Bhaktapur Durbar Square
A living museum of Newari culture, Bhaktapur Durbar Square boasts ancient palaces, temples, and vibrant artistry.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden light
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A living museum of Newari culture, Bhaktapur Durbar Square boasts ancient palaces, temples, and vibrant artistry.
"All of a sudden, you find yourself transported to another era."
🎟️ Keep Your Entry Ticket
Your ticket grants access to multiple sites within the square. Don't lose it! :admission_tickets:
🚶♀️ Explore All Four Squares
Bhaktapur has four distinct squares; ensure you visit them all for the full experience.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 23,283 reviews
Type
Plaza
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
55 Window Palace
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Marvel at the intricate woodwork and 55 windows of this stunning royal palace, a testament to Newari craftsmanship.
Pottery Square
Near Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Witness artisans shaping clay into beautiful pottery. Try your hand at making your own piece for a unique souvenir.
Nyatapola Temple
Taumadhi Square
Climb the five-tiered pagoda, Nepal's tallest, for panoramic views and a glimpse into ancient architectural prowess.
Juju Dhau (King Yogurt)
Local eateries
Savor the creamy, sweet 'King Yogurt,' a delicious local specialty unique to Bhaktapur.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Living Museum
Ticket Savvy for Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Keep Your Entry Ticket
Your ticket grants access to multiple sites within the square. Don't lose it! :admission_tickets:
🚶♀️ Explore All Four Squares
Bhaktapur has four distinct squares; ensure you visit them all for the full experience.
🍜 Taste Local Delicacies
Don't miss Juju Dhau (king yogurt) and other Newari foods. Budget breakfast options are available!
🏺 Try Pottery Making
Visit Pottery Square and get hands-on with clay for a unique cultural experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Keep Your Entry Ticket
Your ticket grants access to multiple sites within the square. Don't lose it! :admission_tickets:
🚶♀️ Explore All Four Squares
Bhaktapur has four distinct squares; ensure you visit them all for the full experience.
🍜 Taste Local Delicacies
Don't miss Juju Dhau (king yogurt) and other Newari foods. Budget breakfast options are available!
🏺 Try Pottery Making
Visit Pottery Square and get hands-on with clay for a unique cultural experience.
🗣️ Chat with Locals
Engage with residents for a more authentic and quirky travel experience.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Cobblestone streets and extensive walking require comfortable footwear. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is lauded as a stunning, well-preserved historical gem with breathtaking Newari architecture and a peaceful atmosphere. Visitors praise its authenticity, intricate carvings, and the unique cultural experience it offers, especially compared to busier sites. Some find the entrance fee a bit high, but most agree it's well worth the cost for the immersive journey into Nepal's past.
"Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a stunning showcase of Nepal’s rich history and traditional Newari architecture. There are 4 different square and make sure you visited all 4. I personally think it is the most stunning square in Kathmandu. The temples, courtyards, and intricate wood carvings are truly breathtaking. It’s less crowded than Kathmandu’s squares, making it perfect for a peaceful cultural experience. A must-visit for history lovers and photographers!"
eddy teo
"Must visit Durbar square in Bhaktapur, Kathmandu.
It is located a bit out of Kathmandu main city, 13 kms away.
I paid 500 NPR for the entry being from a SAARC country 🇮🇳
There is a museum also which you should visit along with the Taleju bhawani temple where animals are also sacrificed
It is the biggest and grandest among the three - others being Kathmandu & Patan durbar square.
Had a lot of local food like Juju Dhau (creamy yogurt), Yomari, Chatpate, Sukhapuri, Newari Khaja set there.
Date of Visit - 3rd January 2025"
Kunal Goyal
"Easy to get to with Pathao, I didn’t spend half a day wandering the narrow surrounding streets but you probably could. Another amazing slice of history in Kathmandu"
Margo Rhys-Jones
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can easily reach Bhaktapur Durbar Square from Kathmandu by hiring a taxi or using ride-sharing apps like Pathao. Local buses are also an affordable option, though they may take longer. The journey is about 13 km from Kathmandu city.
Yes, taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Bhaktapur for your return journey to Kathmandu.
While some areas might have limited access for four-wheelers, parking is generally available near the square.
The best way to explore Bhaktapur is on foot. Its charm lies in wandering through its narrow alleys and discovering hidden courtyards.
Yes, local guides can be hired at the entrance to provide in-depth historical and cultural insights into the square and its monuments.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Foreigners typically pay an entrance fee, which was around 500 NPR for SAARC country citizens. Keep your ticket as it grants access to multiple sites within the square.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is generally open from sunrise to sunset. Specific museum hours may vary.
No, your initial entrance ticket usually covers access to the main Durbar Square and surrounding temples and courtyards.
Information on specific discounts for students or children is not widely available, but it's worth inquiring at the ticket counter.
It's advisable to keep your ticket with you for re-entry, though policies can vary. It's best to clarify at the entrance.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Don't miss the 55 Window Palace, Nyatapola Temple, Taleju Bhawani Temple, and the various museums showcasing local art and history.
Compared to other squares in the Kathmandu Valley, Bhaktapur is often less crowded, offering a more peaceful cultural experience.
Expect exquisite Newari architecture, intricate wood carvings, stone sculptures, and pagoda-style temples.
Yes, there are several museums within and near the square, displaying historical artifacts, artworks, and traditional crafts.
Photography is generally allowed in most areas, but it's always respectful to ask permission before photographing individuals or inside temples.
🍽️ 🍜 Food & Dining
You must try Juju Dhau (King Yogurt), Yomari, Chatpate, and the Newari Khaja set. Budget-friendly options like papad rolls and bara are also available.
Numerous local eateries and restaurants within and around the Durbar Square offer authentic Newari dishes.
Yes, you can find affordable local snacks and meals, with some breakfast items costing as little as 50 Rupees.
Most Newari cuisine has vegetarian components, and many dishes can be prepared without meat. Juju Dhau is a popular vegetarian choice.
Many local food stalls, especially for breakfast items, open very early, around 5 AM, and continue until late morning or evening.
📸 📸 Photography
The 55 Window Palace, Nyatapola Temple, Peacock Lane, and the intricate wood carvings offer fantastic photo opportunities. +1
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with golden hour providing a magical glow.
While generally permitted, always be respectful and ask for permission before photographing individuals or inside sacred temple areas.
Look for the iconic Peacock Window, traditional Newari architecture, and vibrant street life.
Drone usage is typically restricted in heritage sites and densely populated areas. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit