella (Indian hog plum).
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Koti Market (also called Sultan Bazaar)
Home decor, fashion must-haves, pre-loved books, and innovative grub stops are just some of the reasons why Hyerabad’s Koti Market is a hit with locals and tourists alike. Over 200 years old, this market abounds in handicrafts, handloom, imitation jewellery, thrift shops, bookstores, and some vintage shops too! After scouring through the stores and revelling in the remarkably low price points, stop for a bite at one of the many food outlets at Koti Market. We recommend Gokul Chat for Indian fast food and kulfi, Pragathi Tiffin Centre for wholesome breakfasts and South Indian meals, and Panchratan Bakery for cookies and desserts.
(Main and Feature Image Credit: Dakshesh Tailor/Shutterstock)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– Which road is best for a photo shoot in Hyderabad?
The best photoshoot spots in Hyderabad include the Maqta Art District, Charminar, Gudimalkapur Flower Market, Jumerat Bazaar, Necklace Road, Shilparamam, and Monda Market, among others.
– Which road is famous in Hyderabad?
Some of the popular roads in Hyderabad include Tank Bund Road, Necklace Road, and Road Number 36 on Jubilee Hills.
– Which Bazar is famous in Hyderabad?
The famous bazaars of Hyderabad include the likes of Koti Market (also called Sultan Bazar), Moazzam Jahi Market, Charminar Market, Laad Market, etc.
– Which is best for shopping in Hyderabad?
For shopping in Hyderabad, we recommend the Charminar Market, Abids, Laad Market, and Koti Market (also called Sultan Bazar).
Written By
Yashita Vashishth
Writer by day, reader by night, Yashita has a flair for all things travel, wellness and food. She has previously worked at Condé Nast India and Times Internet. When not working, you can catch her binge-reading the latest thriller on the block, re-watching Friends, trying a new recipe or hosting her friends.
