Top 11 Things to Do in Ahmedabad​ - Heritage, Food, Shopping & More

From the tranquil Sabarmati Riverfront to bustling markets and architectural marvels, there`s always something to see and do. Whether you are a history buff, a foodie, a shopaholic, or traveling with family, there are plenty of things to do in Ahmedabad to make your visit memorable.

In this blog, you will know all about the famous places and things to see in Ahmedabad. Read ahead and plan your Ahmedabad trip soon.

11 Best Things to Do in Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad is a wonderful blend of history, culture, architecture, food, shopping, and modern experiences. Whether it is visiting the age-old monuments and heritage sites or relishing authentic Gujarati cuisines or exploring local markets, there is something for all kinds of travelers. Whether you are here with family, friends, or alone, these 10 best things to do in Ahmedabad will make you experience the city’s many colors and character.

1. Visit the Sabarmati Ashram

Right at the banks of the River Sabarmati, this ashram is the biggest crowd-puller of Ahmedabad. One of our national heroes, Mahatma Gandhi, spent most of his time here, and thus you will find various things associated with his life and India`s freedom struggle. Visiting this ashram is definitely one of the must-do activities in Ahmedabad.

• Established by Mahatma Gandhi in 1917, the ashram became an important center of India’s freedom movement and was closely associated with several key phases of the struggle for independence.
• The historic Dandi March started from this place in 1930. So, while you are roaming around the Ashram premises, remember you are standing on the soil upon which some of the greatest revolutionaries of our country once walked. That`s definitely going to give some goosebumps!
• Explore Hriday Kunj, Gandhi’s former residence, along with the museum, photographs, manuscripts, books, and personal belongings that offer insights into his life and teachings.
• Just take a quiet walk around the ashram grounds and along the Sabarmati River to appreciate its serene surroundings.

Time Required: 2 hours

2. Explore the Old City

One of the best things to do in Ahmedabad is exploring the old city. Just stepping into this historic old city, you will get the old-world charm with the centuries-old architecture. The colorful neighborhood just enhances the overall charming appeal of this place. So, take your time, walk around at a leisurely pace, and notice the intricate details of daily life here.

• Discover the architectural heritage of Ahmedabad with its intricately carved wooden facades, ornate balconies, old havelis, temples, mosques, and traditional homes.
• Walk through the city’s historic pols, traditional residential clusters with distinctive houses, narrow streets, community spaces, and elaborately carved entrances.
• Take a walk through the old town areas like Dhal Ni Pol, Mandvi Ni Pol, and Zaveriwad and get a taste of old Ahmedabad character and its bubbling local culture.
• Heritage areas of Old Ahmedabad are ideal for walking and guided tours. With a local guide, a heritage walk can take you to discover hidden architectural details and learn about the history and traditions of the pols.

Time Required: 2–3 hours

3. Admire the Adalaj Stepwell

Exploring the Adalaj Stepwell is one of the best activities to do in Ahmedabad. Located just outside Ahmedabad, this monument is a perfect example of Indo-Islamic architecture. You will understand the genius minds of the medieval period.

• It was Queen Rudabai who built the Adalaj Stepwell in 1498 in her husband Rana Veer Singh`s memory.
• A five-story stepwell, this iconic landmark reflects the architectural genius of that particular era.
• This stepwell also served as a water source for the locals.
• One of the best things to do in Ahmedabad is to appreciate the detailed carvings on walls, pillars and arches.
• The carvings feature floral motifs and mythological figures.
• It is one of the best places for photography enthusiasts.

Time Required: 1-2 hours

4. Visiting the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque

Sidi Saiyyed Mosque is one of the most iconic places to visit in Ahmedabad. It is known for its wonderful architecture from the 16th century. The impressive stonework here is beyond excellence.

• Admire the stone latticework, especially the Tree of Life Jaali.
• The Indo-Islamic architecture of the 16th century (1573) speaks a lot about the heritage of the city.
• Visit this place early in the morning or late afternoon for comfortable sightseeing and note every intricate detail.

Time Required: 45 minutes

5. Explore the Calico Textile Museum

This museum is no ordinary collection but a sneak peek into the textile heritage of the country—one of the best things to see in Ahmedabad. You will be mesmerized by the fascinating fabrics that exemplify Indian craftsmanship. See how diverse the ethnic tradition of the country is here.

• Check out the impressive collection of the traditional Indian textile—fabrics, woven pieces, handcrafted ones, and the religious textiles.
• You will be astonished to see how different regions in India use varied techniques for textiles.
• The museum is an ideal place for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, students, and photographers.
• As there is limited access and specific visiting arrangements inside the museum, you must plan ahead and check the availability before going.

Time Required: 2 hours

6. Spending Time at the Kankaria Lake

Spending some time at Kankaria Lake is one of the best things to do in Ahmedabad. The park offers a beautiful mix of family attractions, scenic views and recreation. It can also be referred to as a romantic place of the city for its refreshing lake views and tranquil ambiance.

• Take a stroll along the lake and enjoy the scenery.
• There are arrangements for recreation like toy trains, amusement parks, and children`s play areas where your kids can have a wonderful time.
• One of the best activities in Ahmedabad is to witness the sunset hours from the Kankaria Lake. So, don`t miss that.
• The lakefront is illuminated in the evening and provides a stunning backdrop for your photo moments.

Time Required: 2 - 3 hours

7. See the Hutheesing Jain Temple

One of the most amazing religious landmarks in the city, the Hutheesing Jain Temple will demand all your attention. The beautiful craftsmanship and peaceful atmosphere are something you will cherish for life, and thus witnessing this temple is one of the best things to do in Ahmedabad.

• People come to visit this 19th-century monument that depicts Jain traditions, architecture, and the city’s rich cultural heritage.
• The carvings on the marble, domes, pillars, arches, and sculpted motifs make this temple so appealing to visitors.
• This temple is dedicated to Lord Dharmanath, who was the 15th Jain Tirthankara.
• While you are admiring one of the best temples in India, please remember to abide by the photography rules here.

Time Required: 45 minutes

8. Explore Science City

If you were dying for some adventure activities in Ahmedabad, your search ends here at the Science City. This is an engaging place for families with children and all science enthusiasts. Their interactive exhibits make learning science really interesting and entertaining.

• You can explore the hands-on exhibits, science galleries, and space and technology display for an easy understanding of complex concepts.
• The educational angle wrapped in entertainment makes learning fun for children.
• The fascinating facts about our real world make this place intriguing and enjoyable for adults as well.

Time Required: 3 - 4 hours

9. Visit the Auto Vintage Car Museum

One of the most unique museums in India is this vintage car museum. It consists of some of the best classic and vintage cars. It is thus a wonderful place for families, car lovers, and photographers.

• Admire an extensive collection of beautifully preserved vintage cars, including classic models, luxury automobiles, and historic vehicles from different eras.
• Take the family and kids around the museum and have a nice day out while learning about the development of the automobile.
• Closely note the detailing of the vintage cars. Before you leave, check the museum’s hours, entrance fees and photography policy.

Time Required: 1 - 2 hours

10. Spend Time Shopping at Law Garden and Manek Chowk

The real taste of Ahmedabad lies in its markets, where you get to shop for various colorful things and gorge on the lip-smacking platter of food. Law Garden is particularly famous for Gujarati handicrafts, while Manek Chowk is renowned for jewelry.

• Check out the impressive handicrafts, decor pieces, embroidered work on fabrics, etc. while you are at Law Garden Market.
• If you want to buy something iconic, you can get the Bandhani print sarees, dupattas and other garments, which are a specialty of this region. And watch for the mirror work items. They are wonderful.
• Law Garden market and Manek Chowk market are also renowned for colorful accessories showcasing traditional Gujarati designs and oxidized jewelry.
• As the evening hours kick in, Manek Chowk comes alive with food stalls offering a variety of things like pav bhaji, sandwiches, kulfi, etc.
• Shopping at these markets is one of the best things to do in Ahmedabad and ensure you go there in the evening to get the whole vibe of the place.

Time Required: 1 - 3 hours

11. Enjoying Sabarmati Riverfront

As the day begins to cool, the Sabarmati Riverfront takes on a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, making it ideal for an unhurried evening. Enjoy the sunset, take a peaceful stroll, or cycle along the promenade while admiring the changing cityscape.

• After late afternoon, the whole city begins to cool down, and thus it`s a wonderful time to enjoy the evening atmosphere. The sunset turns some of the places magical.
• One of the best activities in Ahmedabad is to watch the sunset from the Sabarmati Riverfront. As the sky turns golden, it illuminates the surroundings softly.
• A stroll along the well-manicured promenade is enjoyed among the locals and the tourists to absorb the cool breeze.
• Here, you can rent a bicycle and ride along the designated pathways for a lovely evening.
• From the Sabarmati Riverfront, you can enjoy the city skyline and landscaped spaces.
• One of the best things to do in Ahmedabad is enjoying the Sabarmati riverside and this would be best experienced between 5-8 P.M.

Time Required: 2 - 3 hours

Best Time to Explore Ahmedabad

You can visit Ahmedabad at any time of the year. any time of the year. The best time to visit Ahmedabad is from November to February, when the weather is most pleasant. Check out the seasonal variations of weather below.

Summer: March to May

The temperature of the summer season remains between 29°C and 41°C. During this season, the days are hot, with temperatures peaking in the afternoons. So, if anyone is traveling to Ahmedabad during this season, they must cover the heritage walks or outdoor activities either early in the morning or in the evening. However, you can keep the museum visits in the afternoons, as for most parts, you will stay indoors.

Monsoon: June to October

The average temperature remains between 27°C and 35°C. Ahmedabad gets occasional rainfall that adds a gloss to the greenery everywhere. The occasional rainfall may slightly disrupt your outdoor plans.

Winter: November to February

The average temperature remains between 12°C and 29°C. These are the most comfortable months in Ahmedabad for a wholesome experience of the city. Everywhere from shopping streets to riverside walks, museum visits to the old city become easier to explore.
In a nutshell, Ahmedabad is a wonderful winter place to visit in India.

Modes of Transport for Various Things to Do in Ahmedabad

There are various places to visit in Ahmedabad, like historical landmarks or marketplaces. To commute to these places, there are various modes of transport so that your journey remains easy. Read below and know about the modes of transport available in Ahmedabad.

• Auto Rickshaw: These three-wheeler rides are best for short-distance travel crossing narrow lanes and crowded marketplaces. The best thing about auto rickshaws is that they are super affordable for everyone.
• Cabs: If you are in the city with your family, group of friends, or simply want hassle-free travel for an all-day sightseeing, cabs are the best options. For various activities to do in Ahmedabad or for covering multiple attractions in a day, cabs are perfect. You can book a cab with point-to-point transfers or for several hours.
• App-based Cabs: There are Ola and Uber, kind of app-based cabs that are convenient for both short- and long-distance travel. They are safe and secure and are the best options for late evening travel, airport transfers, and hotel-to-attraction points across the city.
• Bus: AMTS buses are the most economical choices of travel within the city. It connects residential, commercial and tourist sites, making it simpler for budget travelers to get around.
• Metro: To avoid heavy traffic during busy hours, the best mode of transport is metro rail. They connect key areas across the city, and you can combine a metro ride with cabs or autos for a more comfortable journey.

Important Travel Tips for Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad is a vibrant city with lots of experiences to offer its travelers. There are various leisure and business travelers flocking here. If you are one among them, check the important travel tips mentioned below.

• If you are going in the summer, start your sightseeing early so that you can enjoy the outdoor attractions before the scorching sunrays.
• If you want the hotels in Ahmedabad at a discounted or cheap price, schedule your trip between July and October.
• To explore the heritage sites, walk around the lanes and markets, and carry comfortable and sturdy footwear.
• Take your water bottle wherever you are going and pack sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.
• Before planning your Ahmedabad itinerary, check the timings of monuments and major attractions.
• There are various things to do in Ahmedabad, and one of them is photographing famous monuments, mosques, ashrams, and other attractions. So, please obey the photography rules at these places.
• Keep some buffer time in your day-to-day sightseeing because the traffic remains high during peak hours.

Conclusion

When you want a city vibe alongside a nostalgic old-world charm, Ahmedabad is the perfect destination for you. There is something for every type of traveler here in Ahmedabad, whether you are keen to explore the Sabarmati Ashram, enjoy a peaceful vibe of the Kankaria Lake (one of the best man-made lakes in India) or devour the tasty Gujarati cuisine. From wandering through the historic lanes of the Old City and marveling at its intricate architecture to discovering museums, ashrams, temples and bustling bazaars, there are plenty of Ahmedabad famous things to experience. If you are looking for a bit of history, architecture, food, shopping or a taste of Gujarati hospitality, Ahmedabad has more to offer than the usual tourist itinerary.
Discover a range of Indian tour packages and plan your visit to Ahmedabad for a memorable time.

FAQs

What are the best things to do in Ahmedabad?

Visiting the famous Sabarmati Ashram, exploring the Adalaj Stepwell, observing the architecture of the old city, and going to the Calico Museum are some of the best things to do in Ahmedabad.

What is Ahmedabad famous for?

Ahmedabad is renowned for its rich history, textile heritage, traditional Gujarati food, historic pols, stepwells, Sabarmati Ashram, and UNESCO-listed Historic City.

What are the best things to do in Ahmedabad for couples?

Couples can enjoy a riverside stroll at Sabarmati Riverfront, explore the old city, visit heritage sites, enjoy a Gujarati meal, and spend a relaxed evening at Kankaria Lake.

Is Ahmedabad suitable for a family trip?

Yes. Ahmedabad is suitable for families, with attractions such as Kankaria Lake, museums, the Science City, Sabarmati Ashram, and several parks and cultural attractions.

How many days are enough for Ahmedabad?

2–3 days are generally enough to explore Ahmedabad’s major attractions, heritage sites, markets, museums, food spots, and cultural experiences at a comfortable pace.

Which are the best shopping markets in Ahmedabad?

Law Garden, Manek Chowk, Sindhi Market, Lal Darwaja, and Dhalgarwad are popular for traditional Gujarati clothing, handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, accessories, and local souvenirs.