Kolkata, which is also referred to as the City of Joy, has it all when it comes to culture, heritage, art, and modernity. We see here colonial architecture right next to vibrant street art, which in turn is right next to modern cafés and scenic riverfronts. For a travel blogger, an influencer, or anyone really that has a love for capturing the moment, we present to you the top 10 Instagrammable spots in Kolkata for 2025 2026 that you should include in your feed.
- Victoria Memorial: The Enduring Wonder.
No, when it comes to must-visit Instagram spots in Kolkata, you don’t include the Victoria Memorial. This great white marble piece, which has beautiful gardens around it and mirrored ponds, serves as a fairytale background at sunrise and sunset times. At night, the monument lights up, which in turn gives a very ethereal feel to the photos.
Best time to visit: In the early hours of the morning or at dusk.
Pro tip: Capture a mirror image of the monument in the water for a great symmetrical shot.
- Princep Ghat Romance by the River (revisited).
By the Hooghly River, which is so tranquil, Princep Ghat is a very picture-perfect spot in the city. With the colonial architecture, river cruises, and the modern Vidyasagar Setu bridge, we see a great play of the past and present in Kolkata.
Best time to visit: Evening times when the sky turns golden.
Pro tip: Try out that wide-angle shot at sunset, which includes the bridge and the river.
- The Kolkata Gateway: A Modern Icon.
In New Town, we have the Kolkata Gate, which is a very modern structure that gives you great city views. It also has a round walkway and great modern lighting, which makes it a spot on the go for nighttime photos. The gate’s lights, which glow in the night, create a fairytale frame for your selfies and reels.
Best time to visit: Nighttime, as the gates light up fully.
Pro tip: Use a slow shutter speed or portrait mode for the best low-light shots.
- Kumartuli The Avenue of Artisans.
If you love to photograph stories, you must visit Kumartuli. This area is a potter’s courtyard of sculptures in clay of gods and goddesses created by artisans. There is a story of ritual and imagination in every corner.
Best time to visit: August to October, the pre-Puja period of Durga Puja.
Tip: Utilise natural light to accentuate the finer details of the idols and the expressions of artisans.
- Park Street: The City’s Style Destination.
Park Street is the heart of Kolkata’s entertainment and food scene, which also happens to be lined with old-world restaurants, bright lights, and charming architecture. At Christmas and New Year, it transforms into a glowing wonderland.
Best time to visit: In the long winter nights of December.
Pro tip: Capture the lights of the holidays and the colonial architecture for a bright, dynamic frame.
- Eco Park Traditional meets Today.
Over at the 480-acre Eco Park in New Town is a photographer’s paradise. We have themed gardens, a replica of the Seven Wonders, and tranquil water bodies, which present endless photo opportunities.
Best time to visit: Morning and early morning hours before sunset.
Pro tip: Use your flower gardens or miniature wonders as design elements.
- South Park Street Cemetery: A Colonial Affair.
In what is one of the oldest cemeteries in India, at South Park Street, the past is present in a mysterious yet very attractive way. Moss-covered tombs, tall trees, and the play of light and shadow are elements that make it a perfect location for artistic photography.
Best time to visit: Dawn break.
Pro tip: Go for a mono or vintage look to set the tone.
8. Rabindra Sarobar Serene Lakeside Atmosphere.
In South Kolkata, this lake is known as the lungs of the city. At Rabindra Sarobar, you escape the city’s chaos. The lake, the green that surrounds it, and the jogging tracks that border it are a setting that is perfect for taking aesthetic, minimalistic photos.
Best time to visit: Rise or set.
Pro tip: Capture the light of the rising sun or the shadows at water’s edge.
- College Street Coffee House: A Trip Down Memory Lane.
In College Street is the Indian Coffee House, which is more than just a cafe; it is the soul of Kolkata. The vintage interiors, the classic furniture, and the academic ambiance create a past-time setting, which in turn translates very well in photos.
Best time to visit: Afternoon.
Pro tip: Focus on the time-worn ambiance in the café.
- Howrah Bridge is an icon of Kolkata.
A symbol of the city’s pride, the Howrah Bridge towers over the Hooghly River. No matter if you capture it on a ferry or at the ghats, it adds drama to your post.
Best time to visit: Blue time (right after the sun sets).
Pro tip: Capture the light of vehicles or the play of reflection in the river for a dynamic effect.
Final Thoughts
Kolkata is a city that has a unique mix of the past and present. It can hold on to its heritage while at the same time going for what is modern. From royal past sites to the present day, which are filled with color, these — top 10 Instagrammable spots in Kolkata (2025- 2026) — we present to you the true essence of the city. So, take out your camera or smartphone, step out into its streets, and let each picture tell a story of joy, culture, and eternal beauty.
