Staying in Riverfront · Ellisbridge
The west bank of the Sabarmati River, a short walk from the old city. A modern, walkable area with river views and good connections.
What the area is like
Riverfront · Ellisbridge sits on the west bank of the Sabarmati River, opposite the historic walled city. The area is defined by the Sabarmati Riverfront promenades and the Atal Bridge, a footbridge that connects the two banks. The streets are relatively wide and well-lit, with a mix of mid-rise apartment blocks and commercial buildings. It feels more modern and less crowded than the old city, though traffic can be busy on the main roads during peak hours.
The neighbourhood is a practical base for first-time visitors. You can walk across Atal Bridge to reach Bhadra Fort, the Jama Masjid, and the pols of the old city in under 20 minutes. The Riverfront itself is a popular spot for morning walks and evening strolls. The area is clean and feels safe at most hours, though you should still take usual precautions at night.
Who it suits
This area suits travellers who want to be close to the old city but prefer a quieter, more modern base. It works well for couples, solo travellers, and business visitors who need easy access to both the historic centre and the western suburbs. The presence of the Riverfront makes it a good choice for joggers and walkers.
It is less suited to those who want to be in the thick of the old city's narrow lanes and night markets. If you prefer the energy of the night markets near the old city, you may find the Riverfront a little too calm. Families with children may appreciate the open spaces and the footbridge, which avoids road traffic.
- First-time visitors wanting proximity to both old and new Ahmedabad.
- Walkers and joggers who will use the Riverfront promenades.
- Travellers who prefer modern hotels with river views.
Getting around
The area is well connected by road. Auto-rickshaws and app-based cabs are easy to find. The nearest BRTS stop is on the main road, linking to other parts of the city. The Ahmedabad Metro's Blue Line has a station a short ride away; check the current network for the nearest stop. Walking is the best way to reach the old city via Atal Bridge.
To reach the airport, take a taxi or app cab; the journey takes about 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. Ahmedabad Junction at Kalupur is about 4 km away, a 15-minute ride by auto or cab. Sabarmati station is also an option for some trains. For day trips to Modhera or Patan, you will need to hire a car or take a bus from the city bus stand.
- Atal Bridge is a footbridge only; no vehicles allowed.
- Auto-rickshaws are the most common local transport; agree on the fare before starting.
- The Sabarmati Riverfront has dedicated walking and cycling paths.
What is nearby
Within a short walk or a quick auto ride, you can reach several major sights. The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque with its famous stone jali windows is about 1.7 km away. Bhadra Fort and Teen Darwaza are across the river, a 20-minute walk via Atal Bridge. The Jama Masjid and the old city night market are also within 2.5 km. Law Garden, known for its evening food stalls and handicraft market, is about 0.8 km south.
The Sabarmati Ashram is about 4.5 km north, a 15-minute cab ride. The Calico Museum of Textiles is in Shahibaug, about 3 km east. For modern architecture, the IIM Ahmedabad campus by Louis Kahn and CEPT by B. V. Doshi are a short drive away. The Kankaria Lake is about 5 km east, a good spot for a family outing.
- Law Garden night market: 0.8 km, open in the evenings.
- Sidi Saiyyed Mosque: 1.7 km, free entry.
- Bhadra Fort and Teen Darwaza: 1.7 km via Atal Bridge.
Eating in the area
The area has a range of vegetarian eateries serving Gujarati and North Indian food. You can find places that offer Gujarati thali, a platter of several dishes, as well as snacks like dhokla, khaman, and fafda with jalebi. Many restaurants are casual and family-friendly. For a quick meal, look for stalls selling thepla or khandvi.
Law Garden, a short walk away, has an evening food market with stalls serving pav bhaji, chaat, and local sweets. The old city night market across the river is also famous for its food, open from about 9 pm onwards. It is a 10-minute auto ride away. You will find undhiyu in winter and fresh sugarcane juice year-round. Remember that Gujarat is a dry state; alcohol is not available in restaurants or bars.
Safety and practical tips
The area is generally safe, but keep your belongings secure in crowded markets and on public transport. At night, stick to well-lit streets and use a registered auto or app cab. The Riverfront promenades are well-maintained and have security patrols. Drink bottled or filtered water; tap water is not recommended for drinking.
The best time to visit is from November to February, when the weather is pleasant. Summers are extremely hot, with temperatures often above 40 °C in May. Carry a hat and sunscreen if visiting in warmer months. The monsoon season from July to September brings heavy rain, which can cause localised flooding. Check the current rules for alcohol permits if you need one.
- Keep a copy of your passport and visa handy for hotel check-ins.
- Use the Atal Bridge during daylight hours for the best views.
- Carry small change for auto-rickshaw fares and street food.
