If you’re planning a trip to Kerala and Kochi has caught your attention, let us assure you—you’re in for more than just a sightseeing tour. Kochi isn’t merely a city; it’s a sensory experience. Blending a coastal town’s breezy vibe with a rich legacy of spice trade, colonial remnants, and local artistry, Kochi manages to whisper history while singing modernity.

Here at Venezia Kerala Houseboat, we often see travelers pair their tranquil backwater cruise with a vibrant detour to Kochi. And we get asked the same thing: What are the best things to do in Kochi? Let’s not keep it a mystery. Instead, let’s walk you through the most rewarding, immersive, and memorable things you can do when you step into this coastal gem.

Stroll Through the Timeless Lanes of Fort Kochi

The charm of Fort Kochi doesn't scream for attention. It lingers in peeling pastel walls, moss-covered colonial buildings, the slow clatter of a bicycle passing by, and the salty air drifting off the Arabian Sea. Walk these streets at sunrise and you’ll understand why Fort Kochi is a treasure chest of stories—each cobblestone echoing with Dutch, Portuguese, and British footsteps.

While here, pause under the canopy of giant rain trees at Princess Street, peek into the Indo-Portuguese Museum, and let time slip between coffee sips at an old art café. For many visitors, the architectural detail and tranquil atmosphere make this a top highlight among the best things to do in Kochi.

Watch the Chinese Fishing Nets Unfold Against the Sunset

They don’t just catch fish—they catch your breath. The famous Chinese fishing nets, or Cheena Vala, are the unofficial icons of Kochi. As the sun dips into the Arabian Sea, these silhouettes of timber and rope unfold slowly and gracefully, offering photographers and romantics alike an unforgettable frame.

These fishing nets are not tourist props—they're functional and manned by local fishermen who often welcome travelers to try a hand at the old technique. The rhythmic rise and fall of these contraptions, coupled with the pastel sky, is a moment of calm you didn’t know you needed.

Wander Through the Jew Town and the Paradesi Synagogue

Jew Town is not just a place, it’s an emotion soaked in sandalwood, cinnamon, and stories. Known for its spice warehouses, antique shops, and narrow lanes, this quarter dates back centuries and still exudes a mystique that can’t be replicated.

Don’t miss the Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations. Walk through its ornate Belgian glass chandeliers, hand-painted blue and white tiles imported from China, and antique scrolls. You don’t have to be religious to appreciate the beauty and gravity this space holds.

If you enjoy experiences that blend faith, history, and art, this should definitely rank among the best things to do in Kochi.

Discover Kerala’s Performing Arts at the Greenix Village

Most cultural performances across cities feel rehearsed and boxed in—but not here. Greenix Village offers an authentic and intimate way to experience Kerala’s vibrant performing arts, from Kathakali to Kalaripayattu.

Arrive an hour before the show to watch the Kathakali artists apply their elaborate makeup—a performance in itself. The venue also includes art galleries and cultural museums that help you connect the dots between Kerala’s past and its living traditions.

If you’re drawn to heritage and storytelling, this is a stop that promises to deepen your connection with Kochi beyond surface impressions.

Visit Mattancherry Palace and Step into Kerala’s Royal Past

Popularly called the Dutch Palace, the Mattancherry Palace is neither overwhelming nor grand in its architecture—but step inside, and you’re met with murals that have lived for centuries. From Ramayana stories to beautifully preserved portraits of Cochin royalty, each room in this humble structure tells you something new.

This is a quiet place—meant more for reflection than photography—but those who appreciate historic nuance will find it deeply enriching. A visit here pairs beautifully with the adjacent spice markets and antique shops of Mattancherry.

Cruise the Backwaters Near Kochi for an Offbeat Experience

While Alleppey often steals the spotlight when it comes to backwaters, Kochi offers its own pocket of peaceful canals and waterways. This is ideal for those who may not have time for an overnight houseboat but still want to enjoy a slice of Kerala’s water-world.

You can hire a canoe or small motorboat and drift past lush palms, village life, and narrow channels untouched by the tourist masses. It’s a perfect way to detox your mind after a day of sightseeing.

Get Lost in Local Flavors at a Food Trail in Broadway and Ernakulam Market

A walk through Broadway is a walk through smells—fried banana chips, biryani spices, fresh jasmine, and street snacks sizzling in oil. If you want to understand a city, start with its food. Kochi’s markets are a lively canvas of local life.

Try dishes like puttu and kadala curry, meen pollichathu, or appam with stew from no-frills eateries where flavors speak louder than ambience. For dessert, indulge in a tender coconut pudding or jaggery-drenched unniyappams.

Guided food walks are available too, but nothing beats just following your nose and the longest line outside a cart.

Admire Contemporary Art at the Kochi-Muziris Biennale (Seasonal)

If you visit during the Biennale season (usually December to March), you’ll find the city transformed into a sprawling art gallery. Abandoned spice warehouses and colonial buildings become canvases for artists from across the globe.

Even if you're not an art aficionado, the interactive installations and edgy perspectives can spark conversations and inspire reflection. It’s modern, often political, sometimes provocative—and definitely among the best things to do in Kochi if you're visiting during its run.

Sail to Vypeen Island and Relax on Cherai Beach

For those craving a stretch of sand and surf without leaving the city limits, Cherai Beach on Vypeen Island is a blissful escape. Less commercialized than its counterparts in North Kerala, Cherai offers golden sands, calm waves, and the occasional dolphin sighting.

The drive itself—from the city across bridges and lagoons—is part of the charm. Stop at local shacks for fresh seafood or enjoy a sunset from a cozy beachfront café.

End Your Day at a Rooftop Café with Harbor Views

The perfect ending to your day in Kochi? Sipping on a cold drink or hot chai from a rooftop café as the harbor lights twinkle and ferries float by. Places near Fort Kochi and Marine Drive offer views that are as therapeutic as they are picturesque.

From this vantage point, Kochi becomes more than a place—it becomes a feeling. One of stillness, soft air, and the kind of contentment you take back home with you.

Conclusion: Kochi, A City That Lingers in Memory

Kochi isn't built for hurried travelers. It invites you to slow down, to listen to the whispers of history between crumbling bricks, to savor the spices in your meal, and to meet its soul through its people and places. From cultural deep dives to waterfront escapes, this city wraps old-world warmth in coastal ease.

Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple on a romantic detour, or a family seeking new stories, the best things to do in Kochi are those that allow you to feel the place instead of merely ticking it off a list.

For a curated local guide and detailed suggestions, you can check the full list of best things to do in Kochi directly on our experience page.

FAQs About the Best Things to Do in Kochi

What is the best time to explore Kochi’s attractions?
October to March offers the most pleasant weather and aligns with cultural festivals and events like the Biennale.

Are Kochi's attractions suitable for children and families?
Absolutely. Places like Cherai Beach, Mattancherry Palace, and Fort Kochi are family-friendly, and kids will love the boat rides.

How many days should I spend in Kochi to see all the major sights?
Two to three days are ideal for a relaxed experience covering cultural, historical, and culinary highlights.

Can I combine a houseboat stay with a Kochi tour?
Yes, many travelers book a houseboat tour in Alleppey and then head to Kochi for an urban cultural immersion. Venezia Kerala Houseboat helps you plan both seamlessly.

Is Kochi walkable, or do I need transport?
Areas like Fort Kochi and Jew Town are best explored on foot, but for longer distances, auto-rickshaws and taxis are convenient and affordable.