Hotels in Kolkata

The most practical bases in Kolkata are Park Street and New Market for central access and dining; Salt Lake City (Bidhannagar) for business travel east of the city; Sudder Street for budget stays near the Indian Museum; and Ballygunge for quieter residential-feel accommodation. Most visitors stay three to five nights; Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport sits 17 km northeast, roughly 45–60 minutes by road.

Where to Stay by Area

Park Street anchors Kolkata's restaurant and bar scene — hotels here put guests within walking distance of Victoria Memorial (completed 1921) and the Maidan, a 400-hectare open ground along the Hooghly River. New Market, just north, suits travelers who want dense shopping and street food. Salt Lake City hosts IT campuses and convention centres, making it the default for corporate visitors. Ballygunge and Alipore attract longer-stay guests seeking tree-lined streets south of the centre.

Getting Around

Kolkata operates India's oldest metro, opened in 1984, running north–south under the city. Howrah Junction and Sealdah Station are the two main rail terminals for regional and long-distance trains. Yellow Ambassador taxis remain common, and app-based cabs cover most zones. The Howrah Bridge, spanning 705 metres, connects the west-bank rail hub to central Kolkata without a toll.

Practical Tips

• Best season: October to February for temperatures below 30 °C; monsoon runs June–September.
• Airport transfer: Pre-paid taxi counters at arrivals; metro extension to the airport opened 2013.
• Currency: ATMs are plentiful around Park Street and Esplanade.
• Language: Bengali is dominant; English is widely used in hotels and restaurants.