Kolkata, the City of Joy. So much has been already saying about it, and yet, this city never loses its Old-World charm. People can spend lifetimes in this city, and yet not discover every hidden lane of the city.

However, what if you have only 24 hours to spend in the city and want to make the most of it? How can you spend one whole day in this city and experience as much of its magic as is possible?

Let’s find out!

Boating Towards the Horizon:

Let us begin the day from dawn, and what better way to witness the sunrise up the horizon, than from a boat floating through the beautiful Hooghly river? With the grand Vidyasagar Setu as the backdrop, the Princep Ghats will allow you to start your day in the best way possible.

Breakfast at the Old Chinatown:

A bus ride from Princep Ghats will drop you at the bustling Tiretta Bazaar, the origin place of Indian Chinese. Breakfast at Tiretta bazaar is a must in Kolkata, with steaming plates of authentic roadside Chinese food. And while you’re here, do not forget to shop for your favorite, authentic Chinese sauces at the most unbelievable prices.

Visiting the Old Soul of the City:

Once your heart and your tummy are both full, make your way to the Rabindra Sadan – Maidan area, and explore the old structures of the Victoria Memorial, Elliot Park, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Nehru Children’s Museum, and more. If you are traveling with a partner, don’t miss Elliot Park in that region, one of the coziest retreats for couples in the city.

Shop Away:

Who has ever visited a new city, and not carried a souvenir home? Fret not, for your next stop can be the New Market, a massive combination of a flea market, an old market complex, and a large underground mall, at the Esplanade-Dharamatala region. For more of that old Kolkata nostalgia, make your way from Maidan to Esplanade on the quintessential Trams!

Eat to your Heart’s Content:

If you have spent a bit too much at New Market, here’s your way of filling up your stomach without burning a hole in your pocket. Walk your way to the Deckers’ Lane, right there in Esplanade, and enjoy delicious stews and other dishes at prices you won’t believe! Don’t forget to try the famous Bengali Rasgulla from K. C. Das and Sons, around that same area.

The Old and the New:

Indulge in a post-lunch stroll near the Dalhousie square, not very far from Esplanade, to catch a glimpse of the Rajbhavan, the General Post Office, the Writer’s Building, St. John’s Church, and more.

Lights and Toasts:

It must be already evening, by now. A bus, taxi, metro, or even walking can take you to your next destination: Park Street. One of the liveliest parts of the city, it is full of shops, bars, cafes, and restaurants. Drop into the OlyPub for a drink (or two), and then go to any restaurant based on your choice of cuisine. If late-night partying is your thing, do not forget to visit clubs like Roxy, also located in that area.

Walkthrough the Lights:

It is now late, and you perhaps had a bit too much of the crowd and noise. Just plug on your headphones, play the Journey Song from Piku, and walk over the Howrah Bridge. With the lights from the bridge and from the Howrah station reflecting on the Hooghly river, and the breeze stroking through your hair, this last trip will make sure you never forget the City of Joy.