Flights from Amsterdam (AMS) to Kolkata (CCU)

About Kolkata

Discover Kolkata

Why visit Kolkata?
Kolkata is a cultural capital known for its literary heritage, historic architecture, and lively arts scene. You will find a warm, energetic city that blends grand boulevards and colonial-era buildings with leafy neighbourhoods, bookshops, and cafés.

What to expect
The city stretches along the Hooghly River, with landmarks such as Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, and the Maidan shaping its skyline. Old tram lines, bustling markets, and traditional neighbourhoods like North Kolkata sit alongside modern business districts and contemporary galleries.

Plan your trip
Kolkata is an excellent base for exploring eastern India, with easy access to coastal getaways, tea-growing regions, and heritage towns. Whether you stay within the city or connect onwards, Kolkata offers rich experiences, convenient rail links, and domestic flights across the wider region.

Top sights in Kolkata

Victoria Memorial

Explore this impressive marble landmark set in tranquil gardens, and discover galleries that trace the citys past.

Howrah Bridge

View the iconic cantilever bridge at sunrise or sunset and watch daily life unfold along the busy riverfront.

Indian Museum

Visit one of the oldest museums in the region, home to extensive collections of art, archaeology, and natural history.

Park Street

Stroll along this lively avenue lined with eateries, cafés, and historic venues that come alive after dark.

Kumartuli

Walk through artisan workshops where skilled craftspeople shape clay figures and intricate decorative pieces.

College Street

Browse endless bookstalls and second-hand shops in this famed district, a favourite with students and writers.

Eco Park

Relax in this large urban park with themed gardens, lakeside paths, and open spaces ideal for an evening walk.

Maidan

Enjoy the citys green heart, where people gather for walks, informal sports, and views of surrounding landmarks.

Experience Kolkatas everyday rhythm

Getting around
Kolkata is easy to explore using the metro, suburban trains, and affordable app-based rides. Trams and ferries along the Hooghly River offer a slower, scenic way to see the city. For shorter distances, auto-rickshaws and taxis help you cover the last stretch to your destination.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Kolkata centres on neighbourhood markets, street-side tea stalls, and lively cultural venues. You will notice an emphasis on books, music, theatre, and festivals throughout the year. Historic districts blend with creative spaces, where galleries and performance venues showcase both traditional and contemporary work.

Where to unwind
Green spaces like the Maidan and Rabindra Sarobar provide calm spots for morning walks or evening strolls. Along the riverfront, landscaped promenades invite you to sit and watch boats and city lights. In warmer months, early mornings and late evenings are the most comfortable times to enjoy the outdoors.

A taste of Kolkata

Street food & local specialties
Kolkata is known for flavourful snacks and seafood, with street vendors serving favourites at markets and busy crossroads. Areas around Esplanade, North Kolkata, and small neighbourhood lanes offer stalls where you can sample local sweets and savoury treats.

Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find relaxed cafés, bakeries, and multi-cuisine restaurants across the city, especially in Park Street, Salt Lake, and New Town. Food courts in shopping centres make it easy to try different flavours in one stop, with sharing plates and smaller portions that encourage you to sample a variety of dishes.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, choose a restaurant with views over the city skyline, river, or historic avenues. Heritage venues, rooftop terraces, and elegant hotel restaurants offer refined menus in comfortable surroundings, ideal for a special occasion or a relaxed, lingering meal.

Retail therapy in Kolkata

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern shopping centres across Kolkata bring together international brands, cinemas, cafés, and family-friendly attractions. In areas like Salt Lake and New Town, these lifestyle hubs double as social spaces where you can shop, dine, and unwind in air-conditioned comfort.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and neighbourhood streets are ideal for discovering textiles, books, and handcrafted items. Popular areas include New Market, Gariahat, and College Street, where you can explore small shops, stalls, and independent labels that reflect the citys creative spirit.

Evening retail scene
After sunset, many shopping streets stay lively, with illuminated storefronts and food stalls adding to the atmosphere. Night-time browsing around Park Street, Gariahat, and key mall districts can easily follow an evening meal. Public transport and app-based rides make these areas straightforward to reach and return from.

Best time to visit Kolkata

Winter season (December to February, peak season)
Kolkata enjoys its coolest months with average temperatures around 15–25°C (59–77°F). The air feels comfortable for sightseeing, outdoor walks, and riverfront evenings. This period sees many cultural events, and the clear conditions make it an inviting time to explore the city.

Pre-monsoon summer (March to May, shoulder season)
Temperatures rise to about 25–35°C (77–95°F), with warm days and balmy nights. You can plan outings in the morning and late evening, and enjoy air-conditioned museums, galleries, and cafés during the hotter hours. This season offers a vibrant urban atmosphere and long daylight hours.

Monsoon and late monsoon (June to November, low season)
Average temperatures sit around 26–32°C (79–90°F), with regular showers that cool the city. Rain brings lush greenery to parks and lakes, and indoor attractions are pleasantly quiet. With an umbrella and flexible plans, you can still enjoy a relaxed, atmospheric stay in Kolkata.

Frequently Asked Questions