Amritsar, On the other side of the World

While Amritsar is renowned for the Golden Temple, its winding heritage trails, centuries-old mosques, and imposing forts reveal a city steeped in history—making it one of India’s most underrated cultural gems.

5 Best things to do in Amritsar

Must-see in Amritsar

You can’t leave Amritsar without visiting the Golden Temple where you’ll find some of the most beautiful scenery in India. The Golden Temple Amritsar India (Sri Harimandir Sahib Amritsar) is also a central religious place of the Sikhs, and a symbol of human brotherhood and equality. Everybody, irrespective of caste, creed, or race can seek spiritual solace and religious fulfillment without any hindrance. It also represents the distinct identity, glory, and heritage of the Sikhs. It is said to be one of the holiest sites in Sikhism, alongside the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Kartarpur, and Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib.

Best tours to Amritsar

Hidden Gems in Amritsar

Gobindgarh Fort – A Living Museum of Punjab

It’s a full-day experience that blends history, entertainment, and local flavor.

Far more than a relic, Gobindgarh Fort is a dynamic cultural hub that brings Punjab’s history to life. Originally built in the 1760s by the Bhangi Misl and later fortified by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, it now hosts immersive experiences:

Sher-e-Punjab 7D Show: A cinematic journey into the life of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Toshakhana Museum: Once home to the Kohinoor diamond, now a coin museum with rare artifacts.
Ancient Warfare Museum: Realistic sculptures and replicas from the Anglo-Sikh wars.
Spirit of Punjab Stage: Daily performances of bhangra, gatka, and folk music.
Ambarsari Zaika Food Street: Authentic Punjabi cuisine including kulchas, lassi, and saag.
Haat Bazaar: Traditional shopping for phulkaris, juttis, and antiques.

Partition Museum – A People's Memorial

It’s not just a museum—it’s a tribute to resilience and remembrance.

Located in the Town Hall near the Golden Temple, this is the world’s first museum dedicated to the 1947 Partition. It’s deeply moving and educational:

14 Galleries: Chronological exhibits from pre-Partition to post-migration.
Oral Histories & Artifacts: Personal stories, letters, and objects from survivors.
Gallery of Hope: Visitors write messages of peace on leaf-shaped papers hung on a barbed-wire tree.
Multimedia Installations: Audio recordings, riot-hit house replicas, and refugee tents.

Hall Bazaar – The Soul of Amritsar’s Street Life

It’s ideal for an afternoon stroll, souvenir hunting, and soaking up Amritsar’s everyday charm.

Just a short walk from the Golden Temple, Hall Bazaar is one of India’s oldest marketplaces and a sensory delight:

Shopping Highlights: Phulkari embroidery, Amritsari juttis, spices, jewelry, and handicrafts.
Gandhi Gate: A Mughal-style archway with a giant clock—perfect for photos.
Street Food Heaven: Samosas, jalebis, pakoras, and lassi from local vendors.
Cultural Pulse: Occasional folk performances and a chance to haggle like a local.

Best food and drinks in Amritsar

At the local market, you should buy some rambutan and jackfruit. Remember to practice your savviest bargaining skills because they like to increase the price when they see it’s a tourist.

Food

Kara Prasad is a sweet treat of atta, sugar, and plenty of ghee often found in Sikh households and houses of worship.
Kulchas, a maida bread baked in a tandoor. You can have kulchas with any meal. Usually, the bread is brushed with ghee and served while still hot. It’s super tasty alongside chana masala, sliced onions, and tamarind chutney. And of course, with chickpea curry.
Amritsa Kulcha is the cherry on top of all the kulchas! It comes stuffed with potatoes and in perfect tradition, it is served alongside Amritsari chana masala. This one is a must-have when you are in Amritsar.
Buttery Amritsari fish fry.
Butter chicken is a creamy, gravy dish and the crowning jewel of Amritsar dishes in Punjab. Have it with naan or rumaali roti. It’s one of my favorites, yum-yum.
Gulab Jamun is a crown jewel in Amritsar when it comes to desserts. This melt-in-your-mouth delicacy resembles little balls and is created with the ingredients khoya, milk powder, sugar, rose syrup, and cardamom powder. Without Gulab Jamun, a holiday or celebration is deemed incomplete.

Beverages

The best drinks to try in Amritsar, and in the rest of India, are.

I’m starting off with my most favorite drink throughout all my travels in India, and that is Lassi. I was introduced to it in Mumbai and heard it’s to be enjoyed after a meal, but I had mine during meals, after meals, and whenever I could. Being non-alcoholic it was no problem. It was super-hot at the time, and it went down like a charm. It is made by blending yogurt, water, optional fruits, spices, additional tastes, and ice cubes before serving it chilled to the public. Lassi is traditionally served in a handleless clay cup called a “kulhar,” with more malai (fresh clotted cream), if desired, spooned on top before serving. I enjoyed mine without the optional cream on top.
Palm wine or palm toddy. One of the most popular local alcoholic beverages and a south Indian specialty is palm wine, often known as palm toddy. Although it may not be the strongest, this multipurpose substance is made from fermented coconut sap.
Chhang is a popular Himalayan beverage produced from finger millets that have been boiled, dried, and allowed to ferment for a few months. Also referred to as the beer of the Himalayas, Chhang is offered to the gods and goddesses by the Lepcha community in Sikkim. This regional beverage has an ale-like flavor, which makes it particularly delicious in the cold.
Lugdi. This regional alcoholic drink, which is prepared from fermented rice or barley, had a noteworthy appearance in “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani.” Lugdi, which can only be found in the Himalayas’ snow-covered slopes, is possibly one of the best beverages for warding off the chill.

FAQ: Amritsar

Is Amritsar expensive?

Amritsar is definitely a budget-friendly travel destination. Despite its cultural richness and iconic landmarks like the Golden Temple, it’s surprisingly affordable for most travelers. Amritsar offers rich experiences without draining your wallet. Whether you’re backpacking, traveling solo, or exploring with family, it’s easy to enjoy the city on a modest budget. Even luxury travelers will find great value here.

Which airport is nearest to Amritsar?

The airport that serves the Indian city of Amritsar is called Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (IATA: ATQ, ICAO: VIAR). It is situated close to the Rajasansi village, 11 kilometers (7 miles) northwest of Amritsar’s downtown.

Trip Extension: Cross Over to Lahore

If you’re exploring Amritsar and feel drawn to discover more of the region’s shared heritage, Lahore is just across the border — closer than many travelers expect. The two cities sit only about 50 km apart, connected by the Wagah–Attari crossing, where you can walk between countries after completing immigration. When the border is open, the journey is smooth and surprisingly quick, making Lahore an easy and rewarding next step.

If you want to experience Pakistan’s cultural heart — from Mughal architecture to legendary food streets — adding Lahore to your itinerary is a natural extension. It pairs beautifully with Amritsar’s spiritual calm and offers a vibrant, complementary chapter to your trip.