Bangalore, now known as Bengaluru, is not just the IT capital of India but a vibrant and diverse city that beautifully blends tradition with modernity. Often called the “Garden City,” it’s blessed with a pleasant climate, heritage landmarks, sprawling parks, buzzing markets, and rich cultural history.
In this detailed travel blog, we take you on a virtual journey through the top places to visit in Bangalore—covering historical sites, nature escapes, iconic attractions, and local secrets that every traveler should explore. Whether you’re a solo backpacker, a history buff, a foodie, or a family on vacation, Bangalore has something in store for you. Top places to visit in Bangalore Top places to visit in Bangalore Top places to visit in Bangalore
1. Lalbagh Botanical Garden – A Green Oasis in the City
Ideal for: Nature lovers, morning joggers, families
Spread across 240 acres in South Bangalore, Lalbagh is one of the oldest and most beautifully maintained botanical gardens in India. Commissioned by Hyder Ali and later expanded by Tipu Sultan, this garden houses over 1,800 species of plants, trees, and herbs.
Top Attractions Within Lalbagh:
- Glass House inspired by London’s Crystal Palace
- Peninsular Gneiss rock dating back 3,000 million years
- Annual flower shows during Republic and Independence Day
Insider Tip: Visit in the early morning hours for a peaceful walk and birdwatching.
Entry Fee: ₹20 for adults; children under 12 enter free
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM daily
2. Bangalore Palace – Royal Grandeur in the Heart of the City
Ideal for: History buffs, architecture lovers, photography enthusiasts
Built in 1878, the Bangalore Palace draws inspiration from England’s Windsor Castle. Featuring fortified towers, elegant wood carvings, stained-glass windows, and sprawling gardens, it offers a rare glimpse into the opulence of the Wodeyar dynasty.
Must-See Highlights:
- Ballroom and Durbar Hall
- Gallery of 19th-century photos and paintings
- Horse-drawn carriages used by the Maharajas
Entry Fee: ₹240 for Indians, ₹480 for foreigners
Timings: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
3. Cubbon Park – Bangalore’s Urban Jungle
Ideal for: Joggers, readers, pet walkers, families
Cubbon Park spans over 300 acres and is a peaceful sanctuary amidst the concrete jungle. It’s more than a park—it’s a cultural and ecological hub surrounded by iconic buildings like the High Court, the Central Library, and the Vidhana Soudha.
Things to Do:
- Relax under century-old trees
- Visit the Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall
- Take a toy train ride with children
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM; Closed on Mondays
Pro Tip: Carry a book, some snacks, and enjoy a picnic under the shade.
4. ISKCON Temple – A Spiritual Experience
Ideal for: Devotees, peace seekers, art lovers
Located on Hare Krishna Hill in Rajajinagar, the ISKCON Temple is one of the largest in the world. The architecture combines traditional and modern styles, while the spiritual ambiance makes it perfect for peaceful meditation or soulful bhajans.
Things to Explore:
- Attend the Sandhya Aarti
- Explore the Vedic Museum
- Buy Krishna-themed gifts at the temple store
Timings:
Morning: 4:15 AM – 1 PM
Evening: 4 PM – 8:30 PM
5. Nandi Hills – A Misty Escape Just Outside Bangalore
Ideal for: Nature lovers, couples, photographers
Located about 60 km from Bangalore, Nandi Hills offers a serene getaway from the city. The mist-covered hills, cool breeze, and sunrise views make it one of the top places to visit in Bangalore outskirts.
Popular Activities:
- Watch the sunrise from Tipu’s Drop
- Paragliding for adventure lovers
- Visit the Nandi Temple and Tipu’s Summer Fort
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Start Early: Leave by 4:30 AM to catch the sunrise!
6. Vidhana Soudha – The Political Powerhouse
Ideal for: Architecture enthusiasts, photographers
An impressive example of Neo-Dravidian architecture, Vidhana Soudha houses the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. Though not open to the public, it is worth admiring from outside, especially when it’s illuminated at night.
Nearby Attractions:
- High Court of Karnataka
- Cubbon Park
- Attara Kacheri (Red Building)
Fun Fact: Built in 1956, it’s one of the largest legislative buildings in India.
7. UB City Mall – For Luxury, Lifestyle, and Leisure
Ideal for: Shoppers, foodies, nightlife lovers
UB City, located on Vittal Mallya Road, is Bangalore’s most luxurious shopping destination. From high-end fashion brands to gourmet restaurants and rooftop lounges, it offers a premium experience.
What to Do:
- Shop at Louis Vuitton, Rolex, Canali
- Dine at Farzi Cafe or Cafe Noir
- Enjoy city views at Skyye Bar
Timings: 10:30 AM – 11:30 PM
Tip: Visit during evenings for a vibrant experience
8. Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace – History in Teak
Ideal for: Heritage lovers, students, history enthusiasts
Located in Chamrajpet, this beautiful palace made entirely of teakwood served as the summer residence of Tipu Sultan. Its Indo-Islamic architecture, floral motifs, and paintings reflect the artistry of the 18th century.
Explore:
- Museum of Tipu’s achievements
- Walls engraved with Persian inscriptions
- Life-size portraits and war artifacts
Entry Fee: ₹15 for Indians, ₹200 for foreigners
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
9. Commercial Street – Bangalore’s Bargain Bazaar
Ideal for: Fashion lovers, college students, shopaholics
Commercial Street is a vibrant stretch filled with tiny shops, boutiques, and stalls selling ethnic wear, accessories, home decor, and street food.
Must Buy:
- Ethnic kurtis and dupattas
- Imitation jewelry
- Footwear at budget prices
Bargain Tip: Always ask for 20–30% off the first quoted price.
10. Wonderla – The Ultimate Amusement Park Experience
Ideal for: Families, thrill-seekers, friend groups
Located just off Mysore Road, Wonderla is India’s largest amusement park featuring over 60 rides, including high-thrill, water, and kid-friendly zones. It’s perfect for a full-day trip with family or friends.
Popular Attractions:
- Recoil: India’s first reverse looping roller coaster
- Rain Disco: Dance in the rain with music
- Lazy River & Wave Pool
Entry Fee: ₹999 to ₹1349 depending on day and package
Timings: 11 AM – 6 PM (Weekdays), till 7 PM on weekends
Bonus: More Must-Visit Spots Around Bangalore
11. Bannerghatta National Park
A great day trip for wildlife lovers—home to lions, tigers, elephants, and a beautiful butterfly park.
12. Chunchi Falls
A scenic waterfall just 90 km away—ideal for a one-day picnic or bike trip.
13. National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA)
Perfect for art lovers, featuring works by Rabindranath Tagore, Amrita Sher-Gil, and modern installations.
14. Art of Living International Center
A peaceful spiritual center on Kanakapura Road known for meditation, yoga, and vegetarian meals.
Famous Bangalore Food Joints You Can’t Miss
The food scene in Bangalore is as diverse as its culture. While exploring the top places to visit in Bangalore, don’t miss these iconic eateries:
- MTR (Mavalli Tiffin Rooms): For rava idli and filter coffee
- Vidyarthi Bhavan: Legendary masala dosa since 1943
- CTR Malleshwaram: Crisp dosas and ghee roast
- Karavalli at The Gateway Hotel: Best for seafood and Kerala cuisine
- Toit and Arbor: Iconic craft beer destinations
Best Time to Visit Bangalore
- October to February: Cool and pleasant weather
- March to May: Slightly warm but ideal for outdoor sightseeing
- June to September: Monsoon season—beautiful, but some attractions may be closed
How to Get Around Bangalore
- Metro (Namma Metro): Fast, clean, and expanding
- BMTC Buses: Budget-friendly, especially for students
- Cabs (Ola, Uber): Available 24/7
- Bike Rentals: Bounce, Vogo, Yulu for short trips
- Walking or Cycling: For Cubbon Park, MG Road, Brigade Road areas
Final Thoughts
Bangalore is not just a pit stop on your way to Coorg or Mysore—it’s a destination in its own right. The city offers a harmonious blend of ancient temples, colonial charm, vibrant nightlife, tech-savvy culture, and rich natural beauty. The top places to visit in Bangalore are not just places—they are experiences that reflect the spirit of a city always on the move, yet deeply rooted in culture and tradition.
Whether you’re spending a weekend or a week here, Bangalore will surprise you with its layers and hidden gems. So, pack your bags, charge your camera, and get ready to explore one of India’s most dynamic cities.