Ahmedabad, situated on the banks of the Sabarmati River, is one of India's most colourful and joyous cities. Although the city has undergone continuous change since it was built, people's affection for the city has remained the same. If you are planning to visit Ahmedabad, check out the must-visit tourist places in Ahmedabad.

Go through the list of the most popular places you should not miss if you are in town. However, these are just a small bunch of options. There are many famous places and hill stations near Ahmedabad that are worth visiting.

1. Sabarmati Riverfront

The river runs through the city, cutting it into halves. In 1997 the state government launched a project with the objective of sustainable development. Whoever visits the town should definitely come to the riverfront to experience the amalgamation of bustling lifestyle and calmness of the river.

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• Operational Hours: 9 AM to 9 PM
• Entry Fee: No Entry Fee
• Things to Do: Walk through the sideways, cycle, enjoy cultural events and festivals, explore market areas
• How to Reach: Via Road

2. Dada Hari ni Vav

This is one of the ancient step wells in Ahmedabad, built during the reign of Sultan Mahmud Begada. Dada Hari ni Vav has seven storeys decorated with intricately carved walls and pillars. Historians have stated it is an example of a Hindu-Muslim architectural marvel.

• Best Time to Visit: November to February
• Operation Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM
• Entry Fee: No entry fee
• Things to Do: Learn about the architecture, explore all sections of the site
• How to Reach: Via road, train and air

3. Statue of Unity

The statue of unity was built in homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. It is the tallest monument in the world. This monument is divided into five zones, of which only three are accessible to common crowds. These three zones include a memorial garden, a museum and a view of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel dam. This 182 m high statue is one of the most recent integrations that was surprisingly built in just 46 months.

• Best Time to Visit: October to February
• Operation Hours: 8 AM to 6 PM
• Entry Fee: ₹ 120 (for adults), ₹ 60 (children between 3-15), Free for kids below 3
• Things to Do: Explore the valley of flowers, walk around Sardar Sarovar Dam, explore the museums,
• How to Reach: Via road, train and air

4. Swaminarayan Temple

One of the popular tourist attractions in Ahmedabad is the Swaminarayan Temple. This beautiful temple is located in Kalupur, also popularly known as Akshardham Temple. With bright and colourful decorations and unparalleled architectural designs, this place is a must-visit in Ahmedabad.

• Best Time to Visit: Anytime of the year
• Operation Hours: 5 AM to 12 PM and again from 4 PM to 8 PM
• Entry Fee: No entry fee
• Things to Do: Offer a prayer at the temple, explore the exhibition halls, watch Sachitanand light show, walk around the Sahajanand Van,
• How to Reach: Via road, train and air

5. Sabarmati Ashram

Another popular tourist destination in Ahmedabad which is worth visiting is the Sabarmati Ashram. This is the place that marked the historical Dandi March by Mahatma Gandhi. Located on the Sabarmati River stretch, this place provides its visitor with an insight into how Gandhi lived.

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• Operation Hours: 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM
• Entry Fee: No entry fee
• Things to Do: Visit Magan Niwas, Upasana Mandir, Udyog Mandir, Hriday Kunj, and Nandini
• How to Reach: Via road, train and air

6. Rani ki Vav

This 900-year-old stepwell is situated on the banks of River Saraswati. Although this structure seems similar to other ancient stepwells in India, this one particularly became famous because of its elaborate designs and carved structures on the walls. Rani Ki Vav is now among the UNESCO world heritage sites and also the most popular place to visit near Ahmedabad.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Operation Hours: 8 AM to 6 PM
• Entry Fee: ₹ 15 for Indians and ₹ 200 for foreigners
• Things to Do: Check out Patan City Museum, visit Karandiyaveer Temple, Sahastralinga Talav, and Panchmukhi Hanuman
• How to Reach: Via road, train and air

7. Adalaj Stepwell

Another ancient stepwell in Ahmedabad that one must not miss is Adalaj Stepwell. The ornate designs and architecture make it one of the most remarkable monuments in the region. Built in 1499, this structure consists of innumerable decorative shafts decorated with intricate geometrical designs and floral motifs.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Operation Hours: 5 AM to 7 PM
• Entry Fee: No entry fee
• Things to Do: Tour around the property, explore local markets and visit the nearby located ISKCON temple
• How to Reach: Via road, train and air

8. Kankaria Lake

Kankaria lake is the largest waterbody in the city. Interestingly, when this lake was built in the fifteenth century, the makers included an auto water purification system here. Now it has an entertainment area on its lakeside. This includes a zoo, kids’ city, water park, and many fast-food stalls. Those travelling with kids must visit this place for a fun day.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Operation Hours: 9 AM to 10 PM for everyone, 4 AM to 8 AM for joggers
• Entry Fee: ₹ 25 for adults, ₹ 10 for children and free entry for joggers
• Things to Do: Stroll around the children’s park, watch the musical fountain, explore mini-golf, take balloon rides, hire a Segway to roam around the lakefront
• How to Reach: Via road, train and air

9. Manek Chowk

This marketplace is the second-largest jewellery market in India and another popular tourist place in Ahmedabad. After sun-down, this place becomes a food paradise where you can explore the delicacies of Gujarat. You can plan to reach here in the early evening and stay back to witness the bustling city life.

• Best Time to Visit: Anytime of the year
• Operation Hours: 11 AM to 2 AM
• Entry Fee: No entry fee
• Things to Do: Explore popular food joints like Mahalaxmi Pavbhaji Centre, Asharfi Kulfiwala etc.
• How to Reach: Via road, train and air

10. Modhera Sun Temple

Everywhere you go in Ahmedabad, you are bound to come across architectural legacies. This beautiful temple complex with magnificent Kund is one of the best works of the Solanki reign.

Apart from that, you can have a glimpse of the time during the golden period of the state. If you are keen to know more about the place and its history, find a purohit and ask him fascinating stories about this temple.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Operation Hours: 7 AM to 6 PM
• Entry Fee: ₹ 25 for Indians, ₹ 300 for foreigners and free for kids under 15
• Things to Do: Tour around the temple complex, and visit other nearby temples like Ganpati temple, Ramji temple, Khodiyar Mata Ji Temple and Maheshwari Maa Temple
• How to Reach: Via road, train and air

11. Bhadra Fort

Ahmed Shah built this fort in 1411 AD. This place got its name because of its proximity to the Bhadrakali temple. The Britishers turned this fort into a prison, and in 2014 ASI recently renovated this place and encouraged tourism.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Operation Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM
• Entry Fee: No entry fee
• Things to Do: Visit nearby tourist attractions like Sidi Sayed Mosque, Teen Darwaza, Rani Rupmati Mosque, Swaminarayan Temple at Kalupur and Hathee Singh Jain Temple
• How to Reach: Via road, train and air

12. Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid is among the many architectural wonders created by Ahmed Shah. The structure was built in 1423 for the Muslims to gather and offer their Friday prayers. It is located near the Bhadra fort. Hence a striking similarity is seen in the yellow sandstone grandeur. One of the unique features of this Jama Masjid is that this place has 260 pillars with intricate and defined architectural styles.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Operation Hours: 6 AM to 8 PM
• Entry Fee: No entry fee
• Things to Do: Roam around the courtyard of the complex
• How to Reach: Via road, train and air

13. World Vintage Car Museum

For every car enthusiast, there is a fantastic place which is among the must-visit tourist places in Ahmedabad. The World Vintage Car Museum is a paradise for automobiles. It has several car models that depict the evolution of automobiles. Horse-drawn carriages, railway saloons, convertibles, and many more.

• Best Time to Visit: October to December and January to March
• Operation Hours: 8 AM to 9 PM
• Entry Fee: ₹ 50 per person
• Things to Do: Explore the museum and nearby tourist spots like Swaminarayan Temple, Sardar Vallabhai Patel National Memorial, Camp Hanuman Temple, Dada Hari ni Vav, Kankaria Lake, etc.
• How to Reach: Via road, train and air

14. Hathee Singh Jain Temple

Started by a famous Jain trader Sheth Hutheesing Kesarisinh, this temple was completed by his wife, Shethani Harkunwar, in 1848. The stunning carvings on the stone walls make this an architectural masterpiece.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Operation Hours: 8 AM to 5 PM
• Entry Fee: No entry fee
• Things to Do: Check out the nearby places like Dada Hari Ni Nav, Calico Museum of Textiles, Sabarmati Ashram, Teen Darwaza, and Jhulta Mandir Sidi Bashir Mosque
• How to Reach: Via road, train and air

15. Law Garden Night Market

You can check the Law Garden night market if you feel a bit bored with all these ancient monuments and museums. It is a heaven for shopaholics and window shoppers. Unlike other local markets, this one comes to live only in the evening. The place suddenly becomes a buzzing destination for local clothes, accessories, handicrafts etc.

• Best Time to Visit: Anytime of the year
• Operation Hours:  7 PM till midnight
• Entry Fee: No entry fee
• Things to Do: Try street foods, explore eateries, shop as much as you want, stroll around the Law Garden, spend some quiet time in the park by reading
• How to Reach: Via road, train and air

16. Sidi Saiyyed Mosque

Positioned right at the heart of the city, Sidi Saiyyed Mosque is an amalgamation of elegance and grandeur. The delicate lattice work on sandstone is the most attractive part of the structure. The craftsmanship of this ancient mosque makes it one of the famous places in Ahmedabad. So, for those visiting Ahmedabad, do not miss Sidi Saiyyedd Mosque if you are a fan of ancient monuments.

• Best Time to Visit: November to February
• Operation Hours: 7 AM to 6 PM
• Entry Fee: No entry fee
• Things to Do: Capture the intricate beauty of the mosque, visit nearby places like Bhadra fort, Teen Darwaza, Sabarmati Riverfront, Jama Masjid, etc.
• How to Reach: Via road, train and air

17. Calico Textile Museum

Visit the oldest museum in Ahmedabad to learn so much about textiles and fabrics from around the nation. This museum shares a sneak peek of our country's cultural richness and diversity.

In addition to the fabrics and textiles, you can also find several artefacts like miniature paintings and tribal art collections here. This can be an educational tour if you are travelling with kids.

• Best Time to Visit: All throughout the year
• Operation Hours: 10:30 AM to 1 PM (closed on Wednesday)
• Entry Fee: No entry fee, but prior registration is needed
• Things to Do: Guided tour at the museum, visit nearby locations like Swaminarayan Temple, Sabarmati Ashram and others
• How to Reach: Via road, train and air

18. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Museum

Among the long list of places to visit near Ahmedabad, this museum is something you cannot miss on this trip. This museum is a repository of the political career of Patel. Here you will find interactive and modern technology backing the exhibits.

• Best Time to Visit: November to February
• Operation Hours: 9:30 AM to 5 PM (closed on Monday)
• Entry Fee: ₹ 20 for adults and ₹ 10 for children for museum entrance. ₹ 30 for adults and ₹ 10 for children for the 3D show
• Things to Do: Take a tour of the museum and watch the 3D show in the museum
• How to Reach: Via road, train and air

19. Jhulta Minar

Another architectural marvel in Ahmedabad is Jhulta Minar, or the shaking minarets. The reason behind its name is that it vibrates even if it gets a gentle shake. These minarets originally belonged to the Sidi Bashir Mosque, which is now located on the northern side of Ahmedabad Junction.

• Best Time to Visit: Anytime of the year
• Operation Hours: 5:30 AM to 9 PM
• Entry Fee: No entry fee
• Things to Do: Admire the architecture
• How to Reach: Via road, train and air

20. Kamala Nehru Zoo

Kamala Nehru Zoo or the Kankaria Zoo is also a must-visit if you are in Ahmedabad. This is popular among the locales as a popular picnic spot. Kamala zoological garden is known to house many rare and endangered species. Here you will experience a nocturnal section, especially for animals like hyenas, leopards and jackals, who are more active in the dark.

• Best Time Visit: March to October and November to February
• Operation Hours: 9 AM to 6:15 PM in the summer, 9 AM to 5 PM in the winter
• Entry Fee: ₹ 20 for adults, ₹10 for children between 3-12 years, ₹5 for educational tours, and free for children up to 3 years
• Things to Do: Explore the zoo, butterfly garden and Rasala Nature park
• How to Reach: Via road, train and air