Things to Do in Hyderabad

Built more than two centuries ago, Chowmahalla Palace was once the epicenter of Hyderabad. It was the seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty and where the Nizams entertained their royal visitors and other esteemed guests.

Widely believed to be modelled on the Shah of Iran's palace in Tehran, Chowmahalla Palace is a unique blend of various architectural styles and influences, such as its Mughal domes and Persian-influenced stucco work. 

The palace complex has been considerately restored and is well-maintained throughout. It is made up of two courtyards, the northern and the southern, which consist of grand palaces, the Khilwat Mubarak (or Dharbar Hall) with its stunning chandeliers, gardens with fountains, and a clock tower presiding over the main gate at the palace’s entrance.

One of the buildings within the palace grounds is also used as a car museum for all the vehicles imported by Nizam at the turn of the last century. The collection includes vintage Rolls Royces, Bentleys, and a range of well-maintained American cars.

Hyderabad’s royalty, known as the Nizam-ul-Mulk, have held top positions in the state since the early 1700s. Travelers who want to learn more about the history, culture, traditions and lifestyles of these incredible dignitary can pay a visit to the Nizam Museum, where gifts and artifacts from the last Nizam are on display. 

Visitors can wander the halls lined with mementos of the silver jubilee celebration, which dates back to 1936, and see silver replicas of some of Hyderabad’s most iconic buildings. Some of the museum’s most popular items include a gold tiffin box decorated with diamonds, silver perfume containers and a 1930s Rolls Royce. This museum showcases how the other half lives with plenty of glitz, glam and sparkle proudly displayed.

Mecca Masjid is one of the oldest mosques in Hyderabad, as well as being one of the largest in the world. Construction of the mosque began in 1617 by the city’s founder, Sultan Mohammad Quli Qutb Shah, but wasn’t complete until 1694 under the rule of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

This ancient mosque is a listed heritage building. It’s constructed from granite and features exquisite interiors that few visitors get to see; its large prayer hall can accommodate more than 10,000 men, but women are not allowed inside and tourists can only hope to catch a glimpse from outside. Female visitors may not even be permitted into the mosque’s vast courtyard area if their clothing is not deemed conservative enough.

Several bricks embedded above the main prayer hall's central arch are made with soil from the holy city of Mecca (hence the mosque's name), and verses of the Quran are inscribed on the arches of the building. It is also believed that a strand of the Prophet Mohammed’s hair is kept preserved in a room in the mosque’s courtyard.

The AP State Archeology Museum is Hyderabad’s oldest museum and home to some of the state’s most-prized artifacts that were excavated from the museum’s original site. And while these items certainly offer a glimpse into the ancient times of locals, it’s the Egyptian mummy exhibit and the expansive Buddha gallery that attract most visitors, plus an impressive collection of items from the Kakatiya dynasty. This museum is perfect for families traveling with children and ideal for history buffs looking to learn more about the rich history of this Indian state.

This 2000-acre film city is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest film complex in the world. It’s been a top attraction for movie and Bollywood buffs who’ve made their way to Hyderabad since 1996. With an amusement park, skating rink, children’s play area and theater there’s plenty to entertain the entire family. Catch a Spirit or Stunt show at the Eureka Theater, or spend a couple of hours shopping the stores full of movie memorabilia. Enjoy complimentary rides like the Twister or Carousel and make the most of a day in Hyderabad’s premier entertainment destination.

Laad Bazaar is one of the oldest markets in Hyderabad. It is situated along one of the four main streets that lead out from the iconic Charminar monument. Long before the city became a hive of business activity, the bangle market industry emerged here, and it still thrives today with locals and tourists coming from far and wide to browse the market’s colorful creations.

The production of the bangles involves painstakingly encrusting tiny stones and crystals into a mixture of resins. ‘Lac’ bangles, which are handcrafted from an insect secretion encrusted with dazzling stones, are a particular Hyderabadi specialty, although visitors to Laad Bazaar will also find accessories, perfumes, and saris among its many shops and stalls. The market is a one-stop shop for wedding items and accessories.

The halls of this regal-looking museum are filled with art from not only from India, but from the eastern and western worlds. Travelers who venture to the entry of this imposing white structure will find works dating as far back at the 2nd century and as recent as the 20th century. And while the museum showcases the best of local art and culture, visitors will also find plenty of nods to Greek, Roman, and other European influences. 

The stone sculptures, bronze statues, jade carvings, handmade tapestries and colorful Buddhist paintings are just part of what makes the Salar Juang Museum one of Hyderabad’s most popular attractions. An optional audio guided tour unlocks more of the history of the stunning works inside the museum’s halls and travelers say even a couple of hours isn’t enough to take in all of Salar Jung’s collection.

The most famous building in Hyderabad, Charminar is an iconic monument and mosque situated in the heart of the old city. This grand square structure was built at the end of the 16th century by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shahi to celebrate the end of a plague that had swept the region.

The Charminar is an example of Indo-Islamic architecture, with some other influences evident, such as its Persian inspired stucco elements. It features four grand arches that face out towards wide roads leading off in each direction. There are four fluted minarets built into each corner of the monument, which are crowned with a dome and feature intricate designs at their base. A small mosque sits on the western side of the top floor of the building, facing the holy Muslim city of Mecca.