Flights from Milan (MXP) to Kolkata (CCU)

About Kolkata

Discover Kolkata

Why visit Kolkata?
Kolkata blends grand colonial-era architecture, leafy avenues, and a creative spirit, giving the city a distinctive character. You will find art, literature, and heritage at every turn, from atmospheric streets to elegant riverside promenades.

What to expect
The city moves at an unhurried yet vibrant pace, with historic neighbourhoods, bookshops, and cultural institutions lining its boulevards. Yellow taxis, tram lines, and busy crossings frame daily life, while the Hooghly River adds a calm backdrop to the urban energy.

Plan your trip
Kolkata is a rewarding gateway to eastern India, with easy access to coastal retreats and hill destinations. Plan time to explore its museums, galleries, and cafés before continuing your journey onward into the wider region.

Top sights in Kolkata

Victoria Memorial

Walk through expansive gardens and admire the marble domed monument that showcases sculptures, galleries, and city history.

Howrah Bridge

View this iconic cantilever bridge at sunrise or dusk to see ferries, traffic, and the city skyline along the Hooghly River.

Park Street

Stroll this lively boulevard known for its cafés, restaurants, and illuminated façades, especially atmospheric in the evening.

Indian Museum

Discover one of the country’s oldest museums, with collections spanning art, archaeology, and natural history in a grand setting.

Kumartuli

Explore narrow lanes where skilled artisans craft detailed clay figures, offering a glimpse into Kolkata’s traditional craftsmanship.

Prinsep Ghat

Relax by the riverside promenade, framed by classical architecture and views of modern bridges arching across the Hooghly.

College Street

Browse countless bookstalls and second-hand shops in this famed district, a meeting point for students and literature lovers.

Experience Kolkata’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Move between key districts by taxi, app-based car, or metro for predictable travel times. Trams and ferries offer a slower but scenic way to see the city, while short rides by auto-rickshaw or on foot are ideal for exploring local lanes.

Local life & culture
Kolkata has a strong artistic and intellectual heartbeat, visible in its bookshops, galleries, and cultural centres. Neighbourhoods come alive with addas, or relaxed gatherings, where people meet to talk, debate, and connect over daily life and current events.

Where to unwind
Along the Hooghly River you will find promenades and green spaces that are ideal for an evening walk. Parks and lakeside areas across the city offer quiet corners to pause, especially around early morning or just before sunset when the air is cooler.

A taste of Kolkata

Street food & local specialties
Kolkata is known for flavourful snacks and sweets that you can try at roadside stalls and traditional eateries. Popular areas near college districts and central markets make it easy to sample small portions and discover a variety of local flavours.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Around Park Street, central business districts, and newer malls, you will find cafés and restaurants serving regional, Indian, and international cuisines. Menus often feature sharing plates and smaller dishes, so you can try several items in a single meal with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, consider restaurants in heritage buildings or venues with elevated views over the river or skyline. Hotel dining rooms and rooftop spaces offer carefully presented menus, attentive service, and a calm setting for celebrations or business dinners.

Retail therapy in Kolkata

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping centres across the city bring together international labels, local brands, cinemas, and dining under one roof. These air-conditioned spaces are convenient meeting points, especially during the warmer months or on rainy days.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and older streets are ideal for browsing textiles, handcrafted items, and everyday essentials. Districts such as New Market, Gariahat, and Hatibagan are especially popular for picking up clothing, lifestyle goods, and small gifts.

Evening retail scene
As the day cools, main shopping streets and mall façades light up with colourful signs and window displays. Many stores stay open into the evening, so you can combine a relaxed dinner with browsing, and use taxis or the metro for a straightforward trip back to your hotel.

Best time to visit Kolkata

Winter season (December to February, peak season)
Kolkata’s winter brings mild, comfortable days around 15–25°C (59–77°F). Clear skies and lower humidity make it ideal for sightseeing, outdoor walks, and evening events, and many cultural festivals take place during this pleasant period.

Summer season (March to June, shoulder season)
Summer is warm to hot, with temperatures typically ranging from 25–35°C (77–95°F). Days are longer, allowing more time for museums, cafés, and indoor attractions, with early mornings and late evenings well suited to riverside strolls or relaxed shopping.

Monsoon season (July to November, low season)
The monsoon months are humid, with temperatures around 26–32°C (79–90°F) and periodic rain showers. Cloudy skies lend the city a softer light, and this is a good time to enjoy Kolkata’s indoor culture, from galleries and bookstores to performances and cosy restaurants.

Frequently Asked Questions