A Guide To MG Road, Bangalore - Updated 2024

Shopping in and around MG Road

If you’re craving a spot for luxury goods and quality finds, MG Road is the first place to visit while in the city. MG Road is lined with stores selling everything from clothes and accessories to electronics, household items, traditional handicrafts, and more. For silk saree shopping, Deepam Silks and Prasiddhi are great shops; for handicrafts, there’s no better place than Cauvery Emporium; for crockery, Jamals is your best bet. Besides showrooms and stores, the area is also home to numerous street vendors that sell quality yet budget jewelry, accessories, clothes, and more.

1. 1 MG-Lido Mall

For your indoor shopping pleasure, 1 MG-Lido Mall on the MG Road is a great spot to visit. It is a large shopping mall with mid-price to high-range shops touting national and international brands. Some brands worth checking out are Pure Home+Living, Aldo, Mac, Estee Lauder, H&M, and Puma. It also has a cinema, three play zones, and a wide range of excellent restaurants where you can stop in for a restorative lunch or dinner.

1 MG-Lido Mall

Address: 1, 1 MG Lido Mall Trinity Circle, 2, Swamy Vivekananda Rd, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560008

Website: 1 MG-Lido Mall

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 11pm; Fri - Sun: 10am -1am

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2. Brigade Road

Just off MG Road is another rewarding shopping spot - Brigade Road. It is equipped with a balanced combination of high-end showrooms and street vendors, thus offering enough options for you to update your wardrobe regardless of your wallet size. The must-visit spot here is Dubai Plaza and Tibetan Plaza, which are considered to be a haven for budget shopping. Love reading? Don’t miss visiting Blossom Book House which is perhaps one of the oldest bookstores in the city. There’s everything from classics and first-hand copies of novels to second-hand books, rare comic books, travelogues, and more.

3. Commercial Street

Still haven’t had enough of retail therapy? Take a trip to Commercial Street, about 1.2 km (0.74 miles) from MG Road. It is lined with street-side hawkers and shops that sell everything imaginable. From clothes to accessories, knock-off designer bags, books, antiques, electronics, and more, you’ll find it all here. Feeling hungry? There are a range of cafes and small eateries in the area to satiate your cravings.

Commercial Street

Address: Tasker Town, Shivaji Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001

Cafes in and around MG Road

If you’re a coffee lover, you’re in for a treat at MG Road as almost all the big coffee chain companies popular in India are available here. Trip101 recommends checking out these cafes.

4. Indian Coffee House

The Indian Coffee House is among the city’s most cherished coffee establishments. It is popular for its South Indian filter coffee. The menu also includes sandwiches, omelettes, and classic South Indian dishes like idli sambhar, masala dosa, and vada to go with your joe.

Indian Coffee House

Address: No-19, Ground floor, Unit No. 37-38, Brigade Garden, Church Street Behind Mahatma Gandhi Road Metro Station, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001

Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily)

5. Truffles

If you love cozy cafes with warm atmospheres, then Truffles is right up your alley. Visit this place on MG Road, Bangalore, with your friends and indulge in relishing the lip-smacking flavors of their American-style menu. Start by ordering soups, and make your way through their oriental menu. You can also get delicious seafood and spicy chicken flavors at this cafe. And if you’re in the mood for just a quick bite, their line of sandwiches, burgers, and hotdogs will surely win your heart.

Moreover, the cafe also specializes in bakery products. From birthdays to anniversaries, whatever the occasion is, the cafe will deliver its best with the kind of cake you desire. So, make sure you give this place a try, and they’ll make sure you return for more.

Truffles

Address: XJC2+M9M, 22, St Mark’s Rd, Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001

Website: Truffles

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 11:15am - 10pm, Mon: 12pm - 11pm

Price: From 1. 10 USD

6. Cafe Azzure

A visit to Cafe Azzure is a must for those looking for a fusion of international and Indian flavors within an elegant setting. Adorned in white and blue, with an al-fresco setting, Cafe Azzure sits near MG Road Metro Station in Bangalore and boasts a favored reputation as a youth hangout spot.

Here, you can savor delicious pizzas and pasta with gorgeous views of the treetops and watch the city’s local life rush by as you sip your coffee. Indulge in a range of mouthwatering flavors - from soups to salads, Chinese appetizers to Indian main courses, and even an English breakfast - Cafe Azzure has something for everyone.

Cafe Azzure

Address: 52, Mahatma Gandhi Rd, Haridevpur, Shanthala Nagar, Shivaji Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001

Website: Cafe Azzure

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 12pm - 12am; Fri - Sun: 12pm - 1am

Price: From 1.60 USD

7. Matteo Coffea

At Matteo Coffea, you can enjoy a range of fresh brews along with delicious baked goodies and other treats. Do try one of its special cold coffee, called Shekerato. With both indoor and outdoor seating areas, this cozy cafe offers many nooks to call home for a couple hours. The indoor space has couches to relax on, serving as a comfortable work space for the day, while the outdoor space is perfect for people-watching and soaking up the city’s warm sunlight.

Matteo Coffea

Address: 2, Church Street, MG ROad, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001

Website: Matteo Coffea

Opening hours: 9:30am - 10:45pm (daily)

8. The White Room Coffee & Kitchen

In the midst of the city’s hustle and bustle, the White Room Coffee & Kitchen is a treat for the eyes and taste buds. It has a lovely outside area decked up with white garden furniture, and a warm and inviting indoor space complete with caricatures of British personalities. When it comes to food, it serves some of the most delicious Italian, continental, and American cuisines. Don’t leave without trying its flavored teas and coffee, which happen to be one of the best in the city.

The White Room Coffee & Kitchen

Address: Highgates Hotel, 33, Church St, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001

Website: The White Room Coffee & Kitchen

Opening hours: 9am - 11pm (daily)

Restaurants in and around MG Road

Looking for substantial eats? Head to one of the many restaurants dotting the area. Trip101 recommends checking out these restaurants.

9. Ebony

Located on the 13th floor of Barton Center, this restaurant on MG Road has been the prime haunt for Indian and Asian cuisine lovers in the city. It offers not just the menu rich with Pan-Indian and Asian food choices, but also the stunning panoramic views of the city that are sure to keep calling you back for more. The dahi ke kebab - curd with cottage cheese and herbs - is a must-have. There’s also a lounge area where you can enjoy a reasonably priced drink, good conversation, and splendid views of the city.

Ebony Restaurant

Address: Barton Centre, 13th Floor, 84, MG Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001

Website: Ebony Restaurant

Opening hours: 12:30pm - 3pm, 7pm - 11pm (daily)

10. Tandoor

If you’re craving for North Indian fare, Tandoor Restaurant is among your finest options. From different types of Indian breads to mild and spicy Tandoor and tawa dishes, the menu offers a wide array of delicacies guaranteed to please your taste buds. Their paneer tikka (paneer marinated in spices and grilled in a tandoor) and methi murg (chicken-based dish) are particularly worth trying. They also offer a fantastic range of cocktails, should you like a drink with your meal. Tandoor’s efficient service and elegant decor, complete with wooden furniture, chandeliers, and murals are added bonuses.

Tandoor Restaurant

Address: MG Road, Craig Park Layout, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001

Website: Tandoor Restaurant

Opening hours: 12pm - 3pm, 7pm - 11:30pm (daily)

11. Rim Naam

If you’re willing to splurge a little on your Thai and seafood cravings, look no further than Rim Naam. The Phat Kaphrao (a stir-fried dish with seafood or chicken) and pad Thai (rice noodle-based dish) are some great choices. Feel free to relax with a drink from the lounge and bar on site as you wait for your lunch or dinner, and don’t leave without snagging one of their desserts.

Rim Naam

Address: The Oberoi Bengaluru, 37-39, Mahatma Gandhi Road (M G Road), Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001

Website: Rim Naam

Opening hours: 12:30pm - 3pm, 7pm - 11pm (daily)

Bars and pubs in and around MG Road

If anything can be described as being MG Road’s claim to fame, it’s the bars and pubs. Trip101 recommends checking out these spots.

12. The 13th Floor

If you’re looking for a magical night sipping delicious cocktail under the open skies, The 13th Floor is where you should head to. This stylish terrace lounge offers spectacular view of the city’s skyline, in addition to Pan-Asian food and good music spanning across different genres, from lounge mixes to retro, rock ballads, and pop.

The 13th Floor

Address: Barton Centre, 84, MG Road, Haridevpur, Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001

Website: The 13th Floor

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4pm - 11:30pm; Fri - Sat: 4pm - 1am; Sun: 12pm - 12am

13. ABC (Arbor Brewing Company)

Arbor Brewing Company is among the few spots in Bangalore where you can indulge in delectable craft beer. Add to that lively vibe, 90s music, American-style pub grub, and hip crowds, and the ABC has rightly earned as one of the top places to unwind in Bangalore. Make sure to try the traditional Irish stout, vintage Belgian Triple, and Garam Masala Pale Ale.

Arbor Brewing Company

Address: 3rd Allied Grande Plaza, No. 8, Magrath Rd, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560025

Website: Arbor Brewing Company

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 12pm - 12:30am; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 1am

14. Communiti

If you’re looking for a laid-back, no-frills spot to enjoy beer and barbecue, Communiti is the place for you. With a wide variety of beers, delicious food and relaxed vibe, this old-school pub is an endearing spot to wrap up your weekday. Do taste the dry, dark stout, Czech Pilsner and Belgian ale. Their Communiti special veg platter and paprika barbecue wings make a great accompaniment to the chilled beer.

Communiti

Address: Solitaire, 67, 68 Brigade, Residency Rd, opp. Hyundai Showroom, Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560025

Website: Communiti

Opening hours: 11:30am - 1am (daily)

Where to stay in MG Road

There are numerous hotels in and around MG Road for travelers of all budgets. Trip101 recommends checking out these options.

15. The Oberoi Bengaluru (from USD 265)

Those with the cash to splash should consider staying at The Oberoi. It is located within comfortable distance from all the key attractions of the city and also boasts a spa, an outdoor pool, a gym, three restaurants, an interactive iPad in all the rooms, and a sports bar. Nature lovers will particularly appreciate the property as all the guestrooms have private balconies with lush garden views.

16. Taj MG Road (from USD 132)

Luxuriously designed rooms with lake or city views, multi-cuisine restaurants, a dessert parlor, a spa and wellness centre, and memorable service - Taj MG Road offers everything that any traveler could ask for and more. The hotel’s proximity to the city’s business hub and entertainment area, makes it just as handy for the corporate or leisure travelers.

17. WelcomHotel Bengaluru (from USD 125)

Besides being centrally located, WelcomHotel offers added benefits in the form of a a fine-dining restaurant and a lounge bar, a cozy 24-hour coffee shop, and a well-equipped wellness centre. Also, the rooms and suites are carefully crafted with the right blend of modern decor and old-world hospitality, thus making you feel like home.

Best way to reach MG Road

The best way to reach MG Road is via a metro train, which runs from 5am until 11:25pm daily, except on Sunday when it starts at 8am. Take the ‘purple line’ metro to get to MG Road - and the nearest metro stations are MG Road, Trinity, and Cubbon Park. You can buy a smart token from the ticket counter and vending machines at the train stations or get a smart card from the station for the metro. Alternatively, you can take a BMTC bus or book a Ola or Uber cab (Ola auto-rickshaws are also available).

Things to to do near MG Road (besides shopping)

Since MG Road is in the heart of the city, there’s plenty worth doing around it to fill in a whole day here.

18. Nature walk at Cubbon Park

Nature lovers can enjoy a relaxing walk in Cubbon Park, while history buffs can visit the State Archaeological Museum located within the grounds of the park and learn about the rich past of Karnataka. The park is also home to several historic buildings - Attara Kacheri and Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall - which are worth checking out, too. If you’re traveling with kids, make sure to stop by Jawahar Bal Bhavan, a recreation center for kids.

Cubbon Park

Address: Kasturba Road, Behind High Court of Karnataka Ambedkar Veedhi, Sampangi Rama Nagara, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 6am - 7pm; Sun: 6am - 7:45pm

19. Explore temples and churches

Religious and spiritual souls can visit one of the many famous temples and churches located nearby. The noteworthy ones include St. Mark’s Cathedral (Bangalore’s oldest Anglican chapel), St. Mary’s Basilica, Halasuru Someshwara Temple (oldest temple in the city dating back to Chola period) and Dharmaraya Swamy Temple (the only temple in South India dedicated to Pandavas from the Hindu epic Mahabharata).

20. Go boating at Ulsoor Lake

Those looking for a fun experience, go boating at Ulsoor Lake. The distinctive feature of this lake is the row of small tree-lined islands on it. Paddle boat and motor boat rides are available to explore these islands. While boating, keep an eye out for the different species of birds, including herons, purple swamp hens, and Brahmani kites, among others.

Ulsoor Lake

Address: Ulsoor, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560042

21. Peruse the Rangoli Metro Art Centre

Interested in Bangalore’s art and music scene? Head to the Rangoli Metro Art Centre. Here, you can enjoy jam sessions, classical dance recitals, plays, as well as peruse an impressive collection of art housed within its three galleries. If you’re traveling with kids, there’s also a kids’ recreation area with plenty for them to do.

Rangoli Metro Art Center

Address: Metro Station, Beside MG Road, Shivaji Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001

Website: Rangoli Metro Art Center

Opening hours: 10am - 7:30pm (daily)

Price: Free entry

Explore the lively MG Road

Travelers to Bangalore rave about MG Road for its central location as well as for plenty of things to do and see here. And if you’re also wondering what to do on MG Road in Bangalore, we’ve made a list of things for you. Visitors marvel at the historic architecture, indulge in some retail therapy, or just sit back with a cup of coffee and watch the crowds pass by. For a complete list of things to do in MG Road, read our above guide.