Kathmandu, the city of temples and capital of a beautiful country Nepal is a major spot of hues, sounds, voices, aromas, and turmoil. But Kathmandu offers more than that. Undoubtedly, the city is home to a huge number of temples, but it also has a number of World Heritage Places, beautiful natural areas, delicious restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and important sites of architectural and historical significance. Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is surrounded by a wide range of contemporary trends. Similarly, the historic ethnic groups in the valley have managed to preserve their cultural traditions. In Kathmandu, you may view both tall buildings and ancient monuments at the same location. Similar to this, you will see the pristine landscapes and cool weather if you travel to the surroundings of Kathmandu. In this blog, you will learn about a set of 20 best places in Kathmandu to hang out based on your interests.
Places to Hangout in Kathmandu
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20 best places to hangout in Kathmandu
In Kathmandu, there are many places to hang out for any purpose like to go on a short or long climb, spend the evening with friends, or simply explore and take in some of the city's stunning architecture. According to your mood and interests, we've listed 20 various spots to hang out below. Let's have a look at those top picks below.
1. Bouddha Stupa
The Boudha Stupa in Kathmandu, one of the biggest stupas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a major location in Buddhism and architecture. The Stupa is regarded as housing Kassapa Buddha's mortal remains and is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Kathmandu to hang out, for kora, do casual sightseeing, and try delectable Tibetan-Nepali cuisine.
Location | Buddha Stupa, Boudhanath Sadak, Kathmandu |
Open | 24 hours |
Entry fee | NPR 100.00 (for SAARC countries) NPR 400.00 (for other countries) |
2. Thamel
Thamel is one of Kathmandu's most well-known places where the majority of travelers and backpackers from Nepal and all around the world gather. As you stroll through the quaint alleys lined with restaurants and craft shops, you will fall in love with Thamel’s bright and bustling ambiance. Thamel is renowned for its vibrant nightlife as well. Pubs and restaurants are frequently packed with tourists and locals alike who stay up late to purchase their midnight snacks from the many street sellers.
Location | 5.4 km away from Tribhuwan international airport |
Open | 24 hours |
Entry fee | Free |
3. Farmers Market at Le Sherpa
Farmers Market at Le Sherpa is one of the best venues in Kathmandu for gastronomic experiences, making it the ideal destination to spend your weekend dining and experimenting. Here, representatives from restaurants and local farmers work together to bring you freshly cooked meals. The location is also rather spacious, and green, and of course, the food makes everything nice.
Location | Maharajgunj, Kathmandu (Opposite of President House) |
Open | Every Saturday from 8 am in the morning to 12:30 in the evening |
Entry fee | Free |
4. Narayanhiti
Narayanhiti, formerly Nepal's royal palace, is now a public museum. After the 2006 revolution, which followed the 2001 Royal Massacre, the palace was converted into a museum in the year 2008. You can have a thorough understanding of the life of the deceased Nepalese royals by visiting Narayanhiti. The museum's interior design and architecture are reminiscent of the 1970s. Similar to how the bullets used in the Royal massacre are still visible on the walls of Narayanhiti.
Location | Narayanhiti Path, King's way, Kathmandu |
Open | 11 am to 4 pm |
Entry fee | Nepalese= NRs. 100 Nepalese Students= NRs.20 Chinese and SAARC country = NRs. 250 Other countriese= NRs. 500 |
5. Garden of Dreams
Created in the 1920s, the Garden of Dreams, also known as Swapna Bagaicha in Nepalese is often referred to as the Garden of Six Seasons. The garden attracts both locals and tourists with its spectacular amphitheater, urns, lovely pavilions, paved perimeter walkways, pergolas, and ponds. This place is wonderfully restored by the Austrian government and reopened to the public for casual hangouts.
Location | Tridevi Sadak, Kathmandu (Opposite of SAARC Secretariat) |
Open | 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM, |
Entry fee | Adult - NPR 320 Child - NPR 160 |
6. Kumari Bahal
A three-story traditional building composed of wood and red bricks, Kumari Bahal is home to the living goddess of Nepal. It has ornately carved windows, doorways, and balconies and also has a sizable chariot that is used to transport Kumari around the city during the yearly Indra Jatra celebration. Jaya Prakash Malla constructed this building in the middle of the eighteenth century. The massive earthquake that struck Nepal in 2015 barely little damaged the Bahal while severely impacting the surrounding area. This is allegedly some sort of indication, that the locals ascribe to the strength of the Kumari.
Location | Kathmandu Durbar Square, Kathmandu |
Open | 24 hours every day (public holidays excluded) |
Entry fee | Free |
7. Kathmandu Durbar squares
One of Nepal's three durbar squares, Kathmandu Durbar Square is located in Basantapur. The front aspect of the previous Kathmandu Kingdom's old royal palace is also depicted in Kathmandu Durbar Square. As a result, Durbar Square is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Many historical structures were destroyed in Kathmandu Durbar Square on April 25, 2015, after a significant earthquake struck Nepal. The country's history and architecture are preserved in the main edifice, which is a tall structure.
Location | Basantapur, Kathmandu |
Open | 9 AM- 5 PM |
Entry fee | Nepalese and Children below 10 years= of Free SAARC country = NRs. 150 Other countriese= NRs. 1000 |
8. Jumpktm
If you wish to engage in some enjoyable activities like jumping, playing, flying, swinging, etc., you should visit Jumpktm, Nepal's first trampoline activity center. There are no age limits on Jumpktm, so anyone can enjoy it, from kids to adults. The location was actually designed to be enjoyed by individuals of all ages. Depending on the coupons you use, different entry fees apply. On the whole, weekdays and weekends are separated into two main pricing categories.
Location | Dhumbarahi Marg, Kathmandu |
Open | 10 am in the morning to 7 pm in the evening |
Entry fee | Weekdays starting from 799 per person Weekends starting from 999 per person |
9. Namo Buddha
An ancient tale of a Prince named "Mahasatta" who fed himself to a tigress and her cubs is represented by the Buddhist monastery named Namobuddha. At its most tranquil, the stupa at Namobuddha exudes tranquility. It's also a road that runs through all the trees, making the journey to Namo Buddha quite tranquil. A taxi, a bicycle, or merely a trek are all viable modes of transportation.
Location | Kavrepalanchok, Kathmandu |
Open | 24 hours |
Entry fee | Free |
10. Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath, the holiest location for Hindus everywhere, is regarded as one of the greatest temples ever built and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kathmandu. The building complex has long been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The large Hindu temple is home to a vast array of Shiva-related statues, inscriptions, ashrams, and temples.
Location | Gaushala Road, Kathmandu |
Open | 24 hours |
Entry fee | USD 5 (for foreigners) |
11. Purple Haze Rock Bar
One of the most popular nightclubs for fans of rock music is Purple Haze Rock Bar, the original rock bar in Nepal. The atmosphere in this club is chaotic, especially on the weekends when it's crowded with people looking for entertainment after a long workweek. Additionally, Purple Haze Rock Bar frequently hosts local musicians for performances. One of Nepal's most promising singers, Swapnil Sharma, the company's owner, has produced some very fantastic songs and music albums.
A descriptive detail about Purple Haze Rock Bar is mentioned in the table below
Location | Paryatan Marg, Kathmandu |
Time | 5 PM - 12 AM |
Entry fee | NRC. 500 |
12. House of Palettes
A brand-new, fascinating location called House of Palettes invites individuals of all ages to visit and paint whatever they like. House of Palettes is a must-visit location for everyone looking to unleash their inner artist. You receive access to all the necessary art supplies in this location, and you can even carry your paintings with you. Yes! You may bring your painting home. Furthermore, the cost of the canvas depends on its size.
Location | Jhamsikhel, Kathmandu |
Open | 12 pm - 7 pm |
Entry fee | Free |
13. Swayambhu
One of Kathmandu's most magnificent stupas, commonly referred to as Monkey Temple, is perched above the city. Swayambhunath is a stunning historical place that offers some of the best accessible vistas of Kathmandu—basically 360-degree views—and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Early in the morning, about 730am, is the ideal time to visit Swayambhunath because the sky is clear and there are a lot fewer people there.
Location | 5.9 km far from Tribhuvan international airport |
Open | 24 hours |
Entry fee | Free |
14. Freak Street
From the early 1960s through the late 1970s, Freak Street served as the heart of the Hippie path. Currently, it is known as Jochen Marg and is filled with amazing restaurants, odd characters, and those looking for information about visiting or living in Nepal. Freak Street isn't quite what it used to be in Kathmandu because of how quickly it is developing and Thamel becoming the new tourist destination, but don't let that stop you from going because it is still worthwhile. It is crucial to the tourist experience in Kathmandu.
Location | 5.9 km far from Tribhuvan international airport |
Open | 24 hours |
Entry fee | Free |
15. The Bhojan Griha
This is undoubtedly one of Kathmandu's most distinctive structures and eating options. Bhojan Griha, a 150-year-old structure erected for former royals, is now somewhat eerie (from the inside), yet Bhojan is bursting with life thanks to its spectacular 5-course traditional Newari feast, which is genuinely amazing. The traditional dance takes place while you enjoy a superb vegetable thali with a side of raksi( (alcohol brew)), and the service is almost impeccable.
Location | Dillibazzar, Kathmandu |
Open | 10 AM to 11 PM |
Entry fee | Free |
16. Whoopee Land Amusement Water Park
A place with Nepal's largest water slides and amusement park, the Whoopee Land Amusement water park is a must-visit fun place in summer. On Whoopee land, there are a ton of water sports to select from. In addition, the park is home to some enormous dinosaurs.
Location | Chobhar, Kathmandu |
Open | 10 am - 5 pm |
Entry fee | Adult(4ft and above): NRs. 750 Kids(Below 4ft): NRs. 400 Students: NRs.600 |
17. Asan Tole
To receive your daily supply of fresh fruit and vegetables while in Kathmandu head here. Asan Tole resembles an outdoor supermarket in that it sells everything from liter-sized bottles of homebrew (Rakshi) to exotic spices, marigolds, and dry meat. One of the best activities in Kathmandu is wandering through Asan Tole.
Location | 5.1 km far from Tribhuvan international airport |
Open | 24 hours |
Entry fee | Free |
18. Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is situated at the height of 2,732 m (8,963 ft) in mid-hills on the northern outskirts of the Kathmandu Valley. It is located in the districts of Kathmandu, Nuwakot, and Sindhupalchowk and spans an area of 159 km2 (61 sq mi), bordering 23 Village Development Committees. The protected area continues westward to the Dhading District and is one of the most beautiful places to go for hiking and camping.
Location | 34.9 km far from Tribhuvan international airport |
Open | 24 hours |
Entry fee | Nepalese 100 SAARC countries 600 Other countries 1000 |
19. Himalayan Java
It is one of the best spots in Nepal to find locally grown and expertly roasted coffee beans. Himalayan Coffee has more than 25 locations, both inside and outside of Nepal. This location is ideal for a wonderful brunch or afternoon coffee.
Location | Civil Mall, Rising Mall, Labim Mall, Naxal, City center, Basantapur, Boudhanath, Thamel. |
Open | 9 AM- 8 PM |
20. Prive Nepal
With a 26000 square foot party area and a separate Lounge and Bar, Prive Nepal is a fantastic nightclub in Kathmandu. The nightclub "Privé," which is situated in Hong Kong, was designed for the club. Prive also stands out from other nightclubs in Nepal thanks to its fantastic design, 360-degree LED lighting, and British loudspeakers called "Funktion One."
Location | Soaltee Crowne Plaza, Tahachal Marg, Kathmandu |
Time | Every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 11 PM - 4 AM |
Entry fee | NRs. 3300 |