How this itinerary works
Hyderabad rewards an unhurried pace, and the distances between sights are larger than they look. This plan groups attractions by area so that you spend less time in traffic, builds in the closing days of the museums and palaces, and leaves room for meals, tea and shopping. You can compress or stretch it, and swap days to suit the weather and the shows. A private car with a driver makes the plan easy to follow.
Day one morning: the Old City
Start early at Charminar, before the traffic and the heat build. Take in the monument and the surrounding lanes, then walk to Mecca Masjid, which you can visit outside prayer times. If you want guidance, join an Old City heritage walk or a Charminar walking tour. By mid-morning stroll through Laad Bazaar for bangles and pearls, and stop for Irani chai and an osmania biscuit at one of the old cafes.
Day one afternoon: the palace
After lunch, visit Chowmahalla Palace, remembering that it is closed on Fridays. Spend about two hours in the courtyards, the durbar hall and the vintage car collection. If you have energy left, the Nizam's Museum is on the southern side of the city and combines well with a private car tour. End the day with a food walk through the Old City, where the lanes light up and the grills come alive, or have a quiet dinner at your hotel.
Day two morning: Golconda and the tombs
Head to Golconda Fort early, before the sun is high. Climb to the summit, try the clap acoustics at the main gate and take in the view. The Qutb Shahi Tombs are a few minutes away, and the quiet gardens are a pleasant place for a slow second hour. A private half-day tour covering both is a convenient way to do this, and it leaves you back at your hotel by lunchtime.
Day two afternoon and evening: rest and show
Use the middle of the day to rest, swim or have a long lunch, since the heat peaks in the early afternoon. Return to Golconda for the sound and light show in the evening, remembering that it does not run on Mondays and that the language and start time vary by day and season. Alternatively, visit the Salar Jung Museum, which is open from morning until early evening on days other than Friday, and is a good indoor choice in the heat.
Day three: palaces, lake or a day trip
The third day depends on your tastes. History lovers can visit the British Residency and the Paigah Tombs, or take the guided Falaknuma Palace tour with lunch, one of the most memorable experiences in the city. Families may prefer Ramoji Film City, which takes a full day. Others will enjoy a quieter day at Hussain Sagar, with a boat ride to the Buddha statue and a sunset walk along the promenade. If you want to leave the city, a day trip to Pochampally for ikat weaving is the easiest option.
Food planning
Eat a proper Hyderabadi biryani at least once, preferably at a place recommended by your guide or hotel. Add haleem if you are visiting during Ramadan, and finish a meal with double ka meetha or khubani ka meetha. For breakfast, try Irani cafes with chai and bun maska, or the idli and dosa places that are everywhere. A cooking demonstration in a private home is a good way to learn the cuisine and fits an evening of the second or third day.
Shopping
Plan your shopping around the sights. Laad Bazaar and the pearl shops are best on day one, when you are in the Old City. Pochampally and handloom shops suit a day trip or an afternoon at a cooperative. Bidriware from Bidar and ikat from Pochampally are distinctive souvenirs, and good-quality spices, attar perfumes and sweets are easy to carry. Bargain politely and check what you are buying.
Adjusting the plan
If you have only two days, combine the Old City with Chowmahalla Palace on day one and Golconda, the tombs and the show on day two. If you have four or five, add Falaknuma, a food walk, the cooking class and a day trip to Warangal and Ramappa, which is long but worthwhile. Keep a flexible half-day for weather, fatigue and late discoveries. Hotels near Banjara Hills or the lake are the most convenient for this itinerary, and a private car makes everything easier.