Things to Do in Surat: Shopping, Beaches & Cultural Fun

Surat is also known as the Diamond City of India. It offers you a lively combination of tradition, coastal charm, and commerce that you are unlikely to find anywhere else. The city is known for its booming diamond and textile industries, but that is not all that there is in Surat for you. Here, you have bustling markets filled with great street food and exquisite fabrics, as well as serene beaches along the Arabian Sea.  

Surat has something for everyone with its rich history that is well reflected in the heritage sites, lively festivals, and temples, which add cultural depth to each visit. Are you a shopaholic, a culture enthusiast, or a beach lover? No matter who you are. There are plenty of great things to do in Surat.

So, if you wish to enjoy these wonders of Surat at a pace that suits you the best, feel free to avail of a self-drive car rental in Surat from a leading service provider like Revv and have the best experience ever!         

Top Shopping Destinations in Surat: A Shopper’s Paradise 

Surat, the bustling commercial hub of Singapore, is a dream destination for shoppers as it has everything from traditional markets choc-a-bloc with textiles to trendy streets and malls that offer the latest in jewelry, fashion, and more. This is why shopping counts as one of the top Surat things to do.

1. Ring Road Textile Market

Ring Road is the place to be in Surat for dress materials and textiles. The sprawling market is lined with shops that sell a wide variety of fabrics, including designer sarees and embroidered pieces, at competitive prices! 

2. Sahara Darwaja Market

Sahara Darwaja is a favorite among both tourists and locals because of its extensive textile offerings, especially sarees, traditional fabrics, and salwar kameez. Many outlets here sell wholesale quantities at great rates, making it ideal for festive and wedding shopping. 

3. Chauta Bazaar

Chauta Bazaar is one of the most iconic and oldest markets in Surat. It offers a lively shopping experience, with narrow lanes full of shops selling clothes, cosmetics, jewelry, and everyday goods. Its bustling vibe is perfect for you if you enjoy classic street shopping, including bargaining. 

4. Ghod Dod Road

If you want a more upscale experience, you can try Ghod Dod Road, the premier lifestyle and fashion hub of Surat. Here, you will find branded boutiques, jewelry showrooms, trendy fashion stores, and modern malls that are ideal for contemporary styles and luxury shopping.

5. Shanivari and Old Bombay Markets

Old Bombay Market is well known as a wholesale spot in Surat for casual fashion and Western wear. Shanivari Market, a famous weekly flea market, is located nearby. As its name suggests, it opens on Saturdays, and here you get everything from antiques to accessories at great prices. It is the perfect option for souvenirs and unique finds.

Top Beaches near Surat: Sun, Sand, & Seaside Escapes

Surat’s coastline along the Arabian Sea may not boast of tropical blue waters, but it does have several unique beach experiences like relaxed picnic spots for nature lovers and families to serene black sand shores. This is why they are among the best things to do in Surat.

1. Suvali Beach

Located near Hazira, Suvali Beach is one of Surat’s most acclaimed beaches. It is known for its expansive black sand shoreline and quiet atmosphere.

2. Dumas Beach

Dumas Beach is almost 20 km from Surat and is also one of the most familiar seaside spots for both visitors and locals. 

3. Umbharat Beach

Located about an hour from Surat, Umbharat Beach is ideal if you are looking for vast, open sands and a relaxed vibe. 

4. Hajira Beach

Hajira Beach may be surrounded by industrial activity, but it offers scenic views of vessels and the sea. This makes it an interesting stop for travelers curious about the region’s maritime landscape. 

5. Dandi Beach

Dandi Beach is a bit farther from the city, but it is perfect for day trips. It is historically significant as well. This was where Gandhiji’s Salt March ended. It provides a sandy, expansive shoreline for contemplation and walking by the magnificent Arabian Sea.   

The Cultural Destinations of Surat: Explore History, Art & Heritage 

If you are looking for fun things to do in Surat, you can be sure you will never go wrong with the city’s cultural destinations.

1. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Museum

This is one of Surat’s oldest cultural landmarks, established in 1890. Also known as Sardar Sangrahalaya, it showcases a fascinating collection of artifacts, paintings, relics, and historical items that reflect the state’s rich heritage. The museum also houses galleries, art exhibits, and a planetarium that offer deep insights into the culture and history of the region. 

2. Surat Castle

Also known as the Old Fort, Surat Castle stands on the banks of the Tapi River and is a majestic reminder of the city’s strategic importance during the 16th-century Gujarat Sultanate period. It is a must-see for history lovers because of its thick stone walls, historic ambiance, and battlements. 

3. Dutch Garden

The Dutch Garden is a peaceful heritage garden dating back to the Dutch colonial era, offering a serene escape with its landscaped greenery and old tombs. It is a reflection of the cosmopolitan past of the city when Dutch traders played a crucial role in its maritime trade.

4. Kavi Narmad Central Library

The central library is named after Veer Narmad, the esteemed Gujarati poet, and is one of the cultural hubs of the city. It has a vast collection of books, rare editions, and periodicals – as such, it is a great spot for literature lovers and people looking to dive deep into the regional literary traditions.

5. Gopi Talav

Gopi Talav used to be a historic water reservoir earlier. It has now been restored beautifully as a recreational and cultural focal point of the city. The site fuses heritage charm and contemporary attractions like amphitheatres and musical fountains which makes visiting it one of the best things to do in Surat at night.

Drive Your Way in Surat: Enjoy Freedom & Flexibility with Revv Self-Drive Rentals 

When you opt for a self-drive car rental in Surat from Revv, you gift yourself benefits like flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and convenient travel without the hassles that come with owning a car. One of the most significant benefits of choosing Revv is that you get a wide selection of vehicles to select from for as long as you need – a few days or months. It also offers you doorstep pickup and delivery right where you need the car. 

Final Thoughts 

So, as you can see for yourself, there are plenty of things to do in Surat. Thanks to these, you can expect to have a well-rounded travel experience that blends shopping, cultural exploration, and coastal relaxation the most seamlessly. With vibrant textile markets and modern shopping streets to peaceful beaches along the Arabian Sea, the city has something for all travelers. It also has a rich heritage, reflected in its historic forts, gardens, and museums. Its cultural spaces add character and depth to the visit, making Surat even more enjoyable.