Hyderabad, a 400 year old city, is famous for its heritage, architecture, handicrafts, culture and not to forget the fine cuisine. Hyderabad has a diverse culture and heritage that is most unique. The heritage places in Hyderabad attract tourists from different parts of the world.
Check out our list of top heritage places to see when you visit Hyderabad. Following are top heritage sites that were built before 1947.
Charminar
Charminar is one of the famous tourist attractions and a major historical site that is worth visiting. Charminar was built by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah in 1591. 
It is in a square shape and has four minarets in each of the corners. Each minaret’s height is 48.7 meters from the ground. One has to climb 149 steps, in order to have a glorious view of the city. The places around Charminar are famous for shopping.
Mecca Masjid
Mecca Masjid is one of the largest and oldest mosques in India. Started by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah in the year 1617, the construction of Mecca Masjid was under the supervision of Aurangzeb and was completed in the year 1694. The mosque was given the name “Mecca” as it houses a special stone Mihrab that was especially brought from the holy city of Mecca.
Golkonda Fort
Situated 11 kms away from Hyderabad, Golkonda fort was built by Kakatiyas in 13th century. It was later expanded and was a seat of power of Quli Qutub Shahs. One interesting thing about this fort is its system of acoustics. When hands are clapped at the entry gate the sound can be heard at the ‘Bala Hissar’, which is the highest point of the fort and it is a kilometre away. In the evenings sound and light show can be enjoyed in the fort.
Quli Qutub Shahi Tombs
Close to Golkonda fort are the Quli Qutub Shahi tombs. These are the oldest monuments and one of the main tourist spots in Hyderabad. These tombs are surrounded by a garden named Ibrahim Bagh that contains ponds and planted pathways. It is a popular picnic spot.
Falaknuma Palace
Built in Italian style of architecture, this palace is located on a hillock at a height of 2000 ft. It houses most expensive art objects, carpets and tapestries. This palace is now a hotel and is famous for its dining hall that can accommodate 100 guests at a time.
Chowmahalla Palace
Chowmahalla palace was an official palace of Nizams (former rulers of Hyderabad). The architecture is a blend of European and Persian style. The name Chowmahalla comes from Urdu words Chow (four) and mahalla (palace) – four palaces. The ceremonial functions like ascension of Nizams used to happen here; many royal visitors and guests were held at this palace. The palace was built 250 years ago, and it is still well maintained even today.
Salarjung Museum
Located on the banks of river Musi, this museum has one of the best antiques that were collected by a single man, in the world. A total of 38 galleries in the museum house a collection on different subjects like Mughal miniatures, Japanese lacquer ware, Chinese porcelain and some famous statues. One of the main attraction in this museum is the clock by Cook and Kelvey of England.
Arts College Building
A 95 year old, Arts College in Osmania University is a historical masterpiece which was designed by a Belgian architect Monsieur Jasper. The building is constructed with pinkish granite stone and represents the style similar to Ajanta and Ellora caves which makes it a must visit place.
Equally beautiful is the library in the university. From every department of Arts college, this library has a collection of textbooks and research material that not only caters the need of students and staff, but also the research scholars of the Arts college.
AP State Museum
One of the best museums of the country, the State Archaeological Museum was established by the seventh Nizam in 1920. Located near Legislative Assembly on public gardens road, this museum houses metal and stone sculptures that belong to the ancient and medieval period. Moreover, the modern art gallery in museum also has a collection of paintings by contemporary artists of Hyderabad. The main attraction of this museum is an Egyptian Mummy.
Raymond’s Tomb
Constructed with black granite and located on Moosarambagh hill near Malakpet, Raymond Tomb is a tomb of a French general in Nizam’s army, Michel Joachim Marie Raymond. Raymond’s Tomb was built by the second Nizam Asaf Jahi. This tomb is a symbol of respect from the dynasty and many people visit this place and pay their respect for this great man known for kindness, bravery and contribution to Hyderabad.
Town Hall/Legislative Assembly
Located adjacent to public gardens, this building was built in 1913 with an architectural blend of Rajasthani and Persian style. This building is the seat of the states legislative. At the entrance of the assembly, it has a statue of Mahatma Gandhi.
Hope you enjoy your trip to Hyderabad.