Revvlog

You arrive, armed with Google Maps, the promise of filter coffee, and a heart full of hope. Within ten minutes, you’re stuck in traffic, staring at potholes, and wondering: “Is this really the fabled ‘Garden City’?” But then you stumble into a quiet walk through Lalbagh at sunrise, or wander into an underground café in Indiranagar, or overhear a Kannada rap session, and you remember: Bengaluru has this odd dual personality. It’s techno, it’s chill, it’s old temples rubbing shoulders with hipster breweries, and yes, it has traffic – because everyone wants a piece of this city.

Things To Do in Bangalore

The Bangalorean vibe is no myth. Among the absolute must-do things to do in Bangalore is a visit to the flower market at daybreak, sipping filter coffee in a hidden courtyard, and getting lost in the bylanes of Basavanagudi. Those are the experiences you’ll remember coz there is no dearth of fun activities to do in Bangalore. So ditch that rigid itinerary, loosen your laces, and let’s dive into what makes Bengaluru unmissable.

Sunrise and Green Escapes

1. Lalbagh Botanical Garden: Start early — like 5:30–6:00 AM early — and walk among the dew-kissed leaves. The glasshouse (modeled after London’s Crystal Palace) is charming, and there’s always a reason some rare orchid is blooming. Lalbagh was commissioned in the 1760s by Hyder Ali, later expanded by Tipu Sultan. If you’re around in February, the flower show is a local festival.

2. Cubbon Park & the Tree-filled Heartbeat: After Lalbagh, head to Cubbon Park. It’s the green lung of the city, surrounded by colonial buildings, statues, and tree-lined paths. Locals jog, read, stretch, and sometimes nap on the grass. It is, in many ways, Bengaluru’s calm after the storm, and one of the things to do in Bangalore, especially when you need a mental reset.

3. Ulsoor Lake & Boats: Need to mellow out mid-day? Ulsoor (or Halasuru) Lake is one of the larger lakes in the city. It has a few islands, gentle waters, and if you’re lucky, a quiet corner to sip chai and watch the clouds.

Also Read: Best Shopping Places In Bangalore

Heritage and History with a Side of Intrigue

1. Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace & Fort Remnants: Don’t expect Versailles — what remains is modest, but fascinating. And there’s a good reason why it’s made it to our list of things to do in Bangalore. Built largely of teak, the palace has ornate arches and a museum of Tipu’s era. It’s tucked near where the old Bangalore Fort once stood. Nearby, you’ll spot remnants of fort walls and the Delhi Gate — vestiges of a once expansive fortress.

2. Bangalore Palace: This one leans heavily into “royal fantasy meets Bollywood set.” Think Tudor style, woodwork, chandeliers, and photo ops (outside). The palace still hosts events and fairs, so check what’s on.

3. Vidhana Soudha & Governance Drama: You can’t go inside (unless you have special permission), but the facade of Vidhana Soudha is imposing — Karnataka’s legislature building, lit up beautifully at night. It’s the kind of structure that makes you stop and stare.

Temples, Churches & Spiritual Layers

1. Bull Temple (Dodda Basavana Gudi): Outside the city core, in Basavanagudi. Carved out of a single granite rock, huge Nandi statue, steeped in legends.

2. St. Mary’s Basilica in Shivajinagar: Gothic architecture, stained glass — beautiful, serene.

3. Jagannath Temple (Agara, Sarjapur Road): Offers a different flavor of devotion in the city’s eastern part.

Quirky & Offbeat: Because You’re Not a Tourist, You’re an Explorer

– Museum of Paper Money, Toilet Museum, Aviation Museum: Yes, Toilet Museum is real (sadly not just a pun). Bengaluru has a few quirky niche museums: The Toilet Museum is devoted to sanitation and its history (weird but educational). The Museum of Paper Money is an interesting stop if you like odd collections. The HAL Aerospace Museum (Hindustan Aeronautics) is excellent if you love aircraft, tech, engines, and vintage stuff.

– Science + Interactive Fun at VITM: The Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technological Museum is delightfully nerdy: hands-on exhibits, engines, models, experiments. A great escape if it rains or you need a mind-stimulating break.

Hidden Nature & Lakes

Hennur Bamboo Forest: Another definite entry to our list of things to do in Bangalore is this peaceful retreat from the urban buzz. 

Hesaraghatta Lake in the northwest of the city, is good for birdwatching. 

Rachenahalli Lake: less famous, more local, good for a quiet evening stroll.

Nightlife, Pubs, and Local Hangouts

Bengaluru is famously one of India’s pub capitals. From microbreweries in Indiranagar, to live music in Koramangala, to craft beer bars in Whitefield, there’s no shortage. Also, check local “pub crawls” and street food walks with guides.

Also Read: Famous Parks in Bangalore for Nature Lovers

Food: The Real Heartbeat

Bengaluru’s energy runs on caffeine, spice, and pure indulgence. Mornings begin with steaming idlis or the iconic benne dosa at Vidyarthi Bhavan, paired with a tumbler of strong filter coffee at Airlines Hotel. For a sensory overload, wander through KR Market or Gandhi Bazaar, where the aroma of flowers and fried snacks fills the air. Craving adventure? VV Puram Food Street serves up dosa, pani puri, and every chaat imaginable. When the sun sets, the city transforms—rooftop bars, global cuisines, vegan cafés, and pop-up festivals ensure every craving finds its home in Bengaluru’s ever-hungry heart.

Day Trips & Nature Breathers (Just Outside the City)

– Nandi Hills (Early Morning Escape): Set your alarm. Drive out before dawn, watch the skies flush pink, sip tea at the hilltop — a classic Bengaluru day escape.

– Skandagiri Night Trek: For those who don’t mind walking in the dark: a night hike to Skandagiri, arriving at the summit by sunrise. The city beneath you lights up like a constellation.

– Wonderla Amusement Park: If you need a break from the serious stuff, ride roller coasters, splash in pools, feel like a child again. It’s about 28 km from the city.

– Guhantara Caves, Ramanagara, Channapatna: Guhantara: underground cave resort, zip lines, cave walks. Ramanagara: for rock climbing, silk markets, dramatic terrain (and yes, famous for being the filming location of Sholay). Channapatna: toy town — wooden toys, lacquer work, quick crafty detour.

Tips from Someone Who’s Been Lost (But Loved It)

Start early, end early-ish: Many spots (gardens, palaces) close by evening. 

Dress modestly: Some temples demand modest clothing; in museums, casual is fine. 

Watch traffic windows: Bengaluru’s rush hours are vicious; plan your travel times. 

Ask locals: “Where do you go for good dosa?” is a conversation starter. 

Mix your itinerary: Don’t overload history in one day; balance with greenery or quirky stops. 

Self-Drive Car Rental in Bangalore

Now as someone looking to explore the city, you must have a budget in mind. We’re sure that convenience and ease of commute are both equally important to you. Revv has you covered. Our car rentals in Bangalore are delivered right at your doorstep. You can avoid the city’s infamous and astronomical cab fares and choose from Revv’s flexible plans (hourly, daily or monthly). When commuting becomes a breeze, all you need to focus on is the fun things to do in Bengaluru.

The Final Word

There is a lot to love here. Linger in gardens, get lost in lanes, joke with auto drivers, and chase every dosa joint. The city seeps into you — in your appetite, in your conversations, in that half-smile when someone says “hallelujah, Bengaluru doesn’t sleep.”