Need some help planning an outing with friends in Ahmedabad?
Don’t worry…we got you!
Having lived here most of our lives, we’ve got a fair idea of the best destinations for everything from a quickly planned trip with roommates to a weekend getaway with loved ones.
Here are the best places to make unforgettable memories with your crew in and around Ahmedabad.
Top Ahmedabad destinations for a day out with friends
Whether you’re into science, shopping, or simply catching up over chai, here are the top places for a quickly-planned & memorable day out with friends.
Escape Room Adventures at Escape Zone (that’s us!)
From inside one of our rooms…
Want to have an absolute blast with your friends in Ahmedabad?
Team up for a movie-like adventure at our Jodhpur Village’ mystery escape room!
You and your friends will be led into a specially designed room.
With the clock ticking down, you must work together to solve puzzles & spot clues on how to escape the room.
Pro tip: Celebrate your mystery-solving outing at nearby cafes & restaurants like McDonald’s, Lord Petrick, and Nini’s Kitchen.
Website: Visit our home page
Location: Check address & plan route via Google Maps
Gujarat Science City
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Got a mix of bookworm friends…and those who considered science a buzzkill?
Here’s the perfect day trip for them – Gujarat Science City!
This sprawling complex offers a fascinating mix of exhibits, from an energy park to a robotics gallery. Make sure to ask for the VR stalls!
Pro tip: Rent bicycles or golf carts to get around the complex easily.
Known for: IMAX Theatre, Nature Park, Robotics Gallery, Coal Mine & Planet Earth.
Website: Visit their website
Location: Check address & plan route via Google Maps
Auto World Vintage Car Museum
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A fan of old cars, from the days of the Rajas & Maharajas?
Looking for a less-crowded Ahmedabad destination to take your family & friends to?
Head for Auto World Vintage Car Museum – the creation of Shri. Pranlal Bhogilal, a huge automobile enthusiast.
Check out a 1923 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, Fords, Cadillacs, and so on.
Tickets are affordable, and for a small add-on, you can actually drive some of the cars along a 3.5 km route.
Pro tip: Among the multiple nearby restaurants, Vintage Village is the best one.
Known for: Vintage cars, Motorcycles, and Horse-drawn carriages.
Website: Visit their website
Location: Check address & plan route via Google Maps
Indroda Dinosaur and Fossil Park
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Who doesn’t love dino fossils?
A great collection of fossils and eggs makes this park a must-try picnic spot in Ahmedabad. Especially if your group includes kids.
The Fossil Park is located inside the larger Indroda Nature Park, which has a zoo and a botanical garden, with a huge variety of plants and animals.
Pro tip: You can choose from multiple nearby restaurants including Mr And Mrs Idly.
Known for: Dinosaur fossils, Dino eggs, A nature park with peacocks, and An amphitheater.
Location: Check address & plan route via Google Maps
Lucky Restaurant
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Sipping piping hot tea & munching buttery maska buns…amidst actual gravestones!
Nope, that’s not a scene from a new “Darna Mana Hai” movie.
It’s the scene at this tea stall-turned-restaurant at Lal Darwaja.
Built around a 16th-century cemetery, with graves and tree stumps appearing inside the eating area, Lucky makes for an incredibly unique dining experience in Ahmedabad.
Pro tip: Don’t confuse this with the New Lucky Restaurant – that’s a new & completely different place!
Known for: Tea (chai), Different kinds of maska buns, and an original MF Hussain painting.
Location: Check address & plan route via Google Maps
AlphaOne Mall
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Centrally located in Ahmedabad, AlphaOne Mall offers a complete package of ambience, entertainment, and (of course) food.
Catch up on shopping at HyperCity Hypermarket, dine at the Flavors Food Court, and catch a movie at Cinepolis or Bonzai 12D Adventure.
Pro tip: The kids (and maybe some adults as well) in the group will have a great time in the Fun City play area.
Known for: Shopping, Dining, and Movie Theatres.
Website: Visit their webpage
Location: Check address & plan route via Google Maps
Vikram Sarabhai Space Exhibition Center
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You saw him played by Ishwak Singh in Rocket Boys.
Now it’s time to explore some of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai’s most important works at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Exhibition Center.
Learn about India’s space exploration story through a mind-boggling array of displays and exhibits.
And best of all – It’s absolutely free of cost!
Pro tip: If you want anything explained, just ask the staff – They’re friendly and knowledgeable.
Known for: Different models of rockets & satellites, and a 3D theatre with films of the Mars Mission.
Website: Visit their website
Location: Check address & plan route via Google Maps
Must-check out destinations for friends visiting Ahmedabad
Hosting friends from out of town?
Show them Ahmedabad’s iconic spots—from Gandhiji’s Ashram to a textile museum!
Sabarmati Ashram
One of the original huts inside the Ashram.
The place where Bapu spent a large part of his life.
The starting point of the Dandi March.
A repository of many of Gandhiji’s personal possessions – his glasses, his slippers, and more.
Sabarmati Ashram is so many things that have gone into the making of India.
And that’s why it has to be on the list of places to take your tourist friends in Ahmedabad.
PS: Entry is completely free.
Known for: Hridaya Kunj cottage, Gandhi Memorial Museum (Sangrahalaya), and a massive library.
Website: Visit their website
Location: Check address & plan route via Google Maps
Statue of Unity
Cmon!
If you were visiting Ahmedabad, would you really want to skip the world’s tallest statue? And that too of the “Iron Man of India” – Sardar Patel?
Add the evening laser show and the seaplane ride to get there, and you’ve got a crazy fun treat lined up!
PS: You can book seaplane rides here.
Known for: Laser show, Safari, River Rafting, and a Seaplane Ride to get there.
Website: Visit their website
Location: Check address & plan route via Google Maps
Adalaj Step Well
A short drive from Ahmedabad, the Adalaj Step Well is a work of art with a tragic story.
With its cool & breezy interiors, this is an ideal spot for a summer escape.
Pace down the stone steps and admire the intricate carvings of religious scenes, wildlife, and the daily life of a bygone era.
Try to spot influences from Hindu, Muslim, Jain, and Buddhist traditions.
#DidYouKnow: This is the best-known among the numerous step wells or vav’s dotting Gujarat. They were built to store drinking water.
Known for: The annual Water Festival in November.
Location: Check address & plan route via Google Maps
Calico Museum
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Take your fashionista friends to this museum of rare textiles, fabrics and other art pieces from across India.
You might find a Mughal tapestry rubbing shoulders with a more recent Gujarati weave.
Also, keep an eye out for peacocks in the garden.
PS: Entry is free, but you need to pre-book your tour. Check here for more information.
#DidYouKnow: The Museum was founded by Gautam Sarabhai, the elder brother of Vikram Sarabhai, whose Space Exhibition we discussed earlier.
Known for: Textiles, Bronze pieces, Woodwork, and Miniature Art.
Website: Visit their website
Location: Check address & plan route via Google Maps
Cut loose with friends with these fun Ahmedabad activities
From thrilling escape rooms to serene boat rides, Ahmedabad offers a variety of options to unwind and relax with mates.
Boating on Kankaria Lake
Boating on Kankaria Lake is a great way to kick back and relax with friends and coworkers.
Whether getting an adrenaline rush on a speedboat, enjoying a serene pontoon boat ride, or bouncing around in a tied balloon.
Pro tip: Head for the Nagina Wadi theme park in the middle of the lake and have an entire day trip here.
#DidYouKnow: The lake is manmade, and the second largest lake in Ahmedabad.
Known for: Boating & Other Activities. Also for Kankaria Zoo and the Stone Mural Park.
Location: Check address & plan route via Google Maps
Exploring the pols
Yet another thrilling adventure in Ahmedabad—the pols!
These are pockets of Old Ahmedabad, where narrow lanes snake through rows of densely built houses and blocks.
The key attraction – Most of the houses have a few secret passages or entrances/exits that are only locally known.
Exploring the layout through some of those secret routes would make for a pretty epic time, don’t you think?
Street food & shopping at Manek Chowk
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Another Old Ahmedabad favourite – Manek Chowk!
Old-style jewellery & marriage market during the day – ✅
Nighttime street food from ghee-soaked dosas to sweet & tangy fruit shots – ✅
An all-round earthy & vintage experience – ✅
Sounds good for a gala time?
#DidYouKnow: The Chowk is named after the 15th-century Saint Maneknath. A descendant of his still performs a puja to him every year.
Known for: Old-style jewellery market & Street food.
Location: Check address & plan route via Google Maps
Shankus Waterpark & Resort
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Yet another top-notch Ahmedabad landmark to visit with your crew. Especially on hot summer days.
Laze around and cool off on the water slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools.
Want a more substantial outing? Book a cottage in the resort and have a luxurious day.
Pro tip: Want to avoid crowds? Visit on a weekday.
#DidYouKnow: Shankus is one of India’s oldest water parks.
Known for: Water rides, Cottages, Various games from board games to tennis & badminton.
Website: Visit their website
Location: Check address & plan route via Google Maps
Great places near Ahmedabad for a weekend getaway with friends
Want to escape city life for a couple of days?
These fantastic weekend getaways near Ahmedabad offer the perfect blend of nature, adventure, and relaxation.
Grab your friends and head for a fascinating and memorable outing that’ll have you all recharged and raring to take on the coming week!
Polo Forest (Sabarkantha district in Gujarat)
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Polo Forest is an awesome weekend getaway from Ahmedabad’s urban buzz!
Nestled in the Aravalli foothills, the forest is teeming with stunning wildlife from endangered Grey Hornbills to waterfowls, panthers, and even flying squirrels.
Make sure to walk to the Harnav Dam.
There are a number of ancient Hindu and Jain temples as well.
Pro tip: It is reachable by public transport. However, the roads leading to the forest are not very well developed, so make sure you plan ahead.
#DidYouKnow: The forest name is derived from the Marwari word pol, which means gate.
Known for: Bird & animal watching, Trekking, Night safari, Camping, Harnav Dam, and Echo Point.
Location: Check address & plan route via Google Maps
Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary (Mehsana district in Gujarat)
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We’ve all seen sparrows from our balconies…
Now imagine the excitement of spotting woodpeckers and storks in action—not just on your phones, but right before your eyes.
It’s an hour’s drive from Ahmedabad and served by a few bus routes.
Pro tip: For maximum bird-watching fun, visit during winter (November-February).
#DidYouKnow: Thol is a Ramsar site (meaning it’s globally recognised as ecologically important.
Known for: Wetlands & bird-watching.
Location: Check address & plan route via Google Maps
The Rann of Kutch (Kutch district in Gujarat)
Look at the gorgeous expanse!
The huge white salt desert makes Kutch a true and completely stunning “getaway” from Ahmedabad.
Most people visit during the Rann Festival, held from December to February. With cultural programs, adventure activities like hot-air ballooning, and stunning landscapes, it’s a surreal outing.
Take a train or flight to Bhuj, and then continue by road.
#DidYouKnow: The Rann of Kutch is one of the world’s largest salt deserts.
Known for: The Great Rann of Kutch, Dholavira, Jeep & Camel Safaris & Dholavira (Ruins of an ancient city).
Mount Abu (Sirohi district in Rajasthan)
Stunningly beautiful, isn’t it?
Yearning for a friends’ weekend outing that’s even more substantial?
Cross over into Rajasthan for Mount Abu!
The cool climate and lush greenery are a refreshing escape from Ahmedabad.
Make sure you visit the stunning Dilwara temples, a marvel of intricate architecture from over a thousand years ago.
Other stuff to do includes boating on Nakki Lake and enjoying local foods like gatte ki sabzi, dal bati churma, and ghoogri.
#DidYouKnow: The Rann of Kutch is one of the world’s largest salt deserts.
Known for: The Great Rann of Kutch, Dholavira, Jeep & Camel Safaris & Dholavira (Ruins of an ancient city).
4 Ahmedabad attractions for a fun night out!
Just like Boston, the Boston of India (you know Ahmedabad is called that, right?) has plenty of after-dark adventures for you and your friends.
We realise not everyone’s a night owl, so we’ll start with a couple of options for a late evening…
Law Garden Night Market
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As the sun droops, Law Garden in Ellis Bridge transforms into a shopper’s paradise.
Your group will be spoilt for choice, with stalls offering colourful ghagra cholis, Bandhej sarees, Banni embroidery, and ethnic-design home decor.
And if all that walking & shopping makes you hungry, don’t worry—Just like Manek Chowk, Law Garden is also a street food hotspot, with desi classics like golgappas, katka pav, and kulfis, alongside Chinese and Italian treats.
Known for: Clothes, accessories, marriage & home decor shopping, Street food.
Location: Check address & plan route via Google Maps
Sabarmati Riverfront
If your friends prefer a serene evening, plan an outing at the Sabarmati Riverfront.
The Prime Attraction: A walk across Atal Bridge for stunning views across the river and Ahmedabad skyline.
The Riverfront also boasts a number of parks including a Riverfront Park with an Amphitheatre, a Flower Park with a flower valley and a life-sized chess board, and a Biodiversity Park with more than 5000 trees.
And thrill-seekers can hop on a speed boat cruise or enjoy exciting water rides at Entartica SeaWorld.
Location: Check address & plan route via Google Maps
Evening options done, let’s shift to Ahmedabad’s 2 top late-night hangout spots with friends, starting with…
Sphere Lounge at Ramada Hotel
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Settle into cosy brown wicker chairs with your friends and enjoy a delicious Mexican hotpot or a sizzling paneer lababdar with Malabar parathas under the open sky.
The large projected screen is perfect for catching a late-night match or movie while sipping on a lemon-mint mojito or a caramel macchiato.
With its laid-back atmosphere and sweeping views, Sphere Lounge is one of Ahmedabad’s best nightlife locations!
Location: Check address & plan route via Google Maps
Spirit O Sound (SoS) in the Shree Balaji Agora Mall
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A night out with friends at a lit disco? Head for Spirit O Sound!
Hit the dance floor to the DJ’s beats. Enjoy mouthwatering Italian & Mexican fare and refreshing mocktails.
Whether you’re looking for groovy tunes or a chill vibe, SoS delivers!
Pro tip: Every week they have Tambola Tuesday, with games & cash prizes.
Website: Visit their website
Location: Check address & plan route via Google Maps
Bonus: Our top 3 picks for a couple’s outing in Ahmedabad
Looking for lovebird-worthy locations? Choose from our handpicked top 3 places in Ahmedabad for couples.
Vastrapur Lake
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Take a leisurely stroll along the scenic lake pathway. Hold hands as you enjoy a peaceful boat ride.
The gardens surrounding the lake are perfect for a relaxed picnic. Check out the stonework.
Nearby attractions include Ahmedabad One Mall, spas, and Amdavad Ni Gufa, an underground art gallery & cafe that looks like a cave.
Location: Check address & plan route via Google Maps
Catch a movie at Sunset Drive-In Cinema
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Imagine yourself and your bae, stretched out in your car…
Watching a movie under the stars, breathing in fresh air and munching popcorn.
That’s just what you can expect at Sunset Drive-In Cinema.
PS: They have a food court where you can grab some grub as needed. There’s also a garden where you can have a small picnic.
Website: Visit their website
Location: Check address & plan route via Google Maps
Skyz Restaurant & Banquet
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Candlelight dinner seekers of Ahmedabad, head to SKYZ!
Enjoy a romantic meal with live music on their terrace garden.
The menu is vegan-friendly, with North Indian, Italian and Continental cuisines.
PS: We hear their jalebis, pasta, and naans are to die for!
Location: Check address & plan route via Google Maps
Frequently Asked Questions
Which place is best for a one-day trip from Ahmedabad?
Here are some of our top picks…
- Statue of Unity
- Polo Forest
- Nalsarovar
- Kankaria Lake
- Adalaj Step Wells & Trimandir
- Akshardham Temple
- Zanzari Waterfall
Does Ahmedabad have a beach?
Ahmedabad isn’t located along the coast, and so there isn’t a beach within our city.
However, there are several beaches near Ahmedabad, including Mandvi Beach, Dandi Beach, Alibag Beach, and so on.
What are some good places to visit during summer in Ahmedabad?
Your best bet to beat the summer heat is to head for nearby hill stations like Saputara (Dang district in Gujarat), Mount Abu (Sirohi district in Rajasthan), and Suryamal Hill Station (Thane district in Maharashtra).
Ready to plan your Ahmedabad day out with friends?
So there you have it – The 23 top Ahmedabad destinations you should check out with friends and family.
From quick trips like Gujarat Science City to weekend getaways like Polo Forest and options for cutting loose like exploring the pols…We have it all covered!
Which ones are YOU planning to visit?