Discover the best places to visit in Kathmandu, Nepal — from sacred temples and ancient palaces to vibrant local markets. Explore top attractions like Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and Durbar Square in this complete Kathmandu travel guide.

Kathmandu, the vibrant capital of Nepal, is a city of contrasts — where sacred temples stand beside bustling markets and centuries-old traditions thrive amid modern life. Nestled in the Kathmandu Valley and surrounded by Himalayan hills, this city is the perfect starting point for any Nepal adventure.

If you’re planning a trip, here’s your complete guide to the top things to do in Kathmandu and the most iconic sights that capture its timeless spirit.

1. Kathmandu Durbar Square – The Historic Royal Palace

Located in the heart of the old city, Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the most beautiful examples of traditional Newar architecture. Once the royal palace of the Malla kings, it features intricate wood-carved temples, courtyards, and statues.

Highlights:

• Hanuman Dhoka Palace: The former royal residence.
• Kumari Ghar: Home to the Living Goddess Kumari.
• Taleju Temple: A sacred site dedicated to the goddess Taleju Bhawani.

Visit in the late afternoon when the light softens over the red-brick temples, and locals gather for evening prayers.

Entrance fee in 2025: 1000 NPR, including Kathmandu Durbar Square and Tribhuvan Museum.

2. Swayambhunath Stupa – The Iconic Monkey Temple

Perched atop a hill overlooking the city, Swayambhunath Stupa (also known as the Monkey Temple) is one of Kathmandu’s most famous landmarks. The white dome and golden spire are adorned with Buddha’s all-seeing eyes, symbolizing wisdom and compassion.

Climb the 365 stone steps for panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley — especially stunning at sunrise or sunset.

The Monkey Temple has (surprise!) a lot of monkeys. They might seem cute at first, but be careful as they can get aggressive if you try to touch them or their babies. Also take care of your belongings, don't walk around with water bottles or clothing they can take from you. A monkey stole a lady's scarf when we were there, then put it around its neck as a real showoff should. 🙂

Entrance fee in 2025: 200 NPR

3. Pashupatinath Temple – Sacred Hindu Temple on the Bagmati River

Pashupatinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world. Situated on the banks of the Bagmati River, the complex is both spiritual and thought-provoking.

Visitors can witness traditional Hindu rituals, including cremation ceremonies along the ghats, offering a deep insight into Nepal’s spiritual culture and beliefs about life and death.

If you are not a Hindu, you can't enter the temple so I decided to see it from a distance. You can walk all the way up to the entrance, but I think it's better not to bother people in such a religious site. Keep in mind that in order to enter the area you still have to pay an entrance fee which was 1000 NPR in 2025.

4. Boudhanath Stupa – The Spiritual Heart of Buddhism in Kathmandu

The massive Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by Tibetan monasteries, colorful prayer flags, and local teahouses, it’s a serene escape from the city’s bustle.

Join the locals as they circumambulate the stupa clockwise, spinning prayer wheels and soaking in the peaceful energy. You will see many monks here walking around the Stupa in groups. There are many souvenir shops and some places to eat or have coffee once you passed the ticket counter and entered the area, so it definitely felt a bit touristy, but still very interesting. Keep in mind that if you want to go up to the Stupa you will have to take off your shoes and you can not take pictures once you are up. Many people broke that rule, but the signs are pretty much everywhere.

Entrance fee in 2025: 400 NPR

5. Thamel – The Vibrant Tourist Hub of Kathmandu

No trip to Kathmandu is complete without exploring Thamel, the city’s energetic tourist district. With its narrow alleys filled with trekking shops, cafés, rooftop restaurants, and art galleries, Thamel is the heart of Kathmandu’s traveler scene.

Shop for handcrafted souvenirs, enjoy live Nepali music in a bar, or unwind in one of the many rooftop gardens overlooking the city. My favorite shop in Thamel was definitely Pilgrims Book House, a bookstore with three floors and thousands of books. They also sold souvenirs, but it's amazing how many books they have in all the different genres and most of them are in English with prices you won't believe. I only bought three books due to luggage weight limits, but I could have bought about 30 more. Thamel is also where hikers often get their gear or some missing items, because you can find about anything here. Shopping in Thamel is extremely cheap so it's good to prepare and save space.

My favorite restaurant in the area was Bagaan Thakali Kitchen, a great spot with tasty food, kind service and nice views over the main street.

Bonus: Day Trips from Kathmandu

If you have extra time, take a short trip outside the city:

• Bhaktapur Durbar Square – A beautifully preserved medieval town.
• Patan (Lalitpur) – Known for its temples and metal crafts.
• Nagarkot – Famous for sunrise views over the Himalayas.

These destinations are within an hour’s drive and offer a glimpse of Nepal’s culture beyond the capital.

Quick Travel Tips for Kathmandu

• Best time to visit: September–November and March–May
• Currency: Nepalese Rupee (NPR). Don't forget to change your NPR back before you leave the country as you won't be able to change it anywhere else outside of Nepal.
• SIM card: You can buy both physical SIM card and eSIM at the airport right at arrivals. I paid 600 NPR for 7 days and the card came with unlimited data and unlimited calls within Nepal. The process is simple, you fill out a form and they do everything else. It's very quick and convenient, but you can only pay by cash. There is a money exchange right next to the SIM card booth and they have great rates. There are also other places within the airport where you can buy a SIM card if you walk a bit further.
• Money exchange: I changed my money right at arrivals next to the SIM card booth. They had great rates and it was very quick as well. Once you walk a bit further, there are several other money exchange places too.
• Local greeting: “Namaste” (palms together)
• Dress modestly: Especially when visiting temples

Final Thoughts: Why Visit Kathmandu

Kathmandu is more than just a stopover for trekkers heading to Everest — it’s a city of living heritage, spirituality, and human warmth. From ancient temples to buzzing bazaars, every corner tells a story.

Whether you’re seeking cultural immersion, spiritual awakening, or simply the thrill of exploration, Kathmandu promises an experience you’ll never forget. It's a chaos you will love.