Gol Bungalow Terrace. (Photo: Savannah Pratt Sharma)
Hyderabad is one of those destinations that completely sneaks up on you…in a good way. One minute you’re stepping off the plane thinking, “Okay, let’s see what this city is about,” and the next minute you’re standing under a 400-year-old archway or sipping coffee on a palace terrace wondering why you didn’t come sooner.
If your clients are craving a mix of royal history, incredible food, modern city vibes and a dash of adventure, this city—the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Telangana—needs to be on your radar. I visited in December, right in the sweet spot of India’s travel season (November through February), and built this 4-day itinerary packed with everything to see, eat and experience.
Where to Stay: Taj Deccan
We booked a King Suite at Taj Deccan, and it instantly became our little sanctuary from the city. It’s a serene space, which is exactly what your clients will want when exploring a place that’s this energetic.
The service here is what really stands out. They helped us book activities, offered great local recommendations and just made everything more seamless.
Breakfast is the star of the show. Recommend Arena, the main dining area, and order the stuffed paratha and a South Indian filter coffee served in a traditional dabara set. Trust me, this is not just coffee—it’s an experience. If your clients are dining at Arena for dinner, then suggest they order the Hyderabadi chicken biryani (Hyderabad is known for this delicious dish).
Day 1: Charminar, Tuk-Tuks & Chowmahalla Palace
Start at Charminar, the monument that basically embodies Hyderabad. It’s grand, photogenic and full of energy. After wandering around the structure, travelers can hop on a tuk-tuk (they can book one through Uber in seconds) and ride over to Chowmahalla Palace.
That short tuk-tuk ride is half the fun—breeze blowing, experiencing all the old-city vibes while riding through the streets. If you don’t ride a tuk-tuk in India, did you even go? It’s pretty much a rite of passage.
Once the official seat of the Nizams, Chowmahalla Palace is stunning, still showing off that royal heritage. A must is Durbar Hall with its enormous chandeliers—visitors will want to slow down to a snail’s pace and soak it all in.
Day 2: Falaknuma Palace and Dinner at Gol Bungalow
This was the day I felt like royalty.
Falaknuma Palace sits high above the city and is easily one of the most beautiful palaces in India. Think marble staircases, Venetian chandeliers and the magnificent 101-seat dining table. After the tour of the Palace, your clients can enjoy high tea to experience the true Nizam royal elegance.
But the real standout moment is dinner at Gol Bungalow, an exclusive open-air terrace at Falaknuma Palace. This terrace once hosted King George V and Queen Mary, and honestly, the vibe still feels that special. There are sweeping views of the “City of Pearls,” personalized menus and service that makes one feel like they’ve time-traveled back into the Nizams’ world.
They only take a handful of reservations each evening, so book your clients early as it often fills up during peak season. This is absolutely worth planning ahead for.
Day 3: Qutb Shahi Tombs and Dinner at Jewel of the Nizam
The Qutb Shahi Tombs were a surprise favorite for me. This is the burial grounds for the Qutb Shahi dynasty—the rulers who founded Hyderabad back in the 16th century and shaped the city’s early identity. Think of this place as a massive, open-air museum dedicated to the kings, queens and important nobles who made Hyderabad what it is today.
There are seven rulers buried here, along with family members, military commanders and respected courtiers. Each tomb is like its own architectural masterpiece. You’ll see domes, balconies, detailed stonework and a mix of Persian, Pathan and Hindu design influences—all in one peaceful complex.
It’s a beautiful way to slow things down mid-trip.
For dinner, recommend Jewel of the Nizam. This restaurant is all about slow-cooked Hyderabadi dishes that were once served to royalty. If your clients are foodies, they’ll fall in love with the flavors here.
Day 4: Hitech City and Jubilee Hills
The final day in Hyderabad should start with a little shopping at Shilparamam Market. This is one of the best spots in the city to pick up real freshwater pearls at a great price, which Hyderabad is famous for. It’s literally called the “City of Pearls,” so buying a pair of pearl earrings or a strand of pearls is a must.
Shilparamam is also great for colorful scarves, traditional handicrafts, home decor pieces and handmade souvenirs that actually feel meaningful—not mass produced. Prices are fair and the quality is usually much better than what you’ll find in tourist-heavy street stalls. Be sure to negotiate pricing as well.
After shopping in the market, switch gears with a visit to Hitech City. This area is full of tall buildings, green spaces and trendy cafes. It’s super walkable and a fun contrast to the palaces and historic sites.
Make your way to the rooftop at Akina Contemporary Asian Experience for drinks and appetizers. The views of Hitech City at sunset are unbeatable.
For dinner, wrap things up in Jubilee Hills at Babylon Restaurant. This place has such a vibe. They cook their grillmaster chicken right in front of the table over an open flame, and the live DJ gives the whole space an elevated but fun energy. It’s the perfect final night dinner if your clients want something modern, lively and delicious.
Travel Advisor Tips
A few things to keep in mind when planning for your clients:
- Best time to visit: November through February
- This itinerary works best over 4–6 days
- Use Uber to book cars and tuk-tuks for easy transport
- Pearls are a huge part of Hyderabad’s culture, so make sure your clients know this insider trick: ask the vendor to hold a flame to the pearls. Genuine pearls won’t melt, but plastic imitations will.
- If your client wants to dine at Gol Bungalow at Falaknuma Palace, be sure to book a few weeks out.
- Ask the hotel for guidance before venturing outside common tourist areas
Final Thoughts
Hyderabad is one of those destinations where every day feels different. One moment you’re exploring a palace from the 1700s; the next, you’re eating dinner on a rooftop overlooking a modern skyline. It’s layered, surprising, welcoming and full of stories. It’s an unforgettable destination that your clients will love.
