Agra isn’t exactly known for its all-night beach raves like Goa or it’s hipster bars like Bengaluru, but after as the sun sets, there are still plenty of things to keep you busy after visiting the Taj…
What are the places to visit in Agra at night?
- The Mohabbat the Taj Show at the Kalakriti Cultural & Convention Center
- Sadar Bazaar
- The Taj Mahal
- The bar at The Oberoi Amarvilas
- Chapter 1 Cafe
- Agra Fort’s Light & Sound Show
- Taj Mahotsav Festival
- Hot air balloon safari
- Bowling at Jaypee Palace Hotel
- Sunset boat tour on the Yamuna
- Tea’se Me
- Sheroes Hangout
- Bedweiser Backpackers Hostel
- Cafe Turquoise Cottage
- Pinch of Spice
- Mama Chicken Mama Franky House
- Subhash Bazaar
- MoMo Cafe at the Courtyard by Marriott
- Hichkee
- Kiskey Whiskey
- Panchi Petha
- Fakira
- The Agra Cooking Class
- The Downtown Cafe
- Club Rush & Thor-The Party World
I found plenty to do after dark in Agra, whether you’re wanting to enjoy the theater, eat some street food or have a drink on a posh rooftop, you should be able to find some fun.
1) Watch the Mohabbat the Taj Show at Kalakriti Cultural & Convention Center
Did you check out the Taj Mahal during the day? Well, come hear the story about the couple who inspired this iconic tomb at the Kalakriti Cultural & Convention Center. This theater production is the MAIN EVENT in Agra at night and tells the story of the Mughal Emperor Shajahan and his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal.
It’s 90 minutes of beautiful dancing and colorful lighting with a very realistic-looking Taj Mahal replica on set that weighs 10K lbs. There are 80 dancers in the production and you can get alcoholic beverages, a buffet dinner and even souvenir photos.
NOTE: The production is in Hindi and Urdu, but you can wear earphones with English translations.
Timings:
- 6:30 pm to 8 pm
- 8:30 pm to 10 pm
Check the current price using Viator
2) Eat Aloo Bhalla at Sadar Bazaar
If you want to mingle with locals and tourists alike head to the Sadar Bazaar which is a hub of activity at dinner time.
The lanes of the bazaar are packed with plenty of street food options to delight your taste buds. The Agra Chat House is one of the most popular restaurants in the area. For 150 rs for two people, you can order all kinds of chaat (snacks) like Aloo Bhalla (fried mashed potato patty with spices) and Gol Gappe (round crispy balls stuffed with potatoes, chickpeas, onions, and delicious spices).
If it gets too spicy, you could also try the cool and creamy yogurt dishes. There are plenty of other vendors and restaurants to sample.
The area also has shopping. You can find women’s footwear and branded stores.
3) See the Sunset at the Taj Mahal or Mehtab Bagh Park
The sunsets at around 6:45 PM in the winter in Agra and while the Taj closes 30 minutes before sunset, you can see some beautiful warm lighting before it closes. The white marble lights up and it makes for some amazing photos!
However, this is one of the most crowded times of day on the Taj Mahal grounds.
For a less crowded experience, head to Mehtab Bagh, the park across the Yamuna River on the other side of the Taj. You will have to pay 300 rs per person, but you can get better photos with a quieter atmosphere.
4) Dress up for Cocktails at the Best Hotel in Agra – The Oberoi Amarvilas
The best hotel in Agra is Oberoi Amarvilas with its close proximity to the Taj Mahal (1969 feet away) and views of the tomb from most rooms. It also has a beautiful pool with dance shows at night and a couple of delicious restaurants.
If you could use a drink after a day of playing tourist, the bar has large windows looking out on the Taj. Grab a table or a seat on a silk sofa as you sip a signature cocktail. Sometimes the tables are reserved for hotel guests if it’s busy, but the public is always welcome on the terrace.
NOTE: If you enjoy dressing up, this is the place to do so, although there is not a dress code.
Timings: Noon to Midnight
Price: 3000 Rs for two people
5) Get Pizza & Beers With Views of The Taj Mahal – Chapter 1 Cafe
If you want Taj views from a rooftop but prefer a more casual vibe and a local crowd, then Chapter 1 Cafe is the place to be. The owner started this up-and-coming restaurant to rival the chill eateries in Delhi and it’s become very popular as one of Agra’s “must visit” restaurants.
On the first floor, you have the primary restaurant seating but the main attraction is the relaxed rooftop lounge with views of the majestic Taj in the distance.
Most people recommend the pizza and they serve cold beers for 180 Rs (less than $3). Jack Daniels is 300 Rs as well.
Timings: 11 AM – 11 PM
Price: 1,000 Rs for two people
6) Agra Fort Light and Sound Show
If you loved the Agra Fort, why not check out the Light and Sound Show after the sun goes down. There is a Hindi show 30 minutes after sunset and an English show right afterward.
You can learn more about the history of the fort with plenty of beautiful lights on the architecture.
Timings: 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Price: 200 Rs for foreigners
7) Ride A Sketchy Ferris Wheel at the Great Celebration of Taj
Agra has a number of festivals throughout the year, but one of the most popular is the Taj Mahotsav or ‘Great Celebration of Taj.’
If you visit Agra in February like I did then you can check this festival out. There are crowds of mostly locals celebrating with craft vendors, chai stalls, street food, and a handful of rides like the Ferris wheel.
If you’re like me the idea of riding a Ferris wheel, then buckle up… oh wait, you can’t buckle up because there are no safety belts or guard rails. Eek!
In the USA, the Ferris wheels are slow and steady giving you a sleepy view from above. In India, this Ferris wheel gets cranking with speed so that at the top you come off the seat.
There are other rides as well like the Break Dance and the large pirate ship that swings back and forth.
Timings: 10 days in late February
Price: 80 Rs per ride
8) Watch The Sunset from a Hot Air Balloon
If views of the Taj Mahal weren’t impressive enough for you, then why not try the views from 500 feet above it?
You can take a hot air balloon ride all day, but sunset is an amazing time for views. The balloons can carry 16 riders and will show you a glimpse of the Taj very few people get to see, as well as the Agra Fort. The rides take 30 minutes and costs between $50 – $200 at sunset. The prices go down as you add more people and also are a bit cheaper during the day.
If you’re in Agra for a full moon, then if you get a reservation you can see the splendor of the Taj in the moonlight from the air.
Or if you’re in Agra in November, come to check out the 5-day Hot Air Balloon festival.
Timings: Closes at 8:30 PM
9) See The Taj Mahal from a Sunset Boat Tour
If you’re scared of heights, then you can also find views of the Taj from a boat tour on the Yamuna River running by the Taj.
Sunset is one of the best times to appreciate the beauty of this centuries-old building and there will be no crowds or other tourists in front of your photos. There is also an informative local guide sharing stories and the history about the Taj.
You can go with as many as 5 people and they also do sunrise boat tours.
Timings:
- 5 AM
- 5:30 AM
- 6 AM
- 6:30 AM
- 7 AM
- 4:30 PM
- 5 PM
- 5:30 PM
- 6 PM
10) Go Bowling at a 5-Star Hotel – Jaypee Palace Hotel
If you’re like me or the star of the movie, The Big Lebowski, you enjoy bowling.and while it may not be your top priority in Agra, for a night of fun check out the bowling alley in the Jaypee Palace Hotel.
The only catch is you must be a guest to play and it has an extra charge. But the hotel has 5 stars, a disco, a shopping mall, a Turkish bath, an Ayurvedic spa, and a big pool
Costs start around 5,000 per night for two people, including taxes. But you can check the updated price on Booking.com.
11) Have Tea and Death By Chocolate on a Rooftop – Tea’se Me Cafe
Tea’se Me has a flirty name, a large selection of tea, and a highly recommended Death by Chocolate dessert. You can also find beautiful views of the Taj Mahal from the rooftop and a chill vibe.
It’s popular with a younger crowd, has very nice staff, and the pasta is also highly recommended.
Timings: Noon – 11:30 PM
Price: 1000 Rs for two people
12) Get a Lassi and Support Victims of Acid Attacks – Sheroes Hangout
Sheroes Hangout is a unique place that is as much of a worthy cause as a cool cafe. It’s staffed by female victims of acid attacks, and while your money goes to support the victims of these terrible attacks, the food is also very good.
The lassi and honey chilli potatoes come highly recommended.
Price: 200 Rs for two people
13) Chill At A Hostel like Bedweiser Backpackers
One of the most well-reviewed hostels in Agra is Bedweiser Backpackers. I saw it as I went towards the Taj Mahal as it has a great location. Of course, as an American I have a fondness for the name, although I didn’t stay here I see that it’s a great place to get a beer and chill with other travelers.
The rooftop is a lot of fun at night and you can get affordable beers.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, this hostel is clean with very friendly helpful staff. Couples have given it especially good reviews.
14) Karaoke at Cafe Turquoise Cottage
If you’re looking for a party place, the Cafe Turquoise Cottage next to the City Walk Mall is what you want. I recommend their karaoke night, but they serve great drinks with sports on TV, and often have live music.
Not recommended for families.
Price: 1500 Rs for two people
15) Butter Chicken at Pinch of Spice
One of the best modern Indian restaurants in Agra is Pinch of Spice. My aunt insisted we go here as it was recommended by the Lonely Planet and we weren’t disappointed.
I had the Chicken Tikka Masala and it was deliciously spiced (ask for mild though!). My aunt and mom ordered cocktails from the full bar.
The biryani, paneer lababdar and murg boti masala are also highly recommended.
Price: 1600 Rs for two people
16) Have Chicken with Mama at Mama Chicken Mama Franky House
Another recommended place to eat in Sadar Bazar is Mama Chicken Mama Franky House. It has over 1500 reviews on Zomato and can serve 4000 people daily.
The chicken franky is it’s specialty! Its also open late into the night, so can be a good place if you go out for drinks first and want a filling inexpensive bite before bed.
Timings: 12:30 PM – Midnight
Price: 150 Rs for two people
17) Shop for Silk at Subhash Bazaar
Many tourists coming to India want to buy a beautiful silk sari, and if this sounds like you, then the Subhash Bazaar would be a nice place for you to visit.
It’s not far from the Agra Fort so it could be a good stop before you go to the Light and Sound Show or afterward. The Jama Masjid is also close to the market.
Timings: Closes at 9 PM. Not open Tuesdays.
18) Luxury Dining at Agra’s Best Buffet – MoMo Cafe
For a night of fine dining and a delicious buffet, check out MoMo Cafe at the Courtyard by Marriott.
With plenty of colorful vegetables, fruits, and pasta you can enjoy a fine dining experience morning, all-day or at night.
If you’re wanting to enjoy a drink with your dinner the prices are higher than most other restaurants:
- Jack Daniels: 695 Rs
- Kingfisher Premium Beer: 395 Rs
Timings: Open until 11 PM
Price: 2,000 Rs for two people
19) Live Concerts at Hichkee
Hichkee is another one of Agra’s chill rooftop restaurants with views of the Taj Mahal. The customer service also comes highly recommended, and people love the pizza, pasta, and momos.
As a guy who used to live in Austin, the “Live Music Capital of the World,” I love the live music there. With the views of the Taj, it’s a super cool place to spend an evening with friends. If you want to see who’s playing during your stay, check their Facebook page.
Timings: Open until 1 AM
Price: 1,200 for two people
20) Get Indian Tapas and Drinks – Kiskey Whiskey
Kiskey Whiskey is an Indian tapas bar with an extensive selection of cocktails and mocktails.
The nachos are highly recommended, and while they don’t top the Tex-Mex food I had when I was living in Texas, they do satisfy my craving!
For dessert, the New York Cheesecake and Chocolate Fundae are also delicious.
If you’re looking for a cool place that’s easier on the budget than some, you can spend about $10 for two people.
Timings: Open until Midnight
Price: 700 Rs for two people.
21) Eat Petha and other Sweets
In the fiery kitchens of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, this iconic pure sweet treat is said to have been first created… petha.
Petha is made from brown sugar called Khaand with just water and fruit. It contains no corn syrup or other additives.
Known to the people of Agra as God’s sweet, you can find it in many shops, but the most well-known is Panchi Petha.
Timings: Open until 8:30 PM
Price: 90 Rs for a pack
22) Have a Brownie at Fakira
Fakira is a rooftop cafe and bar that has a delicious brownie to tantalize your tastebuds as you enjoy the sunset views.
Known for their prompt service, you can find moderately priced drinks:
- Jack Daniels: 325 Rs
- Kingfisher Premium: 200 Rs
Timings: Open until 12:30 AM
Price: 1,000 for two people
23) Take A Cooking Lesson
India is known for having some of the most delicious and flavorful food in the world, so if you’re like me, you would like to be able to make some dishes back home.
One way to spend an evening is to take a cooking class with in an Indian home. The Agra Cooking Class by Anuradha Parashar is one class you could take and would be great by yourself or with friends.
24) Have Whiskey at Downtown Cafe
If you enjoy whiskey like I do, then the Downtown Cafe is a cool bar and lounge to wind down at the end of the day. You can get drinks quickly and enjoy the dark atmosphere with wood floors. It reminds me of a whiskey bar and would be a good place for friends or a couple.
You can find cheap prices here as well:
- Johnnie Walker: 225 Rs
- Kingfisher Premium: 189 RS
Timings: Open until Midnight
Price: 1,600 Rs for two people
25) Dance The Night Away
If you want to party the night away on the dance floor, there are a number of night clubs to check out.
- Club Rush: Not far from the Taj, this is the most popular place to dance in Agra. There are two areas in the club, one is for smaller parties and the other is for larger ones. You can order dinner with types including Italian, Chinese and Continental. However, I’d recommend getting dinner somewhere else and coming here afterward. The DJ plays thumping music and there is an outdoor seating area if you’d prefer to chill.
- Thor-The Party World: If you liked the Avenger movies, well… this party spot has no connection except the name, but it’s a fun place to party the night away. There are options like dancing TVs with sports and even karaoke nights. Some nights there are DJs who’ve played large EDM festivals.