How to Spend 2 Days in Hyderabad

Hyderabad displays centuries of history, from palaces and bazaars in the central city to forts and mausolea on the outskirts. With two full days, you have enough time to see both areas, plus partake in the city’s lively nightlife and distinctive cuisine. Here’s how.

Day 1: See the Central City

**Morning:**Start the day by exploring the Old City on a walking tour. If possible, visit the Charminar—Hyderabad’s most famous landmark—early, to avoid the traffic that surrounds it later in the day. You’ll also see mosques and markets while learning about Hyderabad’s unique culture and history.

**Afternoon:**An autonomous kingdom under the British Raj until 1947, Hyderabad only became part of the Indian Union in 1956. Tour two of the palaces of the Nizams: opulent Chowmahalla Palace and the European-inspired Falaknuma Palace (the latter accessible only via guided tour or to overnight guests). 

**Night:**Don’t leave town without tasting some authentic Hyderabadi biryani—considered by many to be the most delicious version in India. Join a street food tour to sample the cuisine that locals eat every day, or dine at a sit-down restaurant.

Day 2: Check Out Medieval Ruins

**Morning:**Head over to the Qutb Shahi Tombs, a collection of decorative, domed tombs that house the remains of members of the once-ruling dynasty. The centerpiece is the Great Mosque, whose two minarets resemble those of the Charminar. The large grounds are a beautiful place to stroll.

**Afternoon:**Visit the atmospheric ruins of the Golconda Fort, former capital of the Qutb Shahi sultanate that ruled the area in the 16th and 17th centuries. The Koh-i-Noor and Hope diamonds came from the area, and were once kept inside the fort.

**Night:**Hang around Golconda Fort into the evening to catch the nightly sound-and-light show (in English every day, and in Hindi and Telugu at other times), and learn more about the fort’s history. Afterward, have dinner and drinks in the upmarket Banjara Hills neighborhood.