Best Things to Do in Ahmedabad, India

Ahmedabad (also spelled Amdavad) sits on the Sabarmati River in Gujarat, western India. It is the most important city in Gujarat, the center of India’s textile industry, and the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent independence movement. The things to do in Ahmedabad are remarkable for a city of its size and visibility on international tourist itineraries: the Sabarmati Ashram, where Gandhi lived from 1917 to 1930 and launched the 1930 Salt March, is India’s most important living Gandhian site; the Adalaj Stepwell and Dada Harir Stepwell are among the finest examples of Indo-Islamic stepwell architecture in India; and the Calico Museum of Textiles, housed in a series of beautiful havelis, has one of the world’s finest collections of antique Indian textiles (entry is by guided tour only, limited to 30 visitors per session). In 2017, Ahmedabad became India’s first city to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage City, recognizing its historic walled center’s remarkable architectural heritage.

Best time to visit

October through March is the recommended window. Gujarat winters are mild and dry (15-28°C), ideal for walking the heritage sites and visiting the countryside. April through June is extremely hot (42-45°C); most activity contracts to early morning and evening. The monsoon (July through September) brings relief but some disruption to travel. The festival calendar is important: Navratri (nine nights of Garba dancing in October) is one of Gujarat’s greatest cultural events, and Uttarayan (the kite festival in January) is spectacular in Ahmedabad with the city’s rooftops covered in kite flyers.

Getting around

Ahmedabad has a metro rail system (Phase 1 connecting the main stations opened 2022) and extensive bus rapid transit (BRTS) network. Auto-rickshaws and Ola/Uber are widely available. The heritage city center (the Walled City) is best explored on foot or by bicycle/tuk-tuk; the lanes are narrow and traffic heavy. Lothal (the Indus Valley archaeological site, 85 km southwest) requires a full day by car or organized tour. The Calico Museum is in the Shahibaug area north of the city; book guided tour slots in advance on the museum website.

What to eat and drink

Ahmedabad’s food culture is vegetarian-dominant; Gujarat has one of India’s highest rates of vegetarianism. The thali (set meal) is the quintessential Gujarati dining experience: unlimited refills of dal, sabzi, rotis, rice, sweets, and pickles. Agashiye Restaurant at the House of Mangaldas Girdhardas is the most elegant traditional Gujarati thali. The Law Garden night market (evenings only) is excellent for street food: dhokla, fafda, sev mamra, and the classic Gujarati farsan snacks. The Manek Chowk market area transforms from a jewelry market by day to a street food hub at night.

Neighborhoods to explore

The Walled City (UNESCO Heritage Zone) – The historic heart of Ahmedabad, with the Bhadra Fort, the Jama Masjid, Ahmed Shah’s Mosque, and the extraordinary pols (traditional residential quarters with carved wooden facades and community gates). The Heritage Walk (run by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation) departs every morning.

Sabarmati Riverfront – The recently developed riverside promenade connects key sites and is pleasant for early morning walking. The Sabarmati Ashram is at the northern end.

Shahibaug – The leafy northern area where the Calico Museum, the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial, and the Dada Harir Stepwell are located.

Law Garden Area – The central shopping and dining district; the night market is the best street food venue in the city.