Bihar is often associated with Litti Chokha and Bhojpuri music, but its rich cultural heritage is frequently overlooked. With its diverse languages, traditions, and a vibrant history, Bihar has played a crucial role in shaping India’s development for centuries.
Today, its capital, Patna, is evolving beyond a growing metropolis — it’s also emerging as a go-to ‘chill zone’ for both young people and families alike.
The upcoming metro line has attracted a wave of investors to the capital, further enhancing its reputation as a major student hub.
With new hangout spots popping up almost every week, here’s a list of the 10 best places to visit in Patna.
- Hanuman Mandir
This iconic temple sits right outside Patna Railway Station, allowing you to have a darshan as soon as you arrive in the city. Patna’s Hanuman Mandir is unique for housing two idols of Lord Hanuman — a rare sight. It’s also famous for its endless supply of Navedyam, a special type of laddoo cherished by devotees.
Location: Right outside Patna Railway Station.
- Marine Drive
Originally named JP Ganga Path, this 20.5-kilometre-long state highway runs alongside the Ganga River and has become a major crowd-puller since its opening. It’s a perfect weekend spot to visit with friends and family, with miles of food carts lining the route, serving delicious street food you can enjoy while soaking in the refreshing breeze of the Ganges.
Location: Marine Drive stretches from Digha to Didarganj, running parallel to Patna.
- Maurya Lok
Often called the Chandni Chowk of Patna, Maurya Lok is a lively hub known for its food carts and delicacies from across different states. Established by Sumitra Devi, Bihar’s first woman cabinet minister, it remains a top choice for those looking to eat, relax, and unwind under the open sky.
Location: Maurya Lok has been relocated from the New Planetarium to the area behind the Old Patna Museum.
- Bihar Museum
The Bihar Museum quickly captured the attention of young visitors after photos of its beautifully lit corridors went viral on social media. Inside, it houses an extensive collection of artefacts from ancient and medieval times, offering a fascinating look into the region’s rich heritage. Beyond its historical treasures, the museum also doubles as a dynamic venue for conferences, seminars, and book launches. It features a dedicated conservation lab focused on preserving and restoring valuable artefacts, and an interactive gallery with life-size models of Bihar’s native wildlife, making it an engaging destination for all ages.
Location: Bihar Museum is situated on Bailey Road, near Patna High Court.
- Gol Ghar
This historic structure, shaped like a massive half-sphere and standing 95 feet tall, was built in 1786 by Captain John Garstin, an architect and engineer with the East India Company. Golghar was originally designed as a grain storage facility to prevent food shortages after the catastrophic famine of 1770. Remarkably, the building stands without any supporting pillars and boasts walls that are 3.6 metres thick at the base — a true testament to the engineering skills of its time.
Location: Golghar is located west of Gandhi Maidan.
- Buddha Smriti Park
Buddha Smriti Park, also known as Buddha Memorial Park, is a 22-acre landmark in Patna, Bihar, dedicated to celebrating Lord Buddha’s birth anniversary. The park is home to sacred Bodhi trees, a towering Buddha statue, and a museum, making it an important destination for spiritual and cultural reflection. It features a majestic stupa, a museum displaying artefacts from archaeological excavations, and a Bodhi tree brought from Bodh Gaya. Additionally, the park houses two Bodhi trees planted by the Dalai Lama, all set within a tranquil environment that enhances its serene atmosphere.
Location: Buddha Smriti Park is located on Frazer Road, near Patna Junction.
- Takhat Shri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib
Takht Sri Patna Sahib, also known as Harmandir Sahib, is a revered Sikh gurdwara in Patna, Bihar, holding immense historical and spiritual significance as the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. One of the five sacred Takhats of Sikhism, Takht Sri Patna Sahib was constructed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the 1950s. The gurdwara beautifully blends Mughal and Rajput architectural styles and houses important relics and artefacts that are central to Sikh history.
Location: Takht Sri Patna Sahib is located at Harimindir Gali, Patna Sahib, Jhauganj, Hajiganj.
- Boring Road
Boring Road has long been one of Patna’s most vibrant and bustling areas, becoming a popular hub for the city’s youth. With its abundance of PG accommodations, hostels, and well-known coaching centres, the area attracts a steady stream of students and young professionals. This growing influx has led to the rapid rise of new cafés and restaurants, with fresh dining and hangout spots opening every week. The lively atmosphere makes Boring Road the ultimate destination for food enthusiasts and social gatherings. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty meal or a casual cafe-hopping experience, Boring Road has it all.
- Regent Theatre
Regent Theatre is the oldest cinema hall in Patna, established in 1929, and is set to celebrate its 100th anniversary soon. Despite the influx of modern multiplexes in the city, Regent has managed to maintain its timeless charm. As the largest single-screen cinema in Patna, it continues to captivate audiences with its nostalgic atmosphere and a seating capacity of 700.
Location: Regent Cinema is located opposite Gate Number 7 of Gandhi Maidan.
- Mamta Hotel
What began as a humble highway-side dhaaba, Mamta Hotel has now evolved into one of the most popular dine-in spots in Patna. Situated along NH-30 on the Patna-Bakhtiyarpur Highway, it’s a favored stop for those looking to enjoy a hearty meal after a weekend drive. Known for its mouthwatering food and warm atmosphere, Mamta Hotel has become a go-to destination for both travelers and locals.
In addition to these top attractions, you can also explore Gandhi Maidan’s Pustak Mela, Agamkuan, the Indira Gandhi Planetarium, and Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park.