Ahmedabad City Guide

Ahmedabad's food scene is vibrant, with a strong focus on local vegetarian cuisine and a growing international presence.

Ahmedabad has a relatively subdued nightlife due to Gujarat's prohibition laws. Nightlife revolves around late-night cafes, dessert parlors, street food hubs, and cultural events.

A developing coffee scene with a mix of traditional cafes and modern third-wave coffee shops.

Tipping is common but not mandatory. 5-10% in restaurants is standard, and rounding up fares is usual for taxis.

SIM cards can be purchased at the airport (though options might be limited) or from authorized stores of providers like Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea (Vi) in the city.

Street cleanliness varies; main roads and commercial areas are generally well-maintained, while older areas might be less clean.

Some pharmacies operate 24/7, especially near major hospitals. True 24/7 minimarts are less common.

Limited availability of very specific international brands, but major supermarkets stock a decent range of imported goods.

Highly cashless-ready, especially for daily transactions. UPI (Unified Payments Interface) apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm are widely accepted even by small vendors. Credit/debit cards are accepted at most larger establishments, supermarkets, and restaurants.

ATMs are widely available from various banks (e.g., SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis Bank) across the city.

Notable international schools include Ahmedabad International School (AIS), Calorx Olive International School (COIS), and Global Indian International School (GIIS).

A nascent but growing digital nomad community with several co-working spaces and work-friendly cafes.

Sabarmati Riverfront and Kankaria Lake offer extensive green spaces and recreational areas. Overall green space access is decent.

Popular running routes include the Sabarmati Riverfront and Kankaria Lake. Generally safe but air quality can be a concern.

Numerous gyms and fitness centers are available, including popular chains and independent facilities.

Tennis courts are available at various sports clubs, academies, and some residential complexes. Padel is growing in popularity.

Padel is less common but growing in popularity. Courts may be found in select clubs and sports facilities.

Numerous yoga studios offering various styles across the city. English-speaking instructors are common in more established studios.

Various dojos offer martial arts like Karate, Taekwondo, Judo, and increasingly BJJ and Muay Thai. English-speaking instructors are available in some larger academies.

Ahmedabad is in a tropical region and does not have ski resorts.

Limited water sports opportunities within Ahmedabad itself, primarily at Kankaria Lake (boating).

No direct surfing spots near Ahmedabad. The coastline of Gujarat has some potential, but it's not a developed surfing destination.

No diving or snorkeling sites directly near Ahmedabad. Some limited opportunities might exist off the coast of Gujarat, but are not well-developed.

Many private hospitals like Apollo Hospitals, Zydus Hospitals, and Sterling Hospital have English-speaking staff and offer high-quality care. Private healthcare facilities are preferred for their modern infrastructure, while public hospitals can be overcrowded.

Tap water in Ahmedabad is generally not considered safe for direct drinking by foreigners. It is recommended to drink bottled water or use a reliable water filter.

Ahmedabad is family-friendly with various parks and recreational areas offering activities for kids. Schools and healthcare facilities are well-regarded.

Gujarat is generally conservative. Legal protections exist at the national level, but social acceptance is limited.

Pet-friendly accommodations and restaurants are limited but increasing. Good veterinary services are available.