Hyderabad, founded in the late 16th century by the Qutb Shahi dynasty, wears its history with pride: ornate mosques, palatial courtyards, and basalt city walls rising above bustling bazaars. The Nizams later layered on European flourishes and serious culinary flair, making this a city where kebabs and courtly etiquette mingle with cutting-edge tech campuses.

Expect a heady mix of sights: the four minarets of Charminar, the clifftop bastions of Golconda Fort, and one of the world’s most eclectic art troves at the Salar Jung Museum. Between monuments, sip Irani chai with a still-warm cookie at a vintage bakery, then bargain for glass bangles and pearls in the warren of lanes that surround the Old City.

Practical notes: Hyderabad is well-connected by air and rail, rideshares are plentiful, and the Hyderabad Metro eases crosstown hops. Dress modestly for mosques and temples, carry cash for smaller shops, and come hungry—this is the homeland of legendary Hyderabadi biryani, haleem (especially during Ramadan), and decadent desserts.

Hyderabad

Between the Old City and the new business districts around HITEC City, Hyderabad rewards slow travel: sunrise walks in leafy KBR Park, afternoons wandering museum galleries, and evenings on breezy lakeside promenades. Food is a highlight—from sizzling pathar-ka-gosht to fluffy khubani ka meetha.

Top sights include Charminar, Mecca Masjid, Chowmahalla Palace, the Qutb Shahi Tombs, Golconda Fort, Hussain Sagar, and the sprawling backlots of Ramoji Film City. For shopping, Laad Bazaar sparkles with bangles, while Shilparamam showcases handlooms and crafts from across India.

• Where to stay (curated): For royal grandeur, consider Taj Falaknuma Palace (book high tea in advance); for value in Banjara Hills/Jubilee Hills, look at Treebo Trend Address Inn; for a resort-like base near HITEC City, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre has a pool and gardens.
• More options: Browse city-wide stays on Hotels.com or apartment-style places on VRBO.
• Getting here: Fly into RGIA (HYD). Compare fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. From many Indian cities, trains are frequent; browse schedules on Trip.com Trains.

Day 1: Arrival, Lakeside Sunset, and Classic Biryani

Morning: In transit.

Afternoon: Land at RGIA and transfer into town by taxi or rideshare (45–75 minutes depending on traffic). Check in, freshen up, then stretch your legs along Necklace Road at Hussain Sagar. Hop a short boat ride to the Buddha statue for city views, if time allows.

Evening: Start strong with Hyderabadi biryani. Local favorites include Café Bahar (Basheerbagh) for aromatic dum biryani and fry pieces, Shah Ghouse (Tolichowki) for spice-forward chicken and mutton biryani, or Bawarchi (RTC X Roads) for a hearty, old-school vibe. Cap the night with Irani chai and a fruit biscuit at Karachi Bakery or a pista roll at Subhan Bakery.

Day 2: Charminar, Mecca Masjid, and Bazaar Hopping

Morning: Arrive early at Charminar to beat the crowds; climb up for balcony views over the Old City. Fuel up at Nimrah Café & Bakery nearby—order osmania biscuits with chai and sample a warm samosa. Step into the 17th-century Mecca Masjid across the square; dress modestly and remove shoes.

Afternoon: Wander Laad Bazaar for lacquer bangles, attar perfumes, and pearls (look for reputable sellers; ask for certificates). Continue to Chowmahalla Palace—ornate durbars, vintage cars, and chandeliers showcase Nizam-era opulence.

Evening: Explore the Salar Jung Museum’s highlights: the Veiled Rebecca, the double-faced wood sculpture, and global arms, clocks, and carpets. For dinner, try Hotel Shadab’s mutton biryani and nihari, or Alhamdulillah Hotel for kebabs and khichdi-keema-khatta—a comforting local combo. Post-dinner, see Charminar illuminated and sip one more Irani chai at Shah Ghouse Café (Shah Ali Banda).

Day 3: Golconda Fort and the Qutb Shahi Tombs

Morning: Head to Golconda Fort just after opening. Clap at the Fateh Darwaza to test the famed acoustic relay, then hike to the Bala Hissar for sweeping views over the city. Carry water and wear sturdy shoes; steps can be uneven.

Afternoon: Lunch at Olive Bistro (Durgam Cheruvu) for Mediterranean plates with lake views, or Little Italy (Jubilee Hills) for reliable vegetarian fare. Continue to the restored Qutb Shahi Tombs: elegant granite domes set amid landscaped gardens—a quiet counterpoint to the fort’s drama.

Evening: Return to Golconda for the sound-and-light show (check current timings and language). Prefer a modern dinner? Head to United Kitchens of India (Jubilee Hills) to sample Telugu, Rajasthani, Bengali, and more at one table; or try AB’s Absolute Barbecues for DIY grills and an indulgent buffet.

Day 4: Ramoji Film City—A Full-Day Studio Adventure

Leave after an early breakfast for Ramoji Film City (about 1–1.5 hours by car). It’s a theme-park-meets-backlot: sets that swing from Mughal palaces to New York streets, live stunt shows, gardens, and a butterfly park. Standard day passes typically run roughly ₹1,350–₹2,350 depending on inclusions; arrive at opening to catch the scheduled shows and tram tours.

Plan lunch at one of the on-site restaurants between shows. Families can detour to kid-friendly zones; cinephiles should prioritize the backstage tours and set walkthroughs. Return to the city by early evening.

Back in town, keep dinner light: try Rayalaseema Ruchulu (multiple branches) for spicy and rustic Andhra meals—ragi sangati with natukodi pulusu is a regional favorite—or head to Aish (The Park) for an upscale take on Hyderabadi classics.

Day 5: HITEC City, Shilparamam Crafts, and Lakeside Night

Morning: Breakfast at Roastery Coffee House (Banjara Hills) for specialty pours and fluffy pancakes, or Chutneys (multiple branches) for generous dosas, idlis, and a legendary chutney array. Then browse Shilparamam in HITEC City—handloom saris, metalwork, and regional crafts in an open-air village setting.

Afternoon: Walk the Durgam Cheruvu lakefront and the cable-bridge viewpoint; if it’s hot, duck into Conçu or Karra for desserts and a cool drink. Culture stop: Birla Mandir (calm hilltop temple in white marble) and the adjacent Birla Science Museum/Planetarium for a quick, family-friendly interlude.

Evening: Sunset on Necklace Road or People’s Plaza—great for casual cycling and street snacks (corn on the cob, mirchi bajji). Dinner options: Ohri’s Tansen (North Indian with live classical tunes), Yi Jing (pan-Asian near HITEC), or Prost Brewpub/Zero40 (Gachibowli) for craft beers and bar bites.

Day 6: Day Trip to Warangal—Kakatiya Heritage

Morning: Depart early by train from Secunderabad to Warangal/Kazipet (about 2.5–3 hours; typical fares ₹150–₹600 depending on class). Check departure options on Trip.com Trains. First stops: the 12th-century Thousand Pillar Temple (ornate Kakatiya sculpture) and Bhadrakali Temple on the lakeshore.

Afternoon: Explore Warangal Fort’s grand, freestanding Kirti Toranas and the nearby Swayambhu temple remains. For lunch, simple and satisfying meals await at local “mess” eateries; look for thalis with ghee rice, pappu, and fryums.

Evening: Return to Hyderabad by train or hired car. Back in town, keep it easy with Paradise (Secunderabad) for a nostalgic biryani fix or Roast 24 Seven for late-night comfort food.

Day 7: Garden Walk, Last-Minute Shopping, and Departure

Morning: Join joggers in KBR National Park (Kasu Brahmananda Reddy Park)—peacocks occasionally strut across the path. Breakfast at Minerva Coffee Shop (vegetarian South Indian staples) or Ram Ki Bandi if you’re craving a late-morning buttery dosa and tawa idli.

Afternoon: Pick up gifts: back to Laad Bazaar for bangles and ittar, or General Bazaar (Secunderabad) for fabrics and trims. If time permits, the Nizam’s Museum at Purani Haveli adds a final flourish of royal memorabilia. Head to the airport for your afternoon departure; rideshares are fastest outside rush hour.

Evening: In transit.

Getting around tips: Use the Hyderabad Metro for predictable crosstown hops, autos/rapidos for short zips, and rideshares for comfort. Traffic peaks 9–11 a.m. and 6–9 p.m.; plan fort and Old City visits in the early morning.

Booking pointers: For flights, compare on Trip.com Flights and Kiwi.com; for trains (within India/Asia), see Trip.com Trains. Secure your stay via Hotels.com or VRBO. For a splurge-night in a palace, check Taj Falaknuma Palace.

This 7-day Hyderabad travel guide blends Old City heritage with lakeside strolls, studio tours, and day-trip archaeology. Come for Charminar and biryani; leave with bangles, stories, and a taste for Irani chai that will draw you back.