Arrive at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU). Take a pre-paid yellow taxi or an app-based cab (Uber/Ola) to your hotel. The journey to the city center takes about 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic.

Check into your hotel. A hotel around Park Street or Sudder Street is ideal for central access to attractions and dining. Settle in and relax before starting your exploration.

Have lunch at Peter Cat, an iconic Kolkata restaurant famous for its Chelo Kebab. It's a perfect introduction to the city's legendary culinary scene. The retro ambiance adds to the experience.

Explore the magnificent Victoria Memorial, a large marble building dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria. Walk through its lush gardens and explore the museum inside, which showcases the history of Kolkata under British rule.

Visit the serene St. Paul's Cathedral, located near the Victoria Memorial. It's a beautiful example of Indo-Gothic architecture and offers a peaceful respite from the city's hustle.

Return to Park Street for dinner. This area is known as 'the street that never sleeps' and is famous for its restaurants and nightlife. Enjoy a meal at Trincas, another heritage spot known for its live music.

Start your day with an early morning visit to the Kalighat Temple, one of the most sacred Shakti Peeths in India. It's a powerful and intense spiritual experience. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Kali.

Visit the Mother House of the Missionaries of Charity, established by Mother Teresa. It's a place of pilgrimage and peace. You can visit her tomb and a small museum showcasing her life and work.

Experience an authentic Bengali meal at 6 Ballygunge Place. Served in a beautifully restored Bengali home, their 'thali' (a platter with various dishes) offers a fantastic survey of local cuisine, including fish, vegetables, and sweets.

Spend the afternoon at the Indian Museum, the oldest and largest museum in India. It has rare collections of antiques, armour, ornaments, fossils, skeletons, mummies, and Mughal paintings.

Head to the New Market area for an evening snack. Try the famous Kathi Rolls from Nizam's or Badshah Bar & Restaurant. This area is a hub for delicious and historic street food.

Explore College Street, the world's largest second-hand book market. Walk through the endless stalls selling new and old books on every imaginable subject. It's a paradise for book lovers and a unique cultural experience.

Step back in time at the legendary Indian Coffee House, a historic institution and a former hub for intellectuals, artists, and students. The ambiance is nostalgic and the conversation is always buzzing. Order a simple black coffee and some snacks.

Experience a slice of old Kolkata by taking a ride on one of its historic trams. It's a slow, charming way to see the city's architecture and daily life unfold. Take a route from Esplanade towards North Kolkata.

Visit one of the oldest non-church cemeteries in the world. The moss-covered tombs, obelisks, and mausoleums from the colonial era create a hauntingly beautiful and serene atmosphere. It's a fascinating glimpse into the city's past.

For a refined Bengali dining experience, head to Oh! Calcutta. The restaurant is dedicated to reviving the classic cuisine of the region. It's a perfect place to try sophisticated Bengali dishes in an elegant setting.

Explore the fascinating lanes of Kumartuli, a traditional potters' quarter in North Kolkata. Here, artisans craft intricate clay idols of gods and goddesses for various festivals. You can watch them at work in their studios.

Have lunch at a local eatery in the Shyambazar area to taste authentic North Kolkata cuisine. Try Mitra Cafe for its famous 'Kabiraji' cutlets or other heritage cabins in the area.

In the late afternoon, head to Prinsep Ghat, a beautiful colonial-era monument on the banks of the Hooghly River. It's a popular spot for locals to relax, and it offers stunning views of the Vidyasagar Setu (Second Hooghly Bridge).

Take a traditional wooden boat ('nouka') for a ride on the Hooghly River. Witness the sunset over the water and see the iconic Howrah Bridge light up as evening falls. It's a magical and serene experience.

Enjoy dinner at a restaurant offering views of the illuminated Howrah Bridge or the Hooghly River. Alternatively, head back to the city center for more dining options.

Visit the ancestral home of the Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. The sprawling mansion is now a museum that offers a deep insight into the life of the Tagore family and the Bengal Renaissance.

Visit the opulent 19th-century mansion built by Raja Rajendra Mullick. It houses a vast collection of Western sculptures, Victorian furniture, and paintings by European and Indian artists, including works by Rubens and Reynolds.

No trip to Kolkata is complete without trying its unique style of Biryani, characterized by the presence of a large potato and a subtle, aromatic flavor. Arsalan or Aminia are legendary spots for this dish.

Visit a legendary sweet shop like Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick to taste and pack some of Bengal's famous sweets ('mishti'). Try the 'Sondesh', 'Rosogolla', and the innovative 'Baked Rosogolla'.

Head to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) for your flight home, filled with memories of the City of Joy.