Amritsar Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Katra Jaimal Singh Market featuring markets as well as a small group of people
Visit this holy Sikh city and above the bustling markets and medieval town gates, you will see the spires of one of the most spectacular temples in all of India. 

Amritsar is a vibrant city bustling with people and pilgrims from all over India who come to worship at the magnificent Golden Temple. Explore the Amritsar’s intriguing old town and discover modern Amritsar, which thrives across the railway tracks in the northern districts. Visit the town’s other temples and learn about its history at museums.

Amritsar was founded in 1577 by Guru Ram Das, after he discovered a bathing pool thought to have healing powers. It has grown to become the largest city in Punjab and welcomes millions of visitors each year, many of whom are Sikhs who come to volunteer and worship at their most revered shrine, the Golden Temple. 

Admire the temple’s golden façade shimmering in the sun, appearing as if it is floating above the water. Before entering, wash your feet and cover your head with a scarf. Once inside, see the Guru Granth Sahib, a large book containing the holy scripture of the Sikhs, which is read aloud as part of the daily service. The temple is also home to the Central Sikh Museum, where you can find a large gallery of paintings documenting Sikh history. 

Explore the old town within the 12 city gates and you will discover a number of other interesting attractions. Visit the cave-like Mata Temple, the city’s main Hindu place of worship. The former Summer Palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh is now a museum displaying weapons, oil paintings and other artifacts from the Sikh period. 

Take a walk around the Jallianwala Bagh Gardens. These were planted in memory of the Amritsar massacre in 1919, when British soldiers killed over 1000 unarmed protestors. 

Amritsar has an international airport and good rail links with all other major cities in the country. The city’s popularity means traffic can be busy, so auto rickshaws are the best way to get around. Winter, between October and March, is the best time to visit.

Fairfield by Marriott Amritsar
Fairfield by Marriott Amritsar
4 out of 5
Albert Road, Amritsar, Punjab
The price is ₹4,899 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
₹4,899
per night
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Amritsar. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (403 reviews)
Acceptable Stay
"Short Stay..only overnight. Checked in at 9pm the staff at the counter seemed little inexperienced, however the check out staff was very smooth. Had to change different room than assinged as the room had foul smell and was very small in size and also the bathroom in all the rooms are very small. ..."

Reviewed on 19 Mar 2024

Fairfield by Marriott Amritsar
Hyatt Regency Amritsar
Hyatt Regency Amritsar
4.5 out of 5
Adjoining Alpha One City Center, MBM Farms, G.T. Road, Amritsar, Punjab
The price is ₹6,499 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
₹6,499
per night
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Amritsar. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (602 reviews)
"Extra ordinary service, professional staff, amazing food and service in the restaurants. Third stay at this hotel. Would go back there again without a doubt"

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2024

Hyatt Regency Amritsar
Taj Swarna
Taj Swarna
5 out of 5
Plot No. C-3, Opposite Basant Avenue, Outer Circular Road, Amritsar, Punjab
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹8,500 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
₹8,500
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Amritsar. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (207 reviews)
"Excellent property!!"

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Taj Swarna
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
BluSalzz Villas - The Pine Tree, Dalhousie - Himachal Pradesh
BluSalzz Villas - The Pine Tree, Dalhousie - Himachal Pradesh
3 out of 5
Moti Tibba, Pine Tree Lodge, Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly villa in Dalhousie. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a terrace. Popular attractions Gandhi Chowk Market and Moti Tibba ...
BluSalzz Villas - The Pine Tree, Dalhousie - Himachal Pradesh
Sunpine Villa
Sunpine Villa
3.5 out of 5
Village - Chabal, P.O. - Jubber, Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Kasauli. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. Popular attractions Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir and Krishna Bhavan Mandir ...
Sunpine Villa
Dreamland I luxury I3Bhk IBonfire IMusic
Dreamland I luxury I3Bhk IBonfire IMusic
4 out of 5
Brewery Road, Near Sai Baba Temple, Garkhal, Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Kasauli. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir and Krishna Bhavan ...
Dreamland I luxury I3Bhk IBonfire IMusic
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Amritsar

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
24
" "5 - Excellent 43.63636363636363%
4 - Good
20
" "4 - Good 36.36363636363637%
3 - Okay
8
" "3 - Okay 14.545454545454545%
2 - Disappointing
2
" "2 - Disappointing 3.6363636363636362%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 1.8181818181818181%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
12 Mar 2020

Amritsar is good place but air quality is not good.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
10 Mar 2020

Food is amazing forget dieting when you are in amritsar

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
5 Mar 2020

A bustling city with lots to do very cultural and historical place

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
21 Feb 2020

Enjoyed exploring but as anticipated the air not great. Didn’t see a box asking for what I didn’t like about hotel.. hard bed!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
5 Feb 2020

The city is very friendly and has a distinct culture. Golden Temple and Wagah border are great. The city needs to be cleaner . Beggars are plenty and one should know how to haggle to avoid getting fleeced. The food is awesome.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
31 Jan 2020

must try the local food and cuisine.