Best Places to visit in Kathmandu (2026)

Discover the best places to visit in Kathmandu, from ancient temples and UNESCO World Heritage sites to vibrant markets, cultural landmarks, and unforgettable city views.

Kathmandu is a city that unfolds slowly, rewarding travelers who take the time to look beyond the surface. At first glance, the Nepalese capital can feel busy and overwhelming, but beneath the traffic, temples, and tangled streets lies a fascinating mix of ancient traditions, spiritual landmarks, and everyday local life. it is one of the cheapest places to visit in Asia and crammed with sights and sounds.

From sacred Hindu and Buddhist sites to lively markets, peaceful gardens, and hilltop viewpoints, Kathmandu offers far more than just a gateway to the Himalayas.

This guide to the best things to do in Kathmandu brings together must-see landmarks, cultural experiences, and a few quieter escapes to help you make the most of your visit. 

Best Places to visit in Kathmandu

1. Kathmandu graffiti art

Wandering outside the touristy areas, heading to random spots marked out on the map app on my phone, I came across a central area in the city. It was a busy public throughfare. Pedestrians passed by and traffic noise rose from the main streets around.

Here, on the buildings’ outer walls, was painted a series of graffiti art. One series appeared to be related to a school or public awareness campaign – advocating hand washing and environmentalism, among other things.

But the ones that took my interest were a different series slightly away from that. These street art were about violence against women. One in particular used negative space in a simple but effective way, to represent the hand on a woman’s throat – and the tear on her cheek.

They were gritty and spoke something honest – one of the reasons why I like discovering graffiti art in cities. They reminded me that Kathmandu is a real city with real people, with diverse and layered lives, who face social and modern life pressures like anywhere else. Not a Shangri-La for my foreign imagination.

2. Ratna Park 

I stumbled upon this little green space in the midst of dusty Kathmandu, because of a change of plan. I had finished with the Durbar Square and was contemplating heading to other places to visit in Kathmandu; UNESCO Site Pashupatinath perhaps, or Swayambhunath temple.

But sometimes a perverse mood strikes me and I decide to forego such eminence in favour of the mundane. I went for a city walk instead and decided to discover what Ratna Park was like.

I’ll say it outright – it’s not amazing.

It’s a perfectly adequate public park, reasonably maintained. The grass has puddles and the birds were pigeons and crows. The roses were blooming and lovely, but not as gorgeous as the Gurung gardens of Annapurna.

But it’s green and tranquil. Surrounded on all sides by the chaos and bustle of the city, it is a little haven of peace and life. And that is enough to compel me to stay there for some time.

Entry is 50 rupees for ‘Asians’ and 75 rupees for ‘foreigners’. 

3. The office shops beneath the pedestrian bridge

Eventually I left the park and continued wandering semi-aimlessly. I came across the Muslim area, where there were two mosques and a learning institution. Near here, I turned a corner and made perhaps my favourite discovery.

Kathmandu is very much still a pedestrian city, despite the traffic bustle. And it actually has a decent network of overhead pedestrian bridge crossings for its busy roads. While not particularly aesthetic, they are very functional. They go as high as two levels to merge and disperse pedestrian traffic who make complicated crossings at busy interchanges. You do not have to cross the streets at right angles, waiting each time for traffic lights or going up and down stairs multiple times.

But in this one spot, I reckon due to a university nearby, there’s more. Instead of leaving the ground floor beneath the first crossing level open, a bank of printing shops lined the bend, with their backs to the road!

Little more than printers on desks, they were nearly identical to each other, doubtless the resource for desperate undergrads printing dissertations at the last minute (we all did this, right?).

Other common services offered include passport photos and translation of documents into English.

4. Indra Chowk – more local shopping than Thamel

I had all intentions to check out Durbar Marg on the other side of the main thoroughfare, but I got distracted into Indra Chowk instead, one of the more fun places to visit in Kathmandu. What I found was a bustling small open market area, where the adjacent shopping streets converged. A Shiva temple stood to the side (judging from the bull reposing before it).

All kinds of retail are found here. There was a wide array of local women’s dresses and fabrics, many of which were in red, because it was the run-up to Teej. If I were coming straight home from Kathmandu, I probably would have bought one – they would not be out of place in Malaysia.

Also, if you really look, and follow the signs through the narrow warrens at the backs of the main street shops, there is a hipster cycle cafe here. A few Nepali band guys were jamming while I had a late lunch there.

5. The unexpected Boudhanath

I visited Boudhanath several times. Partly it was because I stayed near there instead of Thamel, so it was convenient to re-visit.

A UNESCO site in its own right, the Boudha Stupa is a pilgrimage destination for Buddhists, and a Kathmandu must-see. But for this article, I don’t intend to talk about the stupa itself.

What I found unexpected about the Boudhanath area, was its Tibetan refugees.

Nepal has taken thousands of Tibetan refugees over many decades, following China’s annexation of Tibet in the middle of the last century. Many of these refugees have settled in the Boudha area. So the fact that they’re there is not the unexpected part.

For me, what I found unexpected was that it did not look like a poor area. Boudhanath is a Tibetan cultural centre, with many shops showcasing quality Tibetan art and religion. Trendy cafes interspersed among them. Dresses and glossy fabric meant for the Tibetan aprons are widely available. Women of Tibetan descent dress in their traditional clothing, in fabric much finer than the refugees I met in Pokhara. I would not at all have expected it to be a refugee congregation area.

In hindsight, this is probably because Boudhanath was already a Tibetan pilgrimage destination since a long time ago, so there may already be a Tibetan community there. So perhaps the refugees simply assimilated into that.

6. Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites in the world and one of the deeply moving places to visit in Kathmandu.

Located along the sacred Bagmati River, the temple complex is made up of pagoda-style shrines, stone carvings, and open courtyards where religious rituals take place daily. It is one of the many reasons to visit Nepal.

Visitors can observe cremation ceremonies along the riverbanks, offering a powerful insight into Nepalese spiritual traditions and beliefs surrounding life and death. While non-Hindus cannot enter the main temple, the surrounding area provides plenty to explore and photograph.

7. Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park

Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is one of the best places to visit in Kathmandu for nature lovers and anyone wanting a break from the city. Located just north of the capital, the park offers forested Nepal hiking trails, fresh mountain air, and scenic viewpoints overlooking the Kathmandu Valley. It’s a popular spot for short hikes, birdwatching, and picnics, with routes suitable for both beginners and experienced walkers.

The park is also home to monasteries, small villages, and peaceful resting spots, making it a rewarding place to explore at a slower pace. A visit to Shivapuri pairs perfectly with nearby attractions like Budhanilkantha Temple or Kopan Monastery, making it an easy and refreshing half-day or full-day trip from central Kathmandu.

8. Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)

Swayambhunath, often called the Monkey Temple, sits high on a hill overlooking Kathmandu Valley; one of the more unique places to visit in Kathmandu.

Reaching the stupa involves climbing a long staircase, but the panoramic views at the top are well worth the effort. The site blends Hindu and Buddhist symbolism, with colorful prayer flags, shrines, and spinning prayer wheels throughout.

Monkeys roam freely here, adding a lively and sometimes chaotic charm. It’s one of the best places in Kathmandu for sunset views and city photography.

9. Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu Durbar Square is the historic heart of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with temples, palaces, and courtyards; making this one of the must-see places to visit in Kathmandu.

Once the seat of Nepal’s royal family, the square showcases intricate wood carvings, ancient architecture, and centuries of history.

Highlights include the Hanuman Dhoka Palace and the Kumari Ghar, home to the Living Goddess. Despite damage from past earthquakes, the area remains vibrant and full of life, with locals, vendors, and ceremonies happening daily.

10. Patan Durbar Square

Located in nearby Lalitpur, Patan Durbar Square is often considered one of the most beautiful areas in the Kathmandu Valley. The square is famous for its refined Newari architecture, bronze statues, and beautifully preserved temples.

The Patan Museum is a standout attraction, offering a clear and engaging introduction to Nepalese art and history. Compared to central Kathmandu, Patan feels calmer and more relaxed, making it ideal for a slower, more cultural visit.

11. Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur Durbar Square feels like stepping back in time; one of the more unique places to visit in Kathmandu. This medieval city is known for its traditional layout, pottery squares, and towering temples such as the Nyatapola Temple. The streets are cleaner and less chaotic than Kathmandu, offering a more immersive cultural experience.

Bhaktapur is also famous for its local food, including king curd (juju dhau), making it a great place to combine sightseeing with local cuisine.

12. Garden of Dreams

The Garden of Dreams is a peaceful escape from Kathmandu’s busy streets. This restored neo-classical garden features fountains, manicured lawns, pavilions, and shaded seating areas. Located just outside Thamel, it’s a perfect place to relax after sightseeing or enjoy a quiet coffee.

The contrast between the calm garden and the surrounding city makes it one of Kathmandu’s most pleasant surprises.

13. Narayanhiti Palace Museum

Once home to Nepal’s royal family, Narayanhiti Palace has been transformed into a fascinating museum and one of the best places to visit in Kathmandu.

Visitors can explore grand halls, private chambers, and formal meeting rooms that offer insight into the country’s monarchy and political history.

The palace grounds are expansive, and the exhibits provide context to major historical events, including the royal massacre. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in Nepal’s modern history.

14. Durbar Marg

Durbar Marg is Kathmandu’s most upscale boulevard, lined with luxury hotels, international brands, cafes, and restaurants.

While it contrasts sharply with the city’s historic areas, it’s a good place to enjoy a more polished side of Kathmandu. The area is particularly lively in the evenings and is popular for dining, people-watching, and nightlife.

15. Nagarkot Sunrise and Himalayan Views (Day Trip)

Nagarkot is one of the most popular and rewarding day trips from Kathmandu, especially for travelers hoping to catch a glimpse of the Himalayas without committing to a long trek. Located about an hour to an hour and a half from the city, this hilltop village is best known for its stunning sunrise views over snow-capped peaks, including Mount Everest on clear days.

Beyond the viewpoints, Nagarkot offers peaceful walking trails, forested paths, and traditional villages that feel worlds away from Kathmandu’s busy streets. Many visitors come early in the morning for sunrise, but staying a little longer allows you to enjoy lunch with a view, gentle hikes, and cooler mountain air.

It’s an ideal addition to any Kathmandu itinerary and a perfect contrast to the city’s temples and markets.

16. Kopan Monastery

Kopan Monastery is a peaceful retreat located on a hill north of the city, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kathmandu.

Known for its meditation courses and Buddhist teachings, it’s a place to escape the noise and crowds of Kathmandu. Even short visits are welcome, and the monastery grounds offer sweeping views across the valley. It’s an ideal stop for travelers seeking quiet reflection or spiritual experiences.

17. Thamel District

Thamel is Kathmandu’s main tourist hub and a convenient base for most visitors, one of the best places to visit in Kathmandu. The neighborhood is filled with trekking shops, souvenir stalls, cafes, bars, and international restaurants.

While it can feel hectic, Thamel is also where you’ll find travel agencies, gear rentals, and a lively nightlife scene. It’s a great place to meet fellow travelers and experience Kathmandu after dark.

18. Asan Market

Asan Market is one of the most vibrant and photogenic places in the city. This traditional trading hub brings together spice sellers, vegetable vendors, and household goods stalls in a maze of narrow streets. The smells, sounds, and colors make it a sensory experience and a fantastic spot for street photography. It’s best visited in the morning when the market is at its busiest.

19. Kathmandu Valley Hiking and Cycling

Beyond the city center, the Kathmandu Valley offers excellent hiking and cycling opportunities. Trails lead through small villages, terraced fields, and forested hills, providing a glimpse of rural life just outside the capital.

Popular routes include Nagarkot, Shivapuri National Park, and surrounding hilltops. These activities are perfect for travelers wanting fresh air and nature without traveling far.

20. Chandragiri Hills

Chandragiri Hills is a popular half-day trip from Kathmandu, best known for its cable car ride and panoramic Himalayan views. On clear days, visitors can see mountain ranges stretching into the distance, along with sweeping views of the valley below.

At the top, there’s a temple, viewing platforms, and cafes, making it an easy and rewarding escape from the city.

21. Local Handicrafts and Creative Spaces

Kathmandu is a hub for traditional handicrafts, from handmade paper and thangka paintings to metalwork and pottery. Visiting local workshops or fair-trade stores allows travelers to see artisans at work and support local communities. In recent years, street art and creative spaces have also emerged around the city, adding a modern cultural layer to Kathmandu’s ancient traditions.

Things to Know Before You go to Nepal

Best Places to visit in Kathmandu FAQ

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