Heading to Kolkata? This short, sharp guide skips the fluff—get the essentials for an epic trip (top hostels below)!
TL;DR
- Perfect for: 3–4 days
- Best for: History buffs, culture lovers, food adventurers, curious solo wanderers
- Why visit: Artsy chaos, book stalls, street food—warm welcomes and zero loneliness!
KOLKATA AT A GLANCE
- Population: 15.1 million, India’s 3rd-largest city
- History: Former British Raj capital, heart of the Bengal Renaissance
- Famous for: Colonial architecture, Durga Puja, street eats, book markets
- Nickname: City of Joy
- Solo vibe: Welcoming, vibrant, easy to meet people—generally safe (with some caution)
ESSENTIAL INFO
- 💰 Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)
- 🗣 Language: Bengali (official); Hindi and English widely spoken
- 🌦 Best time: October–February (cool temps, festivals, not scorching)
- ✈️ From airport:
- Prepaid taxi (yellow booth, ₹350–₹400, reliable, fixed rate)
- WBSTC air-conditioned bus (cheap and comfy, domestic terminal)
- Ride apps (Uber, Ola) widely used and safe; sim cards: Airtel or Jio
- 🧳 Safety: Pickpocketing on public transport; women’s safety cabs and pink taxis available; avoid isolated areas at night
- 🎭 Cultural calendar tip: Visit during late Sept–Oct for Durga Puja—the city transforms
- 🎦 What to watch: The Namesake (Kolkata nostalgia and soul)
WHERE TO STAY (FOR SOLO TRAVELERS)
- 🛏️ Best hostel: The Nerd Nest Kolkata. Chill spot in a quieter neighborhood with clean dorms, reliable WiFi, and individual curtains for privacy. The staff, especially Anirban, are super helpful and the vibe makes it easy to meet fellow travelers. Breakfast included and books up quickly in high season! 🌟
- Best areas for hotels/Airbnb:
- 🏘️ Park Street/Sudder Street – Central, lively, easy transit, solo-friendly nightlife & food
- 🧭 Ballygunge – Leafy, upscale, more local residential vibe, less touristy, great food scene
- 💸 Budget: Guesthouses around Sudder Street—affordable, near action, ideal for backpackers
- Tip: Use hostels with security lockers and opt for places walkable to metro for cheap city travel.
TRANSPORT & NAVIGATION
- 🚶♂️ Walkability: Park Street, College Street, Dalhousie Square, and ghats are super walkable
- 🚌 Bus: WBSTC air-conditioned blue buses (slightly pricier but comfy) and private minibuses run everywhere—fares ₹10–₹30
- 🚋 Metro: Fastest/cheapest; tickets ₹5–₹25 via smart card/QR app (Metro Ride Kolkata)
- 🚖 Taxi: Iconic yellow cabs (prepaid or Yatri Sathi app); Ola, Uber best for convenience; women-only pink cabs for safety
- 🚲 Bikes: Not common—stick to walking or tuk-tuks; try a hand-pulled rickshaw for an old-city vibe (short rides only!)
TOP 5 THINGS TO DO ALONE
- 🏛️ Victoria Memorial – Marvel at the marble grandeur, stroll gardens, visit museum—classic solo museum wander
- 🌿 Princep Ghat walk – Riverside promenade, colonial mansions, epic sunset. Safe and scenic
- 🧠 Kumartuli workshops – Watch artisans craft Durga idols, especially pre-Puja (tip for photos)
- 🧭 College Street stroll – Legendary book bazaar, student cafés, literary energy, easy mingling
- 🎨 Dalhousie Square heritage walk – Snap colonial landmarks, join a free Saturday group tour, feel the city’s history
- 🔀 Wildcard: Howrah Flower Market at dawn—bursting colors, raw street life, best for early riser photographers
WHAT TO SKIP
- ❌ Unlicensed bars in Burrabazar – Can be sketchy and unsafe for solos (especially at night)
- ❌ Aquatica Water Park – Crowded, pricey, better ways to cool off (Try a café or a river walk instead)
- ❌ Shopping malls – Nothing unique to Kolkata, stick to local bazaars
EATING & DRINKING
- 🧍♂️ Solo-friendly: 8th Day Café – Friendly staff and digital nomad energy, top-tier cold brew, fresh bakes
- 🥃 Pub/bar w/character: Olypub (Park St) – Legendary, no-nonsense, cheap drinks, easy conversation
- 🍽️ Must-try local foods: Phuchka at Vivekananda Park, Kathi Rolls at Nizam’s, Kolkata Biryani at Arsalan, Rosogolla at KC Das
- 💸 Cheap eats: Street vendors (egg/chicken rolls ₹60–₹100); try Aquatica Food Court for variety (meals from ₹200)
- 🥦 Veg/vegan: Oh! Calcutta for rich vegetarian Bengali thalis + Shukto
- 🍸 Cocktails: The GRID – Industrial-chic brewpub, top craft beers, big tables for mingling
BEST OF KOLKATA IN 1 DAY – SOLO ITINERARY
- Sunrise: Explore Howrah Flower Market—take dawn photos at the river
- Morning: Coffee at 8th Day Café, stroll College Street, browse bookstalls
- Lunch: Kathi Roll at Nizam’s, dessert with classic Rosogolla
- Afternoon: Visit Victoria Memorial, then walk to St. Paul’s Cathedral
- Evening: Amble along Princep Ghat, watch the sunset by the river
- Dinner: Bengali feast at Oh! Calcutta (Lake Mall, pre-book!)
- Night: Nightcap at The GRID, or join the local crowd at Olypub
LOCAL TIPS & INSIDER WISDOM
- 🎉 Festival tip: Durga Puja (late Sept–Oct)—city explodes with color, art, street food; locals are welcoming to outsiders
- 📍 Hidden gem: Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture—calm, few tourists, fascinating philosophy talks
- 📷 Photo spots: Howrah Bridge at sunrise; Victoria Memorial gardens; flower market for street shots
- 🧠 Etiquette: Cover shoulders/knees at temples; shoes off before entering
- 🚩 Safety: Kolkata is mostly safe; avoid late night in deserted areas, keep an eye on belongings
- 👀 One last thing: Kolkata’s greatest treasure is its people—don’t be shy to strike up a chai-side chat!
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