21 Places to Visit in Kathmandu

Kathmandu is repeatedly enlisted amongst the city to visit in the world; thanks to its stirring history, ancient culture and tradition, and excellent exhibition of art and architecture, the city is worth every bit of praise.

Being the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu is the center of economic and infrastructure as well, and arriving here might give a different picture than what you have been expecting. The crowd in every corner of the city, pollution and disorganized settlement of Kathmandu; all these are true, and you will witness it once you arrive here. But let's not judge a book by its cover.

There are numerous places to visit in Kathmandu, where you can see and get shocked at what this ancient city has to offer. From the exceptional exhibition of art to providing the most scenic view of valley and mountains beyond, there are places in Kathmandu where you can have the taste of all; you just have to know where to go next. So, without indulging in anything, let's get a rundown of the top 21 places to visit in Kathmandu.

1. Nagarkot

Located in the 32 km east of Kathmandu, Nagarkot is the perfect escape for relaxing in peace and spend some time close to nature. The place is rather famous for its magnificent Himalayan views, especially the view of mountains at sunrise. Its hilltop location at 2,175 meters surrounded by thickly forested hills of pine is just a blissful place to be.

You will get a view of major Himalayan ranges, including Annapurna range, Manaslu range, Langtang range, Ganesh Himal range, Rolwaling range, and more. Also, as it is one of the best places to visit in Kathmandu, it also has adventure sports like hiking and mountain biking for you.

2. Freak Street

Freak Street is located in the south of Kathmandu Durbar Square. During the time from early 1960s to late 1970, hippies from around the around could travel to Freak Street in search of legal cannabis. It was the epicenter during the Hippie trail of that period.

Although the time is gone, its history and prime location in the heart of the city makes it the best place to visit in Kathmandu. But even after all these years, shopping centers, souvenir shops, restaurants and cafes, guest house and all the small shops keep the charm of this place.

3. Narayanhiti Palace Museum

The Museum used to serve as a palace for the royal family of Nepal. But, now it has turned in a museum where you can visit and have some insight into the royal lifestyle. Originally, the palace by built by King Mahendra in 1963 and its interior is based on Late Victorian style. Although it has been more than a decade since monarch has ended in Nepal, visiting Narayanhiti Palace, you will witness the grandness of Nepali royalty.

4. Thamel

Thamel is a major tourist hub and one of the places to visit in Kathmandu. The popularity of Thamel among tourists is very high. As you enter the place, you will start seeing the pedestrians are more tourist than locals.

The place is quite commercial with lots of restaurants and lodges, shops of every kind and attractive cafes with Nepali as well as continental cuisine.

5. Pashupatinath

The majority population in Nepal are Hindus, and Pashupatinath serves as the pivotal point for Hindu devotees and is one of the best places to visit in Kathmandu. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple of Pashupati is probably the most sought-after shrine in Nepal. Especially during Shivaratri, when around one million devotees visit the temple to offer their reverence to Lord Shiva.

Also, the whole ambiance of Pashupatinath is great to observe. With monkeys everywhere, cremation, sadhus, meditation caves, around 500 temples, ashrams and sculpture, the complex of Pashupati is worth a tour.

6. Budhanilkhanta Temple

Yet it is another temple in the list, Budhanikhanta is unlike any other shrines. What's intriguing about this temple is the statue, which is in sleeping position. You will see the statue of Lord Vishnu in a reclining state surrounded by serpents. Also, considered as the largest stone craving in Nepal, to witness a sight of this rare statute makes it one of the must-visit places in Kathmandu.

7. Garden of Dreams

Located in the heart of Kathmandu, near Thamel, Garden of Dreams is the most relaxing place in the city. This beautiful and peaceful walled garden also showcases an excellent architectural talent. The Garden is a fine place with an exquisite ensemble of pavilions, decorative garden furniture, fountains and European inspired features like pergolas, balustrades, urns, and birdhouses.

8. Boudhanath Stupa

The stupa is a massive mandala that dominates the skyline, and as such an impressive monument it is, Boudha is one of the best places to visit in Kathmandu. Its massive mandala is designed to replicate the Gyangtse of Tibet, and later in the 8th century, it was renovated by Licchhavi rulers. It serves as one of the most sacred sites for Buddhists.

Boudhanath is located in the ancient route of Tibet and still to this day you will get filled by the charm of shops by Tibetan merchants around the stupa.

9. Swayambhunath

Swayambhunath is in the top hill overlooking the city with a large stupa and other Buddhists and Hindu iconography. Also, known as the monkey temple among tourists, Swayambhunath is both sacred and scenic and a definiately a place to visit in Kathmandu.

10. Kritipur

The ancient city and the hub of Newari culture and tradition, Kritipur serves the best for both nature and culture lovers. This old city is located in the south-west of Kathmandu valley and a favorite destination amongst locals too. Home to the many Hindu temples like Bagh Bhairab and Uma Maheshwor, Kritipur is a typical town with brick-paved streets lined with red brick houses and tiled roofs. Also, the mouth-watering Newari Khaja set one can eat in this place makes it the best place to visit in Kathmandu.

11. Kopan Monastery

Kopan Monastery lies in the outskirt of Kathmandu Valley, and recently, it has become a popular place to visit in Kathmandu for locals as well as tourists. Its serene location at the top hill, beautiful monasteries spread in the large complex has constituted its popularity.

12. Kathmandu Durbar Square

Basantapur Durbar Square, Hanuman Dhoka Square, this place goes with different names. Kathmandu Durbar Square is an awesome place to hang-out, where you will see the palaces of Malla and Shah kings who ruled over the city. The place is now filled with pedestrians, shops selling antique items, and café and restaurants. Further, the complex of Durbar square is surrounded by quadrangles, courtyards, and temples, where you can take a stroll around and have fun.

Also, there are many festivals, cultural activities, and traditions that people have been following for centuries, which are presented in Durbar Square. Indra Jatra, Gai Jatra, Machchhindranath Jatra are some of the festivals that are celebrated with much joy and passion in Durbar Square. The architecture of this place is another interesting part to visit. No wonder it is one of the best places to visit in Kathmandu.

13. Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is one of the best places to visit in Kathmandu valley, which is the living museum of medieval art and architecture. Comprising an array of ancient monuments, Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a charming place to visit in Kathmandu where you will have a good bit of ancient art and architecture. 55 Window Palace, Lion’s Gate, Mini Pashupatinath, Bhairav Nath temple, Nyatapola temple are some of the major attraction of Bhaktapur Durbar Square.

14. Patan Durbar Square

Patan is also considered as the oldest Buddhist City in the world, and Patan Durbar Square plays the center of both Hinduism and Buddhism with 136 courtyards and 55 major temples. The whole square is full of ancient places, temples, and shrines with excellent carvings.

15. Changu Narayan Temple

There is no best place to visit then the oldest temple in Nepal. Changu Narayan is believed to be around 3000 years old and is the must visit place in Kathmandu. It is located in the hilltop surrounded by Champak tree. Despite its top hill location, you will find the human settlement mainly Newar community. And over the years, several hotels, lodges, restaurants and souvenir shops has found its way all the way to top hill.

16. Indra Chowk

Indra Chowk is the busiest street you will find in Kathmandu and one of the best places to visit in Kathmandu. The name of this place is kept after an ancient Vedic deity, Indra for its market and cultural escapades. Apart from an array of markets and shops of every kind, the place also known for ancient temples, mainly Sky Temple, where non-Hindus are restricted. Indra Chowk comprises market in hidden alleyways, where you will get to have some of the best local food and buy a souvenir.

17. Royal Botanical Garden

There is no denying on Kathmandu might feel like a place of the continuous crowd. So, to have some time by yourself, the Royal Botanical Garden acts as the perfect gateway for having a peaceful time surrounded by green and serene environment. However, you might want to avoid Friday and Saturday, as locals and school kids visit especially in these days. The garden is also an excellent place to visit in Kathmandu to experience the variety of floral species.

18. White Monastery

Nepal is the country where Buddha was born and also, as Buddhism is the second most followed religion, monasteries, gompas, and stupas are innumerable. And, right in the Kathmandu, White Monastery, often referred to as Seto Gumba is one of the most popular places to visit. Along with its religious importance, the natural beauty surrounding it is equally alluring. Just as the name suggests, the monastery is white in color and feels heavenly pleasure in its serene location surrounded by a lush green valley and vivid terrain.

19. Taudaha Lake

Located in the outskirts of Kathmandu, Taudaha lake serves as both religious and tourism center. It is believed that the Serpent King and his kingdom lies under the lake and that’s why even to this days, the locals doesn’t swim or fish in the lake. The lake is equally popular for birdwatching where around 40 species of bird have been recorded. The tranquil environment surrounded by the greenery and its rich biodiversity, makes it count in one of the best places to visit in Kathmandu.

20. National Museum of Nepal

National Museum of Nepal was established in 1928 and stands as a tourist destination and historical symbol of Nepal. It was built and used by then Prime Minister of Nepal, Bhimsen Thapa. The museum is an excellent collection of historical artworks like sculpture and painting, along with a display of historical weapons used in wars during the 18-19th century.

You will find galleries separately dedicated to different items; statues, coins, weapons, painting, and murals. The whole complex of the museum is allocated in three different building; Art Gallery that displays wood carving, paintings, and statues, Buddhist Art Gallery with Buhhist art objects and Museum of Natural History exhibiting Nepal’s biodiversity.

21. Phulchowki

Phulchowki is one of the best places to visit in Kathmandu as it provides very scenic and incredible hiking within the valley. It is popular amongst tourists who want to unravel the beauty of Kathmandu most magnificently. To walk along the beautiful trail of rich flora, an occasional climb through rough terrain covered with dense forest and witnessing panorama of mountains; Phulchowki will surprise you with its serene and natural beauty.