Hyderabad: How and where to spend 24 hours

Hyderabad the 450-year-old historical city founded by the Qutub Shahi dynasty is a great city to visit for a day; there's a lot you can do within the span of 24 hours, from visiting historical sights to sitting by the Hussain Sagar lake and dining on delicious Hyderabadi biryani.

Sightseeing

Wake up early in the morning and head to Golconda Fort and Seven Tombs -- spend some time soaking in the local culture and climb to the top for a view of the bustling city if you're feeling adventurous.

Then you can set off for Charminar, Mecca Masjid, and Salar Jung Museum for a glimpse of the Veiled Rebecca, a sculpture by Italian artist Giovanni Maria Benzoni -- it's a must-see. Then finish off with a visit to the Hussain Sagar in the evening before hitting those bars. It's also worthwhile to get a sense of Tollywood by either visiting Ramoji Film City or catching a Telugu flick in the city's posh multiplexes.

Eating Out

Truly a food lover's paradise, Hyderabad has something for every palate and wallet. The city's local cuisine is a blend of Persian and Mughlai culinary styles. Try the legendary Paradise Hotel that is said to serve the best Hyderabadi biryani in the city or the consistently good Hyderabad House. There's also the Three Cheers Restaurant behind Amrutha Castle at Saifabad. Not to miss the authentic hyderabadi restaurant Shadab at Charminar. If you're up for a bit of adventure, stroll down the streets of the Old City, especially the Charminar area and settle down at one of the eateries there.

Shopping

If you have some time on your hands, I would recommend the markets around Charminar for cheap steals. This is also where you will find the famous bangles and pearls of Hyderabad. Or, for a less local experience, you could head for the expensive malls around the Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills areas. If it's value for money you want, you should visit the Ameerpet, Abids and General Bazaar areas.

Nightlife

When the sun sets and its time to clink those glasses, remember that Hyderabadis change their loyalties every two weeks. This is not just because of the city's limited and interconnected social circuit but also the constant influx of new clubs in town.

Currently, the most happening spots in town are Excess (Hotel Novotel), On Lounge, Touch, 360 Degrees and Ahala (Taj Krishna), subject to change depending on the number of new clubs launching this weekend!

Popular old-time favourites are Bottles & Chimney, 10 Downing Street and Firangi Paani which offer more of a pub experience, one that is greatly lacking in an otherwise party-loving city.

Getting around

To get around the city, I would suggest you use the auto rickshaws, since public transport (except for the local metro) is undependable, not well-connected and is always jam-packed. You can usually ask for the metre rates, but sometimes it is worthwhile to pay 5 or 10 bucks over and above.