Some weekends, I just want to disappear and not just to escape the city, but to find a quiet corner within it. There’s something special about spending a weekend alone in Bhubaneswar, the city feels slower, softer, almost like it’s finally letting you see its quiet side. To sip chai without being rushed, hear the rustle of leaves instead of honking, and taste food that feels like home.
Bhubaneswar isn’t just about temples and traffic; it’s about the small things that quietly steal your heart, the calm lakes where evenings feel endless, the cafés that remember your usual order, the parks where time slows down, and the street food stalls that greet you like an old friend. It’s in those unplanned stops and lazy evenings that Bhubaneswar feels most alive, familiar, comforting, and a little bit like home.
This is my version of a perfect weekend in Bhubaneswar where time slows down, where every bite of dahibara or every moment by a calm lake reminds me that peace isn’t far away. It’s just waiting for you to notice it.
Saturday Morning: Street Breakfasts & Chai Moments
I like to start my weekends slowly with no alarms, no rush, just me, my scooty, and a craving for something comforting.
Stop 1: Ranka Bhai Dahibara
No weekend feels right without dahibara aloo dum, and Ranka Bhai’s stall in Baramunda, is my forever favorite. The tangy curd, spicy aloo dum, and soft vadas. It’s happiness in a leaf bowl. You’ll see students rushing in before class, office-goers taking a quick bite, even uncles chatting about politics while waiting for their turn.
The air smells of curd, fried vadas, and a hint of spice the kind of smell that instantly wakes up your appetite. Bhai moves fast behind the counter, but he somehow still remembers familiar faces. When he smiles and says, “Aji gote plate?” (one plate today?), it feels oddly personal like being recognized in the middle of chaos. It’s such a small thing, but somehow, it makes Bhubaneswar feel like home.
Location: Opposite to Patanjali Store, KV-2 to fire station road, Baramunda housing board colony Why it’s perfect: Authentic taste, homely vibe, and it never disappoints.
Tip: Go early around 9 AM before the rush; freshness hits differently.
Stop 2: Big Cup Café, Khandagiri
After breakfast, I like heading here for a slow chai or coffee break. Big Cup Café has cozy seating, soft playlists, and a welcoming quiet that makes you want to linger. The decor is warm, the light perfect for journaling, and it’s far calmer than the busy street cafés around. I usually order an iced latte or a hot chocolate (depending on my mood) and sit near the window. The light hits just right, warm, soft, perfect for thinking or journaling. Sometimes, I scroll through photos, sometimes I just stare out. It’s quiet, cozy, and deeply comforting.
Why it’s perfect: A cup of coffee, soft pastries, and that feeling of being gently invisible. Tip: Try their pastries.The chocolate truffle slice is my go-to.
Saturday Afternoon: Lazy Lunch & Cozy Corners
By noon, Bhubaneswar starts to buzz but I prefer slipping away to quieter lunch spots that still serve great food.
Stop 3: Dalma Restaurant, Unit 4
When I crave comfort, I always end up here. Their Odia thali like rice, dalma, saga bhaja, and badi chura that feels like a warm hug after a long week. It’s simple, homely, and reminds me of my childhood meals. I usually end up ordering their Pakhala Thali. There’s something so grounding about that first bite — the cool, slightly tangy rice soaking in curd water, the crunch of badi, the light spice of bhaja, and a piece of fried fish on the side if you’re in the mood. It’s comfort in the truest sense — the kind that slows you down, makes you forget you even had plans after lunch.
Why it’s special: Authentic Odia food, peaceful ambience, and that nostalgic touch.
Tip: Try their pakhala and you will thank me.
Saturday Evening: Golden Hour Walks & Slow Drives
Stop 4: Janpath–Nayapalli Roads
When the sun starts to set, I take my scooty for a ride through Janpath-Nayapalli roads. The air feels lighter, the trees glow golden, and there’s barely any noise and just the sound of my own thoughts. It’s one of those routes where the streetlights slowly come alive, the breeze cools down, and you can actually hear the sound of your own thoughts.
Why it’s magical: Peaceful, scenic, and perfect for clearing your head after a busy day.
Tip: Play soft music or lo-fi tracks for a more meditative vibe.
Stop 5: Ekamra Kanan Park, Nayapalli
I end my Saturday here. The reflections on the lake, the calm breeze, and the soft chatter of people make it the perfect spot to unwind. Sometimes, I just sit by the water till it gets dark.I usually sit on one of the stone benches with a cold bottle of water, watching couples stroll, kids chase each other, and the occasional fitness enthusiast jog past. It’s oddly grounding to just be there, doing nothing, surrounded by life moving at its own lazy pace. There’s no rush here, no pressure to “see” something. You just exist, and that’s enough.
Tip: Go around 5:30 PM for the best sunset view. And carry a book or your earphones. Find a shady spot near the lake, and let the city’s noise melt away for an hour or two.
Sunday Morning: Slow Starts & Cafe Breakfasts
Stop 1: Oberai Bakers & Café, Laxmisagar / Jharpada Area
Sundays are for lazy mornings and slow breakfasts. Oberai Bakers is my go-to when I want something light but cozy. The smell of freshly baked bread hits you the moment you step in, and the staff always greet you with a smile that instantly lifts your mood.
I love sitting by the glass wall, sipping on their cappuccino with a sandwich or a croissant, watching the city slowly wake up. It’s calm, simple, and exactly what a Sunday morning should feel like.
Why it works: Great for a calm Sunday breakfast — coffee or sandwiches, quiet ambience.
Personal tip: Aim for around 9–10 am for low crowd; pick a corner seat and enjoy a slow start. Try there coffee and cheesecakes.
Stop 2: Buddha Park, Chandrasekharpur
There’s something almost therapeutic about Buddha Park. Tucked quietly in Chandrasekharpur, it’s one of those places where the city noise fades into a soft hum the moment you step inside.
I often come here after breakfast just to walk around aimlessly or sit under a tree with my earphones in. The benches near the lake are my favorite. Sometimes, I just close my eyes and listen to the faint sound of birds mixed with distant temple bells, it’s like the city takes a pause here.
Why I love it: It’s green, clean, and quiet perfect for journaling, reflecting, or doing nothing at all.
Tip: Visit right after breakfast, around 9 to 10 AM. The park is still quiet then — just a few morning walkers. Carry your coffee if you’re a slow-morning person — it pairs perfectly with the calm here.
Sunday Afternoon: Comfort Lunch in the City
Stop 3: Odisha Hotel, Saheed Nagar
For lunch, I go here for Odia classics. Their crab curry and mutton thali are unmatched, spicy, flavorful, and served with love. The ambience is calm despite being in the city, which makes it perfect for a slow weekend lunch.The food here feels homemade, and even on busy days, there’s a kind of organized calm that makes the whole experience relaxing. I like that it’s not pretentious, just good food served with heart. After a plate here, you’ll understand why Odia cuisine deserves more spotlight.
What to try: Mutton curry thali or crab masala with rice.
Tip: Around 1 PM is ideal as less crowd than peak lunch hours.
Sunday Evening: Warm Cafés & Peaceful Reflections
Stop 4: Café 16, Satya Nagar
As the weekend winds down, Café 16 in Satya Nagar feels like the perfect last pause before Monday. The warm yellow lights, vintage décor, and smell of coffee make it quietly comforting. I usually order their hot chocolate — thick, rich, and served with that perfect swirl of cream on top. It’s the kind of drink that makes you forget your phone for a while. Pair it with their garlic bread or a slice of chocolate truffle, and suddenly your Sunday evening feels like it’s hugging you back.
The café’s charm lies in its simplicity. The staff remember faces, the playlist is never too loud, and the vibe feels familiar — like the kind of comfort spot that slowly becomes your place without you realizing it.
Why it’s perfect: Peaceful ambience, warm lighting, and perfect for journaling or chatting softly with a friend.
Tip: Go around 6 PM, the lighting at that hour makes everything feel golden. And try their Hot Chocolate.
Stop 5: Bindusagar Lake, Old Town
Once the sun starts setting, I like taking a short drive to Bindusagar Lake. The reflection of the fading light on the water feels almost cinematic, and the calm around the temple ghats gives you space to breathe before a new week begins. The city feels different here as it is slower, sacred, and deeply rooted. I usually sit for a few minutes, watching the sky fade, and just let the calm wash over me. Right beside it lies Ekamra Van, a small herbal garden that feels like a world of its own. It’s beautifully maintained with stone paths, sculptures, and patches of medicinal plants that smell earthy and fresh. It’s the kind of place where you can stroll slowly, sit under a tree, and just listen to the city hum in the background.
The best part is how the two spaces, the calm of Bindusagar and the green stillness of Ekamra Van that blend together. It’s like Bhubaneswar showing you both its sides: spiritual and natural, timeless and present.
Why it’s magical: A peaceful close to the weekend with a view that never gets old.
Tip: Visit between 5:15–6:00 PM — that’s when the light and reflections are at their best.
Closing Note:
Honestly, weekends in Bhubaneswar don’t need to be fancy. You don’t have to go miles away to feel free sometimes all you need is a plate of dahibara that tastes like comfort, a café that lets you sit quietly with your thoughts, and a sunset that slows everything down.
Every time I spend a weekend like this, I realize Bhubaneswar has its own soft rhythm, one that you only notice when you stop rushing. The calm streets, the familiar faces, the smell of food that reminds you of home, it all feels like the city’s way of giving you a warm hug before the week starts again.
So if you ever feel stuck or tired, take your scooty, play your favorite playlist, and just wander around. You’ll be surprised at how peaceful this city can be when you give it the chance.
Want to Plan Your Next Weekend Escape?
If you’re ready to step outside the city next time, check out our guide to Weekend Trips from Bhubaneswar You’ll Absolutely Love — from peaceful beaches to hilly getaways that are just a few hours away.
