The ancient city of Patan, laying 5km southeast of Kathmandu, is known as the city of fine arts. The city is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments. The diversity of the medieval culture that allowed both Hinduism and Buddhism to flourish has left a rich legacy of impressive sightseeing in this city for today's visitors.
- Patan Durbar Square
situated in the heart of the city, constitutes the focus of visitors' attraction. The Square is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines, noted for their exquisite carvings. The Patan Durbar Square consists of three main chowks or court yards , the Central Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshar Narayan Chowk. The Sundari Chowk holds in its center a masterpiece of stone architecture, the Royal Bath called Tushahity. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.
- Patan Museum
This museum inside the Durbar Square specializes in bronze statues and religious objects. It is considered as one of the best museums in Asia.
Opens daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. It is closed only for 3 days during Dashain and for 3 days during Tihar.
- Krishna Mandir
Built in 1637 AD, the temple of Lord Krishna holds a commanding position in the palace complex of Patan. It is supposed to be the first specimen of Shikhara style architecture in Nepal. It is the only temple in Nepal having 21 spires and is completely made of stone.
- Mahabouddha
A little further east from Patan Durbar Square lays this Buddhist temple made of clay bricks in which thousands of images of Lord Buddha are engraved. The terra-cotta structure is one of the fourteenth century Nepalese architectural masterpieces.
- Hiranya Varna Mahavihar
Located inside Kwabadehal, this three-story golden pagoda of Lokeshwor (Lord Buddha) was built in the twelfth century by King Bhaskar Verma. It is famous as the Golden Temple. Inside the upper story of the pagoda, are the golden images of Lord Buddha and a large prayer wheel.
- Kumbheshwor
This five-tiered temple of Lord Shiva was built during the reign of King Jayasthiti Malla. On the Janai Poornima day in August, a fair is held in Kumbheshwor.
- Jagatnarayan Temple
This tall, imposing temple of Lord Vishnu is situated at Sankhmul. The temple has many fine stone images and an artistic metal statue of Garuda on a stone pillar.
- Rudra Varna Mahavihar
This unique Buddhist monastery contains an amazing collection of images and statues in metal, stone and wood. It is believed that the kings in the ancient times were crowned in this monastery. Many of the treasures offered by the devotees can be seen here even today.
- The Ashokan Stupas
There are four ancient stupas popularly believed to have been built in 250 BC by Emperor Ashoka at the four cardinal directions of Patan. The four stupas are situated in Pulchok, Lagankhel, Ebahi and in Teta (way to Sano Gaon) respectively. These stupas are evidence of the city's ancient religious importance.
- Achheswor Mahavihar
It was established towards the beginning of the 17th century by one Achheshwor who built a temple to house an idol. of Lord Buddha. The Mahavihar has recently been reconstructed. Situated behind. the Ashokan Stupa at Pulchok, the Mahavihar commands a beautiful view of the Kathmandu Valley.
- Temple of Machchendranath and Minnath
The pagoda of Red Machchendranath built in 1408 AD is situated in Tabahal. For six months, the deity is taken to its other shrine in Bungmati. The temple of Minnath is situated in Tangaion the way to Tabahal.
- The Zoo
Situated at Jawalakhel, the zoo has many animals, birds and reptiles in its collection representing mostly the Himalayan fauna. There is a beautiful pond built in the 17th century.
- Patan Industrial Estate
Patan Industrial Estate is situated at Lagankhel in Lalitpur (Patan) near Sat Dobato. This industrial estate is well known for Nepali handicrafts such as wood carvings, metal craft, carpets and thangka paintings. For the convenience of tourists, there is a shopping arcade where all the handicraft products are exhibited.
- Bajra Barahi
Situated in a small wooded park, it is about 10km south of Patan near the village of Chapagaon. A visit to Tika Bhairav and Lele from here is worthwhile.
- Godavari
Situated at the foothills of Phulchowki, the Royal Botanical Garden of Godavari has splendid natural beauty. The road from Patan city runs to Godavari to the southeast, passing through the small old towns of Harisiddhi, Thaiba and Badegaun. The only botanical garden in Nepal, it is open daily including weekends and government holidays.
- Phulchowki
Located about 10km southeast of Patan, this 2,758m hill, is a good spot for hiking. A Buddhist shrine is situated on the top of the hill which can be reached through a jeepable road.
