Amritsar, Punjab, has always been a bucket-list destination for me, and this Amritsar travel guide is based on my recent visit during a seven-week trip across India.
Being from Canada, home to one of the largest Punjabi communities outside India, I was always curious to experience this vibrant city for myself. So when I planned my seven-week adventure through India, there was no way I was going to skip Amritsar.
While the Golden Temple was the main reason I wanted to visit, I quickly discovered there was so much more to the city. From its deep spirituality and warm hospitality to its incredible street food and lively atmosphere, Amritsar exceeded my expectations.
This Amritsar travel guide will help you plan the perfect visit, including a 2-day itinerary, the best things to do, where to stay, how to get around, where to eat, and practical travel tips to make the most of your time in the city.
When I arrived at Amritsar Junction by train from Jaipur, I could feel the city’s energy immediately. The moment I stepped outside the station, I was surrounded by the sounds of traffic, vendors, and bustling streets—and before I’d even reached my hostel, I was already enjoying my first Punjabi street food and a couple of delicious chais for breakfast.
From there, I made the roughly 40-minute walk to my hostel near the Golden Temple. Wandering through busy markets, weaving around rickshaws, and taking in my first sights of the city on a scorching hot day was an experience I won’t forget. By the time I arrived, I already knew Amritsar would be one of the highlights of my trip through India.
My Amritsar Itinerary Map
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Amritsar Travel Guide: How to Get to Amritsar
Amritsar has both a major train station and an airport. Depending on how much time you have, either option is great. For me, I had time, so the train was the way to go.
Train Journey from Jaipur
I took the train from Jaipur to Amritsar Junction. It’s a 14-hour journey that cost me 1500 rupees (17 USD). I chose a 2nd-class overnight train, so $17 USD for a long train journey, and a place to sleep is pretty good, if you ask me.
The overnight train journey was a great experience. I saw the countryside, met some amazing people, and slept well. Even though I’m 6’1”, I can fully stretch out in the beds.
If you haven’t been on a train in India, you’ll find that they serve snacks, meals, and drinks, including 10-rupee chai, and provide bedding. I also met some Punjabis on the train, which was a great way to pick up some tips before arriving in Amritsar.
Amritsar travel guide, India Railways comfort tip – I recommend booking a lower bunk as it’s much more comfortable and makes it easier to relax, sit up, and move around.
Left: Stretching out and relaxing in my bed for the long overnight journey to Amritsar from Jaipur. Right: An Indian Railways 10 rupee chai.
👉 I booked all my train journeys across India using 12Go. Booking Indian trains from outside the country can be confusing, and popular routes often sell out well in advance. I prefer 12Go because they handle the booking process, making it much easier for international travellers. In many cases, you can still secure a seat even after trains appear sold out on the official booking system.
👉 If you’re short on time and would rather fly, I used Skyscanner to book my domestic flights across India. Skyscanner compares prices across airlines and travel booking sites, making it easy to find the best available fare without having to search multiple websites.
Arrival at Amritsar Junction
Amritsar Junction is the city’s main railway station and a convenient arrival point if you’re travelling by train. Once you step outside, you’ll find plenty of auto rickshaws (tuk-tuks), a bus stop directly in front of the station, and numerous shops and street-food vendors.
The Golden Temple area is only about a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride from the station, making it easy to reach your accommodation. If you’re travelling light and enjoy exploring on foot, you can also walk in in about 40 minutes, passing through busy markets and getting your first glimpse of everyday life in Amritsar along the way.
👉 Planning to visit Jaipur on your trip to India? Check out my Jaipur Tuk-Tuk Tour blog, where I visited all of Jaipur’s top sights in one day.
Amritsar Travel Guide: Getting Around the City
The main ways to get around Amritsar are by rickshaw (tuk-tuk), taxi, bus, and, my favourite, on foot. If you stay near the Golden Temple, like I did, you can walk to many of the attractions. I only took taxis to the airport on my way out and to the famous Wagah Atari Border Ceremony. As I mentioned earlier, there is a bus system if you want to be more adventurous. In this section of my Amritsar travel guide, I will break down the local transportation options.
Walking vs Auto Rickshaws
I prefer to walk, but rickshaws are very popular in Amritsar. I took a rickshaw to Tumble Dry to do my laundry and to the Yellow Chilli one evening for a nice night out for dinner on Valentine’s Day. A date with myself, ha. For everything else, I walked, except when I took taxis, as mentioned above.
Ride apps, Booking Taxis and Pricing Expectations
Uber is very popular in Amritsar, and it’s my first go-to. It’s hassle-free and safe and reliable. Generally, within the city and the Golden Temple area, you can go just about anywhere for between 40 and 200 rupees (40 cents – $2 USD).
If you decide to find a taxi or rickshaw on the street, expect Uber pricing, but they will start at much higher rates. It will take your best negotiating skills to get them down to the Uber standard. Avoid the hassle and just take an Uber.
Where to Stay in Amritsar (Amritsar Travel Guide)
The best area to stay in Amritsar is around the Golden Temple. Staying nearby means you can easily walk to many of the city’s top attractions, restaurants, and markets, with plenty of hotels and hostels to choose from.
I stayed at The Hosteller Amritsar, about a 10-minute walk from the Golden Temple. Its central location made it an excellent base for exploring the city on foot.
One thing I noticed while staying in hostels across India was that many of the guests were Indian travellers exploring their own country. At The Hosteller Amritsar, I’d estimate that about 80% of the guests were Indian and 20% were international travelers. I really enjoyed this because it was a great opportunity to get recommendations from both locals and fellow travellers—not only for Amritsar but for destinations across India.
The Hosteller features a top-floor lounge, comfortable private and shared rooms, a common area, and a vibrant social atmosphere. I stayed in a private room and found it clean, comfortable, and a great value for the price.
The hostel also helped arrange my private taxi to the Wagah–Attari Border Ceremony and offered a variety of tours and sightseeing options, making it easy to plan activities during my stay.
Prefer staying in a hotel? Check out the best hotels in Amritsar here.
If you want to check out available hostels in Amritsar, this is my Hostelworld affiliate link.
Amritsar Travel Guide 2-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Golden Temple & Old City
This is what you came to Amritsar for—the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib). It is a truly special place that is hard to put into words. For me, it was the most peaceful and spiritual place I have ever experienced, and I’ve visited temples and places of worship all over the world.
While in Amritsar, I visited the Golden Temple three times—once in the evening, once early in the morning, and once for lunch at the Langar Hall. It really is that special.
There is a deep sense of calm as you walk around the Amrit Sarovar, the sacred pool surrounding the temple. In the background, you hear continuous Kirtan—devotional hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh holy scripture), performed live by musicians within the complex. The atmosphere is both peaceful and powerful, especially as the Golden Temple reflects beautifully on the water.
Golden Temple Google Maps Tip: If you are walking, enter Harmandir Sahib, the official temple name, into your Google Maps. If you enter “Golden Temple,” it takes you to another Sikh Temple that is definitely not the Golden Temple.
Early Morning/Sunrise Experience
The early morning is the best time to visit the Golden Temple. It is incredibly peaceful, with the temple perfectly reflected in the still waters of the sacred pool. At this time of day, you’ll see Sikhs bathing in the sacred pool as part of their spiritual practice, while Kirtan hymns play softly in the background. The temple’s importance in Sikhism becomes even more apparent when you witness these daily rituals firsthand.
Sunrise over the Golden Temple is one of the most spectacular sights you will ever see.
There is also a quiet sense of activity throughout the complex in the morning, as prayers and ceremonies take place while the city slowly wakes up. Simply walking around and watching everything unfold is an unforgettable experience.
👉 If you’d like to visit Vrindavan, one of India’s most important Hindu temple cities, check out my Vrindavan Travel Guide.
Going Inside the Golden Temple
I highly recommend going inside the Golden Temple. Many travelers skip this part because of the long queues, but it is absolutely worth it. Wait times vary depending on when you visit. In the afternoon, especially on weekends and holidays, the line can stretch for several hours. I went just after sunrise and waited about 1–2 hours. Locals also told me that late at night, around 3 a.m., the queue is often almost non-existent. If you want to avoid the longest waits, early morning or late night are your best options.
Even the queue is part of the experience. There’s a real sense of calm among the crowd, with quiet conversations and a shared sense of anticipation as pilgrims make their way toward the sacred site.
The beginning of the queue to get inside the Golden Temple.
Inside the Golden Temple, you’ll find multiple levels and areas to explore. You’ll find side rooms where devotees sit in prayer and reflect on Waheguru, the one God in Sikhism. You’ll also see musicians performing Kirtan hymns you hear throughout the complex, creating a continuous flow of sound and devotion.
There is also a rooftop area with a beautiful view over the temple and the surrounding pool, which adds another perspective to the experience.
Going inside the Golden Temple puts everything into context. It is one of those rare places that lives up to its reputation, and the experience is well worth the wait.
Top left: The Golden Temple rooftop. Bottom left: The view of the sacred pool and the Golden Temple complex from inside. Right: Almost at the temple entrance.
👉The Golden Temple is easily one of the most unforgettable temples I’ve visited — it even made my list of the top temples in the world.
Entry Process (Head Covering, Shoes, Security)
This is important. To enter the Golden Temple, you need to cover your head. They have bandanas you can borrow at the entrance, but I bought one on my way to the temple from a street vendor. It was a donation of whatever I chose. Plus, it’s a great souvenir because it has the Golden Temple branding, which is cool.
As with all temples in India, you need to remove your shoes. Just to the left of the entrance, there is a shoe stand where you can leave them. You receive a token so you can get your shoes back after you exit. This was seamless and easy.
Once everything is in order, expect a quick security check at the entrance before making your way down into the Temple complex.
Once you are inside, there are security guards who carry spears. They are there to make sure you cross your legs when sitting, respect the space, and follow the temple rules. They are very nice, but I was told once or twice what I needed to do to respect the Golden Temple’s rituals.
Left: The Golden Temple entrance. To the left of the entrance is the shoe stand. Right: Security guarding the temple.
Walk Around the Golden Temple Area
Spend a few hours exploring the Golden Temple area. It’s a clean, modern area with shops, restaurants and cafés. It’s so clean you could easily walk around barefoot. I had almond milk, ice cream, lunch, and many chais while wandering the area. Oh, and the vegetarian McDonald’s is in this area. More on that later.
The statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the founder and emperor of the Sikh Empire in the Golden Temple area.
In this area, there are many back alleys and side streets to explore that are safe. On these side streets, I found the best noodle burger ever, had more chai, and had lunch. The side streets give you a glimpse of what local life is like. It’s in these areas that you will pass through local markets and street life in Amritsar, where people are just living their daily lives.
👉Bhubaneswar, known as India’s temple city, has over 500 ancient temples in the Old Town. Check out my one-day temple walk through Old Town Bhubaneswar.
Exploring the back alleys in the Golden Temple area.
Visit Jallianwala Bagh Memorial
The Jallianwala Bagh Memorial is one of India’s most significant historical sites. It commemorates the tragic events of April 13, 1919, when British troops opened fire on thousands of unarmed people gathered peacefully, killing hundreds. The massacre became a major turning point in India’s fight for independence and remains a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made for the country’s freedom. Today, visitors can walk through the memorial, reflect on its history, and pay their respects to those who lost their lives.
The grounds are beautiful and well-maintained, with monuments and historic structures throughout. You’ll notice Indians taking pictures in front of the Martyrs Memorial monument at the end of the long pathway. Throughout the grounds, there are buildings to explore that provide information about the history that led to the massacre.
This is a great way to learn about the darker side of Amritsar’s history, which, for me, is an important part of travel.
Distance from the Golden Temple
The Jallianwala Bagh Memorial is only about a 3-minute walk from the Golden Temple, so it’s very close and easy to add to your Amritsar itinerary. It takes 1-2 hours to visit. Like the Golden Temple, it’s free to enter.
Visit Gurdwara Santokhsar Sahib – An Amritsar Travel Guide Hidden Gem
This was a Sikh temple I stumbled upon by accident, and I’m glad I did. I was on my way to the Golden Temple when Google Maps led me here. Since I was already here, I decided to go in, and this was actually my first visit to a Sikh temple in India.
It was very quiet, with maybe 10-15 people inside the complex. It had a sacred pool and a main area where Sikhs were praying, and it was very peaceful. I already had my head covering, so I was good to go. I spent about 15-20 minutes at the temple, which was enough for me. If you are looking for a chill vibe without crowds, away from the chaos, and want to explore other Sikh temples, visit Gurdwara Santokhsar Sahib. It’s also very close to the Golden Temple.
Visit The Golden Temple Again in the Evening – An Amritsar Travel Guide Highlight
My first visit to the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) was in the evening, and it was unforgettable. As I descended into the complex, I was genuinely stopped in my tracks.
The temple is always impressive, but at night it feels completely different—the golden lights shimmer across the sacred pool, casting a reflection that seems almost unreal. I walked around the complex for hours, soaking in the atmosphere, watching the temple glow against the night sky, and taking in one of the most peaceful experiences of my life. The Golden Temple is open 24 hours a day, so there’s no rush to leave. You can stay as long as you like, making it easy to simply sit, observe, and take it all in.
Day 2: Wagah Border & Local Food
On day 2 of my Amritsar travel guide, we visit the 2nd most famous attraction in Amritsar, the Wagah – Atari border ceremony. We will head back to the Golden Temple for lunch at Langar Hall, the world’s largest community kitchen, and explore Amritsar’s food and café scene, including the vegetarian McDonald’s.
Eat at the Langar Hall
Langar Hall was one of my most memorable experiences in Amritsar. This community kitchen at the Golden Temple serves up to 150,000 free meals per day to anyone, regardless of religion, background, or social status.
When you enter the complex, head left and follow the signs and the crowds to the Langar Hall.
There were no real line-ups when I visited. I simply walked in, found a seat on the floor, sat cross-legged as best I could, and waited my turn. You pick up a metal plate on the way in, and volunteers come around serving each part of the meal.
The food is simple yet surprisingly good, especially since it’s completely free. I was served fresh roti, lentil and vegetable curries, rice, and a sweet rice pudding for dessert, along with water. For me, though, the experience was less about the food and more about the atmosphere and meaning behind it.
Once you finish, you return your plate and walk out through the complex. I was even allowed to briefly see the area where volunteers were washing dishes, which was an impressive operation. To think it’s all run by volunteers at one of the world’s most iconic temples makes it even more special.
Atari Wagah Border Ceremony
If you only do 3 things in Amritsar from this travel guide, you have to do the Golden Temple, Langar Hall and the Atari Wagah Border Ceremony. This is a ceremony put on by both India and Pakistan at the border. It is a daily spectacle that brings Pakistani and Indian nationals, along with foreign tourists, together, separated only by a guarded gate at the border. Both countries put on separate shows.
When I planned to attend, I expected a small ceremony in an open space. The Atari Wagah border ceremony is held in a stadium. As you walk in, the entrance is grand, with inclined seating surrounding a pathway that stretches all the way to the border.
There is a huge portrait of Gandhi that is the focal point of the stadium. As a foreign tourist, I was seated in the first row, right beside the border gate, which appeared to be VIP seating. Maybe they want to make sure we get a great seat for this once-in-a-lifetime event.
On the way into the venue, there are street-food stalls, souvenir stands, a strong police and security presence, and a steady flow of people heading to the stadium. Inside the stadium, snacks and drinks are sold, much like at a professional sporting event in North America.
Just outside the entrance of the Atari-Wagah border ceremony.
The Atari Wagah Border Show
The show opens with a special military entertainment platoon, trained for this ceremony. They march, twirl their guns, and showcase their athletic prowess, all in sync. The crowd is energetic, chanting and cheering in anticipation of the finale.
The India-Pakistani border separated by only a few feet, which I was just steps away from.
One of my favourite moments was when they brought locals to the center to showcase their dancing. Then came the finale, when the Pakistani and Indian militaries brought the house down, just a few feet apart at the border. This was one of the most impressive events I attended in India. And for what it’s worth, the Indian side was much fuller and livelier than the Pakistani side.
How to Get to the Atari-Wagah Border Ceremony
I booked a taxi through my hostel, the Hosteller, for 1400 rupees, about $14 USD. My driver dropped me off and waited until the show finished, which took about 5 hours. The distance is about 27 km, and the trip takes about 45 minutes.
Other Ways to Get to the Atari-Wagah Border Ceremony
- You can rent a scooter for about 500 rupees, which is the most economical option.
- There is also a bus departing from the Golden Temple, and a return ticket costs 1000 rupees.
- You can order an Uber or hail a taxi on the street for 1800-2000 rupees ($19-$21 USD).
When to Arrive
My driver met me at my hostel at 2 pm for the show, which started at about 6 pm. To get a great seat, arrive at about 3 pm. If you arrive early, you will get preferred seating, like I did, which was the best seats in the house. They do ask for your passport, which I believe is for the preferred seating, so don’t forget that.
Is the Atari Wagah Border Ceremony worth it?
In Amritsar, next to the Golden Temple, this is the top thing to do, which is why I have emphasized it so much in my travel guide. If you attend the Atari Wagah Border ceremony, you will leave satisfied and blown away by the experience.
Best Things to Do in Amritsar (Travel Guide Highlights)
For this section of the itinerary, I am going to focus on food and chai, which deserve their own section, especially the food. The street food and cuisine in Amritsar are among the best in India. It’s a very special and unique experience as they have dishes you won’t find anywhere else in India, or at least I didn’t.
Amritsar Travel Guide: Where to Eat & Street Food
Breakfast Spots (Kulcha)
The number one thing to try in Amritsar is the Kulcha. Kulcha is a crispy, oven-baked flatbread from North India, often stuffed with spiced potatoes or paneer and served hot with chole (chickpea curry), butter, and pickles. It’s the most iconic breakfast in Amritsar.
There was a restaurant just up the street from my hostel in the city center, called National Dhaba, that served incredible kulcha. I had the Special Amritsari Kulcha and a delicious chai for a whopping 90 rupees (95 cents USD).
The staff at this restaurant were so friendly, which made the experience even better. The owner was awesome. We chatted often throughout my stay in Amritsar, and he even helped me create a reel for my Instagram page. The staff was always smiling and made me feel at home. Hospitality and cuisine at its best.
Vegetarian McDonald’s – An Amritsar Travel Guide Classic
Next, head back to the Golden Temple area and have lunch at the vegetarian McDonald’s. For Westerners, this may be hard to believe, but the menu is amazing. I tried vegetarian items throughout my stay in India and didn’t have anything at McDonald’s I didn’t love.
Click on the photo to watch my Amritsar McDonald’s Instagram video.
On this visit, I had a Cheesy Mushroom Burger, McFlavour Fries, and a Coke. This blew me away by how good it was. I have no idea why McDonald’s doesn’t offer these items in North America.
Try Amritsar Street Food
If you follow my blog, you know I’m all about street food. Amritsar has some of the best street food not only in India but also around the world. So don’t miss out on Amritsar’s street food scene. As part of this travel guide, I’m sharing a couple of my favourite street food experiences in Amritsar.
Stalls Outside the Train Station (Amritsar Junction)
If you arrive in Amritsar by train, just outside the station, there are stalls selling a variety of street food. I grabbed a chai and some deep-fried potatoes that were hash-brown-like, served with a red dipping sauce. The chai was also different from what I had in India up to that point, which I loved. If the street food was this good at the train station, I knew I was in for a treat in Amritsar.
Try a Noodle Burger
I know this sounds weird, but these things are famous among Amritsaris. I stumbled upon this noodle burger while walking through the Mahan Singh Gate Chowraha area.
This is a veggie burger made from potato fried in oil, with fresh onions, some sort of cabbage, a pickle, and a combination of sauces, topped with a generous serving of noodles. I don’t know everything that’s on this burger, but it’s easily one of the best burgers I’ve ever had. I paid 30 rupees for my noodle burger, which is about 30 cents USD.
If you’re unsure, just ask for a noodle burger and everyone in Amritsar will know exactly what you are talking about. They are mega famous amongst locals.
Try the Milk Badam
Milk Badam is a popular local drink you’ll see at stands throughout the Golden Temple area. It’s almond milk with almond pieces floating in the drink. Badam literally translates to almond in Punjabi. I’m not going to lie, I had a few of these while in Amritsar. They are so good.
Explore the Chai Cafés
Don’t miss out on the chai cafes throughout the Golden Temple area. There are so many, and the chai in Amritsar is different. It’s richer and creamier.
They simmer the tea for a longer period with milk, sugar and spices such as fresh ginger, crushed cardamom, cinnamon, fennel and other spices. They use more black tea leaves, giving the tea a bolder flavour and a stronger brew. It’s also sweeter than what you will find in other parts of India. All I know is that it’s really good, and the chai in Amritsar is an experience you shouldn’t miss.
Taking a time out near the Golden Temple at a local chai cafe. Like I often do, I decided to enjoy it outside on the step. Channelling my inner Anthony Bourdain.
Try Traditional Sweets & Desserts
I was waiting in line to order a snack in the Golden Temple area when a family approached me. After chatting for a few minutes, they insisted on buying me a stick kulfi. It is a dense, creamy, reduced-milk ice cream, frozen on a stick like a popsicle. Such a nice gesture made the moment even more special. The stick kulfi is amazing, especially on a hot day in Amritsar, making it an easy addition to this travel guide.
Amritsar offers many other rich, dairy-based desserts, such as khoya kulfi.
Enjoying a stick kulfi while my friends in the background are having a khoya kulfi (almond drink)
Amritsar Travel Guide Tips
Finding Alcohol in Amritsar
There is no alcohol near the Golden Temple. This rule applies to temples throughout India. But if you’re outside the Golden Temple area in the city center, you can find it. There was a bar near my hostel, just a few doors down from the National Dhaba restaurant, that served alcohol. I also had a beer with dinner outside the temple area. You can find it, just not near the Golden Temple.
Laundry Services
If you are travelling for more than a week, you will likely be looking for laundry services. A chain that is perfect for travelers called Tumble Dry that you can find throughout India. You can usually get a wash-and-fold for just a few Canadian dollars, usually $2-3 CAD. You drop off your clothes and pick them up the next day.
Picking up my laundry at Tumbledry in Amritsar. Just a short tuk-tuk ride from my hostel.
Food Ordering Apps
A great way to try local cuisine without having to search far and wide is through the Zomato app. This is India’s Uber Eats. Download the app before you arrive, and you will be good to go.
Walking Around at Night
Amritsar is safe to walk around at night. I walked the city far and wide and had no problems and always felt safe. For women, you always need to take extra precautions in India, and it’s probably smart to get an Uber late at night.
Wrapping Up – Amritsar Travel Guide
Amritsar became one of the most memorable stops on my trip through India. What began as a visit centred around the Golden Temple quickly turned into a deeper experience of the city’s history, food, and everyday life. From arriving at Amritsar Junction and walking through busy streets to spending quiet, reflective moments at Harmandir Sahib, the city balances intensity and calm in a uniquely balanced way.
If you’re planning a visit, the Golden Temple is absolutely unmissable. Whether you go at sunrise, during the day, or at night, it’s one of those rare places that feels completely different depending on the time you visit. Just as important is the Wagah–Attari Border ceremony, which adds a completely different kind of energy to the trip—loud, patriotic, and unforgettable in its own way.
And then there’s the food. Amritsar’s kulchas, street food, chai stalls, and Langar Hall make the city as much about eating as it is about sightseeing. Some of the best moments here come from simply wandering, trying whatever is local, and letting the city guide you.
If you’re putting together an Amritsar travel itinerary, two days is enough to see the highlights—but it’s the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave.
If you’re planning a trip to India and haven’t sorted out your visa yet, I’ve put together a comprehensive guide: Indian Tourist eVisa Guide: My Application Tips and Fixes. It walks you through the process step by step and helps you avoid common frustrations.
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Globe Digger AKA Geoff Josey is a travel blogger and solo traveler from Canada. I am a former corporate executive who realized there had to be more to life than just work, running the hamster wheel, and sleep. After exploring the world for 12 months, I never returned to my old life, now with a new outlook, and I share my journey through my blog, socials, and my podcast.
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