16 Things to Do in Shimla
Shimla is much more than Mall Road and The Ridge. From walking through the historic heart of the city and visiting hilltop temples to exploring Kufri, enjoying Himalayan views, trying Himachali food and discovering quieter corners, there are plenty of things to do in Shimla for different types of travellers.
Whether you’re travelling with family, visiting with friends, planning a couple’s trip or looking for a more peaceful mountain experience, the key is to combine Shimla’s famous attractions with a few experiences away from the busiest tourist areas.
Things to Do in Shimla
1. Walk Around The Ridge and Mall Road
One of the simplest and best things to do in Shimla is to explore its central pedestrian areas on foot.
The Ridge is the large open space at the heart of Shimla and is closely connected to Mall Road, Christ Church and Scandal Point. Mall Road is lined with shops, cafés, restaurants and hotels and is one of the busiest parts of the city.
Rather than treating the area only as a shopping destination, take your time to walk through the streets and enjoy Shimla’s colonial-era surroundings and mountain atmosphere.
Time required
1.5–2.5 hours
Best time
Late afternoon to evening. The central area is particularly lively after sunset, although exact crowd levels vary by season.
If you’re visiting Shimla for the first time, our Shimla Travel Guide can help you understand the city and plan the rest of your trip.
2. Visit Christ Church
Standing prominently on The Ridge, Christ Church is one of Shimla’s most recognisable landmarks.
Built during the British period, the church is known for its neo-Gothic architecture and distinctive yellow exterior. Its location makes it particularly easy to include with The Ridge and Mall Road.
Time required
20–40 minutes
Best time
Morning or late afternoon, when you can combine the visit with your central Shimla sightseeing.
3. Visit Jakhu Temple
Located on Jakhu Hill, the highest point in Shimla, Jakhu Temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman.
The temple sits in a forested hill setting and is famous for the large Hanuman statue visible from parts of Shimla. You can reach Jakhu by road, on foot or by the Jakhu Ropeway, depending on your preference and the current operating conditions.
Time required
1–2 hours, including travel from central Shimla.
Best time
Morning or early afternoon.
💡 Local Expert Tip
The walking route is steep in places. If you’re travelling with children, older family members or anyone uncomfortable with uphill walking, consider road transport or the ropeway when operating.
4. Take the Jakhu Ropeway
Taking the Jakhu Ropeway is an experience in itself and provides an alternative way to reach Jakhu Hill.
The ropeway connects the Jakhu area with the central Shimla side and gives passengers an elevated view during the short journey.
Time required
Around 45–90 minutes, allowing for waiting, the ropeway ride and time around Jakhu.
Best time
Daytime, preferably when visibility is good.
5. Explore Lakkar Bazaar
If you enjoy local shopping, Lakkar Bazaar is worth including in your Shimla sightseeing plan.
The market is traditionally associated with wooden handicrafts and souvenirs, while shops in the area also sell woollens and other tourist-oriented products.
Time required
45 minutes–1.5 hours
Best time
Late afternoon or evening, especially when combining it with Mall Road and The Ridge.
6. Explore the Indian Institute of Advanced Study
The Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS) occupies the historic building popularly known as Viceregal Lodge on Observatory Hill.
The building has major historical importance and is one of Shimla’s most interesting places for travellers interested in architecture and the city’s colonial history.
The surrounding grounds also provide a change from the busy central shopping areas.
Time required
1–2 hours
Best time
Morning or early afternoon.
7. Visit Tara Devi Temple
Located on Tara Devi Hill, Tara Devi Temple is a peaceful religious destination south of central Shimla.
Its hilltop location and surroundings make it very different from the busy atmosphere of Mall Road. It can be particularly appealing to travellers who want to include some quiet time in their itinerary.
Time required
45 minutes–1.5 hours, excluding travel.
Best time
Morning or early afternoon.
8. Visit Sankat Mochan Temple
Sankat Mochan Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, is located on the Shimla–Kalka road side of the city.
The temple offers another opportunity to experience the religious side of Shimla away from the busiest tourist areas.
Time required
45 minutes–1 hour
Best time
Morning or early afternoon.
9. Explore Kufri
Kufri is one of the most popular destinations near Shimla and is located at a higher elevation than central Shimla.
The area is known for its mountain scenery and recreational activities. During winter, Kufri can receive snowfall, making it particularly attractive to travellers looking for a winter mountain experience.
Conditions and available activities vary by season.
Time required
3–5 hours
Best time
Winter for snow-related experiences; spring, summer and autumn can be better suited to general sightseeing and mountain scenery.
If you’re planning your trip around snowfall, our guide to 20 Places to Visit in Shimla in Winter can help you explore more winter-friendly destinations.
10. Stop at Green Valley
Green Valley is a scenic viewpoint area on the road towards Kufri and is commonly included in sightseeing trips along this route.
It is primarily a viewpoint rather than an attraction that requires several hours. The surrounding forested mountains make it a popular photography stop.
Time required
20–40 minutes
Best time
Morning or early afternoon when visibility is good.
11. Explore Fagu
Fagu lies beyond Kufri and is known for its mountain landscape, apple-growing areas and quieter surroundings.
Compared with central Shimla, it generally offers a more relaxed environment and can be included in a longer excursion towards the higher areas around Kufri.
Time required
1–2 hours, excluding travel.
Best time
Spring to autumn for general landscape and village experiences; winter can offer a very different experience when snow conditions occur.
12. Enjoy a Himachali Meal
Trying local food is one of the most rewarding things to do in Shimla if you want to experience more than sightseeing.
Look for traditional Himachali dishes such as Chana Madra, Siddu, Babru and Tudkiya Bhath. You may also find restaurants serving a traditional Himachali Dham.
Availability and preparation can differ between restaurants.
Time required
1–2 hours
Best time
Lunch or dinner.
💡 Local Expert Tip
If trying local cuisine is important to you, choose a restaurant specifically known for Himachali food rather than assuming every restaurant in the tourist area serves traditional dishes.
13. Spend Time at a Shimla Cafe
Shimla’s café culture is another reason not to fill every hour of your itinerary with sightseeing.
After walking through the central areas, stop for coffee, tea or a meal and simply enjoy the mountain-town atmosphere.
This can be especially enjoyable for couples and friends who want a slower part of the trip.
Time required
1–2 hours
Best time
Afternoon or evening.
14. Explore Shimla’s Heritage and Architecture
Shimla has a distinctive architectural character shaped by its history as a major British-era hill station.
Instead of visiting only individual attractions, take some time to observe the historic buildings and streets around the central area. The Ridge, Mall Road and surrounding heritage buildings provide plenty of opportunities for architecture and street photography.
The Indian Institute of Advanced Study is another important stop for travellers interested in this side of Shimla.
Time required
1–3 hours
Best time
Morning or late afternoon.
💡 Local Expert Tip
Central Shimla is best explored on foot where practical, but remember that the city is hilly and walking distances can feel longer than they look on a map.
15. Explore Shimla’s Quieter Side
One of the more rewarding things to do in Shimla is to move beyond the most crowded tourist circuit.
Depending on your available time, you can explore quieter forests, villages, temples and mountain destinations around Shimla. These places can provide a slower experience and a chance to see a different side of the region.
If you have extra days, explore our detailed guide to 24 Offbeat Places Near Shimla.
Time required
Half a day to a full day, depending on the destination.
Best time
Generally spring, summer and autumn for easier exploration; winter and monsoon require more attention to weather and road conditions.
💡 Local Expert Tip
“Offbeat” does not necessarily mean easy to reach. Check road accessibility, weather and local conditions before travelling to lesser-known destinations.
16. Enjoy a Scenic Drive Around Shimla
Sometimes the experience isn’t about reaching a particular attraction. A drive through the hills around Shimla can be a worthwhile part of your trip, particularly when travelling towards destinations such as Kufri, Fagu, Mashobra or Naldehra.
The changing mountain scenery, forests and viewpoints make the journey itself part of the experience.
Time required
2–5 hours depending on the route and stops.
Best time
Morning to afternoon when visibility is generally better.
Things to Do in Shimla for Couples
- Walk together around The Ridge and Mall Road
- Spend time at a cafe
- Visit Jakhu Temple
- Enjoy the scenery around Green Valley
- Explore Fagu
- Take photographs at scenic viewpoints
- Shop together at Lakkar Bazaar
- Explore quieter destinations around Shimla
A slower itinerary usually works better for couples than trying to cover too many attractions in one day.
Things to Do in Shimla with Family
For families, choose attractions that don’t require excessive walking or long travel between locations.
- The Ridge and Mall Road
- Christ Church
- Jakhu Temple
- Jakhu Ropeway
- Lakkar Bazaar
- Indian Institute of Advanced Study
- Kufri
- Green Valley
- Fagu, depending on weather and road conditions
If you’re travelling with young children or older family members, allow extra time between attractions and avoid packing too many hill destinations into one day.
Things to Do in Shimla with Friends
Some good options include:
- Explore Mall Road and The Ridge
- Visit Kufri
- Drive towards Fagu
- Stop at Green Valley
- Try Himachali food
- Explore cafés
- Shop at Lakkar Bazaar
- Visit Jakhu Temple
- Explore offbeat destinations around Shimla
- Enjoy photography and scenic drives
For groups, arranging transportation in advance can make a big difference when visiting multiple places outside central Shimla.
When Is the Best Time to Enjoy These Things in Shimla?
Shimla is a year-round destination, but different seasons suit different experiences.
March to June: Good for comfortable sightseeing and escaping the summer heat of the plains.
July to September: The landscape becomes greener, but monsoon rain can affect road travel and outdoor plans.
October to November: Cooler weather and generally pleasant conditions for sightseeing, with fewer visitors than the busiest summer periods.
December to February: Best suited to travellers looking for winter conditions and the possibility of snowfall. Snowfall remains weather-dependent.
For a detailed month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds and safety, see our Best Time to Visit Shimla guide.
Plan Your Shimla Trip
Choosing the best time to visit Shimla is only the first step. Once you know when you want to travel, you can plan your sightseeing, activities and nearby excursions according to the weather and the type of experience you want.
If you’re planning a short trip, our Shimla Itinerary for 2 Days can help you organise the major attractions without trying to cover too much in a limited time.
For a complete overview of the destination, explore our Shimla Travel Guide, covering places to visit, things to do, weather, local experiences and other useful travel information.
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Quick FAQs
1. What are the best things to do in Shimla?
Some of the best things to do in Shimla include exploring The Ridge and Mall Road, visiting Christ Church and Jakhu Temple, taking the Jakhu Ropeway, exploring Lakkar Bazaar, visiting the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, trying Himachali food and taking excursions towards Kufri, Green Valley and Fagu.
2. What are the best things to do in Shimla for couples?
Couples can enjoy Mall Road and The Ridge, cafés, Jakhu Temple, scenic drives, Green Valley, Fagu, photography and quieter destinations around Shimla.
3. What can I do in Shimla with family?
Families can visit The Ridge, Christ Church, Mall Road, Jakhu Temple, Lakkar Bazaar, the Indian Institute of Advanced Study and Kufri. The Jakhu Ropeway can also be a convenient option when operating.
4. What are the best things to do in Shimla with friends?
Friends can combine sightseeing with cafés, shopping, local food, photography, Kufri, Fagu and selected outdoor or offbeat experiences.
5.What are the best things to do in Shimla in winter?
Popular winter experiences include exploring the central attractions, visiting Jakhu Temple, travelling to Kufri when conditions permit, enjoying cafés and experiencing snowfall when it occurs.
6. How many days are enough for Shimla?
Two days are enough to cover many of Shimla’s major attractions with a well-planned itinerary. Three or more days allow you to explore nearby and offbeat destinations at a slower pace.