Top 20 Things to Do in Bangalore

Bangalore, officially known as Bengaluru, is a fascinating blend of modernity and tradition. From lush green parks and age-old temples to microbreweries and startup hubs, the city offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers, locals, and expats alike.

Here’s a curated list of the top 20 things to do in Bangalore:

Nature & Parks

1. Visit Lalbagh Botanical Garden

A 240-acre garden with rare plant species, a serene lake, and the iconic glasshouse inspired by London’s Crystal Palace.

2. Stroll through Cubbon Park

A green haven in the heart of the city—perfect for morning walks, picnics, or reading under centuries-old trees.

3. Nandi Hills Sunrise Trek

Located 60 km from the city, it’s one of the best places to catch a spectacular sunrise above the clouds.

Heritage & Culture

4. Explore Bangalore Palace

A Tudor-style palace built in the 19th century—take a self-guided audio tour of its lavish interiors and royal past.

5. Visit Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace

Made of teakwood and adorned with floral motifs, this palace is a slice of Mysore’s regal history.

6. Attend a Play at Ranga Shankara or Chowdiah Memorial Hall

Experience the thriving theatre and performing arts scene—mostly in Kannada, English, and Hindi.

Markets & Shopping

7. Shop at Commercial Street

From ethnic wear to trendy western outfits, this buzzing street is a paradise for shopaholics.

8. Pick Handicrafts from Cauvery Emporium

State-run emporium on MG Road offering authentic sandalwood, silk, and handicrafts from Karnataka.

Food & Nightlife

9. Try Craft Beer at a Microbrewery

Bangalore is India’s craft beer capital. Top picks: Toit, Arbor Brewing, Windmills, Byg Brewski, and The Bier Library.

10. Café Hopping in Indiranagar & Koramangala

Try unique local cafes like DYU Art Café, Third Wave, Matteo, or Café Noir for great coffee and ambience.

11. Eat Like a Local – Breakfast at CTR or MTR

Have the classic South Indian dosa, filter coffee, and vada at iconic eateries like Vidyarthi Bhavan, CTR (Malleshwaram), or Mavalli Tiffin Room.

Wellness & Retreats

12. Yoga Session at Art of Living Ashram

Just outside the city, this serene campus offers spiritual retreats, yoga classes, and peaceful vibes.

13. Rejuvenate at a Spa in UB City or Whitefield

Bangalore offers high-end spa experiences with Ayurveda, Thai, and aromatherapy massages.

Family-Friendly Activities

14. Bannerghatta Biological Park

Take a safari to see lions, tigers, elephants, and bears. There’s also a butterfly park and zoo.

15. HAL Aerospace Museum

A great spot for kids and adults alike with fighter jets, flight simulators, and aviation history.

Instagram-Worthy Spots

16. Street Art at Church Street

The newly renovated Church Street is filled with art murals, cafes, and pedestrian-only walkways.

17. Skyline View from Skyye Lounge or Ebony

Enjoy cocktails and city views from top rooftop bars at UB City and MG Road.

Religious & Spiritual

18. Visit ISKCON Temple

One of the largest Krishna temples in the world—known for its architecture, music, and spirituality.

19. Dodda Ganapathi & Bull Temple (Basavanagudi)

See the massive monolithic Nandi bull and the large Ganesha idol carved from a single stone.

Unique to Bangalore

20. Tour a Startup or Tech Campus (Infosys, Wipro, etc.)

Being India’s tech capital, many companies have stunning campuses—some offer tours or open events.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a nature lover, techie, foodie, art enthusiast, or spiritual seeker, Bangalore has something for everyone. With pleasant weather year-round, it’s a city best explored at your own pace—one filter coffee at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)