15 Best Things to Do in Srinagar
From a sunrise shikara ride and Mughal gardens to the old city's shrines and a wazwan dinner: the best things to do in Srinagar, with tips from locals.
Free trip plan
Plan your Kashmir trip with a local expert
Get a custom itinerary and price. We call you back fast.
In this guide ▼
Quick answerThe top things to do in Srinagar are a shikara ride on Dal Lake, a night on a houseboat, the Mughal gardens (Nishat, Shalimar, Chashme Shahi), Pari Mahal, the old city (Jamia Masjid, Khanqah-e-Moula), Hazratbal and a wazwan meal. Plan at least two full days.
Srinagar is Kashmir's summer capital and the base for most trips. It is a city of lakes, gardens and old wooden neighbourhoods, and it rewards slow exploring. Here are the experiences most worth your time.
On the water
- Shikara ride on Dal Lake. Late afternoon light is best. Ask to pass Char Chinar and the floating gardens.
- Stay on a houseboat. Dal Lake is lively; Nigeen Lake is quieter. See our houseboat guide.
- Floating vegetable market. Starts around dawn near Gudri; book a shikara for about 5:30 am in summer.
- Nigeen Lake and Jhelum. Quieter waterways with old bridges and ghats.
Gardens and viewpoints
- Nishat Bagh: the largest Mughal garden, with terraces facing the lake.
- Shalimar Bagh: built by Emperor Jahangir, with stone pavilions and fountains.
- Chashme Shahi: a small terraced garden around a natural spring.
- Pari Mahal: a ruined terraced garden above Chashme Shahi with the best sunset view over Dal Lake.
- Shankaracharya Temple: an ancient hilltop shrine with views over the whole city.
- Tulip Garden (spring only), at the foot of the Zabarwan hills. See our Tulip Garden guide.
More detail on each is in our Mughal gardens guide.
The old city
- Jamia Masjid: a vast mosque with 378 wooden pillars made of deodar.
- Khanqah-e-Moula: a beautifully painted wooden shrine on the banks of the Jhelum.
- Hazratbal: a white marble shrine on the western shore of Dal Lake.
Walk these with a local guide; see our old city walk.
Food and shopping
- Eat wazwan, the multi-course Kashmiri feast. Read our wazwan guide.
- Shop for crafts: pashmina, papier-mâché, walnut wood and carpets, in Lal Chowk, Polo View and the old city.
How many days in Srinagar?
Two days covers the essentials. Three days gives time for the old city and a slower lake day. Srinagar is also the base for day trips; see day trips from Srinagar.
Plan the rest of your Kashmir trip
- Hari Parbat: The hill crowning old Srinagar holds a Mughal-era wall, an Afghan fort and shrines revered by Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs.
- Water Sports on Dal Lake: Beyond the shikara: kayaking, canoeing and other activities on Srinagar's lakes, the water sports festival that put Dal on the map and what visitors can realistically…
- Hazratbal Shrine: The gleaming white shrine on Dal Lake's northern shore is Kashmir's most revered Muslim shrine.
- Kashmiri Handicrafts: Shawls, carpets, carved walnut, papier-mâché and engraved copper: what Kashmir's famous crafts are, where to see them made, and how to avoid paying for fakes.
- Kashmiri Breads: Kashmiris buy fresh bread twice a day. Girda, lavasa, kulcha, bakarkhani, sheermal and tsochvoru: what each one is, when it is eaten and how to order.
Frequently asked questions
What is Srinagar most famous for?
Dal Lake, its houseboats and shikaras, the Mughal gardens and Kashmiri crafts such as pashmina shawls.
How many days are enough for Srinagar?
Two to three days. Add more if you use Srinagar as a base for Gulmarg and Sonamarg day trips.
What are the timings of the Mughal gardens?
The gardens are generally open from morning to around sunset. Timings change with the season, so check locally.
Is the Shankaracharya Temple climb difficult?
It involves around 240 steps after the road ends. It is manageable for most people at a steady pace.
Still have questions about your Kashmir trip?
Our Srinagar-based team answers on WhatsApp, usually within minutes.
