Patan (Lalitpur)

More authentic than Thamel with traditional architecture, working artisan shops, and actual local life happening around you. Calmer streets, fewer touts, and a solid cafe scene mixing locals and expats. You'll need taxis to get to other areas, but it's worth it if you want culture over convenience.

Ancient alleyways wind between traditional Newari brick houses where artisans still work on metalcraft in open workshops. The temples here see more actual worshippers than tourists with cameras. The UNESCO Durbar Square sits in the center, ringed by cafes and restaurants that mix old architecture with modern food. You'll see mostly locals - families shopping at markets, elderly people spinning prayer wheels. The area draws Nepali artists, development workers, and travelers looking for something beyond Thamel's party scene. English works at restaurants and cafes but drops off at smaller shops and with older residents. The garden cafes attract expats working on laptops, so sitting alone is normal. Streets are calmer than Thamel with less vendor hassle. Walking around feels comfortable during the day and into the evening while restaurants are busy. It's 20 minutes by taxi from Thamel - close enough to be convenient but far enough to feel different. Craft shops here sell quality items from local artisans, not mass-produced trekking knockoffs.