Kathmandu is more than just ancient temples and tourist-packed squares. If you want to uncover the best things to do in Kathmandu like a local and truly experience the city like a local, this guide will take you beyond the typical attractions to explore authentic hidden gems and local favorites in Nepal’s vibrant capital.
1. Start Your Morning with Chiya at a Local Tea Stall
Skip the café chains and head to a neighborhood chiya pasal (tea shop). Locals sip sweet, spiced milk tea and catch up on the morning news. Try one near Asan Bazar or Patan Dhoka.
💡Pro Tip: Bring cash and a little Nepali to break the ice—saying “dherai mitho chiya!” (“very tasty tea!”) always earns a smile.
Check out our Guide to Kathmandu’s Best Food for local food experiences.
Learn more about Nepalese tea culture here.
2. Wander the Alleys of Asan Market
Asan is the beating heart of old Kathmandu. This chaotic crossroads is where locals shop for spices, textiles, vegetables, and incense. You’ll find hidden shrines nestled between butcher stalls and sari shops.
Don’t miss:
The five-faced temple of Annapurna Ajima
Traditional Newari sweets like lakhamari
3. Eat Like a Local at a Bhatti (Local Eatery)
Ditch the international menus and try a traditional Newari feast at a local bhatti. Popular places like Honacha (near Patan Durbar Square) serve legendary bara, chatamari, and buffalo meat.
Want something quick? Head to Bajeko Sekuwa for grilled meat and cold beer—classic local comfort food.
4. Attend a Local Festival (Jatra)
Kathmandu’s calendar is packed with unique festivals. Locals celebrate with parades, chariot processions, and masked dances. The best part? Most of them happen right in residential neighborhoods.
Top picks:
Indra Jatra (September): Kathmandu Durbar Square comes alive.
Rato Machhindranath Jatra (April/May): An epic chariot pull in Patan.
5. Hike to a Hidden Monastery in the Hills
Locals escape the bustle by hiking into the hills surrounding the valley. Skip the popular viewpoints and hike from Kapan to Boudhanath via forest trails. End with a visit to a quiet monastery or a butter tea at a rooftop café.
6. Explore Patan’s Hidden Courtyards
While tourists crowd Patan Durbar Square, locals slip into secret courtyards (bahals) that echo with history. Look for Sundari Chowk, Mul Chowk, or Kwa Bahal.
Bring a camera, but be respectful—these are living spaces, not museums.
7. Catch a Local Art Show or Indie Film
Kathmandu has a growing arts scene. Check out:
Taragaon Museum (contemporary exhibitions)
The British Council or Film Southasia for indie screenings
Yala Maya Kendra for poetry slams, jazz nights, and debates
8. Visit Swayambhunath at Any Time of Day (My Favorite Spot in Kathmandu)
Sitting atop a forested hill on the western edge of the city, Swayambhunath Temple—affectionately called the Monkey Temple—is one of the oldest and most sacred sites in Kathmandu. While many visitors come once and move on, locals like me keep coming back. It’s my favorite spot in Kathmandu, and every time of day offers something different.
🌄 Morning: Serene, Sacred, and Golden
In the early morning, the air is cool, the sky is clear, and the stupa glows in soft golden sunlight. Locals come to walk clockwise around the stupa, spin the prayer wheels, and offer butter lamps or incense. Monks chant in the background while pigeons flutter above the dome. It’s a spiritual, quiet moment before the city stirs to life.
Best for: Reflection, meditation, photography, peaceful walks
Pro tip: Arrive before 7 AM to beat the heat and crowds.
☀️ Afternoon: Bright Views and Buzzing Energy
In the afternoon, the temple becomes livelier. There are school kids on field trips, monks reading in shaded corners, and vendors selling souvenirs or sukuti (dried meat snacks). The panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley are crystal clear on a good day, especially during the dry season.
Best for: Valley views, cultural observations, light snacks and local tea
Pro tip: Visit nearby small shrines and statues tucked into the hillside paths.
🌇 Evening: Breezy and Balanced
By evening, the temple area starts to quiet down again. The breeze picks up, prayer flags sway gently, and the low sun casts long shadows across the steps. Fewer people visit at this time, so it’s a perfect hour for journaling, resting, or just sitting silently.
Best for: Wind-down walks, unwinding after a long day, quiet reflection
Pro tip: Bring a shawl or jacket—the hilltop can get cool and breezy.
🌃 Night: Lit Stupa and a Magical Calm
Swayambhunath at night feels like something out of a dream. Soft yellow lights illuminate the stupa, the eyes of the Buddha glow gently, and the city lights twinkle far below. It’s less crowded, deeply peaceful, and almost mystical under the night sky.
“I’ve visited Swayambhu at every time of day, but at night, it feels almost like a hidden sanctuary floating above the chaos of Kathmandu.”
Best for: A quiet escape, stargazing, meaningful conversations
Pro tip: The stairs can be tricky in the dark, so carry a small flashlight or use your phone.
9. Unwind in the Evening at Basantapur or Patan Durbar Square
While tourists visit Durbar Squares during the day for sightseeing, locals know the real magic happens in the evening. Places like Basantapur (Kathmandu Durbar Square) and Patan Durbar Square become peaceful retreats after sunset.
Many locals, especially students and young professionals, head there to relax, meet friends, or just sit on the ancient steps watching the world go by. The blend of golden temple lights, cool evening breeze, and quiet chatter creates a calm vibe that’s hard to find elsewhere in the city.
“I used to go to Patan Durbar Square often after work. It felt like a sacred pause in the middle of a hectic life—breezy, beautiful, and deeply grounding under the night sky.”
What to do:
Grab a coffee from The Workshop Eatery in Patan or a lassi from Indra Chowk on your way to Basantapur
Sit near Taleju Temple or Krishna Mandir, and just take it all in
Watch impromptu musical jam sessions or local kids playing on the square’s open spaces
10. Experience Boudhanath Throughout the Day
Boudhanath Stupa is more than just a UNESCO World Heritage Site—it’s one of the spiritual hearts of Kathmandu, and a place where local life moves to its own sacred rhythm. Whether you visit in the morning, afternoon, or evening, Boudha has a unique energy that changes with the light.
🌅 Morning: Peaceful and Spiritual
Start your day early—around 6 or 7 AM—when monks begin their morning chants and locals quietly perform kora(circumambulation). The air is crisp, the stupa is bathed in golden light, and there’s a deep sense of calm.
Grab a cup of butter tea and sit on a rooftop café like Stupa View Café or Nir’s Toast Bakery to watch the square slowly come to life.
☀️ Afternoon: Quiet Retreat from the City
In the afternoon, the stupa becomes a gentle escape from Kathmandu’s chaos. It’s warmer, quieter, and perfect for people-watching or ducking into one of the many nearby monasteries like Shechen Monastery or Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling.
Take a moment to explore the thangka art schools, Tibetan bookstores, or get a cup of Himalayan herbal tea at Rokpa Café.
🌙 Evening: Meditative and Magical
Evening is when Boudhanath truly glows—both literally and spiritually. Butter lamps flicker, monks chant softly, and the white dome reflects the warm hues of sunset. Locals and pilgrims perform kora in a steady, flowing circle, creating a meditative energy that’s hard to describe.
“I often come in the evening just to walk a few rounds. It’s peaceful, grounding, and reminds me to slow down.”
Highlights for Any Time of Day:
Join the kora around the stupa
Light a butter lamp for blessings
Visit one of the small rooftop cafés for a different perspective
Explore the vibrant Tibetan community shops and monasteries
11. Soak in the Spiritual Atmosphere of Pashupatinath
You don’t need to enter the main temple to feel the power of Pashupatinath. This sacred Hindu site—one of the most important Shiva temples in the world—is a deeply spiritual place that reflects the rhythm of Nepali life, death, and devotion. While only Hindus are allowed into the inner sanctum, the surrounding complex is open to everyone, and it’s where much of the experience lies.
Locals come here for morning blessings, evening prayers, or simply to sit by the Bagmati River, watching the flow of pilgrims, sadhus, monkeys, and sacred rituals.
🌅 Mornings: Peaceful and Sacred
In the early hours, priests chant Vedic mantras, and smoke from incense rises through the trees. Locals take ritual baths in the Bagmati or light lamps on the ghats. It’s a moment of spiritual renewal, especially during special days like Monday or Shivaratri.
☀️ Afternoons: Wandering Among Shrines and Sadhus
Walk through the forested paths of the temple complex, dotted with hundreds of lingams and small shrines. The Arya Ghat is often the site of open-air cremation rituals, a powerful and sobering reminder of life’s impermanence—a truth locals face with reverence, not fear.
Don’t miss the chance to sit near the temple’s eastern bank and observe the spiritual flow of life around you.
🌙 Evenings: Aarti Ceremony and Soft Light
At sunset, the temple hosts the Pashupatinath Sandhya Aarti, a mesmerizing ceremony performed on the riverbank. Devotees wave oil lamps to the rhythm of bells, conch shells, and mantras, all facing the sacred river. The reflection of firelight on the water creates a truly magical, moving experience.
“Even from outside, Pashupatinath makes you feel connected to something much deeper. It’s a place where you witness both devotion and the reality of life.”
What to Do:
Walk the full outer circuit of the temple grounds
Visit Guhyeshwari Temple, just a short walk away
Sit near the eastern ghats and quietly observe daily life
Respect the rituals—observe silently, don’t photograph cremations
Visit the Official Pashupatinath Temple site for more info.
12. Take a Day Trip to Bhaktapur — Kathmandu’s Living Museum
Just a short drive from Kathmandu, Bhaktapur feels like stepping back in time. Known as the city of artisans, Bhaktapur is famous for its stunning medieval architecture, intricate wood carvings, and rich cultural heritage. Locals often escape here on weekends to stroll peaceful lanes, enjoy authentic Newari food, and soak in the slower pace of life.
What locals love about Bhaktapur:
Durbar Square: A UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with ancient temples, courtyards, and statues. It’s quieter and less touristy in the early morning.
Pottery Square: Watch craftsmen mold clay into beautiful pots and vases—sometimes join in a workshop!
Local Food: Try juju dhau (king curd) and chatamari (Newari-style rice crepe) from small family-run eateries.
Quiet Alleys: Wander the narrow lanes where life flows at a calm, timeless rhythm.
Taking a day trip here offers a refreshing break from the bustle of Kathmandu and a chance to experience traditional Newar culture firsthand.
Final Thoughts and Tips for Experiencing Kathmandu Like a Local
Kathmandu is a city of contrasts — ancient and modern, peaceful and lively, spiritual and everyday — all blending together in a way that’s uniquely Nepali. The best way to truly enjoy Kathmandu is to slow down, soak in the local rhythms, and be open to the unexpected moments that make the city so special.
A few tips to help you explore like a local:
Start early: Mornings are magical in Kathmandu, with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
Dress respectfully: Especially when visiting temples and religious sites. A shawl or scarf is always handy.
Try street food—but wisely: Stick to busy stalls and popular local favorites like momos or sel roti.
Learn a few Nepali phrases: A simple “Namaste” or “Dhanyabad” (thank you) goes a long way.
Be patient and curious: Life in Kathmandu flows at its own pace. Embrace the slower moments and enjoy the small conversations.
Respect local customs: Photography restrictions at temples and during ceremonies should be observed carefully.
Stay hydrated and use sunscreen: Kathmandu’s sun can be surprisingly strong, especially at higher altitudes.
By embracing these tips and exploring the city through the eyes of a local, you’ll discover a Kathmandu that goes beyond guidebooks — full of warmth, spirituality, and everyday magic.
Enjoy your journey in this beautiful city!