The best things to do in Noida

What is it: A 5-acre multi-sports facility that’s open 24x7. 

Why go? It’s the perfect antidote to desk fatigue under one roof – football turf, cricket nets, badminton courts, and of course, the showstopper – a neon-lit pickleball court. It’s often packed full of serious players and groups of beginners out for a laugh, making it a great spot to meet new people (several matches need extra players). It’s also ditched the in-house café option that most gaming places do, and features tons of food trucks instead. 

Timings: Daily. Open round the clock. 

Address: Bunkar Bhawan, Sector 33, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301

What is it: One of Delhi NCR’s best-maintained golf courses.

Why go? If you’re going to fork out a non-member green fee in Noida, let it be at Jaypee Greens. While Noida’s home to a couple other 18-hole courses, none can match the high standards at Jaypee: luridly green lawns, a gorgeously landscaped course dotted with dozens of water bodies, a driving range AND a top-notch chipping and putting range, as well as a café that, quite truthfully, serves up Indian food so good it’d rival what you find at high-rated restaurants. Casual players are as welcome as serious ones – you can practice or take lessons at the driving range. 

Timings: Tue-Sun. 5am-6pm. Closed Monday. 

Address: G-Block, Surajpur - Kasna Rd, Block B, Jaypee Greens, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201315

What are they? Tiny markets inside residential neighbourhoods, all named after Indian rivers, and all known for something or the other. 

Why go? Skip the air-conditioned malls and head to Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Godavari shopping complexes for a sense of neighbourhood camaraderie. They’ve each got their own personality – Brahmaputra’s the undisputable snack champion thanks to JSB Sweets and Lakshmi Coffee House, but it also has several stalls selling cheap but cool T-shirts. Ganga’s known for shops that have little odds and ends e-commerce apps don’t stock anymore. Godavari’s lined with several cafés and street food joints. 

Timings: Daily. 12am-11pm.

What is it: A 164-acre garden home to over 350 species of plants, doubling up as a centre for conservation and research on endangered plant species. 

Why go? Any peaceful, green place is worth the visit, and this one’s the best in Noida. The garden’s sectioned by plant species, features running tracks, and a pond. A great place to unwind, take a walk, or enjoy some down time in peace. 

Timings: Daily. 9.30am-4.30pm. Free.

Address: LT, Captain Vijyant Thapar Marg, Sector 38, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201303

What is it: A permanent crafts bazaar showcasing traditional handicrafts from different Indian states.

Why go? It’s Noida’s answer to the iconic Dilli Haat, and while it isn’t quite as diverse, it’s got a more than decent selection of handicrafts, handloom, clay and terracotta pottery, jewellery, clothes, home decor, and more. It’s also lined with several food stalls serving regional dishes from around the country, and on the weekends, it often hosts music and dance performances. 

Timings: Mon-Sun. 12pm-9.30pm. 

Address: D-10, Prakash Hospital Marg, Block D, Sector 33A, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201307

What is it: Dozens of pubs in a single location. 

Why go? Noida’s DLF Mall of India’s obviously home to lots of great bars, but here’s where you come for the grubby pub-hopping experience after dark. Some pubs are slightly more upscale, with pared back music and extensive menus, while others feature thumping music and questionable interiors. Some of them even do offers on the spot (that means free drinks if you’re a girl).  

Timings: Mon-Sun.12pm-2am.  

Address: Plot No, A2, Maharaja Agrasen Marg, Sector 38, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201303

What is it: The Noida chapter of Delhi Reads – a book community that meets every Sunday. 

Why go? It’s surprisingly unfussy for a book club. Every Sunday, strangers meet at a decided spot and read quietly for an hour or two sans the rigmarole of choosing a specific book each week or participating in a mandatory discussion at the end of each session. The club exists more to increase accountability amongst readers and provide company. Great place for making friends and for expanding your taste in books. Check their social media for updates on timings and locations.  

Timings: Sundays. 11.30am-1pm. Free.

What is it: A wetland sanctuary by the banks of the Yamuna, home to hundreds of species of birds.

Why go? The spot attracts more than 300 species of birds – water birds, kingfishers, herons, migratory birds if you’re lucky. You can walk along defined lanes (with or without binoculars), take some photos, or just enjoy a picnic by the river. Wear comfortable shoes and remember that you’ll be charged an extra fee if you’re carrying around a large professional camera. 

Timings: Mon-Sun. 7.30am-5pm. Entry fee ranges from ₹30 for Indian visitors to ₹350 for foreign visitors.
Address: Noida Plaza, N Block, Poc