CityBuddy
Durbar Square
Best time to visit
Early mornings provide soft light for photos and fewer crowds; spring season showcases blooming flowers and pleasant weather.
Budget tips
Entry ticket is affordable at around 1000 NPR; visiting during late afternoon reduces entrance fee and avoids peak hours.
Recommended for
History buffs, Photography enthusiasts, Cultural explorers
Plan your visit
2-3 hours
About
Quick facts: Once the royal palace complex, more than 50 temples and courtyards fill the ancient plaza. The stunning wood and stone carvings tell stories of gods, kings, and festivals.
Highlights: The vibrant festivals here erupt with masked dances and audible drumming that echo off centuries-old brick walls. Spot the 11-headed Avalokiteshvara statue, believed to bless devotees with compassion and wisdom.
Insider tips
- Wear comfortable walking shoes because cobblestone paths can be uneven.
- Bring a zoom lens for capturing detailed temple carvings and distant festival performances.
- Skip weekends if you dislike crowds as local visitors swell during holidays.
- Pause at courtyard corners to hear local street musicians and artisans at work.
Practical info
Have you heard of free walking tours?
After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.
Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.
Local guide, 2-3 hours
Major sights, hidden gems, local stories
100% tip-based
Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best
You tip what feels right
At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right
I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Kathmandu, Nepal, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.
