Things To Do In Hyderabad For The Best Time With Your BFFs This Friendship Day

Hyderabad is going nuts over escape rooms and mystery-themed activities, and rightly so because they're just so fun. If you've not been to one, believe us, you and your gang are going to be thrilled by solving all the clues and getting through the puzzle. If you're already a fan of this concept, we don't have to tell you anything else; you know the drill. Hyderabad has plenty of these places, so check out any one of them, like Mystery Rooms and Escape Time. 

Google rating: 4.5/5

Timing: 11 AM - 11 PM

Contact: 9591189422

Social handle: hyderabad.mysteryroom

Nostalgic about arcade games? Do you and your squad think about the simpler days when playing games after school was the best thing ever? Live the joy of those simpler days again by hitting up places like Smaaash, Thrill City, District Gravity, Trampoline Park, and more. Challenge your friends, take lots of pictures and go all in on fun and games, just like the olden days. 

Price: All these places have special packages, so we suggest you check their websites for all the details. 

Google rating: 4.2/5

Timing: 11 AM - 11 PM

Contact: 9930332525

Social handle: smaaashhyderabad

Imagine walking into a virtual battlefield as a team of eight, armed with life-like stimulated rifles or storming space stations, all while shouting strategy and sharing thrills in real time. Yup, that's what you can expect at VR Gaming Hub The place looks like a warehouse turned into a VR playground and it’s awesome. Especially if you love shooting games, you get wireless headsets and motion-tracked guns to run around and laugh like crazy with pure adrenaline. Go as a group and have an immersive, unforgettable experience. Yes, it’s as intense and cinematic as it sounds. 

LBB Pro-tip: If not here, check out these other VR gaming places. 

Google rating: 4.9/5

Timing: 11:30 AM - 11:30 PM 

Contact: 089858 66377

Social handle: @vr_gaminghub

Apart from complimenting when you like your friend's outfit, why not tag along and give each a new look? Get ready with your shopping bags and head over to your all time favorite malls like Inorbit, Nexus, or Sarath City Capital Mall, or shop at someplace new. If you ask us, check out stores like Rare Rabbit, Vero Moda, Only, Zudio and Lifestyle.

Google rating: 4.5/5

Timing: 10 AM - 10 PM

Contact: 040 44880000

Social handle: inorbitcyberabad

Get your nails done pretty, try a 90s blowout and give your face a soothing facial —ladies, these are the simple joys of life you can experience with your besties. What do we suggest? We're thinking of Dryby and Nail Talk & Fashion TV Salon for a complete pamper session. Of course, they have a wide range of services and you can actually plan a whole day around it.

Google rating: 4.3/5

Timing: 11 AM - 8 PM, Monday closed

Contact: 9121606969

Social handle: dryby_hyderabad

LBB Tip: They are usually fully booked on weekends, so we suggest reserving your spot in advance. 

Friendship Day falls on 4 August, which is a Sunday. If you take Monday off, you can make this a long weekend and an opportunity to have a new experience with your homies and embark on a road trip. Just think about all the fun and whacky memories you're going to make. And hey, if you're wondering about the destination, there are plenty of places you can drive from Hyderabad, like a few beachy places and hill stations. 

LBB Tip: Make a rain check before 100% locking a destination. With the erratic weather, you don't want to get stuck. 

If nothing else, you can always ditch the city and set off on a drive. As it’s monsoon, we recommend driving around 180 km to reach Nagarjuna Sagar, one of the grandest dam-and-reservoir sights near Hyderabad. The highway is smooth, so you can roll the windows down and get the roadtrip playlist blasting. Once you are there, you can hop aboard a Telangana Tourism motorboat and glide across turquoise waters to Nagarjunakonda Island. The view is spectacular, truly. On the island, uncover ancient Buddhist ruins and visit the museum filled with ruins and relics from the 2nd century. Another thing to do is drive down to Ethipothala Waterfalls, just 11 km away.

Distance: 180 kms by road 

LBB Tip: Here are some more weekend getaways from Hyderabad.

If you’ve been delaying catching up and need some serious dishing-out session, head straight to Milani Ice Cream and grab some cups. The cafe makes delicious flavors in small batches and you can get 2-3 flavours mixed in one cup or waffle cone. If the weather is amazing, sit outdoors for hours and catch up on life. The setting is relaxing indoors as well and the smell of waffles, shakes, desserts, and warm coffee will urge you to stay back. Did we mention popsicles? Yes, they have that too. 

Google rating: 4.1/5

Timing: 10 AM - 12 PM

Contact: 085208 27765

Price for two: INR 800 - INR 1,000

Social handle: @milano_icecream_hyderabad

With so many great cafes popping up in Hyderabad (we know it's tough to keep up with all of them), we think Friendship Day is the perfect occasion to finally have that get-together with your friends and check out interesting cafes to have endless conversation while devouring delicious food. There are too many places to choose from like PS Cheese Cafe, Roastry Cafe, Kortyard Cafe, Cravery Cafe, and so much more. Yes, this is your sign to text your friend and make that plan. We suggest PS Cheese.

Google rating: 4.4/5

Timings: 10 AM - 12 AM

Contact: 9059158923

Price for two: INR 1,300 - INR 1,800

Social handle: pscheese.cafe

LBB Tip: It's a Sunday, so reserve, block, book —do what you have to to find a spot.

If you're all about the city's nightlife, let's nacho should be on your mind on Friendship Day. There will definitely be great gigs and deals that day, and you should definitely check out the lit bars in Hyderabad. A few recommendations from us are By The Bottle, Prism, and Prost.

Google rating: 4/5

Timings: 12 PM - 12 AM

Contact: 9100920231

Price for two: INR 3,000 - INR 3,500

Social handle: bythebottlehyd

LBB Tip: Here's our list of best bars in Hyderabad.

Is food your love language? Reserve a table with your pals and treat yourselves to a royal, bottomless feast at Rajthali. The thalis overflow with over 20 vegetarian Gujrati and Rajhasthani dishes, all served hot and fresh. Dive into rounds of dal, kadhi, gatte ki sabzi, sweet dal, khichdi, roti, chaas, and desserts like Jalebi-rabdi, gajar halwa, or iced kulfi. Share stories over gulab jamun and kheer that is as comforting as your bond. 

Google rating: 3.8/5

Timing: 12 PM - 3:30 PM, 7 PM - 10:30 PM

Contact: 095948 88833

Price for two: INR 1,200 - INR 2,000

Social handle: @rajthali_restaurant

Want to ditch the regular cafe catch-ups? We got you! Plan a session at Kalakshetra to learn the delicate art of pottery. Unleash your artsy side, prepare your steady hands, and get them dirty under expert guidance. You and your pals can learn the basics and take away a piece of your creation as a keepsake. If you're all fans of slow days, you'll love this one. 

Google rating: 4.8/5

Timing: 10 AM - 8:30 PM

Contact: 8143448621

LBB Tip: They usually host workshops spontaneously, so you will have to call them and check their availability. 

Did we save the best for the last? Absolutely! Make this Friendship Day celebration even special by visiting dog parks and playing with friendly pooches. After all, aren't dogs man's best friends? If you're a dog lover just like us, head to the Kondapur Dog Park with healthy treats and befriend some sweet souls. 

Google rating: 4.5/5

Timing: 6 AM - 10 AM, 4 PM - 10 PM

Price: Free 

Why not swap the usual cafe catch ups for something way more memorable? We’re thinking tufting your own rug at Lyzure, maybe? It’s Hyderabad’s first art therapy cafe, and the vibe is all about getting messy, creative, and laughing your heart out with your besties. BTW, tufting is shooting yarn into canvas to create rugs and placemats that have your personal touch. Apart from tufting, they have other activities like painting tshirts, pottery, and candle making, so you can pick and reserve your spot. Every activity here turns into a shared memory, and it’s the perfect way to slow down. The best part? Bonding and walking away with something way cooler than just selfies. 

Google rating: 4/5

Timing: 11:30 AM - 10 PM, Mondays closed 

Contact: 096666 41577

Price: Activities start at INR 999

Social handle: @lyzure

Pedal your way into a super refreshing outing at Pala Pitta Cycling Park, a lush escape in the city’s hustle and bustle. You can rent cycles or bring your own and cruise peacefully through a 3-4 km tree-lined loop surrounded by a reserve forest. Spot ponds, peacocks, kingfishers, and other rare birds while taking winning selfies. It’s a light adrenaline rush with some much-needed fresh air and quality hangout time, all rolled into one. Uhm, no, you don’t have to be a fitness buff to go cycling. Go for the slow vibes and breezy rides. 

Google rating: 4.5/5

Timing: 5:30 AM - 10 AM, 4 PM - 7 PM

Contact: 091000 53756

Entry fee: INR 59 including cycle rental, INR 25 without cycle rental, INR 800 monthly pass

LBB tip: Read more about the place here.

If you share a love for books, then check out the latest bookstore in Hyderabad. Luna Books is excellent for discovering upcoming and interesting authors from around the world that you may have never heard of. You could easily spend hours checking out their amazing collection together.

Google rating: 4.8/5

Timing: 11AM - 6 PM, Monday closed

Contact: 9966065361

Social handle: luna_thebookstore

LBB Tip: Buy books for each other and write a sweet note on the first page. Believe us, you will cherish a thoughtful gift like this forever. 

Girlies, take a stroll through the lanes of Charminar and pick up matching chandbalis with your BFFs. Think of it as a fun, stylish ritual to mark the day in true Hyderabadi spirit. Laad Bazaar and Pathergatti are famous for bridal-grade pearls, kundan, silver plated and gold plated chandbalis that glitter with tradition and charm. If your heart wants more, score some kurta sets that go with your new earrings and have a true-blue girlfriend’s day out. 

Timing: 9 AM - 12 AM

When we don’t know what else to do, we go to Shilparamam for good finds. You should too! It’s the perfect place to explore colorful pottery, decorative bowls, quaint cups, and handcrafted ceramic home decor pieces for a steal of a price. Soak in the cultural ambience and wander by the rural museum’s clay huts and click pictures in the sculpture park. Fancy mehendi? Get matching designs. Another good find at Shilparamam are Kolhapuri juttis, so bargain gently and get some in many colors like souvenirs. 

Google rating: 4.3/5

Timing: 10:30 AM - 8 PM

Contact: 088866 52009

Entry fee: INR 40 per person