Lalitpur, with Patan as its ancient name, is a city of arts and architecture. Located across the river Bagmati, Lalitpur is home to some outstanding monuments and temples. Providing a place to all the ancient artists and serving as the capital of Nepal in terms of architecture, Lalitpur produces most beautiful arts even today, and many modern artists live in the area, crafting structures and wood.

Patan Durbar Square – UNESCO World Heritage Site, being the star attraction of Lalitpur, lets you travel back in time through ancient structures and shrines. Many tourists take back handcrafted items available in the local market of Patan. Some must-visit places in Lalitpur are Patan Museum, Krishna Temple, Bhimsen Temple, Taleju Temple, Golden Temple, Kumbeshwar Temple, Ashok Stupa, etc.

The busy streets of Lalitpur are still peaceful and charming. You can find several restaurants and eateries, walk around the Durbar Square area, and listen to the craftsmen making sculptures. Foodies from Nepal would recommend you to taste several Nepali cuisines in Lalitpur. Walking on the streets in the evening is peaceful and crowded. The Durbar Square area is filled with locals and tourists, especially in the evening.

Places To Visit In Lalitpur

Patan Durbar Square

Patan Durbar Square, one of the three major Durbar Squares of Kathmandu Valley, lies in the center of Lalitpur. Being one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Patan Durbar Square’s main attraction is the royal palace, which was once a residence of the Malla Kings. 

One of the antique gems of Newari architecture, the Square, has the floor of red brick, and its door faces east. Fifty-five windows temples and many structures cover the Square and 136 courtyards, known as ‘bahals’. The center of two major religions of Nepal – Hinduism and Buddhism, Square’s famous temples are Krishna Temple, Bhimsen Temple, Vishwanath Temple, and Taleju Temple.

One of the Square’s significant attractions is Patan Museum, the first museum of Nepal, which lies within the northernmost building complex of the Square area, known as Keshav Narayan Chowk. Declared as one of the most excellent museums of South Asia, the museum’s popularity is increasing day by day. 

Patan, commonly known as Lalitpur, is 5 km southeast to Kathmandu. Regarded as the city of Artisans, Patan is the home to the optimum craftsmen of gorge whose hands created the attractive statues using the ancient lost wax course. Durbar, meaning Royal Palace, is a collection of old attractions along with a crowd of remains of temples, some renovated, others demolished.

Patan is a busy city with sounds of vehicles and artisans making sculptures. Patan’s center attraction is Patan Durbar Square, reflecting on the harmony between two religions – Hinduism and Buddhism. Tourists love to walk on Patan’s roads around the Durbar, where they feel peaceful and refreshed.