14 Places to Visit in Shimla for First-Timers

Planning a trip and looking for places to visit in Shimla? This list includes all of the most iconic spots in Shimla and popular nearby destinations just outside the city. Enjoy this picturesque town on the foothills of the Himalayas for a fun and peaceful escape!

Shimla is a small city on the edge of the Himalayas and is a popular destination in Himachal Pradesh! It is absolutely stunning with breathtaking views of the mountains, lush valleys, and forests. The city is calm and inviting, and it’s the perfect spot for travelers looking to see the mountains!

There are a lot of remarkable places to visit in Shimla. During colonial times, the British saw Shimla as a great destination to escape the heat in many other parts of the country. As such, there is a lot of colonial-style architecture that makes the city unique and beautiful!

While many people enjoy spending a few days in Shimla, it’s also a great base to take day trips or travel to nearby hill stations. The nature surrounding the city is stunning and there are many small villages outside the city for travelers to stay and enjoy the scenery.

I spent 2 weeks traveling to Shimla and nearby areas with my husband and friends, and it was one of my favorite regions to travel in Himachal Pradesh! The city is so cute to walk around and explore, and we also had a relaxing time on the outskirts of the city. I’d highly recommend Shimla for people wanting to travel in north India and be near the Himalayas!

This post is all about places to visit in Shimla.

Best Places to Visit in Shimla

#1 The Ridge

The Ridge is the most popular and iconic spot in Shimla! It’s a beautiful overlook with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The Ridge is the perfect area to take pictures, take a stroll or sit and relax while enjoying the views. There are a lot of little cafes and shops to see as well.

#2 Mall Road

Right near the Ridge is Mall Road. This is a pedestrian-only road that’s full of small shops and eateries. It’s the perfect place to look for any souvenirs, do some shopping, or enjoy a little treat! The architecture along the road is also colonial-style and beautiful!

#3 Christ Church

Christ Church is one of the most famous landmarks of the city. It was built in 1857 by the British and is a beautiful structure with stained glass windows. It continues to be used as a church today but is also a popular tourist attraction and is worth seeing!

Christ Church is at the end of The Ridge and Mall Road. Since they are all so close, a great plan is to walk around the area and enjoy all three!

#4 Lakkar Bazaar

Lakkar Bazaar is also near the Ridge and is a fun area to walk around. It’s famous for selling various wooden items like toys, decor, instruments, and a lot of other random, cool things! You can do a little shopping here or just enjoy looking at the variety of items in the small shops and stands.

#5 Shri Hanuman Mandir Jakhoo

West of the popular city area is the Shri Hanuman Mandir Jakhoo. This is a temple dedicated to Hanuman, the famous monkey god.

There is a nice small trek to get to the temple. It’s well-paved but a bit steep up a big hill. The walk is beautiful and full of greenery. It’s a great way to enjoy nature and also see a popular sight in Shimla.

At the temple, there is a HUGE statue of Hanuman which is the highlight of the temple. There is a lot of space to walk around the area and enjoy the viewpoints as well. (Walking up and seeing the temple was my favorite thing to do in Shimla!)

#6 Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex

The Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex is one of the best places to visit in Shimla for anyone interested in art or seeking a cultural experience! It’s a huge, beautifully designed building that is a landmark in Shimla and has been operating for well over 100 years. You can tour the building, attend an exhibition or enjoy a performance!

#7 Rashtrapati Niwas (Previously called Viceregal Lodge)

Rashtrapati Niwas is towards the western side of the city and is a stunning building surrounded by gardens. It was built in the 1880’s and was used by prominent British figures during colonial rule. Now it’s used by the Indian Institute of Advanced Study.

While tourists can’t enter the building, it’s a breathtaking sight to see. You can also walk around the well-kept gardens that are full of various flowers and plants. It’s perfect for a stroll and to relax.

#8 Himachal State Museum

Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh and holds a lot of history! This museum is a nice spot for travelers looking to learn more about the cultural heritage and the region’s past.

The museum has various exhibits and artifacts that includes sculptures, photographs, coins, traditional clothing and artworks. There are also a lot of preserved tools and daily utensils from tribal communities in the state.

The Museum is open every day (except Monday and holidays) and costs a small fee.

#9 Cafes and Restaurants like Cafe Simla Times, Eighteen71 Cookhouse & Bar and Himachali Rasoi

All of these eateries are in the downtown area of Shimla near the main tourist attractions, and they are all unique in their own way! There are so many options for great food around the city, but these are some of the most popular.

• Cafe Simla Times – This cafe is famous for its cute interior design and outdoor terrace that has a stunning view of the city and surrounding mountains! They have a wide variety of foods like Italian, Chinese and Indian.
• Eighteen 71 Cookhouse and Bar – This is one of the best known restaurants in Shimla and is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for a drink! It’s got a cozy vibe and serves a mix of different types of food. They are most famous for their unique cocktails and Chinese options on the menu!

• Himachali Rasoi – If you’re looking to try the best of local Himachal food, you have to check out Himachali Rasoi! They offer thalis (plates that full meals a variety of foods) and local cuisines. You have to try the sidhus! This is one food I’ve never been able to find outside of Himachal but forever miss.

Nearby Places to Visit in Shimla (not directly in the city, but within 25km)

Shimla is a cute little city, but it’s also a hub for travelers to take day trips from or short trips nearby to be surrounded by the stunning nature.

#10 Chadwick Falls

Chadwick Falls is one of the most popular places to visit in Shimla and is only 7 km from the city center. It’s a beautiful waterfall where you can spend a few hours in nature. To get to the waterfall, there is a short walk surrounded by forests. It’s a nice getaway from the city where you can be a little active and enjoy the views of the waterfall!

#11 Tara Devi Temple

Tara Devi Temple is 11 km from Shimla and is a beautiful temple located high up on a hill. There are stunning views overlooking the valleys and mountains. The temple is also beautiful and has traditional Himachali architecture with a lot of wooden designs.

#12 Fagu

Fagu is 22 km from Shimla and is famous for its apple orchards. This was my favorite place to stay near Shimla because it was so peaceful and relaxing. No matter where you look, the views of the hills and mountains are stunning. We had great luck and saw a double rainbow over the mountains there!

#13 Kufri & Green Valley

Kufri is a picturesque hill station 13 km from Shimla. It’s famous for its scenery, tails for trekking, and skiing in the winter. It’s a beautiful escape from the city and perfect to relax in nature.

Green Valley is a famous scenic area on the way between Shimla and Kufri. You can stop your car to get out and enjoy the views and take pictures. Green Valley (also called Hassan Valley) is a place where several Bollywood movies have also been filmed!

#14 Naldehra

If you enjoy golfing, then Naldehra is one of the best places to visit in Shimla! It’s 20 km from the city and is famous for its golf course which is one of the oldest in India. It’s also surrounded by mountains so the scenery is breathtaking.

Shimla was definitely one of my favorite places to travel to in India! The surrounding areas are also perfect for relaxing and connecting with nature. If you’re planning a trip and thinking of what to pack, be sure to check out this extensive India packing list!

You can also see thee best places to travel in India by state for more destinations! Happy traveling!

This post was all about the best places to visit in Shimla.