8 Best Things to Do and Places to Visit in Bhaktapur

Looking for the best places to visit in Bhaktapur, Nepal? Here are the 8 best places to visit and things to do in Bhaktapur!

I have been visiting and periodically living in Nepal since 2015 and have visited Bhaktapur many times. Bhaktapur is one of the best places to visit in the Kathmandu Valley, so make sure not to miss it!

Bhaktapur is one of those places where you arrive and you can immediately feel its uniqueness. From the temples and traditional Newari architecture to scrolling through the streets to find hidden gems all around Bhaktapur.

Bhaktapur is located about 13 km east of Kathmandu, and is one of the three main cities in the Kathmandu Valley along with Kathmandu and Lalitpur. It is a Newari settlement and displays century old architecture and art.

Bhaktapur is also called a “living museum” as the temples have become a part of every day life and by walking through the city, you can experience Nepal’s cultural heritage coming to life.

Find here all the information you need on how to get there, the best things to do and places to visit in Bhaktapur.

How to Get from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur

By taxi: The taxi from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur is around Rs 1,000 if booked through taxi apps like Pathao or InDrive.

By bus: The bus goes frequently from Kathmandu (Bagbazaar, Bhaktapur bus park) to Bhaktapur and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to get there. If you are staying in Thamel, Bagbazaar is about 20 minutes walk away. The price of the bus ticket is around Rs 40-50.

The bus from Kathmandu will usually drop you off near Siddha Pokhari in Bhaktapur. From there, if you follow the main road, it will take you to the main entrance of Bhaktapur.

💡 For more information, check my guide on how to get from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square Entry Fee

The price of the Bhaktapur Durbar Square entry fee is Rs 1,800 (as of 2024).

You can also get a visitor’s pass to Bhaktapur for the duration of your visa. For the visitor’s pass, you need to bring 2 passport photos and a copy of your visa when purchasing the ticket in order to get the visitor’s pass.

Best Places to Visit in Bhaktapur

There are 4 main squares in Bhaktapur and they are the must visit places in Bhaktapur:

1. Bhaktapur Durbar Square

The Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the main square of the city and you will find it right after you enter through the main gate of Bhaktapur. It is also one of the seven World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley.

Within the Durbar Square, there is the 55 Window Palace, the National Art Museum, Taleju Temple, and the Golden Gate (which is the entrance to the Taleju Temple).

Usually, the square is busy with both locals and tourists. It is the perfect place to discover the woodwork, architecture and paintings of Newari culture.

55 Window Palace

The 55 Window Palace is located in the Durbar Square, and its name originates from the 55 beautifully carved wooden windows it has.

Taleju Temple and Golden Gate

The Taleju Temple, also located in the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, is a Hindu temple which was built in the 14th century. As it is a Hindu temple, it is not allowed for non-Hindus to enter.

The Golden Gate is the entry to the temple. Here you can take a peak in, but you will not be allowed to go further in if you are non-Hindu. 

National Art Museum

Entry fee: Rs. 150 (also includes the entry to the Woodwork and Brass﹠Bronze Museums on the Dattatreya Square).

The National Art Museum houses an impressive exhibit of paintings, manuscripts, sculptures and wood carvings going back as far as the 11th century. 

2. Taumadhi Square

Taumadi Square is another famous square within Bhaktapur. It is here where the Nyatapola and Bhairavnath temples are located. There are also some nice cafes on the square that give great views of the temples.

Nyatapola Temple

The Nyatapola Temple is a five storied temple located on the Taumadhi Square. It was built within 6 months between 1701-1702 and is known as the tallest temple in Nepal.

While many temples in Bhaktapur suffered damages in the 2015 Earthquake and had to be reconstructed, the Nyatapola Temple did not suffer damages and is known to have survived all past major earthquakes in Nepal.

Bhairavnath Temple

3. Dattatreya Square

The Dattatreya Square is located a little bit further away from the Durbar Square but it is definitely worth visiting.

The Dattatreya Square is known for the Dattatreya Temple, the Woodwork and Brass﹠Bronze Museums, the Peacock Window, as well as some nice restaurants around. 

Dattatreya Temple

Peacock Window

The Peacock Window is a hidden gem in Bhaktapur and is called the “Mona Lisa of Nepal”. It dates back to the 15th century and is a rare masterpiece of woodwork.

The building that has the Peacock Window is off a small side street from Dattatreya Square. There is a souvenir shop on the opposite side where you can go inside and go up to the first floor to have the best views and take photos of the Peacock Window.

4. Pottery Square

Bhaktapur is well-known for its pottery. If you visit the Pottery Square on a sunny day, you will see all the pots drying in the sun on the square.

If you like pottery or curious to learn how to make it, there are a couple of pottery shops on the square where you can make your own pots.

Activities and Things to Do in Bhaktapur, Nepal

5. Go for an Early Morning Walk in Bhaktapur

Going for a walk in the early morning walk in Bhaktapur is really special as you get to see the place before it gets busy. You would have to get there around 6-7 am, so it is the best if you are staying in Bhaktapur for at least 1 night.

Bhaktapur is more quiet in the mornings and you can see the locals perform prayer ceremonies.

Early mornings in Bhaktapur provide such a different experience, having the opportunity to see the city come to life and to also wander around the temples with only just a few people around.

6. Learn How to Make Pottery

Bhaktapur Pottery Workshop Price: Rs 1,500 for 1 hour. (+ Rs. 800-1,000 for burning the pots, takes 5 days).

Bhaktapur is the perfect place to learn making pottery. There are a couple of pottery training centres at the Pottery Square where you can sign up to pottery classes anywhere between 1 hour to multiple days.

I once signed up for a 1-hour course which was enough to learn the basics and make some small pots. However, if you are a complete beginner like me, it may be best to go for at least a 2-hour course. I found, if I had the extra hour to stay longer, I could have made some pretty good pots in the additional time.

7. Take a Thangka Painting Class

Thangka Painting Class Price: Rs. 2,000 per day (timing: 10 am to 5 pm)

Apart from making your own pottery, you can also take a day class to learn thangka painting. There are a few places around the Pottery Square where you can sign up for classes.

I took a one day course in thangka painting but if you have more time, you can sign up for longer courses too. If you take a longer course (3-5 days), you can even learn how to make the canvas.

8. Try Newari Food

Newari people are the original inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley and Bhaktapur has greatly preserved Newari architecture and culture, including Newari food. Bhaktapur is a great place to try Newari food.

Samay Baji

Samay Baji is like the Newari version of dhal bhat and a must have dish when you are in Nepal. Bhaktapur is originally a Newari settlement so there are many great restaurants serving Newari dishes. 

The Samay Baji comes with beaten rice, different types of veg side dishes, potato and bamboo soup, bara (which is made of lentils and looks almost like a pancake), egg and meat (you can also choose a vegetarian option).

Be prepared that Newari food is generally very spicy.

King Curd (Juju Dhau)

Bhaktapur is famous for its curd and you will find it in many little shops all around the city. It’s very tasty, served in a traditional clay pot and you can get a small cup of curd for about Rs 50.

Where to Eat in Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur is full of great restaurants. If you want to read more in detail, check out the best restaurants in Bhaktapur.

• Newa Lahana – Best for Newari food (samay baji, bara, choila and chatamari).
• Amako Bara Pasal – Best for bara (newari lentil pancake).
• Alphabet Pizzeria – best pizza
• Garuda Bar: Best rooftop views of Bhaktapur.

Where to Stay in Bhaktapur

Most people come to Bhaktapur only for a day trip and return back to Kathmandu by the evening. Bhaktapur is a great place, and if you have time, it is easy to spend 3-4 days here.

Best Budget Hotel in Bhaktapur:

📍 Hostel Swastik

Best Mid-Range Hotel in Bhaktapur:

📍 Hotel Rupakot and Rooftop Restaurant

Best High-End Hotels in Bhaktapur:

📍 Mila Guesthouse Bhaktapur

FAQs: Best Places to Visit in Bhaktapur

Is Bhaktapur worth visiting?

Yes! Bhaktapur is definitely worth visiting. It is the best place near Kathmandu to explore Nepal’s architecture, culture and food.

What is Bhaktapur famous for?

Bhaktapur is famous for its well-preserved Newari architecture (wooden carved windows and red brick houses), temples and newari food.

What are the 4 squares of Bhaktapur?

The four squares of Bhaktapur are the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Dattatreya Square, Taumadhi Square and the Pottery Square.

What food is Bhaktapur famous for?

Bhaktapur is famous for its Newari food. Some of the must try Newari food include samay baji (like a lunch menu) and bara (like a lentil pancake).

Bhaktapur is also famous for its King Curd (Juju Dhau) which is a sweet yogurt. It comes in a small clay pot and it is a very popular dessert.

What product is Bhaktapur famous for?

Bhaktapur is famous for its pottery, woodwork, King Curd and other handicrafts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bhaktapur is a must visit place near Kathmandu to explore Nepal’s architecture, temples, culture.

Bhaktapur used to be a Newari settlement and to this day, the city has well-preserved Newari architecture. There are also many Newari restaurants where you can try Newari dishes.

There are also many art and handicrafts workshops that you can try in Bhaktapur, for example, pottery, thangka painting or woodwork.

Most people visit Bhaktapur as part of a day trip but if you have time, it is worth to stay a few days and explore the city in greater depth.