Indore blends royal heritage, buzzing street food scenes and surprisingly green spaces, making it one of central India’s most rewarding cities to explore. These are the best things to do in Indore.
Tantalising street food, gorgeous buildings and traditional markets — a trip to Indore is a brilliant way to discover a side of India you’ll quickly fall in love with. If you’re wondering what Indore is famous for, it’s this irresistible mix of food, history and culture that makes the city so memorable.
Not sure how to plan your trip? Read on to discover our favourite places to visit in Indore and the top attractions in Indore you shouldn’t miss.
Lal Bagh Palace
Grand architecture and sprawling gardens
Spread over 28 acres, Lal Bagh Palace is an exquisite remnant of the Holkar Dynasty and remains one of the most popular places to visit in Indore. The palace reflects the rulers’ love of grand architecture and expansive gardens, making it one of the standout attractions in Indore. Inspired by global design, the palace features Italian marble sculptures, French chandeliers and Persian carpets. Think you recognise the palace gates? They’re a replica of the ones at Buckingham Palace. Fun fact: Parts of the 2019 movie Kalank were filmed at Lal Bagh Palace.
Central Museum
Jump back in time
To understand what Indore is famous for beyond food, head to the Central Museum. This is one of the most educational attractions in Indore, offering insight into the city’s history and the wider region. The galleries guide you through different time periods with a wide range of artefacts representing each era. Highlights include remarkable sculptures and ceramics dating back hundreds of years.
For a packed day of sightseeing, combine your museum visit with a trip to Indore Zoo and Bird Aviary, just one kilometre away, adding even more Indore places to see to your itinerary.
Rajwada
Seven storeys of rich history
A key stop among Indore tourist attractions, Rajwada is a seven-storey historic structure that once served as the palace of the city’s rulers. Built in the mid-1700s, it sits close to the city centre and is easily accessible. If you’re short on time, combine your visit with nearby chhatris (cenotaphs) and local markets to tick off more Indore places to see. The palace is open daily from 10am to 5pm, with a small entry fee for Indian nationals. Return at 7:30pm (Tuesday to Sunday) to watch an impressive light and sound show on the façade.
Sarafa Bazaar
The heart of Indore
There’s no better way to soak up local culture than by exploring traditional markets, and Sarafa Bazaar is one of the liveliest places to visit in Indore. It can get crowded, but you’ll be rewarded with colourful scenes and fantastic local encounters. By day, the maze of streets is packed with jewellery shops, clothing stalls, utensils and more. It’s also a great spot for photography. By night, the jewellery shops close and food stalls take over, filling the air with mouth-watering aromas. Many vendors operate until 2am, making it one of the most exciting Indore tourist attractions after dark.
Feast on delicious street food
Eat to your heart’s content
One of the best parts of travelling is letting go of routine and indulging a little. While not a single landmark, Indore’s food scene is one of the biggest Indore tourist attractions and a huge part of what Indore is famous for. Spending an entire day on a food trail is a perfectly legitimate way to experience some of the best Indore places to see — through your tastebuds. There are fantastic restaurants like Vijay Chaat, Guru Krupa, Nakhrali Dhani and Apna Sweets, but sampling the street food is the best way to enjoy local flavours. Madhya Pradesh’s favourite snacks are found all over the city, with certain areas known for specific specialities. Poha (flattened rice), for example, is best enjoyed at Chappan Dukan.
Top tips for travelling to Indore
Stay cool: Temperatures in Indore can get very high, so stay hydrated and drink plenty of bottled water.
Sleep in: Indore is a lively, late-night city. Exploring markets and key Indore tourist attractions after dark gives you a different perspective.
Don’t miss the food: A huge part of what Indore is famous for is its culinary culture — follow your stomach and get to know the city through its flavours.
Now that you know what to expect, you can start planning your adventure around the best places to visit in Indore. Prepare to be dazzled by the food, amazed by historic architecture and swept up in the buzz of the markets.
