Kathmandu/Central Kathmandu

Central Kathmandu covers Ratna Park, the former palace and New Road, and is home to a number of luxury hotels and the embassy quarter.

Get in
Most buses and micro-buses start and end their journeys in or around Ratna Park Bus Station, which is located in Central Kathmandu.

See

 * Kaiser Library
 * BP Koirala Memorial Planetarium Observatory and Science Museum, Kirtipur Rd,
 * Kaiser Library
 * BP Koirala Memorial Planetarium Observatory and Science Museum, Kirtipur Rd,
 * Kaiser Library
 * BP Koirala Memorial Planetarium Observatory and Science Museum, Kirtipur Rd,
 * BP Koirala Memorial Planetarium Observatory and Science Museum, Kirtipur Rd,
 * BP Koirala Memorial Planetarium Observatory and Science Museum, Kirtipur Rd,
 * BP Koirala Memorial Planetarium Observatory and Science Museum, Kirtipur Rd,
 * BP Koirala Memorial Planetarium Observatory and Science Museum, Kirtipur Rd,
 * BP Koirala Memorial Planetarium Observatory and Science Museum, Kirtipur Rd,

Massage courses

 * The Himalayan Healers inside Hotel Lion, next to Radisson Hotel, Lazimpat, offers 500 hours of internationally accredited massage therapy training. Along with being featured on CNN as a "Top 28 Spa in Asia", they were also recognized as "Top 10 Philanthropic Cause" by Asia Spa.

Buy
Most of Kathamandu's large shopping complexes are located in the central area of the city. Also, the streets and alleys between New Road and Chhetrapati are packed with small shops selling (non-tourist) T-shirts, bags, and clothes.

Books

 * Ekta Books - Huge collection of almost all types of books is found in Ekta Books which is in Thapathali near Norvic Hospital.

Eat

 * Angan, on the corner behind the King's statue roundabout. A good place to have ice cream (NPR35), Indian traditional sweets or freshly prepared Masala Dhosa which is curry in a crisp savory crêpe, NPR65-75. Sweets in the front, fast food restaurant in the back. The bhel poori is spicy. This is the heart of the Nepalis' upmarket shopping district, where New Road and Dharma Path meet. Walk west from here on the pedestrian street to Freak Street, the outdoor craft market, the old 'Red Palace' and the many temples of Durbar square.
 * Bawarchi Superb Indian and Chinese food, specializing in kathi rolls which are a fried, flat bread wrap with spicy meat, paneer or veg filling. Great for lunchtime snacks or evening meals. Their three locations can be found opposite the Ambassador Hotel on Lazimpat; on the Maharajgunj, near the UNHCR and American Embassy; and in the Barryo Fiesta foodcourt next to Mike's Breakfast. One of the few expatriate-friendly restaurants offering delivery.
 * Chez Caroline. Just off the main Thapathali junction, near the old parliament building. Excellent French food and salads. 700-900 for a main. Ask a taxi driver to find it.
 * Mike's Breakfast, Lazimpat Near Standard Chartered. A brisk 15 minute walk from Thamel Taxi Stand, but confusing with one-way streets. Good pancakes alongside with other meals. Mostly outdoor tables under bamboo shelters + available indoor screened dining.
 * New Natraj Tandoori Cheap, plentiful and delicious Indian food. Not to be confused with the Natraj tandoori a few doors down. Opposite the Shangri-La hotel on Lazimpat.
 * Pizza Express While not quite on par with Roadhouse Cafe or Fire and Ice, Pizza Express makes a tasty product from their locations in Lazimpat (216-1212) and in Basantbur Plaza (423-2777). They are unique in that they are the only mainstream pizza shop with delivery in Kathmandu. The fast-food style decor and focus on delivery and take-out are reflected both in their prices and quick service.
 * Wunjala Moskva Tucked away in Naxal district, delicious Newari food in a beautiful setting; performances on the courtyard of the restaurant, and unlimited shots of local booze.

Coffee

 * Bakery Cafe Also serves good coffee at some outlets. The one in Sundhara (near Dharahara) has the best. The chain also has one of the best espresso equipment around, hence the good quality.
 * Magic Beans at Kingsway. There's an open lounge called Sherpa Mall and when you enter it, Magic Beans is on the first floor to the right side. A lot of varieties, and quick service. Accompanied by soft music, mostly pop and soft-rock.
 * Mike's Breakfast, Lazimpat Near Standard Chartered Bank. Get unlimited refills of fresh ground drip coffee for Rs.75.
 * Red Mud Coffee (formerly The Coffee Point) at Thapathali Road. On the east side, within the Trade Tower Nepal (TTN) complex, opposite the Rashtra Banijya Bank, before Nepal Rastra bank and beside Khadya Sangsthan (Nepal Food Corporation). Offer different coffees. Wi-fi and a calm atmosphere.