Amritsar Itinerary : 2 Fabulous Days in the Holy Golden City

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We’d read that two days were enough to see the highlights of Amritsar and it’s true; you can see a lot in two days.

However, we’re slow travellers and after a long haul flight we decided to allow four ; which means that we learned which sites are best for a shorter visit.

Read on because we toured many sites to help you make the very most of your 2 days in Amritsar.

Is it Worth Visiting Amritsar : Are 2 Days Enough?

Yes Amritsar is absolutely worth a visit. As first time visitors we discovered an abundance of treasures and our stay was made even more special as it was Diwali.

Two days allows you time to visit the iconic Golden Temple and many other historical sites and also experience the amazing Attari-Wagah Border Parade. 

If you can add an extra day to your itinerary, you’ll not be short of things to see and do. There are many lesser-known sites to explore, as well as museums, markets and a fabulous Punjab Village day trip.

Two Day Amritsar Itinerary At A Glance

Keep reading for a more detailed plan but if you’re in a rush then we would recommend the following visits during your two days in Amritsar.

Day 1 :

Day 2 :

Planning Your Time in Amritsar : Creating Your Own 2 Day Itinerary

How you choose to spend your time will be down to your own preferences and energy levels. We like to walk and explore on foot and we like to take our time.

For a two day stay we’d recommend the Amritsar Heritage Walk. This is an excellent way to help find your bearings and navigate the old town. And no visit would be complete to Amritsar without spending time in the Golden Temple Complex. 

For us the stand-out-must-see things include :

Amritsar offers the visitor a great deal but two days are enough to see the iconic sites. We’d recommend that you plan ahead to make the most of your stay and book your must-see tours in advance to ensure they are available. 

For me, the Wagah Border was a must, which meant that one of our sunset slots was taken.  For your second evening you could choose either sunset at the Golden Temple (and the Closing of the Holy Book Ceremony) or sunset at Gobindgarh Fort. 

Do check that museums and sites are open on the days that you are visiting.  When we planned our trip to the Taj Mahal in Agra we had no idea that it was closed on a Friday and had to make a hasty schedule change.

Good to Know : The Golden Temple is a must see site and the good news is that it is always open to visitors

Amritsar Itinerary : Day 1

We recommend you start your day with a walking tour. In the afternoon make sure you allow enough time for the Wagah Border pick-up time.

Heritage Walking Tour

It’s no secret that we love a walking tour.  Whilst it is possible to explore the city alone, this tour will give you an overview of the history of Amritsar and you’ll discover corners of the city that you just would not find alone. 

Over a couple of hours, you’ll be guided through the narrow streets and introduced to 400 years of history and discover Katras, Bungas, Havelis, and Hatties, and watch local craftsmen at work.

Top Tip : This Heritage Walking Tour is perfect for those who want to explore the heart of the city in the company of others.

The Heritage Walking tour is recommended by the Punjab tourist office and you can book one of their recommended guides or do what we did and secure your spot by booking in advance with Viator. 

During the tour you will visit the Partition Museum, Jallianwala Bagh and the Golden Temple but for us we wanted more time in each of these places and we revisited each site alone after.  However, what we learned on the tour gave us a much greater understanding of what we were seeing.

Jallianwala Bagh

Revisit here after your walking tour ends.  There is no charge to enter the park and it is so close to the Golden Temple that you can easily revisit when the Heritage Walk finishes.  

Jallianwala Bagh was the site of an awful tragedy where innocent men, women and children were killed by the British Army, in an event that has become known as the Amritsar Massacre.

There is a museum within the park with a great deal of historical information and the second visit gave us more time to absorb it all without concerns that we were keeping folks waiting.   It also allowed us time to talk with other visitors and local people, you might even find yourself in the middle of other people’s selfies and photos (it happens a lot so just go with it!)

The park is a beautiful, peaceful, green space within the city and well worth a second longer visit.

Partition Museum

After stopping for lunch we returned to the Partition Museum. The museum chronicles the events that culminated in the division of British India into two independent nations: India and Pakistan.

18 million people were displaced, having to leave their homes, jobs, lives and worldly goods behind as they moved to their new country. It is estimated that a staggering one million lives were lost during this tragic historical chapter.

We spent close to an hour here, reading the information, watching displays and old news footage and personal stories. This is a small museum but packs a lot in and brings to life this incredibly moving story.

The museum is closed on Mondays and Public Holidays. It is open Tuesday to Sunday between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm. No photography is allowed inside the museum.

Hall Street and Hall Bazaar

Walk to or from The Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh or the Partition Museum and you will walk through Hall Street and Hall Bazaar.  This is a touristy area lined with shops selling all manner of goods and it reminded us very much of the Medina in Marrakesh. 

This area is busy with a melange of shopping delights, from traditional handicrafts to textiles and souvenirs; but it is aimed at tourists. You’ll be asked a hundred times if you want a taxi to the airport or the Wagah Border but a simple no thanks is all that’s needed.

If you want to taste a real Amritsar Bazaar do as we did and visit the Katra Jaimal Singh market, just beyond the Partition Museum.  We went on Day 2 and spent a few hours exploring the busy maze of streets.

Attari-Wagah Border Ceremony

For some reason this activity is low down in the list of Top Things to Do on TripAdvisor. I have no idea why because the Wagah Border Ceremony is an absolutely must-see event and should be on every Amritsar itinerary. We LOVED it!

Book one of the highest rated Wagah Border tours on Viator before you leave home but I’d recommend that you also ask your hotel too if they offer a driver. The hotel option will probably be cheaper but it’s not always available. 

If you only have 2 days in Amritsar take our word for it; you do not want to miss this. Make arrangements in advance and book your tour; then relax and look forward to the show!

The spectacle is called the Beating Retreat Border Ceremony; the Attari-Wagah border between Pakistan and India. Do expect crowd-dancing and enthusiastic displays from the Border Force soldiers, trumpets, blustering parades, speed walking, funny faces and high kicks! The ceremony starts just before sunset and ends with the lowering of the two nations’ flags.

Top Tip : You must take your passport and all bags are checked and scanned. Security is taken very seriously at the border so we were advised to leave bags in the car. We only took drinking water and our camera. Read more details about the Wagah Border Ceremony in our post. But do expect crowds – The India side of the border has space for 25,000 spectators

Timing for the border ceremony is dependant on sunset.  For us in November sunset was around 5:30pm. We left our hotel at 3pm and we returned to Amritsar around 7:30pm.  Depending on the time of year and the size of the crowd, your start and end time will be different.     

Amritsar Itinerary : Day 2

You have a choice today. Choose whether to see sunset at the Golden Temple or at Gobindgarh Fort; either way you won’t be disappointed.

The Golden Temple

We visited the Golden Temple during our Heritage Walk but we returned twice more alone.   We only added Amritsar to our India itinerary because of this famous temple, so we wanted to see as much as possible. 

Every time we returned we discovered something new and we talked with so many people in the temple who always welcomed us and gave us stories and history; I strongly recommend that you allow space in your itinerary for an extended visit. For detailed information also take a look at our post : Visiting the Golden Temple in Amritsar

Each time we visited the light around the temple changed. Visit in the early morning when the crowds are less and the light around the lake is beautiful. You might prefer to visit later in the afternoon and catch the sunset, which we did on our third visit and this too was spectacular.  After sunset, stay and witness the closing of the book ceremony.

Katra Jaimal Singh Bazaar

After our morning visit to the Temple, we headed off the Katra Jaimal Singh Bazaar. The bazaar is not a single building but a maze of streets, lined with shops and stalls and, unlike the shops in Hall Street, this area is considered more authentic.

You could lose yourself within the narrow streets which are often jammed with cars, shoppers, mopeds and tuk-tuks and tourists like us.

It’s a kaleidoscope of colours, noise, aromas and it’s a good job that we travel only with a 7kgs carry-on as I was tempted to buy so much!  You can shop for traditional wares, pottery and beautiful textiles, and even spices.

Top Tip : If buying spices be aware that they will be confiscated at airport security if you have it in your carry-on; it is ok in checked luggage.

You’ll need to navigate through the narrow alleys and be prepared to embrace the local culture! If you wish to purchase then be prepared to haggle for a good price. Don’t be too hard but do set yourself a price that you’re happy with. If the price is too high then politely say no thanks and keep wandering.

Top Tip : Our hotel advised us to be vigilant in the markets for pick pockets; just as any busy city area make sure you keep an eye on your belongings.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum and Ram Bagh

If you want to make the most of your afternoon you can squeeze in two visits. Delve into the history of Punjab in the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum.  You’ll need a tuk-tuk to visit as it’s around 4 kilometres from the centre of town but it should cost you only around 200rps; use UBER and you’ll know the price before you leave.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum and Ram Bagh gardens are named after the legendary Sikh ruler, and contain a treasure trove of artifacts, paintings, and weaponry as well as offering a fascinating glimpse into the cultural heritage of the Punjab.

The Museum is situated in the old summer palace of the Maharaja, in the middle of a beautiful Ram Bagh Garden. The garden is often overlooked as an attraction, as visitors head to the museum so do make sure that you allow time to enjoy this peaceful garden with it’s stunning views.

The museum is open between 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and closed on Mondays and Public Holidays.

Gobindgarh Fort

Lastly for something a little different in your Amritsar Itinerary, we suggest spending a few hours exploring the stunning Gobindgarh Fort. Take a tuk-tuk (or UBER) and allow at least two hours to explore this vast site.

The fort has recently been restored and opened to the public and has become a very popular destination and a symbol of the Punjab. It spans 263 years of history and charts the path through the Bhangi Misl era to the British East India Company and India’s Independence.  Whilst not as grand as some of the Rajasthan forts such as Bundi and Jodphur this is still worth a visit.

Try to arrive an hour before sunset to allow time to explore the main fort, grounds and museums.  There is an evening laser show called the Whispering Walls.  The English show is at 8:00pm so you’ll need to arrange your visit to coincide with both daylight hours and the evening show. 

For us this was more tricky as sunset was at 5:30pm but you can include dinner in your ticket price which could fill the gap between your daylight visit and the night show.  We didn’t eat dinner but there were good reviews on Trip Advisor.

The entrance fee to the fort is dependant on the type of package you choose; it’s more expensive for their 7-D and the Laser Show.    

Top Tip : If you’d prefer to visit the Golden Temple at night and watch the Closing the Holy Book ceremony then visit the fort in the morning; either way it’s definitely worth including Gobindgarh in your itinerary.

A few Ideas for A 3 Day Amritsar Itinerary

When we travel we try not to include too much in one day.  We are travelling for months so we prefer to leave space, take our time, talk to strangers, take photos and enjoy longer lunches and refreshment breaks. 

With your 2 days you may prefer to be a little busier than us, in which case you will have time to squeeze in one or two more visits. 

Durgiana Temple

Durgiana Temple, is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Durga and is built in the architectural style similar to the Golden Temple.  This temple is often referred to as the “Silver Temple” due to its stunning silver doors and can easily be confused for its more famous neighbour.

When I was planning our visit to Amritsar I was confused by these two temples are they look so alike. Certainly if you only have time to visit one, then you should prioritise the Golden Temple.

As with all temples, remember to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees.  Heads must also be covered for both men and women, although you should find scarves available near the entrance. You will also be asked to remove shoes and enter barefoot.

This temple is usually open daily between 5am and 9pm.

Shahi Jama Masjid Mosque

Amritsar is a city where different cultures and religions meet and throughout its existence, the city’s diverse residents have lived happily side by side.  A reflection of this heritage is found in the Shahi Jama Masjid Mosque.

Located near Hall Bazaar the mosque was built in 1876 and features beautiful Mughal architecture with domes and minarets traditional Islamic artwork and calligraphy.

The mosque is generally open during non-prayer times and you’ll walk by it many times so a visit should be easy.

Do remember to respect that the mosque is a place of worship, and be mindful to act and dress appropriately. When entering the mosque, as with all temples, it’s customary to remove your shoes and shoulders and knees should be covered.

Spend Three Days in Amritsar

If you can spare an extra day in Amritsar then go spend the day with a Tarsem Singh and his family in their traditional Punjab Village

Ensure You Book the Right Tour : There is a tour to a Punjab village called Sadda Pind; Do not book Sadda Pind tour. Even our hotel manager advised against this because Sadda Pind is only a tourist village and not real. 

Do Book This Authentic Punjab Village Tour

We discovered a truly authentic experience and 100% recommend that you take this tour. Spend a day in the beautiful Punjab countryside and be welcomed into the home of Tarsem and his wonderful family. For more information read about our day on this glorious Punjab village tour.

From the moment you arrive, you are welcomed like old friends into one of the oldest homes in the village and Tarsem’s family home for generations.  We were offered cold drinks, met with members of the family, Jas, Tarsem’s wife cooked snacks and they demonstrated how the traditional Sikh turban is wrapped.

We took a tour of the village in Tarsem’s adapted tractor, met their neighbours, learned how to play traditional games such as Gilli Danda and kanche and even learned how to drive the tractor. After the fun we returned home for a traditional Punjab feast, eating alongside family and friends. 

This is a glorious day and if you can add a third day to your Amritsar itinerary you will not be disappointed. 

Where to Stay in Amritsar

We wanted to stay within walking distance of all the main sights and so we opted for an older style hotel in the old part of town. Where you stay will be down to budget and personal style but with a 2-day itinerary I recommend being close to the centre to avoid time spent in Amritsar’s traffic.

City View With Garden

City View with a Garden is a simple hotel but it was in a great location, the bed was comfortable, the shower was hot and we found everywhere very clean and tidy.  We like homestay-type accommodation as we prefer the local flavour.

The staff here were great and the manager was super helpful.  He made sure we paid the best price for transport, explained where to eat and drew us a great map of the old centre.

If you have an eye on your budget but you want to be comfortable and in a good location then this is the hotel for you! The best rooms are the ones with a Garden View so make sure you choose those.

SureStay Best Western

If you’re looking for something with a little more comfort then you can’t go wrong with the Best Western SureStay in the middle of town.  The only drawback is that it’s above the McDonald’s restaurant but it’s bang in the middle of town and we walked by this hotel most days.

It’s a good price and offers a lot of comfort and I could be tempted to stay here if we returned to Amritsar, if only for it’s location and big modern bedrooms.

There are a couple of Best Westerns in town so make sure you choose the right one; the link below is to the one in the centre of Hall Street.

Ranjit’s Svaasa Amritsar

If you’re looking for something very special, whilst still retaining local character and charm, then you can do no better than Ranjit’s Svaasa.  We met some friends here and we were totally charmed by this beautiful hotel. 

The home has been in the family for 200 years and is now run as a very special luxury hotel.

It’s in a good location, about 4 kilometres from the Golden Temple. It’s very peaceful and green and the bedrooms are fabulously spacious and comfortable.

Cafes and Restaurants in Amritsar

As most of our time was spent in the centre of Amritsar we never wandered far from our hotel and the old heart. If you are staying out of the city centre in one of the international chain hotels then you will have different choices for food and drinks. There are some highly rated restaurants within those hotels but we never used them and so they’re not included in our list. 

We do like to try local food and eat local, we ate in the hotel once, we ate with Tarsem and his family and we even ordered food with the Zomato app; an Indian version of JustEat or UberEats. 

Brothers Dhaba 

We asked our hotel manager where he would recommend for our first evening.  He recommend Brothers Dhaba as the place that locals go for a simple but tasty meal. 

This is a no frills restaurant, but we enjoyed the food and returned a second time. It’s not far from Hall Street, just beyond the Partition Museum. It was very busy on both occasions which is always a good sign.

I really loved their Yellow Dhal and Sarson Saag; a vegetarian dish made with Spinach and Mustard leaf.

Havalii Resturant

We stopped for lunch a few times at the Havalii Resturant in the centre of town, close to the Maharaja Ranjit Singh statue.  There is a great deal of choice and it’s perfect for lighter meal.

They also serve great coffee here too.

Masala Darbaar

Masala Darbaar has the look of a fast food restaurant but don’t be fooled as it serves great local Punjabi food.  There are two restaurants with the same name on google so make sure you choose the right one!  This one is very near Jallianwala Bagh on the Mahana Singh Rd.  It’s really just a few minutes walk from the Golden Temple and Jallaiawala Bagh.

We only discovered this restaurant at the end of our stay; otherwise we would have probably returned.

The Cafe Green Inside Saragarhi Sarai

The Cafe Green Inside Saragarhi Sarai is just off of Hall Road Near Golden Temple and the Partition Museum  It’s one of the most popular cafés in the centre of town.

They offer coffee and cold drinks and cakes and it’s a great place to pause after a busy day.  It’s busy though so you might have to queue for your drinks.

Starbucks

If you’re craving your favourite coffee there is a Starbucks beside the Partition museum.  I always try to find local coffee shops and avoid large chains but I do struggle to find non-dairy milk.  Sometimes I don’t want black coffee and I crave a strong coffee with milk; I know I can always find soya milk at Starbucks along with an extra shot of espresso, so I’m happy to enjoy my treat.

It’s a nice café, lots of comfortable seating, a good location and it offers non-dairy milk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Amritsar?

We were told that the best time to visit is either in early spring before it gets too hot or autumn.  Although be aware that in October and early November rice paddy stubble is burnt after harvest and can cause air pollution.  We visited just at the end of this season and I’m glad we didn’t go earlier as it was still very noticeable.

We had sunny days in November but the evenings were cooler.  We also had one day of rain but this cleared a lot of the air pollution too! Summer can be very hot and humid and very wet during July and August.

Are there any special events or festivals happening during my visit?

 We visited during Diwali and it was busy but not too busy.  Another great time to visit would be around Holi.  If you’d prefer less crowds then check for major festivals (dates change each year) and avoid the crowds.  Wikipedia have a good article on major festivals in the Punjab.

How can I reach Amritsar?

We flew from Delhi. Check out Skyscanner to book flights; we used Indigo but Vistara also fly to Amritsar.

We pre-arranged transport with our hotel; a car was waiting for us with no issues or problems.

There are also trains running from Delhi to Amritsar.  The station is about a ten minute tuk-tuk ride from the centre of Amritsar (depending on traffic).  Several coach companies are also located in this area near he station.  We booked an onward bus to Dharamshala using 12Go and the office was here.

Top Tip : have a back up plan when using public transport.  Our bus was cancelled and we opted for a private car to take us on to our next destination.  With hindsight this was an inexpensive way for two or three people to travel.

Is the Golden Temple open to visitors at all times?

The Golden Temple never closes. There are ceremonies, such as the opening and closing of the holy book that you can watch but the doors are always open.

What are the important cultural practices to follow at Temples?

The Golden Temple is one of the great destinations for pilgrims across the globe and is a very sacred site.  Both men and women should dress modestly, you will be barefoot during your time within the complex and your head should be covered. You will also be asked to remove your shoes.

It is easy sometimes to forget that this is a place of prayer so visitors should always act accordingly.

Are there any restrictions on photography at religious sites?

Yes.  There are restrictions.  But, they aren’t always followed.  There are many signs saying no photographs but most people used their smartphone to take photographs around the holy lake. 

Do not take photographs of bathers in the lake, nor whilst within the actual Golden Temple or parts of the queue.  Also when we were in the Langar we were advised not to take photographs.

I would suggest that if in doubt don’t or if in doubt always ask.  And if people are praying then also don’t

Is it possible to hire a guide for a tour of Amritsar?

Yes.  The Punjab Tourist website provides a list of guides but we like to read reviews and so we check first on Viatour and Get Your Guide. Often I can cross refer the guides to social media pages on Instagram and Facebook which can also offer you references and feedback.

Is Amritsar safe for tourists?  Is it safe to walk around the city at night?

We felt safe.  Our hotel manager drew us a map of the city and told us that we would be safe within all areas of the map.  He did suggest that we should avoid going beyond the main tourist areas at night as petty theft had been reported.  We never saw this and we never felt threatened or unhappy.

As with any major city, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft and pick pockets.  Again we never felt unsafe; any more than we would within any city in France, the US or the UK.  Just be sensible.

The main dangers that you will face are crossing the road and the drinking water.  Always look every which way when crossing the road and never drink the tap water!

Lastly be aware of the air pollution levels.  Delhi’s air quality is pretty famous now for being so bad but we also noticed that the air quality in Amritsar was poor when we arrived, mainly due to the burning of crop stubble but also after the Diwali fireworks (and yes there really are that many!)  We took N95 face masks and used them; especially in tuk-tuks. 

What is the best way to get around Amritsar?

We walked for the most part.  But tuk-tuks are also great for shorter journeys; they are very affordable and an efficient ways to get around the city. Be prepared for a bumpy ride though as there are a few potholes in the city roads!  

Taxis are also available for trips away from the old centre and there are private cars that you can book for the day if you wish to go touring. We always used the hotel driver;  we got to know him well!  He collected us from the airport, took us to the Wagah Border and drove us (and stayed with us) on our village day. 

I would always recommend asking your hotel first for taxis or use UBER.  We’ve been using UBER and we like the fixed price and that you already agree pickup and destination through the app.  We pay cash at the end of each ride and we had no issues.

Hotels will usually also have a driver.  If he is not available they can also call a taxi or tuk-tuk.  At our hotel the manager always told us the fee and gave the driver our destination details. 

Amritsar Itinerary : Are you Planning a Two Day Visit?

Amritsar is definitely worth a visit and you can comfortably see the most important sights within two days.

What surprised us most here was the lack of western visitors.  Indeed we were stopped a few times by British Indians who asked what brought us to the area.  I honestly assumed that the Golden Temple would be as famous as the Taj Mahal. However, don’t let that put you off; we were welcomed by everyone and expect a lot of selfies!

With daily flights from Delhi, Amritsar is easily accessed for a short visit.   And if you prefer to slow travel, daily trains will take you from Delhi and Chandigarh too.