Things To Do
in Patna
Patna is the capital of Bihar and one of India's oldest continuously inhabited cities, a place where ancient history meets modern markets. Set along the Ganges, it blends Mauryan-era sites with a growing cafe culture, busy streets, and riverfront views. It serves as a gateway to Buddhist heritage sites like Nalanda and Bodh Gaya while offering a vibrant street-food scene and culturally rich neighborhoods.
Today Patna feels like a city of contrasts, where centuries-old temples sit beside bustling bazaars and evolving urban life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Golghar, a massive granary built in 1786, where you can climb to the top for a panoramic view of Patna. Afterward, stroll along the banks of the Ganga River, enjoying the early morning serenity and watching the local fishermen at work. Stop by a nearby café for a traditional Indian breakfast, savoring dishes like poha and chai.
Head over to the Bihar Museum, a modern museum showcasing the rich history and culture of Bihar through interactive exhibits and artifacts. After exploring the museum, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, trying some authentic Bihari cuisine such as litti chokha. Spend your afternoon visiting the nearby Mahavir Mandir, one of the most revered temples in the region, and take in the vibrant atmosphere.
As the sun sets, take a leisurely boat ride on the Ganga River, watching the sky transform into hues of orange and pink. After your boat ride, enjoy an evening meal at a riverside restaurant, relishing the local seafood specialties. Conclude your day by exploring the vibrant local markets, where you can shop for handicrafts and traditional Bihari sweets.
Begin your day with a visit to the historic Takht Sri Patna Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, where you can witness the morning prayers and rituals. Explore the complex, admiring its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere. After the visit, enjoy a simple breakfast at a local eatery, sampling delicious parathas and curd.
Post breakfast, head to the nearby Patna Museum, which houses a vast collection of ancient artifacts, including sculptures from the Mauryan and Gupta periods. Spend some time appreciating the artistry and history on display before enjoying lunch at a nearby café. Continue your cultural exploration by visiting the Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library, known for its impressive collection of rare manuscripts and books.
In the evening, attend a performance at the Bihar Raj Bhavan or a local cultural center, where you can experience traditional music and dance. After the performance, dine at a popular restaurant known for its Bihari thali, offering a variety of local dishes. Wrap up your day with a stroll along the Ganga, enjoying the cool evening breeze.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🥗Lunch for two at mid-range restaurant | $8-20 |
| 🏨Hotel (per night, budget) | $25-60 |
| 🚕One-way taxi ride | $2-5 |
| ☕Coffee/tea at café | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich history and cultural heritage
- Delicious and affordable street food
- Easy access to Buddhist and archaeological sites nearby
- Friendly locals and a compact city center for walking tours
- Heavy traffic and air pollution in central areas
- Limited nightlife compared with larger cities
- Some areas have crowded streets and uneven sidewalks
- "Namaste" - Hello/Good day
- "Shukriya / Dhanyavaad" - Thank you
- "Kripya" - Please
- "Aap kaise hain?" - How are you?
- "Mujhe madad chahiye" - I need help
- "Yeh kitna hai?" - How much is this?
- "Kahaan hai?" - Where is...?
- "Mera naam ... hai" - My name is ...
- "Main vegetarian hoon" - I am vegetarian
- "Sahi raaste par hai?" - Is this the right way?
- "Bahut accha" - Very good
Places to Visit in Patna
Visit one of these nice places.
A 19th-century granary with a circular staircase offering panoramic views of Patna and the Ganges nearby.
A vast open space ideal for wide-angle city shots, events, and sunset photography.
Mauryan-era ruins and columns that offer intriguing ancient-city photography opportunities.
Colonial-era building with interior galleries; a good backdrop for architectural and artifact photography.
Sculpture-laden gardens and reflective pools offering tranquil compositions.
Lush grounds, water features, and wildlife enclosures suitable for nature photography.
Food in Patna
Patna Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Charred wheat flour balls filled with roasted gram flour (sattu) and served with chokha (mashed roasted vegetables); a must-try street or restaurant staple.
Must-Try!
Parathas stuffed with roasted gram flour, typically enjoyed with pickles, chutney, and yogurt.
Rice flour dumplings stuffed with spiced lentil mixture, often served with chutney or accompaniment.
Crunchy, sesame-llecked jaggery-sweet biscuits; a traditional Bihar festival treat that’s widely available in bakeries and street stalls.
Layered, flaky sweet brittle that’s popular as a snack or dessert.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling strip with a mix of casual diners, chaat carts, and litti chokha vendors; great for sampling a range of Bihar flavors.
Another busy stretch offering Bhojpuri thalis, dal-chawal, chaat, and sweets; ideal for an informal dinner.
Traditional markets where fresh produce, snacks, and regional bites are found; perfect for an authentic meal on the go.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A respectful greeting is to press hands together and say Namaste; avoid public displays of affection in most contexts.
Dress modestly, especially at religious sites; shoulders and knees should be covered in temples and mosques.
Remove shoes and wash hands before entering temples; ask before taking photos of people; use the right hand for giving and receiving.
Tipping is not obligatory in casual eateries; washing hands before meals is common; eating with the right hand is customary.
Safety
Tipping in Patna
Ensure a smooth experience
In most mid-range to upscale restaurants, a service charge may be included; otherwise tips of 5–10% for good service are appreciated. Porters and hotel staff commonly receive small tips (a few rupees to a few hundred depending on service).
Cash is still widely used, especially in smaller eateries, street stalls, and markets. Many hotels and urban restaurants accept cards and mobile wallets (Paytm, Google Pay, PhonePe); always have some cash on hand for markets and rickshaws.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with temperatures often rising above 40°C (104°F); stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and schedule outdoor activities for early morning or late evening.
Heavy rainfall from June to September; humidity is high and streets can flood in low-lying areas; carry rain gear and waterproof footwear.
Cool to mild, with pleasant daytime temperatures and cooler nights; ideal for sightseeing and outdoor walks.
Patna at Night
Hiking in Patna
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic hill town about 100–120 km from Patna, offering several easy hikes and viewpoints.
Ancient granite cave formations near Jehanabad; a longer drive but rewarding for nature and history lovers.
Airports
How to reach Patna by plane.
Primary airport serving Patna with domestic and some international connections; convenient for quick access to the city.
Located about 120 kilometers from Patna; useful for Buddhist circuit travelers and regional flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Major religious group with diverse linguistic communities (primarily Bhojpuri/Maithili-speaking).
Significant minority with a rich cultural influence on cuisine, markets, and festivals.
Students, migrants, and professionals from across Bihar and India contribute to a dynamic urban mix.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport across the region with local leagues and casual street play.
Traditional sport enjoyed in schools and local communities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Patna.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are abundant; most dishes use dals, vegetables, paneer, and dairy. Look for explicit no-meat requests and confirm eggs aren’t used if you avoid them.