Just One Day in Pune? | What To Do On a Weekend in Pune

So what are the Top Things to do in Pune especially over a weekend? I have been living in Pune for a few years now and used to visit it often even before that, and so have a fair bit of experience about Pune city's food, culture and heritage. There is actually so much to do in Pune, and a lot of it still remains unexplored. I make it a point to visit and explore a new place in Pune every weekend that I am in the city, and that makes me fall more and more in love with it.

So, whether you live in Pune or just visiting it for a day, there is lots that can be done in the city. Here are some of my recommendations on Top Things to do in Pune. I have broken it down into three clear section - morning, afternoon and evening with specific recommendations for each time. The recommendations are on food, culture and historical things to do.

Do read till the end and check-out my recommendations on the video about the city :)

Pune things to do on a day weekend food travel architecture city walk ideas tourism
Pune - things to do

Morning

Start your day with a drive from the airport straight to Vaishali, located on the famous Fergusen College Road for breakfast. A true Puneri is very particular about food and this is the place where both locals as well as travelers come together to enjoy the morning delicacies. Its popular for South Indian food, but I would recommend eating some Maharashtrian food. My suggestion would be 'Sabudana vada' which is absolutely delicious!

After breakfast, head out to 'Roopali', which is right opposite to Vaishali for some good Filter Coffee. Both the place have the same owners, but different ambiance. Most old timers as well as older generations actually prefer Roopali.

Once you have had food, its time to head out and explore the city a little more. Put on your backpack and walking shoes and head out to Shivaji bridge. Its an old bridge, great for walking and photography, and its also your entry point into old Pune, across the bridge. Next on agenda is Shanivar Vada which is a few minutes walk from here. Its one of the few surviving monuments from the golden Peshwa era of Pune and looking at it you can easily imagine the glorious past of the city.

While you are in the old city area (called peth), do spend some time looking around and checking out the old houses of Pune. This is my favorite activity on a weekend whenever I have time, there is always something new and beautiful to be discovered here.

Afternoon

Afternoon time is food time and I would really recommend spending some good time exploring the food of the old city. Head out to MG Road (I know almost all cities have it!) and try out the Chutni-Sandwich at Marz-o-Rin. Its an iconic place for most Punekers.

Once done with lunch, its time for some food shopping. Across the street you will find the legendary Budhani chips - do pay them a visit and pick some potato wafers. Now its time for something sweet and so you need to go to Kayani Bakery to buy Shruberry biscuits and Mawa cake. These would be your gifts for the loved ones back at home :)

Post food, its time for exploring some more of the city. Head out to the Aga Khan Palace and relearn a little bit more about India's freedom struggle. Its a beautiful heritage building and also houses the samadhi of Kasturba Gandhi (Mahatma Gandhi's wife).

Evening

All the walking at Aga Khan Palace would surely make it essential to replenish yourself so head out to Koregaon Park for some evening coffee and snacks. I recommend going to the German Bakery. Its a great place to simply sit and chill. The crowd is good and the cakes even better.

After coffee and food, do walk around in the area. There is some interesting street shopping to be done, also some street art to be discovered. You can also head towards Osho Ashram which is right across the street in Lane 1.

As evening falls, its time for the last meal of the day - Dinner! I recommend ABC Farms for this - its a farm cum collection of some cool restaurants. You can walk or take an autorickshaw to reach there, and you won't be disappointed. I recommend going to Sheesha Cafe for your meal, and try out their Iranian cuisine. Food is great and there is live music as well.

Once done with food, its time to head back to the airport and take back the amazing memories (and food) back home to your loved one :)

And before you leave, do not forget to SUBSCRIBE to my Travel Video Channel :)





Special thanks to Cafe Ssong Book for the shoot location. If you are in Pune and love books, you must absolutely visit them in Aundh!

Comments

  1. *Check out this list of the top travel destinations in India.*

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  2. Is Pune only about food? nowhere mention what cultural activities one can do in the city. I wander if there are any!

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    Replies
    1. There is much more to Pune, of course. This is just plan for one day, and includes visits to monuments as well.

      For more days, the itinerary can include much more, including heritage walk, and walk tracking the street art in the city. There is lots but it takes more days than just one...

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    2. @Imeyne check out the "Gram sanskruti udyan" in Pashan and get an authentic feel of village life in India, the sculptures are beautiful. Also see Sinhagad fort and Raja Dinkar Kelkar muscum, it's a very rich museum and you will enjoy the splendor of the Peshwas of Pune. Peshwas were the brahmin kings who enjoyed a leisurely lifestyle and indulgence in arts.

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  3. Great post! I agree that Shaniwarwada Fort is a must-see in Pune. It is also at the top of my own list things you need to see in Pune:)

    https://away-again.com/india-location-part-1-what-you-need-to-see-in-pune/

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  4. I am taking this post for serious...my dates is on with all the mentioned places tmrw!

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  5. This is brilliant. I found your blog by chance via google. I've a conference to attend 10-3pm and arrive at 630am. At least I now know where to go for breakfast!

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  6. Seriously, I'd be bloated silly if I followed your plan for a day in Pune!

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    Replies
    1. I guess I agree that the focus on food is high...but then it's just one day and I want people to take as many experiences as possible!

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  7. Eateries like roopali, vaishali, marz-o-rin are grossly over rated. In fact whatever place which claims to be 'famous' in pune will surely gonna disappoint non punekars. It's the unknown 'tapris', small roadside eateris and resraurants hidden from the hustle and bustle of the ciry which will surprise you with their food! Pune is called the 'queen of deccan' and it sums up what exactly one should do apart from all written above while in pune. Trek on the hills around

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    1. I totally agree!! Staying here in Pune for the last 5 yrs marzorin, roopali, vaishali, chaitanya etc are way overrated. There are much better food options available.

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  8. Thanks for the post. My key take away - In short, nothing to do in Pune

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  9. @Siddharth! This amazing article made me feel sooooo nostalgic. I am missing Vaishali, Shniwarwada, Camp area and everything. That city has so much to offer. Proud to be a Punekar!

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    1. Thanks so much Renu! I also recently moved out of Pune and feel nostalgic about the place...there is so much to like and love there :)

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  10. Thanks for sharing this helpful knowledge with us. This is wonderful knowledge sharing article. This article is very informative and useful. I am glad that I read this article. I am requesting you to keep share this kind of stuff so that we can improve our self and we can learn different things from your blog.
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