Today, the city feels like a chaotic symphony where incense smoke mingles with diesel fumes, creating an intense, vibrant atmosphere that is both overwhelming and deeply inviting. It remains a resilient spiritual center, bustling with pilgrims and tourists alike, offering a raw, authentic glimpse into Nepal’s enduring heritage amidst its modernizing streets.
Do Kathmandu the way locals do: start slow at Nagarjun Forest Reserve, eat where the regulars do at Lavie Garden, let the evening run long at Purple Haze Rock Bar.
Top things to do in Kathmandu Ranked by rating and review volume. These earn their hype. Booking links may earn Roam a commission, at no cost to you.
1
Patan Darbar Square
Plaza · ★ 4.6 (33,367 reviews)
Museum in a former royal palace housing Hindu & Buddhist sculptures & other cultural artifacts.
Check tours & tickets 2
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Plaza · ★ 4.5 (40,149 reviews)
Landmark, ancient royal complex with various palaces, temples & courtyards, plus a museum.
Check tours & tickets 3
Swayambhu Mahachaitya
Buddhist Temple · ★ 4.6 (21,180 reviews)
A very old religious site, this Buddhist complex has an iconic stupa, temples & many shrines.
Check tours & tickets 4
Swayambhu Buddha Park - Ring Road
Park · ★ 4.5 (9,075 reviews)
Landscaped recreation area with paved walkways & shade trees, plus 3 large gold Buddha figures.
Check tours & tickets 5
Garden of Dreams
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.2 (13,902 reviews)
Elegant garden created in 1920, with 6 pavilions, fountains, landscaped grounds, urns & birdhouses.
Check tours & tickets 6
Narayanhiti Palace Museum
History Museum · ★ 4.4 (5,564 reviews)
Museum & former palace showcasing the royal jewels & the scene of the Nepalese Royal Massacre.
Check tours & tickets 7
Patan Museum
Museum · ★ 4.6 (1,614 reviews)
An extensive collection of traditional religious art on display in an 18th-century royal palace.
Check tours & tickets 9
Hanumandhoka Durbar Square
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.6 (1,348 reviews)
Palace museum named after the entryway's stone Hanuman, with exhibits on the Shah Dynasty.
Check tours & tickets 10
Nagarjun Forest Reserve
Nature Preserve · ★ 4.4 (1,623 reviews)
Part of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, this lush nature area offers hiking with sweeping vistas.
Check tours & tickets Where to eat Local favorites, not tourist traps.
11
Lavie Garden
Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (4,920 reviews)
Website 12
Jasper Restaurant
Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (4,364 reviews)
Website 13
Walnut Bistro - Restaurant in Kathmandu
Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (3,185 reviews)
Website 14
Roadhouse Cafe
Pizza Restaurant · ★ 4.5 (3,675 reviews)
Website 15
Kathmandu Grill Restaurant & Wine Bar
Bar & Grill · ★ 4.7 (2,545 reviews)
Website 16
Fire And Ice Pizzeria
Italian Restaurant · ★ 4.3 (4,693 reviews)
Website 17
Yala Cafe & Coffee Shop
Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (1,802 reviews)
Website 18
The Urvin's Garden Restaurant
Italian Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (1,613 reviews)
Website Hungry for more? Book a food tour or tasting in Kathmandu
Tours worth booking ahead These sell out, so lock them in early.
19
Thrill on Motorbike Nepal (Citymotorbike) : Motorcycle Tours in Nepal
point_of_interest, establishment · ★ 4.8 (814 reviews)
Check tours & tickets 20
Namaste Motorbike : Guided Motorcycle Tours In Nepal
Services · ★ 4.9 (449 reviews)
Check tours & tickets 23
Glorious Eco Trek Nepal Pvt. Ltd - Trekking Company in Nepal
Travel Agency · ★ 5 (183 reviews)
Check tours & tickets Get outside 25
Nagarjun Forest Reserve
Nature Preserve · ★ 4.4 (1,623 reviews)
Part of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, this lush nature area offers hiking with sweeping vistas.
26
Balaju Baisdhara Park
Park · ★ 4.1 (2,475 reviews)
27
Tribhuwan Park
Park · ★ 4 (2,259 reviews)
28
Bhandarkhal Jungle
Park · ★ 4.2 (1,491 reviews)
Peaceful forested area within the city featuring walking trails, small temples & monkeys.
29
Jagadol Jhanda Park
Park · ★ 4.3 (845 reviews)
After dark 30
Purple Haze Rock Bar
Bar · ★ 4.4 (3,679 reviews)
A large stage for live, American-style rock shows anchors this buzzy nightspot for drinks & dancing.
Website 31
Dancing Yak
Bar · ★ 4.8 (1,579 reviews)
Website 32
LOD - Lord of the Drinks
Night Club · ★ 4.1 (3,000 reviews)
Website 33
Sam's Bar
Bar · ★ 4.5 (1,046 reviews)
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