Top things to do in Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad is the largest city in Gujarat and a major centre for trade, culture, and education in western India. The city’s centuries of history and strong cultural identity are reflected in its monuments, markets, and museums. Visitors find opportunities to learn about freedom movements, see architectural landmarks, taste local food, and enjoy recreational spaces. A trip to Ahmedabad gives you exposure to both heritage and modern life. For a relaxing break, you can also explore the top cafes in Ahmedabad. Here are 10 things to do in Ahmedabad with details that help travellers plan their visit. For extended or comfortable stays, you can also check out service apartments in Ahmedabad.

Famous things to do in Ahmedabad

1. Visit Sabarmati Ashram

   

   Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad

   Sabarmati Ashram sits on the banks of the Sabarmati River. Mahatma Gandhi established it in 1917 after returning from South Africa. He used the ashram as a base to lead several important movements against British rule, including the Dandi March in 1930. Gandhi lived here with his wife Kasturba for many years, and the place became a symbol of India’s freedom struggle. Visitors can see Hriday Kunj, his modest residence with simple furniture and personal belongings. The museum section displays letters, manuscripts, photographs, and a detailed record of events that shaped India’s independence. A library inside the ashram offers books on Gandhi’s philosophy and related history. The ashram remains open every day from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm, and you can enter for free. People often spend about two hours here. A visit to Sabarmati Ashram gives you a clear picture of Gandhi’s life and principles of non-violence and truth.

   • Address: Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya, Ashram Rd, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380027
   • Architect: Charles Correa
   • Opened: 1915
   • Famous for: Mahatma Gandhi’s primary residence and headquarters from 1917 to 1930
   • Hours: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
   • Ticket Price: INR 0
   • Nearest bus stand: Sabarmati Power House (BRTS)

2. Explore Jama Masjid

   

   Jama Masjid in Ahmedabad

   Jama Masjid stands as one of the finest monuments in Ahmedabad. Sultan Ahmed Shah, the city’s founder, built this mosque in 1424. It occupies a large area in the old city and shows the skill of the craftsmen of that period. The mosque features yellow sandstone walls, tall minarets, a vast courtyard, and prayer halls. The structure combines Hindu and Islamic styles, which you can see in the carvings, domes, and stone lattice screens. Over 260 pillars support the mosque, and each carries unique carvings. The mosque opens daily for prayers and for tourists who want to admire its design. Entry remains free. The morning or late afternoon offers the best time to visit when fewer crowds gather. Visitors should wear modest clothing when entering. Exploring Jama Masjid helps travellers understand the early architectural traditions of Ahmedabad and the city’s Islamic heritage.

   • Address: 2HFP+GMC, Manek Chowk, Gandhi Rd, Danapidth, Khadia, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380001
   • Architectural styles: Indo-Islamic architecture, Hindu temple architecture
   • Opened: 1424
   • Founder: Ahmad Shah I
   • Famous for: Mahatma Gandhi’s primary residence and headquarters from 1917 to 1930
   • Hours: The mosque is generally open for visitors outside of prayer times.
   • Ticket Price: ₹100 to climb the minarets
   • Nearest metro station: Kalupur Railway Station metro station

3. Walk through Manek Chowk

   

   Manek Chowk in Ahmedabad

   Manek Chowk lies at the heart of the old city and remains busy throughout the day. In the morning, it works as a vegetable market. During the day, it becomes a jewellery market. At night, it turns into one of the most famous food streets in Ahmedabad. This unique transformation makes it one of the most visited places in the city. Shoppers can buy ornaments, textiles, and household goods during the day. In the evening, dozens of food vendors set up stalls selling pav bhaji, sandwiches, dosas, and other snacks.

   Visitors often try local favourites like butter bhaji, chocolate sandwiches, and kulfi. The food stalls operate late into the night, sometimes past midnight, which makes it a lively spot for locals and tourists. Crowds gather quickly, so visitors should take care of their belongings while walking through the market. A walk in Manek Chowk allows travellers to experience both the commercial and culinary culture of Ahmedabad in one place.

   • Address: Old City, Khadia, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380001
   • Opened: 1411
   • Famous for: Lively transformation from a busy jewellery market by day into a popular street food hub at night
   • Hours: 8:00 am to 9:00 pm
   • Ticket Price: ₹0
   • Nearest metro station: Astodia metro station

4. Discover Sidi Saiyyed Mosque

   

   Sidi Saiyyed Mosque in Ahmedabad

   The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, which people built in 1573, is one of the most photographed monuments in Ahmedabad. The mosque is small compared to Jama Masjid but remains famous for its stone latticework, which people call jalis. The most recognised among these is the Tree of Life jali, which shows delicate branches and leaves carved from a single slab of stone. This carving has become an unofficial symbol of Ahmedabad and often appears in the city’s logos and cultural material. The mosque remains open for worshippers and visitors from morning to evening. Entry is free. The site attracts people interested in architecture, photography, and history. The mosque’s carvings show the skill of stone artisans during the last years of the Gujarat Sultanate. A short visit of about 30 to 45 minutes suffices, but many travellers spend more time admiring the jalis’ fine details.

   • Address: Bhadra Rd, Opposite Electricity House, Old City, Gheekanta, Lal Darwaja, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380001
   • Architectural styles: Islamic architecture
   • Founded: 1573
   • Founder: Sidi Saiyyid
   • Famous for: Intricate stone latticework, or jalis
   • Hours: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
   • Ticket Price: ₹0
   • Nearest Bus Stop: Lal Darwaja Bus Stop

5. Tour the Calico Museum of Textiles

   

   Calico Museum of Textiles in Ahmedabad

   The Calico Museum of Textiles remains one of the most important museums in India dedicated to fabrics and textiles. The Sarabhai family founded the museum in 1949, and it preserves a wide collection of Indian textiles from various periods. Exhibits include Mughal-era costumes, regional embroidery, religious garments, and rare weaving styles. The museum conducts guided tours in the morning and afternoon, but visitors must register in advance since a limit restricts entry to small groups. The museum does not allow photography inside. The tour usually lasts two hours and gives detailed information about the design, technique, and cultural use of textiles. The museum remains closed on Wednesdays and public holidays. People interested in art, craft, and history often consider this museum a must-visit destination. The Calico Museum highlights India’s long-standing tradition of weaving and textile production.

   • Address: Underbridge, Jain Colony, Shahibag, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380004
   • Owner: Sarabhai Foundation
   • Founded: 1949
   • Famous for: Huge and comprehensive collection of antique and historical Indian textiles, including fabrics, embroideries, and garments
   • Hours: 10:30 am to 4:30 pm
   • Ticket Price: ₹0
   • Nearest Bus Stop: Shahibaug Underbridge

6. Visit Kankaria Lake

   

   Kankaria Lake in Ahmedabad

   Kankaria Lake is a artificial lake that dates back to the 15th century. Sultan Qutb-ud-din Ahmad Shah II built it as a water reservoir. Today, the lake serves as a major recreational spot in Ahmedabad. A walkway surrounds the circular lake, allowing visitors to enjoy evening walks or cycling. The lake complex includes a zoo, an amusement park, a toy train, and food stalls. Boating facilities remain available for families and groups. The lake also hosts the annual Kankaria Carnival in December, which features cultural programs, music, and fireworks. The lake opens every day except Monday, from 9 am to 10 pm. You need entry tickets, with separate charges for some attractions. Families usually spend half a day at the lake enjoying the activities. Kankaria Lake provides relaxation, entertainment, and a lively atmosphere for both locals and tourists.

   • Address: Kankaria Gate No. 3, Kankaria-380022, Ahmedabad
   • Area: 31 ha
   • Length: 560 m
   • Opened: 15th century
   • Famous for: Historical significance and diverse attractions, including a zoo, amusement park, gardens, a hot air balloon ride, and a beautiful central island called Nagina Wadi
   • Hours: 9:00 am to 10:00 pm
   • Ticket Price: ₹25
   • Nearest Bus Stop: Kankaria East Metro Station

7. Explore Adalaj Stepwell

   

   Adalaj Stepwell in Ahmedabad

   Adalaj Stepwell, located about 18 kilometres from Ahmedabad, stands as one of the most impressive stepwells in Gujarat. Queen Rudabai built it in 1498. Stepwells served as sources of water and rest stops for travellers. Adalaj Stepwell has five levels and features detailed carvings on its walls and pillars. The motifs include flowers, animals, and mythological figures. The architecture reflects a blend of Hindu and Islamic design styles. Visitors can walk down the steps, explore the corridors, and admire the stonework. The site remains open daily from 6 am to 6 pm, and you can enter for free. Most tourists spend one to two hours here. The stepwell offers a clear look at the engineering and artistry that medieval Gujarat used for water management and architecture.

   • Address: Adalaj Rd, Adalaj, Gujarat 382421
   • Architectural style: Hindu temple architecture
   • Size: Five-storied deep well
   • Opened: 15th century
   • Famous for: Its intricate Indo-Islamic architecture, elaborate stone carvings, and its unique five-story design
   • Hours: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
   • Ticket Price: ₹25
   • Nearest Bus Stop: Motera Stadium metro station

8. Experience Auto World Vintage Car Museum

   

   Auto World Vintage Car Museum in Ahmedabad

   Auto World Vintage Car Museum lies about 20 kilometres from Ahmedabad and attracts automobile lovers. The museum displays a large collection of vintage and classic cars, motorcycles, and utility vehicles. The collection includes models from Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Jaguar, Cadillac, and Mercedes, along with cars that India’s royal families used. Visitors can see rare vehicles with unique body designs and features. The museum also offers the option to take a ride in selected vintage cars for an additional fee. It opens daily from 8 am to 9 pm, and you need entry tickets. Visitors usually spend two to three hours here. The museum gives you a detailed look at the development of automobiles and their use in India’s royal history.

   • Address: Dastan Estate, Service Rd, Nikol, Kathwada, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382430
   • Opened: 2009
   • Famous for: housing one of the largest collections of vintage cars, motorcycles, and carriages in India
   • Hours: 8:00 am to 9:00 pm
   • Ticket Price: ₹100
   • Nearest Bus Stop: Kathwada Patiya and Kathwada Gam

9. Walk in Law Garden Night Market

   

   Law Garden Night Market in Ahmedabad

   Law Garden Night Market is one of the busiest shopping areas in Ahmedabad. Vendors set up stalls near the garden in the evening and sell traditional Gujarati clothes, jewellery, wall hangings, and handicrafts. Shoppers can find colourful chaniya cholis, embroidered kurtas, and decorative items at reasonable prices. Bargaining is common in this market, so visitors should negotiate for the best rates. Along with shopping, visitors can enjoy street food like bhel puri, dabeli, and samosas from stalls around the market. The market usually opens in the evening and continues late into the night. Carrying cash is recommended, as many vendors do not accept cards. Law Garden Night Market allows travellers to combine shopping with local food in one trip.

   • Address: Netaji Rd, Maharashtra Society, Ellisbridge, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009
   • Opened: 1995
   • Famous for: vibrant atmosphere, traditional Gujarati clothing and handicrafts, and a wide array of street food
   • Hours: 5:00 am to 12:00 pm, 2 – 10 pm
   • Ticket Price: ₹0
   • Nearest Metro Station: Ambawadi Vistar Metro Station

10. See Sarkhej Roza

    

    See Sarkhej Roza in Ahmedabad

    Sarkhej Roza is a large complex of tombs, mosques, and palaces located about 8 kilometres from Ahmedabad. People built the complex during the 15th century, and it served as a centre for religious and social activities. The main structures include the tomb of Sufi saint Ahmed Khattu Ganj Baksh, a mosque, and water tanks. The architecture combines Islamic design with local elements, creating spacious courtyards and finely carved stonework. The site remains open daily from 9 am to 6 pm with no entry fee. Visitors usually spend about two hours exploring the complex. Sarkhej Roza helps travellers understand the spiritual and architectural history of the city and its importance as a cultural centre in medieval Gujarat.

    • Address: Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya, Ashram Rd, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380027
    • Architectural style: Indo-Saracenic architecture
    • Opened: 1451
    • Famous for: elegant Indo-Saracenic architecture, its tranquil atmosphere, and its historical role as a prominent centre of Sufi culture in Gujarat
    • Hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
    • Ticket Price: INR 0
    • Nearest bus stand: Sarkhej area

Conclusion

These things to do in Ahmedabad presents many opportunities for travellers to explore history, culture, shopping, and recreation. Sabarmati Ashram, Jama Masjid, and Sidi Saiyyed Mosque highlight the city’s historical and spiritual heritage. Manek Chowk and Law Garden Night Market give you a direct experience of food and shopping. Kankaria Lake and the Auto World Vintage Car Museum provide entertainment and leisure. Adalaj Stepwell and Sarkhej Roza showcase architectural achievements from the past. The Calico Museum of Textiles preserves India’s rich textile tradition. Together, these ten places cover different aspects of Ahmedabad and help travellers completely experience the city.