Amritsar, the vibrant heart of Punjab, is a city steeped in history, spirituality, and rich cultural heritage. As the home of the iconic Golden Temple, Amritsar attracts millions of visitors each year, and 2025 promises even more excitement as the city continues to evolve while honouring its storied past. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the top things to do in Amritsar, ensuring your trip is memorable, whether you’re a solo traveller, a history buff, or a foodie.
1. Visit the Golden Temple The Golden Temple, or Harmandir Sahib, is the most important pilgrimage site for Sikhs worldwide. This stunning gold-leafed structure, surrounded by a sacred pool, is a beacon of spirituality and serenity. In 2025, the temple’s splendour continues to captivate travellers. Don a headscarf, remove your shoes, and join the thousands who come to reflect, pray, and admire the temple’s beauty. Don’t miss the serene early morning or the atmospheric evening ceremony known as the Palki Sahib.
2. Experience the Golden Temple Kitchen (Langar)One of the most humbling and unique experiences in Amritsar is dining at the world’s largest free kitchen. The Golden Temple’s kitchen feeds up to 100,000 people daily, offering simple yet delicious vegetarian meals to all visitors regardless of religion or background. Sit cross-legged among hundreds of others and enjoy a meal that symbolizes equality and community.
3. Volunteer at the Golden Temple Kitchen Take your visit a step further by volunteering in the kitchen. Help prepare and serve meals, or join in cleaning the massive cooking pots. This experience not only provides insight into Sikh values of service and humility but also creates connections with locals and fellow travellers.
4. Attend the Wagah Border Ceremony Every evening, the Wagah Border between India and Pakistan hosts a spectacular flag-lowering ceremony. Known for its high-energy, competitive parade involving soldiers from both nations, the Wagah Border Ceremony is a must-see. In 2025, the event is as lively as ever, drawing crowds of patriotic locals and curious tourists. Grab a seat, cheer along, and witness this unique blend of nationalism and pageantry.
5. Reflect at Jallianwala Bagh Memorial Park This sombre memorial park is a tribute to the tragic massacre of 1919, where British troops killed hundreds of unarmed Indian civilians. A visit here is a poignant reminder of India’s struggles for independence. Explore the preserved bullet marks and the eternal flame that honours the victims, deepening your understanding of India’s complex colonial history.
6. Explore the Partition Museum Dedicated to one of the most tumultuous events in Indian history, the Partition Museum in Amritsar chronicles the 1947 Partition of India and Pakistan. Through photographs, artifacts, and personal stories, visitors grasp the massive scale of displacement and trauma experienced by millions. It’s a challenging but essential visit for anyone wanting to understand the modern history of South Asia.
7. Shop and Stroll in the Central Square Amritsar’s Central Square, near the Golden Temple, has been revitalized into a pedestrian-friendly zone that’s perfect for an afternoon stroll. The architecture combines colonial and modern styles, and the streets are lined with shops selling everything from vibrant Punjabi juttis (embroidered shoes) to local handicrafts. Don’t miss sampling kulfi, a traditional Indian frozen dessert, from street vendors.
8. Indulge in Amritsar’s Culinary Scene Amritsar is a paradise for food lovers! Start your day with a hearty kulcha breakfast at Bhai Kulwant Singh Kulchian Wale. For lunch or dinner, head to Kesar De Dhaba for their legendary palak paneer. Cap it off with a sweet treat from Gurdas Ram Jalebi Wala. Each meal tells a story of Punjabi hospitality and flavor.
9. Take a Village Tour. The surrounding villages of Amritsar offer a glimpse into traditional Punjabi life. Explore lush fields, witness artisanal crafts, and perhaps even join a local family for a home-cooked meal. Organized tours are the best way to navigate this experience, offering insights into rural culture while ensuring safety and comfort.
10. Plan Your Stay and Travel Amritsar boasts a range of accommodations, from budget hostels to luxurious hotels. In 2025, go Stops Amritsar and Nutz Backpackers come highly recommended. Getting here is easy—flights land at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, or you can arrive by train at Amritsar Junction, well-connected to major cities like Delhi.
