30 Best Things To Do In Bangalore For The Quintessential Bangalore Bucket List

We may have been a small, rather nondescript town, till much after Independence, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have our history! You can acquaint yourself with the city at the 16th-century Bangalore fort or at Tipu’s Summer Palace. You can take in the beauty of stately Bangalore Palace or study the many examples of architecture from the British Raj, including, Mayo Hall and the Government buildings on Nrupathunga Road. Of course, no trip to Bangalore can be called complete without a visit to the Vidhana Soudha, the seat of the State Government and the equally iconic Attara Kacheri.

For Bangalore Fort: 

Price: INR 5 for Indian citizens, INR 200 for foreign citizens

Timings: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM

Google Rating: 4/5

LBB Tip: Hit up areas like Basavangudi, Ulsoor, Shivajinagar, Cook Town and Malleshwaram to check out remnants of old houses and other buildings too. 

India’s most-renowned painters and its budding talent of edgy artists – all find a home in Bangalore. The stunning Manikyavelu Mansion in Vasanth Nagar, houses the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA). Here, you can walk through pristine galleries showcasing the work of the country’s greatest artists from Abanindranath Tagore to MF Hussain and Raza. In the recent past, Bangalore’s flyovers and buildings have served as canvases for upcoming street artists thanks to the St+Art festival. Apart from that Church Street has an ever-changing set of street art (apart from the beloved metro station). Shilo Shiv Suleman's mural on MG Road is also worth seeing, as is the one inside the KR flower market. If you have time on your hands, head to Malleshwaram to check out the street art based on a Bengaluru Moving project. 

Price: INR 20 for Indian citizens, INR 500 for foreign citizens

Timings: 10 PM to 6 PM, Mondays closed

Google Rating: 4.3/5

The busiest side of town, the Pete is a maze of markets that are worth exploring. Historically, this has been the market area of town around the Bangalore Fort. For the shopaholic, there are wholesale shops selling everything from silk sarees to fresh produce and vintage pens. No really, between Chikpete and Avenue Road, there's nothing you can't find there — and it's usually pretty cheap too. In the wee hours of the morning, you can also check out a stunning flower market. And once the sun sets, you can chomp your way through a bustling food street. 

Timings: 11 AM to 7 PM, Sundays closed

Google Rating: 2.9/5

Bangalore’s drink of choice is, undoubtedly, the beer. So much so that the pub capital (us!) has the largest microbrewery in Asia (Byg Brewsky - Hennur), and even the world in fact (Ironhill - Marathahalli). With over 60 microbreweries, we also hold the position of having the largest number of microbreweries in the country! For those of you who’d like to go old school, India’s pub capital offers a delightful array of beer pubs where you can tank up on pitcher after pitcher without causing a dent in your pocket. Beer lovers can also pick from the city’s burgeoning list of craft breweries including the likes of Toit and Arbor Brewing Company.

For Toit: 

Price: INR 2,500 for two

Timings: 8:30 AM to 1 AM

Google Rating: 4.5/5

Ghee-laden and fried to a crisp, Bangalore’s masala dosas are one of the city’s best culinary offerings. You can step into iconic establishments like Vidyarthi Bhavan or MTR and Shri Sagar for their divine masala dosas. If it's a dosa trail you seek, we've rounded up some of the best places for them too here. Fluffy idlis doused in chutney or sambhar should also be on your must-have list. Veena Stores and Brahmin’s Coffee Bar serve the downiest versions of this breakfast staple. Crispy, hot vadas are also available aplenty for thindi time, and here are some of the best spots for them. Regardless, it’s mandatory to wash it down with a piping-hot cup of filter kaapi.

Price: INR 150 for two

Timings: 6 AM to 12 PM, 3 PM to 9 PM

Google Rating: 4.3/5

The perfect picnic spot is right here in the city! The Bannerghatta National Park is popular with the young and the not-so-young too. Once you get there, you can start off your trip with a safari ride where you can encounter tigers, lions, and bears. Then, you can tour the zoo which is home to majestic elephants, a variety of birds, and even a snake park. End your trip, with a stop at the colourful Butterfly Park. If you're open to going on a weekend getaway from Bangalore to spot wildlife in their natural habitats, there are plenty of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks within a few hours of the city that you can drive to. 

For Bannerghatta National Park: 

Price: INR 100 for entry, INR 670 for bus safari and INR 3,600 for jeep safari. 

Timings: 9:30 AM to 5 PM, Tuesdays closed

Google Rating: 4.4/5 

LBB Tip: For a truly immersive experience, book a stay at the Jungle Lodges by Bannerghatta National Park.

The green spaces in Bangalore might have shrunk over the years but we’ve managed to hang on to a few gems. In South Bangalore, there is Lalbagh that’s been around since the 18th century. At the heart of the city, there’s the lush Cubbon Park that’s home to countless trees, an aquarium, and iconic statues. On weekends, you can participate in a host of events and activities that are usually free too! That being said, every area in Bangalore has a park nearby, and if you're looking to explore those, check out this list. 

For Cubbon Park: 

Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM

Google Rating: 4.4/5 

LBB Tip: Head to Lalbagh between March and May to enjoy blooming Jacarandas, Cassia, Mayflowers and a host of colourful trumpet flower blooms; from December to February, head to Cubbon Park to catch a glimpse of the vibrant, pink Tabebuia tree by the library, and the rose garden on the other side. 

You’ll never be bored when you are in Bangalore, that’s for sure. Theatre lovers can head to Ranga Shankara (and other spaces) for plays in English and in regional languages too. At Alliance de Francais, Jagriti Theatre, Chowdiah Memorial Hall and a host of others, you can sign up for plays, independent movies and documentary screenings among other things. For cultural events of all sorts, head to Bangalore International Centre, Lahe Lahe, Rangoli Art Centre and others. If music is what you're looking for, there's Fandom, The Indian Music Experience and Hard Rock Cafe are great options. And don’t forget to check out the colourful flea markets that happen over the weekends. 

Price: Depends on your show

Timings: Depends on your show

Google Rating: 4.7/5 

Book lovers, you’ll hit the jackpot in Bangalore. Those of you who love reading can browse through endless racks of new releases and second-hand books at the legendary Blossoms or Bookworm on Church Street. You can find regional language gems at places like Atta Galatta, Goobe’s and Select Bookstore. If you're looking to get curated book recommendations and subscriptions, Champaca should be your go-to.

Timings: 10:30 AM to 10 PM

Google Rating: 4.7/5 

Pro Tip: Here's a list of our favourite bookstores in Bangalore.

Sitting just outside the city are the majestic Nandi Hills – the site of many a picnic, bike ride, and trek. Bangaloreans also love catching sunrises and sunsets at this picturesque locale. Not in the mood to travel that far? Then the city’s lakes make for excellent spots to soak in the sun. Ulsoor Lake (great for sunsets), Sankey Tank, and Yediyur Lake all make great options. 

Price: INR 15

Timings: 6 AM to 10 PM

Google Rating: 4.5/5 

Soul Jams is the largest open mic and jamming platform in India, who are fostering a community of people passionate about music and sharing their voice with the world. If you wish to connect with like-minded people or want to enjoy a vibrant evening filled with tunes, or simply want to witness community-building at its peak, a Soul Jams event is the place to be. 

LBB Tip: For more details, keep a tab on their Instagram handle. 

It only makes sense that the country's first and only music museum was set up in Namma Bengaluru since we love our music as much as we love our football and food.  This place is for music lovers of all kinds of genres and explores the history behind plenty of iconic songs and music makers while also offering ample interactive experiences that set it apart from your usual museums.

Price: INR 150 for entry

Timings: 10 AM - 6 PM, closed on Mondays

Google Rating: 4.6/5

Pro Tip: Read more about the Indian Music Museum here.

For a ‘break’ from your daily grind, nothing beats the satisfaction one gets at smashing, hitting and tearing apart junk in a no-judgement zone aka rage room. Feel like you have a lot of pent-up emotions to get out of the system? Do yourselves a favour and express it all at Rage Room!

Price: INR 500 onwards per person

Timings: 9 AM to 9 PM

Google Rating: 4.6/5

LBB Tip: Walk-ins are not entertained, so it's best recommended to book a slot via their website.

Cubbon Reads is a reading community that meets every weekend for a few hours to read in peace together. You're supposed to carry a mat, snacks and just sit and chill. This isn't a book club, there are no greetings; it's just perfect to catch up on your reading but being surrounded by others with the same endeavour. They do a group photo at the end of it, which isn't mandatory, but you can join if you want or even join for a quick lunch at Airlines if you feel like.

Price: Free

Timings: Saturdays, 9 AM - 1 PM

LBB Tip: Head to their Instagram handle for more information.

Pro Tip: Read more about it here. 

Bangalore always has a soft corner for art and yes, we may be known for our crispy dosas and sambhars that you can’t get over but one visit to this museum will give you one more reason to fall in love with this city more. The Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) will be your one touchpoint to art, culture, sculptures and more from the 10th century and beyond. Through shapes, shades, stories and ideas, the MAP will be your map to explore history further. They also host different timely themed exhibitions. Abhishek Poddar, an extensive Indian collector, was the pioneer of most of what you get to see here. Fostering a museum-going culture amongst kids and adults alike, the MAP beats on with a heart of art and is a must have experience in Bangalore.

Price: INR 30 onwards (depending on the experience you pick, you can book tickets here)

Timings: 10 AM to 6:30 PM, Mondays closed

Google Rating: 4.5/5

Social Handle: Instagram

LBB Tip: They also host guided walks and other events, stay in the loop here!  

Get to the heart of Bangalore with a stroll down its varied streets, be it experiencing the breezy Basavanagudi or indulging in some quality Lalbagh Tales, all you will need are your best pair of shoes and some active hydration. There are several clubs that host Bangalore local walks and we love this one that hosts many every month. They can also be where you get to meet people from all ‘walks’ of life. 

Price: Depends on the walk you pick 

LBB Tip: You can sign up for various walks here. 

If you always wanted to get on cloud wine but have always been confused about what you like or dislike, then let this wine-friendly club help you out. Wine In A Million is Bangalore’s answer to wine queries with this friendly club hosting wine based discussions and hangouts to discuss preferences, types and locations to get them at. This club’s subscription will also reward you with a bi-monthly newsletter with a list of great wines based on your answers, pairing options, and where in Bangalore you would get these wines. You can join them by signing up here. 

Price: Prices for the subscription range between INR 1,000 per month to INR 2,500 per month.

LBB Tip: They also partner with select wine sellers in Bangalore and you could get your choice of wine here at discounted prices! 

For everything pork, this is the place to be in Bangalore. Kalyan Gopalakrishna, a long-time Bangalorean, took his childhood love for pork quite seriously and created this club that hosts exclusive, one-time-only events over lunch or dinner. If you like some swine dining, then this club will help you meet fellow meat lovers in the city and bond over pork. 

Price: Most of their oinkylicous experiences are paid. Know more on their socials. 

Pro Tip: Know more about them here. 

If you ever want to explore the aesthetics of pottery and want to learn more about the craft, this bustling street in Cantonment area is where you need to be. This is also a haven for DIY lovers as the street is filled with plain looking vases, kullads, palm-sized diyas, and miniature pots and pans that look forward to your artistic flair. As you pet the occasional goat or two walking down this lane with you, you will also get to explore pots and planters to give your green buddies a home. Through clay and charm, this rustic lane must be on your Bangalore itinerary.  

Price: Pottery shopping starts at INR 15 and pottery classes start at INR 200 here. 

Timings: On weekends, from  11 AM to 5 PM

Pro Tip: Don’t exactly have the energy to get your hands dirty? Surf online at these  Bangalore based places for some cute ceramics! And learn more about Pottery Town here. 

Loco Bear is an entertainment club in Koramangala where you can go for a fun-filled day full of adventures. It is a go-to destination for friend groups and families as the place will surely make you forget all your worries. You can expect endless jumping on the trampoline and unleashing your competitive spirit at the bowling arena. Find your share of fun at laser tag, arcade games, VR, archery, shooting, and Go Karting that are available here.

Price: Starting from INR 1,500

Timings: 11 AM to 11 PM

Bangalore Palace is like a time machine that will let you travel back to the 19th century. It is a royal palace that conducts music concerts by national as well as international artists and other public events. Fun World is also located here which is full of thrilling joy rides, water park, and snow room. The palace is adorned with geometric tiling and intricate wallpapers. There is also a durbar hall which looks absolutely luxurious. 

Price: INR 230 

Timings: 10 AM to 5:30 PM, closed on Mondays. 

Pro Tip: Read more about it here

Turahalli Forest, also known as Thurahalli Park, is 20 kms away from Bangalore off Kanakapura Road. While the vehicles have been banned from entering inside the park, it is a hot spot for all the cyclists out there. So, if you think life is better on two wheels, ride through Turahalli Forest and test yourself on the muddy roads and rugged terrains. Since the trails are going to be uneven, it is better to invest in a quality cycle or rent a good one from there. 

Price: Entry fee is INR 10

Timings: 6 AM to 10 AM, 4 PM to 6 PM

Pro Tip: Hop On Your Bicycle And Take The Routes Less Travelled!

If your Bangalore itinerary feels stuffy, you can loosen it with a visit to Firefly Terrace that makes you relive your childhood again. They have made a happy place, more like a ‘Do It Yourself’ art studio where you can destress and just do art. You can participate in various kinds of workshops like mosaic, pot painting, and whatnot. Moreover, even their studio can be booked for special occasions like birthdays, bridal or baby showers, and kitty parties. 

Price: Contact them at +91 9972707950 for prices.

Timings: 11 AM to 7 PM on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, 1 PM to 7 PM on Wednesdays, closed on Mondays and Saturdays

Bangalore Creative Circus’s stunning physical space is an industrial warehouse convertedi nto an experience centre for sustainability solutions. It has a learning centre, a creative arts hub, a farm-to-table restaurant, edible gardens, and a community centre for events, workshops, and performances. The basic idea of the space is community building through shared experiences that bring people together for collaborating across different  fields.

Price: Depends on the event

Timings: Depends on the event

Google Rating: 4.5/5

LBB Tip: Learn more about the events being hosted at Bangalore Creative Circus here.

If you love football, then you absolutely cannot miss out on the Bengaluru Football Club, based in Bangalore. Sit back and relax, and get your competitive spirits soaring, as you witness a fun football match on a great weather day. 

LBB Tip: You can know more about the teams and upcoming matches here. 

Thindi hopping is the best-kept secret of Bangalore and essentially means breakfast or evening snacks. It traditionally takes place at ‘Darshini’ which are South Indian food establishments, that serve beyond idli and dosa, including khara baath, shavige baath, bisibelebaath, and more. Great for exploring local cuisine at steal deal prices, Thindi hopping is a quintessential experience that needs to be experienced in the city. 

Price: Starting at INR 25

Conservatory is a community of chefs who like to undertake adventures in their culinary creations. You can always find fun chef collabs, F&B events, and other workshops here. They recently conducted the Food Nerd Festival which was about all things delicious, while also dissecting the basics of techniques and preparation methods that are very insightful.

Price: Free Entry

Timings: 11 AM - 10 PM

Google Rating: 4.4/5

LBB Tip: Stay in the loop by following their socials. 

If you are looking for museums and exhibitions where you can talk about something niche and unique, then we highly recommend visiting Brain Museum. It showcases human brain samples affected by various injuries, cerebrovascular disease, brain infections, and more, with very in-depth guided tours that are more fun than any science class that you have ever attended. Learn more about the anatomy of your body and organs and enjoy a sciency evening with friends and family. 

Price: Free Entry

Timings: 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM (except on Saturdays)

Pro Tip: Learn more about it here. 

Farmlore is an elevated dining space, that offers locally sourced tasting menus that one can experience in an intimate setting. This is a one-of-a-kind restaurant experience that introduces ‘Locavore’ traditions with a great sense of community and sustainability. They were also recently featured in the list of 20 best progressive restaurants in the world, and if you are someone who is always on the lookout for great fine dining experiences that always push the norms and chart new paths, then this shouldn’t be missed. 

Price: INR 6,500 approx. (for two people)

Google Rating: 4.8/5

Timings: 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM, 6:30 PM - 10 PM

Rezwan Razack's Museum of Indian Paper Money is South India’s first paper currency museum. Owned by the world's biggest collector of Indian paper money, Rezwan Razack, the museum hosts Indian paper currency from the pre-independence era to the most recent ones. We are talking about currency from the British Raj era with ‘Quit India’ written on it to an INR 1,000 note (which is now demonetised) with ‘Jai Telangana’ written on it. The museum is home to over 700 paper currency notes from across time. So for an experience that is worth the money, quite literally, head here now! 

Price: INR 100

Timings: 10:30 AM to 6 PM, Mondays closed. 

Google Rating: 4.7/5

Pro Tip: Know more about this place here.