Armritsar, a lively city in Punjab, India, is bursting with spirituality, history, and culture. While the Golden Temple is its most famous landmark, the city offers so much more—bustling bazaars, historic memorials, and an amazing variety of vegetarian cuisine that thrilled me as a vegetarian traveler.
When I planned my trip to India, Amritsar wasn’t even on my radar. My focus was on Delhi and Dharamshala —especially McLeod Ganj, a hill town just above Dharamshala where I ended up spending quite a bit of time. But after my stay there, I had a few extra days before heading back to Delhi and started looking for somewhere to stop in between. Amritsar kept coming up, and I figured if nothing else, it was worth seeing the Golden Temple—something I’d always heard about but never imagined I’d actually visit. I booked a car through MakeMyTrip for the five-hour drive. It was a long ride, but you see a lot along the way, and it gave me a different glimpse of Punjab.
What I found in Amritsar was a city full of contrasts—calm and chaotic, spiritual and lively. From savoring local flavors to witnessing its history up close, here are 10 must-do experiences to make the most of your visit.
The Golden Temple, officially known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, is the holiest site in Sikhism and draws millions of visitors every year. Its gold-covered structure sits in the middle of a sacred pool known as a Sarovar.
The temple’s golden reflection on the water was striking, and the whole place felt alive with activity. Although it was hot and crowded when I visited, the beauty of the temple and the energy around it made it worth it.
Wide marble walkways and open courtyards surround the Sarovar, offering plenty of space to take in the views or watch as people move through the complex. We returned a few days later in the evening to see the Palki Sahib Ceremony.
During this nightly ritual, the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of Sikhism) is carried in a golden palanquin from the main temple to its resting place for the night. Seeing the temple illuminated at night was stunning, and the sound of hymns made the moment even more special.
The Golden Temple’s community kitchen, or langar, is a remarkable example of service and unity. It serves over 50,000 free meals daily to people from all walks of life. Walking into the kitchen, I was blown away by the scale of the operation. Volunteers worked seamlessly, peeling garlic, rolling dough, and stirring massive pots of dal and vegetables. Watching them work was mesmerizing, and their dedication was truly inspiring.
The naan-making process was just as fascinating. Some volunteers rolled dough by hand with practiced precision, while others used machines that turned out perfect naan into large woven baskets. They were making roti too, flattening dough into thin discs and cooking them on huge griddles until they puffed up just right. Even the dishwashing was impressive, with volunteers working in an assembly line to clean thousands of metal plates and utensils.
In the dining hall, people sat together cross-legged on the floor, sharing the same simple meal of dal, rice, and naan. The clang of plates and the rhythmic serving of food created an atmosphere of unity and equality.
The Jallianwala Bagh Memorial is a must for anyone visiting Amritsar, a place that quietly honors the lives lost in the 1919 massacre. The bullet-riddled walls are a stark reminder of the tragedy, while the calm and peaceful surroundings feel like such a contrast to what happened there.
Seeing the Martyrs’ Well was especially heartbreaking. During the attack, people jumped in to escape the gunfire, but over 120 bodies were later recovered. Standing there, it was impossible not to think about the fear and desperation they must have felt.
The small museum on-site helps put everything into perspective. It’s filled with photographs, letters, and articles that not only document the massacre but also show how it shaped the independence movement. Personal stories and old photos bring the history to life in a way that feels painfully real.
The Wagah Border Ceremony is a lively combination of patriotism, energy, and showmanship. Held every evening at the India-Pakistan border, about an hour’s drive from Amritsar, the atmosphere was electric. The crowd buzzed with excitement, waving flags and singing along to patriotic songs. Being on the Indian side was such a fun and lively experience—the pride was everywhere. Cheers and chants echoed, and flags waved in unison. I couldn’t resist jumping in too and even grabbed a little flag from one of the vendors walking through the stands.
Before the official ceremony started, the mood was much more relaxed and festive. People were dancing to Bollywood hits, turning the stands into a mini celebration. But as soon as the soldiers stepped onto the stage—or rather, the border—the vibe changed. Their sharp salutes, powerful stomps, and sky-high kicks were packed with precision and intensity. Even with the underlying rivalry, you could sense the mutual respect and shared ritual between the two sides.
Hall Bazaar was loud, busy, and full of life. It’s one of the oldest markets in Amritsar, and you can find just about anything—clothes, jewelry, fabrics, spices, snacks, electronics. The main lanes were crowded, but they kept branching off into smaller alleys, each packed with more shops and food vendors. The smell of cumin, turmeric, and fried snacks hung in the air.
I stopped at one stall making fresh jalebi, a popular dessert in India. The vendor was pouring spirals of batter into hot oil and pulling them out golden and crisp before dunking them in syrup. Not far from there, I found rows of silk juttis (traditional Punjabi shoes). The bright colors and detailed embroidery—each pair prettier than the last—totally pulled me in. I picked up a few to get a closer look and still kind of wish I’d brought a pair home.
It was a feast for the senses, but honestly, what I loved most was watching everyday life unfold around me. In one section, I saw workers moving bricks—not with wheelbarrows, but with huge baskets balanced on their heads. Each one had 10 or 15 bricks, and they kept walking back and forth like it was no big deal. Over in the garment area, I saw girls behind sewing machines and men sitting on stoops, quietly hand-embroidering. There was just so much to see.
And right in the middle of it all was the Baba Bohar Temple, which I couldn’t miss, of course—it had a huge tree growing straight through the middle of it. Even with all the noise around it, the space felt surprisingly calm. That mix of peace and chaos is what really stuck with me.
It’s a spot that’s easy to overlook—but don’t. Hall Bazaar is absolutely worth a visit.
What surprised me most was stumbling upon the Baba Bohar Temple tucked into the market. A massive tree grows right through the small shrine, giving it an almost mystical vibe in the midst of the market’s chaos. This juxtaposition of calm and chaos made Hall Bazaar unforgettable.
This might sound like a quirky addition, but the all-vegetarian McDonald’s in Amritsar is worth visiting just for the fun of it! I tried the McSpice Paneer sandwich—a delicious combination of spiced paneer and fresh veggies—and their McFlavor Fries, which came with a tangy and spicy seasoning. As a vegetarian, it felt like a treat to have so many options, and I couldn’t help but wish McDonald’s back home had such inventive items on their menu.
Just 40 minutes from Amritsar, the village of Gohalwarh was a much-needed break from the city’s energy. Spending time with a local family gave me a glimpse into rural Punjab. They greeted me with warm smiles and chai served in earthen cups. We chatted about farming, festivals, and their day-to-day lives, and they even let me help fry pakoras in their outdoor kitchen
Lunch was a feast of chapatis, Punjabi dal, okra, basmati rice, and curd. The flavors were simple but rich, and everything tasted fresh and wholesome. Before I left, they tied colorful strings around my wrist—a gesture symbolizing friendship that I’ll always remember.
If you want to feel the energy of Amritsar, there’s no better way than hopping on a rickshaw. My ride took me through narrow streets bustling with activity—vendors shouting, shoppers bargaining, and motorbikes whizzing by. The driver maneuvered through it all with ease, and the thrill of weaving through the city left me grinning from ear to ear.
Walking back to my hotel, my guide pointed out a small shop that specialized in computerized stamps. I wouldn’t have thought to stop there, but I ended up ordering a stamp with my TravelsAfoot logo. A few hours later, it was ready—neatly packaged in a small box. It’s now one of my favorite souvenirs, and I love how unique it is compared to anything else I brought back.
Having a local guide in Amritsar made such a difference. I booked the Amritsar City Tour (Including Wagah Border Ceremony) through Viator, and my guide was just fantastic. Whether it was navigating the hustle of Hall Bazaar, explaining the ceremony at the Wagah Border, or introducing me to new flavors like Kulle ki Chaat (a mix of black chickpeas and sweet semolina paste), their insights added so much to the experience. A good guide doesn’t just show you places—they help you connect with them.
Amritsar is a city full of contrasts and unforgettable experiences. Its blend of spirituality, history, culture, and hospitality left a lasting impression on me. Whether you’re visiting the Golden Temple or exploring its lively bazaars, Amritsar offers something unique around every corner.
You might also enjoy reading:
A Day in Old Delhi’s Chandni Chowk: Explore the vibrant streets of Old Delhi, savoring traditional food and navigating bustling bazaars
8 Days of Momo: The Best Bites in McLeod Ganj – Follow my trail of momo tastings in this Tibetan-influenced mountain town near Dharamshala.
India has so many layers to explore, and Amritsar added an unexpected chapter to my journey. If you’re heading between Dharamshala and Delhi, don’t skip it—you might end up loving it just as much as I did.
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