World by City

Parks & gardens

Patan Durbar Square

Open in Maps
Patan Durbar Square

Patan Durbar Square

Located in Lalitpur, this site is one of the historic royal squares of the Kathmandu Valley. It consists of a complex of palaces, temples, and courtyards. Travelers visit this area to observe Newari architecture and the preserved layout of the old royal residence.

Getting There

The square is located in the city of Lalitpur, which is adjacent to Kathmandu. From the center of Kathmandu, you can reach the site via taxi or local public transport. The journey typically takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Suggested Duration

Allow approximately 2 to 4 hours to walk through the square and explore the surrounding courtyards. This provides enough time to observe the architectural details without rushing.

When to Visit

Early morning or late afternoon is recommended to avoid the midday heat. The site gets crowded during peak tourist seasons and during local religious festivals. Visiting during the autumn or spring months generally offers the most stable weather.

Nearby Attractions

Because the site is centrally located in the old town, several other points of interest are within walking distance:

  • Patan Museum (0.1km): Located within the palace complex.
  • Krishna Mandir (0.1km): A prominent stone temple within the square.
  • Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (0.3km): Also known as the Golden Temple.
  • Kumbheshwar Temple (0.4km): A significant multi-roofed temple nearby.

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

This place may not appear in the results — some sites are free to enter or sell tickets only at the gate.

Stays near Patan Durbar Square

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

Map and place data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Patan Durbar Square Nearby stays

Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

Pick your dates — we'll search Bhaktapur hotels for you

Choose dates and guests, and the buttons below will open search results with your criteria. Prices differ between sites, so compare before you book.

Hotel membership

Staying at Accor hotels often? ALL Accor+ Explorer

A paid annual membership. It includes two free nights a year across Asia-Pacific, 30% off dining and 15% off drinks, and 15% off stays at more than 4,500 hotels worldwide.

Explore the membership

Itineraries including this place

Good to visit alongside

Patan Museum

Museums & galleries

Patan Museum

This museum occupies the site of the former Malla dynasty royal palace and is a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing traditional Nepali religious art. Visitors can also admire the intricate wooden palace architecture.

0.1 km away

Krishna Mandir

Temples & religious sites

Krishna Mandir

Built in the 17th century by King Siddhi Narsingh Malla, this Shikhara-style Hindu temple stands in Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Damaged in the 2015 earthquake, it was restored in 2018 and is once again open to visitors.

0.1 km away

Hiranya Varna Mahavihar

Temples & religious sites

Hiranya Varna Mahavihar

This historic Buddhist temple is known for its golden roof and intricate decorations, and is more commonly called the "Golden Temple" by locals. It's a wonderful place to take your time admiring the elaborate metalwork and carvings.

0.3 km away

Kumbheshwar Temple

Temples & religious sites

Kumbheshwar Temple

Kumbheshwar Temple is a five-story pagoda near Patan Durbar Square, built in the 14th century as Patan's oldest temple. Dedicated to Shiva, it features intricate wood carvings and a large Nandi statue facing the shrine.

0.4 km away

Balkumari temple

Temples & religious sites

Balkumari temple

Balkumari Temple stands in the Lalitpur area of Nepal; its exact founding date is unknown, but it is believed to have been built sometime between the 7th and 17th centuries. It is dedicated to Balkumari, one of the Ashta Matrika goddesses, and continues to draw a steady stream of worshippers.

0.8 km away

Kathmandu Zoo

Zoos & aquariums

Kathmandu Zoo

This is a zoo in Nepal, home to 969 animals across 109 species. Open to the public since 1956, its long history makes it a great choice for families.

1.5 km away