Hyderabad Itinerary: Places to Visit in Hyderabad in 2 Days

Hyderabad, the capital of the state of Telangana, is a city with a rich history, culture, and delicious local cuisine you won’t be able to get enough of. It was established in 1591 by the sultan of the Qutub Shahi dynasty, became a major centre of the Mughal empire, and was later ruled by the Nizams. But don’t think Hyderabad is just about its heritage; it also has a modern vibe with its high rises, wide roads dotted with greenery, and excellent eateries and bars.

It is incredibly easy to have a wonderful weekend in Hyderabad because there is so much to see. So here is the ultimate weekend itinerary with the best places to visit in Hyderabad in 2 days for your first visit.

View of Old Hyderabad from Char Minar 

When should I go to Hyderabad?

To enjoy this Hyderabad itinerary, I would recommend going in the winter months between October and February so you can avoid the searing heat and perpetual rain.

Where to Stay?

It would be best to stay around the Hussain Sagar Lake area to make the most of your time. 

Stay Options:

• The Manohar Hyderabad (5-star hotel in Begumpet)
• Hampshire Plaza Hotel (4-star hotel in Secunderabad)
• Hotel Abode (3-star hotel in Lakdikapul)
• Lemon Tree Premier Hitech City Hyderabad (4-star hotel in Hitec City)

How to get around?

While Hyderabad does have a metro, to get to most of the places mentioned on this itinerary, it’ll be best to take an auto or an Uber.

Places to Visit in Hyderabad in 2 Days

Day 1

Arrive in Hyderabad, check in to your hotel or drop off your luggage at the hotel and head out.

Lunch: 

If you want to have a local, inexpensive meal, head to Shah Ghouse, or if you’d like an international meal with drinks, head to Forge Breu-Hous, Babylon, or Broadway. 

Qutub Shahi Tombs: 

This is the burial site of the seven Qutub Shahi rulers who ruled the region of Golconda from 1518 to 1687. It has ornate, domed tombs and landscaped gardens. 

Golconda Fort: 

Now visit the majestic Golconda Fort. It has impressive architecture, a superb acoustic system, and the most stunning panoramic views of the city.
 

Golkonda Fort

Hatiyan Jhad Baobab Tree: 

If you have time, visit this 430-year-old Baobab Tree, a huge tree with a thick 25-meter circumference. It is said to have originated in Madagascar and to be one of the biggest baobabs outside of Africa and Australia. It is located in the Naya Quila of Golconda Fort and has free entry. 

Dinner: 

For dinner, I highly recommend a grand Nizami meal. According to your budget, you can select between the Minar-Jewel of the Nizam or the Taj Falaknuma Palace. Both are far from the city so you will have to arrange transport accordingly but they’re worth it. 

The Minar-Jewel of the Nizam is a lavishly decorated restaurant built in a tower at Golkonda Resort. You can have an ala carte meal or a set-course meal starting at INR 1700 to 2300 without GST. 

If your budget is higher and you’d like the ultimate dining experience, head to Taj Falaknuma Palace. It used to be a palace of the Nizams, which you will get a guided tour of before your meal. You can choose to eat at their Italian or Indian restaurants. The meal would cost about INR 15000 for two. The restaurants are small so make your reservations as early as possible. 

If you’d like to avoid the hassle of arranging for transport to take you outside of the city, you can instead eat at Jewel of Nizam at The Golkonda Hotel.
 

Falaknuma Palace 

Day 2: Old City 

Start your day early by heading to the old city—a walled city built in 1591 AD, at the centre of which is the Charminar. Be prepared for a sensory overload with hawkers selling their wares, honking of autos and cars, lots of people moving around, and the smell of delicious food wafting by. 

Chowmahalla Palace: 

The 19th-century palace is the former seat of the Nizams of Hyderabad and their residence. The architecture is inspired by the Shah of Iran’s palace in Tehran. The palace is spread over 12 acres so be prepared to walk. Don’t miss the Durbar Hall with 19 dazzling Belgian crystal chandeliers and the vintage car museum.
 

Chowmahalla Palace

Charminar: 

The iconic Charminar is a 16th-century monument with four grand arches. Buy tickets and head up the monument to get a fantastic view of the old city and the Mecca Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. 

Laad Bazaar: 

Just around the Charminar, you’ll notice several bangle and jewellery shops, among others. This area is known as Laad Bazaar. Walk around, soak up the bustling old city vibe and maybe even shop for something interesting. 

Lunch: 

For lunch, head to Hotel Shadab for a quintessential Hyderabadi Biryani. You can get a vegetarian option as well. If you’re there during Ramadan, you can also try Haleem, a thick stew made from meat, lentils, wheat, and oodles of ghee.

Charminar

Salar Jung Museum: 

The Salar Jung Museum is the largest art museum in India and houses the collection of the Salar Jung family, who were prominent noblemen in the princely state of Hyderabad. It has a huge collection of antiques, artefacts, and art from around the world. 

Niloufar Café: 

When in Hyderabad, you can’t miss having Irani Chai, Bun Maska, and Malai Bun at this popular café. Don’t forget to buy a box of the delicious Osmania Biscuits. 

Hussain Sagar Lake: 

In the evening, take a stroll around Hussain Sagar Lake, a scenic heart-shaped manmade lake with a Buddha statue in the centre. Enjoying the views of the lake and the city. You can even take a boat ride on the lake if you’d like. 

Dinner: 

Have dinner at By the Bay, which is a lakeside restaurant with a lovely ambiance. If you’re looking for something cheaper, then head to Eat Street, which has an array of stalls to choose from.
You can fly out at night or the next morning.

That brings us to the end of two memorable days of this Hyderabad itinerary that gives a taste of the city's rich history, delicious cuisine, and vibrant culture and make you want to come back for more.

Author

Trisha Agrawal is a passionate travel planner who has been to 20 states and union territories in India and 33 countries across 6 continents. She loves helping people plan their trips through her blog trywanderingmore.com, visiting historical places, and sampling local food, coffee, and wine wherever she goes.