A Local's Guide to Visiting Charminar in Hyderabad

No trip to India is complete without paying a visit to one of its most famous landmarks, Charminar Hyderabad, in the heart of the city.

This magnificent monument was built by Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, in 1591. Although the exact reason for its creation is still disputed, it is widely believed that it was built to give thanks to Allah after the eradication of the plague, which devastated the city during that time.  

Located smack in the middle of the city, the Charminar was and still is the beating heart of Hyderabad. The monument and its surrounding attractions are very popular amongst locals and visitors alike, so expect things to be extremely busy, especially during Friday prayers and on weekends.

But it's well worth braving the crowds and chaos to marvel at the grand Indo-Islamic and Persian architecture of Charminar and to check out the many iconic attractions surrounding the monument. 

This guide has everything you need to know about visiting the Charminar like a local, including the best things to do in the area, the top places to eat, the best times to visit, and more. 

The Charminar is easily identifiable by its four 184-foot-tall minarets. In English, "char" actually means "four" and "minar" translates to "tower". One of the most interesting facts about the Charminar is that the minarets are actually part of what is believed to be the oldest mosque in Hyderabad, which is located on the top floor of the monument. The mosque is still open to worshippers today.

It's well worth taking the time to admire the Charminar from both the inside and outside. If you want to take in the views from inside the Charminar, the monument is open every day from 9:30am to 5:30pm. You can purchase tickets at the entrance of the monument. After that, you'll climb the cramped 149-step spiral staircase inside one of the minarets to reach the upper levels.  

The monument has four levels. From up here, you'll get panoramic views across the Old City and Laad Bazaar below as well as an up-close look at some of the structure's architectural details and ornate carvings. Do note that certain levels and stairwells are often closed to visitors, so it's not always possible to access the top floors.

You really won't need more than an hour or two to admire the architecture of Charminar from both the outside and inside. But there are plenty more things to do nearby.

Either before or after your visit to the Chaminar, start your day with breakfast at the super popular Govind ki Bandi. This no-frills food stall is located in Ghanzi Bazaar, just steps away from the Charminar. It opens early if you're planning on getting an early start. It's known for its idlis, dosas, and vadas – but the Butter Dosa, Masala Dosa, and the Tawa Idli are local favourites.

Laad Baazar surrounds the Charminar and a visit to this bustling bazaar goes hand in hand with a visit to the monument. This marketplace is famous for its bangles, but you'll also find plenty of vendors hawking pearls, jewellery, precious stones, saris, handwoven fabrics, and so much more.

Even if you're not in the market for souvenirs, it's well worth wandering around to soak in the hustle and bustle of Laad Market. This is also a great place to sample popular local street foods like Hyderabadi biryani (mutton and rice), haleem (meat and lentil stew), and boti kebab (mutton kebab).

From Nimrah Cafe, walk for a few minutes until you reach Makkah Masjid. Built between 1614 and 1687, this 17th-century mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Hyderabad. And with a main hall that can accommodate nearly 10,000 worshippers, this is also one of the largest mosques in the world. The bricks used to build the mosque are believed to have been brought from Mecca. Other notable features are the Belgian crystal chandeliers, which adorn the ceilings.

Makkah Masjid is open daily from 4am to 9:30pm to both Muslims and non-Muslims (entry is free). Do note that there is a very strict dress code for entering the grounds. All women and non-Muslim males are not permitted to enter the prayer hall. 

If you're in need of another refresher, take a walk to Matwale Doodh Ghar. This place is known for its addictive lassi and falooda drinks – the perfect antidote to a hot summer day. This place is very popular amongst locals and visitors alike. It may be crowded but it's worth the wait.

Sip while you walk and before long you'll arrive at Chowmahalla Palace. The palace was the official residence of the Nizams of Hyderabad during their rule. While it is still owned by the family, it now serves as a museum and is open to the public from Saturday to Thursday from 10am to 5pm. This place spans 12 acres and you'll need to allot around 2 hours to explore it all.

Chowmahalla Palace is an essential place to visit if you want to get a glimpse of what life was like for the Nizam royals. Explore the property and you can marvel at the truly majestic halls, beautiful gardens and fountains, vintage car collection, and artefacts and antiques ranging from clothing and weapons to treasures and furnishings. 

You'll have a totally different experience of the Charminar depending on when you visit. To avoid the crowds, it's best to visit as early in the morning as possible. In the mornings, things should be a little less busy in the surrounding markets, allowing for a more peaceful experience. If you're visiting during the stifling summer months, it's well worth getting there early to beat the midday heat.

That being said, the Charminar is quite the spectacle when it's illuminated at night. In the evenings, the surrounding markets will be buzzing with vendors and visitors, creating that quintessential Old City experience.

The Charminar is a huge tourist attraction as well as an active place of worship. So expect things to be at their busiest during Friday prayers and on weekends. For a truly memorable local experience, try to time your visit with the Muslim holiday of Eid-ul-adha or Eid al-Fitr. Things will be packed but you can expect all sorts of festivities and unique cultural experiences.

Driving in the Old City isn’t for the faint of heart. The narrow and winding streets are teeming with cars, auto-rickshaws, and buses. Traffic and parking are both serious issues in this part of town.

A popular option is to travel by metro. The closest station to the Charminar is the MGBS metro station. From here, you can either walk or take a short auto-rickshaw ride to reach the Charminar. From there, you can easily walk or take short auto-rickshaw rides to all of the attractions in this guide. 

If you're looking for a modern hotel for your visit to Charminar, Mercure Hyderabad KCP is the ideal choice.

Located in the nearby Banjara Hills, this 4-star hotel features 127 spacious rooms and suites, a rooftop lounge and bar with spectacular views of Hussain Sagar Lake, a state-of-the-art rooftop gym with even more views, and a breakfast buffet each morning.