A Romantic 2-Day Ahmedabad Itinerary on a Budget
Once the thriving capital of the Gujarat Sultanate, Ahmedabad is India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City, honored for its labyrinth of pols (historic residential clusters), sculpted temples, and Indo-Islamic masterpieces. Mahatma Gandhi’s Sabarmati Ashram anchors the city’s modern conscience, while stepwells and mosques whisper centuries of craftsmanship.
Today’s Ahmedabad is a spirited blend: design-forward campuses, a revitalized riverfront, and street food that hums late into the night at Manek Chowk. For couples, it’s a quiet romance—golden light on carved stone, a boat ride at dusk, and a fragrant thali shared on a rooftop.
Practical notes: Winters (Nov–Feb) are pleasant; summers can be hot. Dress modestly for sacred sites. Many museums close on Monday; Kankaria Lakefront is typically closed Monday. Autos, cabs, and ride-shares are plentiful; UPI is widely accepted.
Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad pairs living heritage with contemporary culture. Explore the Old City’s wooden havelis, the ethereal Sidi Saiyyed Jali, and the serene ashram that shaped India’s freedom movement. Then step into a world of modern architecture by Kahn and Le Corbusier, and unwind along the Sabarmati Riverfront at sunset.
- Top sights: Sabarmati Ashram, Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, Adalaj Stepwell (Adalaj ni Vav), Bhadra Fort area, Hutheesing Jain Temple, Sarkhej Roza, Kankaria Lakefront.
- Romantic moments: Dusk boat ride on the Sabarmati, lamp-lit dinners at heritage courtyards, quiet garden strolls in Parimal Garden.
- Essential bites: Gujarati thali (Agashiye, Gordhan Thal), khaman and khandvi (Das Khaman House), fafda-jalebi breakfast, kulfi at Manek Chowk.
Getting there: Fly into Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (AMD) via Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com; typical Mumbai/Delhi hops are ~1–2 hours (often $35–$80). Long-distance trains arrive at Ahmedabad Junction (Kalupur); search schedules on Trip.com trains. Rickshaws/cabs to the Old City or Ashram Road usually take 20–40 minutes depending on traffic.
Where to stay (budget-forward):
- Search all stays: VRBO Ahmedabad | Hotels.com Ahmedabad
- Hotel Accolade (budget): Near Ellis Bridge with straightforward rooms and easy access to CG Road and the riverfront; strong value for couples watching spend. Book Hotel Accolade.
- The House of MG (heritage, mid-range): Polished heritage mansion opposite Sidi Saiyyed Mosque; leafy courtyards and a classic roof-terrace thali. Check House of MG.
- Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad (river-facing, mid-range): Contemporary comfort on Ashram Road; request a Sabarmati view for sunset glows. See Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad.
Day 1: Old City romance, riverside sunset, and late-night eats
Morning: Travel to Ahmedabad and settle in. If you arrive early, ease into the day with a light, local breakfast: try Das Khaman House for pillowy khaman and khandvi, or a classic fafda-jalebi combo at a neighborhood shop. Sip cutting chai and map out the Old City with your partner.
Afternoon: Meet the Old City through a local’s eyes on the Ahmedabad Private Walking Tour with a Local—a flexible, budget-conscious way to see pols, carved havelis, and hidden shrines at your pace. Stop by the exquisite Sidi Saiyyed Mosque to admire the famous stone lattice “Tree of Life,” then pop across to the shaded café at House of MG for lemonade or a light snack.
Book: Ahmedabad Private Walking Tour with a Local
Evening: Drift to the Sabarmati Riverfront for a golden-hour stroll and budget-friendly boat ride; the promenade views are made for quiet conversation and photos. After sunset, join the Ahmedabad Night Walk (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour)—a safe, sociable way to explore illuminated streets and plazas you might miss on your own.
Dinner (budget-friendly): Head to Manek Chowk, which transforms into a late-night street-food carnival. Share buttery pav bhaji, crispy dosas, and kulfi; try a classic chocolate sandwich if you’re curious. Alternatively, sit down for a generous Gujarati thali at Gordhan Thal or Sasuji—both affordable, filling, and great for sampling many dishes at once.
Day 2: Gandhi’s legacy, stepwells and design icons
Morning: Start at Sabarmati Ashram—quiet river breezes, simple exhibits, and space for reflection. Then head north to the intricately carved Adalaj Stepwell for sculpted columns, cool air, and beautiful play of light (a perfect couple’s photo stop). To cover more ground efficiently, consider the Northern City Highlights tour, which typically includes Gandhi Ashram, Adalaj Stepwell, and Hutheesing Jain Temple.
Book: Northern City Highlights
Breakfast ideas: Grab warm thepla or methi gota from a local stall, or sit down at Swati Snacks (Paldi) for panki (thin rice-flour crepes steamed in banana leaves) and seasonal juice. Both are flavorful and budget-conscious.
Afternoon: Dive into Ahmedabad’s modern architecture on an Architectural Tour—often featuring sleek, climate-responsive buildings by Indian masters alongside landmarks by Le Corbusier and Louis Kahn (exterior access varies). If you prefer DIY, pair Sarkhej Roza’s serene courtyards with a coffee stop at Zen Café (ATMA House/CEPT) for a stylish, quiet break.
Lunch (romantic, choose one): For a memorable terrace meal, the Agashiye thali at House of MG is a lovely splurge; go for lunch to save compared to dinner and soak in city views. On a tighter budget, The Green House (same complex) serves khichdi, handvo, and chaats in a leafy setting at lower prices.
Evening/Departure: If time allows before your afternoon departure, wander Parimal Garden or take a quick spin to Kankaria Lakefront (nominal entry; typically closed Mondays) for lakeside views and a toy-train loop. Then head to AMD by cab or auto-rickshaw; factor 45–60 minutes for traffic.
Local transport and money-saving tips:
- Use ride-shares or autos for short hops (typical inner-city rides ₹80–200). Negotiate or ask to use the meter for autos.
- Group sights by area: Old City (Sidi Saiyyed, Bhadra Fort), Ashram Road (Sabarmati Ashram), and southern arc (Sarkhej Roza) to cut transit costs.
- Street food is delicious and affordable; stick to busy, popular stalls and fresh-made items.
Coffee, snacks, and sweets to try: Zen Café for pour-overs and calm interiors; Havmor for sundaes (a local brand); Asharfi Kulfi or Manek Chowk for classic kulfi; Das Khaman House for soft khaman with chutneys.
Estimated costs (per couple, budget-focused): Meals ₹400–1,200; autos around ₹100–300 per ride; riverfront boat ₹100–300 pp; Kankaria entry is nominal. Guided tours vary by inclusion; pick one highlight tour to stay under budget.
Book your travel and stays: Search flights on Trip.com, trains on Trip.com, or compare with Kiwi.com. For stays, browse VRBO and Hotels.com, or reserve directly at Hotel Accolade, The House of MG, or Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad.
Optional guided experiences featured in this itinerary:
- Ahmedabad Private Walking Tour with a Local
- Ahmedabad Night Walk (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour)
- Northern City Highlights
- Architectural Tour
In two days, you’ll trace Ahmedabad’s story from carved stepwells and pols to river-glass sunsets and modern masterpieces. With wallet-friendly eats and short hops between neighborhoods, it’s a gentle, romantic city break you’ll remember long after the last cup of chai.