Nepal’s energetic capital is the entry point for most travellers who come to this mountainous and culture rich country. Foreigners tend to apply a “get in and get out” policy to the sometimes overwhelmingly chaotic city, sunk in the basin of the Kathmandu Valley. There are, however, plenty of remarkable sights in the metropolis to make a few days or more here compelling, memorable and – though it may seem surprising – relaxing. Here are our top tips on the best things to do in Kathmandu.
If you're curious about Nepal food, momos are a must-try — and Kathmandu is the best place to get them. These Nepali-Tibetan dumplings, stuffed with vegetables or minced meat, are either fried or steamed and served with a punchy chili sauce. For a budget-friendly bite, grab a freshly steamed batch from a street seller, or check out the crispy pork and chicken versions at Thakali Bhanchha, a no-frills spot overlooking central Thamel.
Want something a little fancier? Dechenling does a Bhutanese twist on the classic. Their specialty steamed pork momos are incredible. And no, they don’t smell weird — ignore the waitress, trust your nose.
Pilgrims and tourists alike flock to climb the three-hundred-odd steps leading up to Swayambhu, the magnificent ancient golden stupa with sweeping 360-degree views over the city and the Kathmandu Valley.
Around 1,500 years old and rich in Buddhist symbolism, Swayambhu is a must-see if it’s on your Nepal itinerary. Often called the “Monkey Temple,” it lives up to the name — monkeys are everywhere, usually fighting over discarded cans of Red Bull and other things they definitely shouldn’t be eating. Keep your distance and your snacks zipped away.
Image by Helen Abramson
If you're planning a trip to Nepal and visiting Swayambhu, make a quick detour to Three Buddha Park. Tucked away at the base of the hill, just west of the stupa, these three massive golden Buddha statues — each towering around 20m tall — are often overlooked but absolutely worth seeing. Set in a peaceful garden, it's the perfect spot to take a break and soak in the atmosphere.
If you're looking for practical Nepal travel advice, here's one tip that will serve you well: walk whenever you can in Kathmandu. Over the past decade, the number of vehicles has exploded, far outpacing infrastructure improvements. The result? Gridlock, pollution, and a lot of honking. Unless it's the middle of the night, traffic is almost always awful — so if you're not going far, skip the cab and explore on foot.
Some of the best things to do in Kathmandu happen at street level. As you wander past open workshops and ancient bahals (courtyards), stumble upon hidden temples, and navigate alleyways where kids play between lines of drying laundry, you'll get a far deeper feel for daily life in the city.
This touristy but must-be-seen plaza in the heart of the old town is filled with medieval religious and royal buildings, interspersed with vegetable hawkers, sadhus (holy men), vendors selling candy floss on giant sticks and people clustered on the steps of the many-tiered ornate structures, watching the world go by. Set in front of the old royal palace, Durbar Square was once the home of the Shah and Malla kings, and its past grandeur is still profoundly resonant today.
Sometimes called “Lalitpur,” meaning “City of Beauty,” the refined suburb of Patan was once a fully independent kingdom. The pace of life here is a refreshing change compared with the feverishness elsewhere in Kathmandu. It’s also a major artistic and cultural hub, known for a rich metalwork history — evident in the many temples and old houses around Patan’s own, lesser-visited Durbar Square. The Patan Museum, filled with bronzes, wood carvings, and stone sculptures, is well worth a stop and easily earns Patan a spot among the best places to visit in Nepal.
For a real change of scene, stroll through Patan’s western neighborhoods, where peaceful streets are lined with organic coffee shops and home to a mix of expats and affluent locals.
Patan Durbar Square is one of the three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley © Hakat/Shutterstock
The constant heckling of “come look my shop” in the backpacker-filled warren of streets that makes up Thamel can get old fast. Still, it remains a solid base for sightseeing and one of the classic things to do in Kathmandu is simply to slow down and recharge in one of its many laid-back cafés. For a calm escape, try Forest & Plate, tucked above the street with healthy bowls and rooftop views, or swing by one of the city’s best bakeries, Pumpernickel — the cheesecake’s still worth the hype.
Perhaps surprisingly, considering that Kathmandu is expanding at an astonishing speed, escaping the exhaustingly clustered urban streets is quick and easy. About 4km west of Swayambhu lies the rustic, unassuming temple of Ichangu Narayan — but it’s the walk there that’s most impressive.
Within minutes, the city disappears and the road winds through the pretty Ichangu Valley. Meet curious villagers and enjoy lush views along the way. It’s the kind of offbeat experience a Nepal travel expert might suggest if you're looking to see a different side of the Kathmandu Valley.
When it comes to trekking in Nepal, many visitors book their treks from abroad before traveling, but it’s often cheaper to arrange things once you’re in Kathmandu. You can shop around in Thamel, where trekking agencies are everywhere. Just keep in mind that these agencies often take a big cut of the guide’s wages as commission. If someone has recommended a guide they’ve trekked with, going direct can be a win-win: cheaper for you (around US$30–35 per day) and better pay for the guide.
Always meet your guide beforehand, and don’t feel pressured to go with the first one you talk to. You can also buy most of your trekking gear in Thamel for a fraction of what it would cost back home, though most of it will be fake brands with hit-or-miss quality.
Discover Nepal's diversity beyond Kathmandu with our guide to the best things to do in Nepal.
written by
Rough Guides Editors
updated 25.04.2025
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From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Nepal
