Bhaktapur is one of those cities where walking from one square to another already feels like a beautiful story. Every lane has red bricks beneath your feet, every courtyard has locals chatting or drying grains, and every step brings you closer to Nepal’s living culture. If you are visiting Bhaktapur for the first time, you will quickly notice how peaceful and artistic the city feels. It moves slowly, but not silently. It is full of warmth, tradition, and small moments that make travel meaningful.
This guide explains the best things to do in Bhaktapur in simple, friendly words so you can explore the city comfortably and enjoy every moment. If you want a simple overview of the city before exploring this topic, you can also read our Bhaktapur Travel Guide, which explains the culture, squares, food, and daily life of the old city.
Visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square – The Heart of Bhaktapur Sightseeing
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is one of the most stunning historic sites in Nepal. The moment you enter, you see temples, palaces, courtyards, and ancient carvings that take you back in time.
What makes Durbar Square special
• The 55-Window Palace
• The Golden Gate’s beautiful design
• Stone lions guarding ancient shrines
• The peaceful courtyards
• Traditional Newari architecture everywhere
The area is perfect for walking slowly, taking photos, sitting on temple steps, and simply absorbing the quiet atmosphere.
Best time to visit
Morning is peaceful, with soft light on temples and fewer crowds. Evening brings warm colors and a calm sunset glow.
Experience Pottery Making at Pottery Square – A Traditional Bhaktapur Activity
One of the most enjoyable activities in Bhaktapur is visiting Pottery Square. Here, potters sit on low wooden wheels shaping the clay into bowls, lamps, and pots. You will see hundreds of clay creations drying in the sun, giving the square a beautiful pattern of brown and earth tones.
Why Pottery Square is worth it
• You can try making your own pottery
• Learn about the ancient craft
• Take home handmade souvenirs
• Watch artisans create beautiful pieces with simple tools
It is a peaceful place to spend time and feel connected to Bhaktapur’s living art.
Climb Nyatapola Temple at Taumadhi Square – A Must-Do in Bhaktapur
Nyatapola Temple is one of the tallest pagoda-style temples in Nepal. Even if you have seen many temples before, this one feels powerful and beautifully balanced.
Why Nyatapola Temple stands out
• Five-story pagoda structure
• Stunning symmetry and elegance
• Survived major earthquakes
• Great view from the steps
• Surrounded by lively shops and local life
Climb the stone steps, sit for a few minutes, and look around. It’s one of the best places to feel the city.
Explore Dattatreya Square – A Quiet Corner for Art and History
If you enjoy calm, historic spaces, this is one of the best things to do in Bhaktapur. Dattatreya Square is full of artistic masterpieces and traditional houses.
What to see here
• The Dattatreya Temple
• The beautifully carved Peacock Window
• Traditional Newari homes
• Woodcarving Museum
This area is perfect for travelers who love slow travel and cultural depth.
Try Newari Food – A Delicious Part of Bhaktapur Experiences
Bhaktapur is famous for its food, especially Newari dishes that carry centuries of tradition. Since Bhaktapur’s festivals and traditions are closely linked to Newari heritage, you might enjoy reading our guide on Newari Culture in Bhaktapur, where we explain daily life, customs, and community traditions.
Must-try foods in Bhaktapur
• Juju dhau (King Curd)
• Yomari
• Bara
• Samay baji
• Choila
• Sel roti
• Aloo tama
These dishes taste even better because many are cooked in old-style kitchens and served in clay pots or leaf bowls. Eating here feels warm and homely.
Best places to eat
• Taumadhi Square for snacks
• Dattatreya Square for traditional meals
• Near Durbar Square for desserts
• Local alleys for fresh yomari
Food is one of the clearest windows into Bhaktapur’s culture. If you want to explore Bhaktapur’s food in more detail, including local snacks and traditional dishes, you can check our Bhaktapur Food Guide for simple explanations and places to try each item.
Watch the Sunset at Siddha Pokhari – A Peaceful Bhaktapur Activity
Siddha Pokhari is a large, quiet pond that becomes especially beautiful during sunset. The water reflects the sky, people walk around the edges, and the atmosphere feels calm.
Why you should visit
• Peaceful surroundings
• Beautiful reflections on the water
• Perfect for evening walks
• Popular with locals
If you want a short break from crowded squares, this is the best place.
Explore Bhaktapur’s Hidden Alleys and Courtyards
Some of the best things to do in Bhaktapur are not in guidebooks. Walk through the narrow brick lanes and you will find tiny temples, beautiful courtyards, local workshops, and friendly neighbors.
What you’ll see in the alleys
• Women drying grains on mats
• Elders drinking tea on wooden platforms
• Children playing hopscotch
• Handmade goods drying in the sun
• Traditional brick houses with carved doors
These small discoveries make your visit feel more personal.
Visit Local Workshops – A Hands-On Bhaktapur Experience
Bhaktapur is full of artists and craftsmen. Many have been practicing their craft for generations. It’s one of the best places to learn about Nepal’s traditional arts.
Workshops you can explore
• Woodcarving
• Pottery
• Metalwork
• Painting
• Mask making
Most artisans are happy to explain what they do, and some even let you try making simple pieces.
Attend a Newari Festival – A Cultural Highlight in Bhaktapur
If your visit matches festival season, you’re in luck. Bhaktapur celebrates festivals passionately.
Famous festivals include:
• Bisket Jatra
• Yomari Punhi
• Gai Jatra
• Indra Jatra
• Dashain and Tihar
During festivals, squares fill with music, color, dance, and ancient rituals. It becomes easier to understand the heart of Newari culture.
Enjoy Evening Tea in Local Courtyards
Evenings in Bhaktapur are magical. The light becomes soft, the streets quiet down, and locals gather for tea. Sitting at a small tea shop and watching the city slow down is one of the simplest and most beautiful experiences.
Why this moment matters
• You feel the calmest side of the city
• Locals are friendly and open to conversation
• Great for observing everyday life
• Perfect for slow travelers
Some of the best memories in Bhaktapur come from moments like these.
Shop for Handcrafted Souvenirs
Bhaktapur is known for pottery, carvings, masks, and handmade crafts. Buying souvenirs here supports local families and preserves old skills.
Best items to buy
• Clay pots
• Wooden carvings
• Handmade masks
• Traditional jewelry
• Local snacks
• Newari spices
Prices are fair, and the quality reflects generations of skill.
Final Thoughts
Bhaktapur is a place where history, culture, food, and daily life come together beautifully. It is calm yet full of stories, simple yet rich in character. As a first-time traveler, you don’t need a strict plan. Just walk slowly through the squares, taste local food, talk to artisans, sit on temple steps, and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of this ancient city.
The best things to do in Bhaktapur are not always big attractions. They are the simple moments you collect along the way. If you want to explore Bhaktapur in local way, book your experience at Nepal Homestays.
FAQs
1. How much time do I need to explore Bhaktapur?
One full day is enough for the main squares, but staying one night gives a deeper, calmer experience.
2. What is the number one attraction in Bhaktapur?
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the main highlight, known for its stunning temples and palace.
3. Is Bhaktapur walkable?
Yes, the entire old city is perfect for walking. Most attractions are close to each other.
4. Is Bhaktapur good for food lovers?
Yes, especially for Newari dishes like Juju Dhau, yomari, bara, and samay baji.
5. Is it safe for solo travelers?
Absolutely. Bhaktapur is peaceful, friendly, and easy to explore alone.
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