Ready to explore Pune without burning a hole in your wallet? Whether you're a student on a tight allowance, a young professional saving for your next EMI, or a frugal explorer with a taste for desi adventures, we've got you covered! With discounts, cashback, and shopping hacks, SavePlus India is here to show you how to experience Pune like royalty—on a rickshaw budget!

Enjoy the Serenity at Vetal Tekdi – Free Entry, Fresh Air

Vetal Tekdi is a peaceful hilltop escape right in the heart of Pune, ideal for morning joggers and sunset seekers. The hill offers scenic panoramic views, crisp fresh air, and a welcome break from digital life. A haven for trekkers, birdwatchers, and solo thinkers, it’s best explored during early morning hours. It's also free to enter, which makes it ideal for anyone on a tight budget. You’ll find locals sipping chai, doing yoga, or capturing photos for Instagram. It's a must-visit for anyone wanting to see Pune from above without spending a single rupee.

• Start your day with a soulful sunrise view over the city skyline.
  
  
• Carry a thermos of chai and light snacks for a picnic on the plateau.
  
  
• Meet fellow walkers, joggers, and photography enthusiasts on weekends.
  
  
• Location: Vetal Hill, Pune
  
  
• How to Reach:
  
  
• By Bus: PMPML buses to Kothrud Depot or Paud Phata
  
  
• By Train: Pune Junction is 8 km away.
  
  
• By Air: Pune International Airport is 16 km away.
  
  
• Things to Do / Places to Visit: Sunrise trek, nature photography, bird watching
  
  
• Estimated Budget: ₹30–₹50 (transport only)
  
  
• Trip Duration: 2–3 hours
  
  
• Must Try Foods: Tapri chai, vada pav near Paud Road
  
  
• Nearby Cities: Mumbai (150 km), Lonavala (65 km)

Pro Tip: Use Paytm cashback offers on local snacks from tapris near the hill for extra savings.

Dive into History at Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum – ₹20 Entry!

The Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum is a lesser-known gem, a walk into India’s artistic legacy. The collection here spans weaponry, artifacts, utensils, and paintings, all curated nationwide. It’s housed in a beautifully preserved traditional building that evokes the grandeur of the Maratha era. With entry tickets priced as low as ₹20, this is one of the best cultural bargains in Pune. It’s also situated near other iconic spots, allowing you to explore more in one visit. Budget travelers and history nerds will feel right at home here.

• Get a close look at royal life from centuries ago through handmade artifacts.
  
  
• Explore themed rooms filled with musical instruments, lamps, and sculptures.
  
  
• Spend time at the mini souvenir shop or enjoy local eats just outside.
  
  
• Location: Shukrawar Peth, Pune
  
  
• How to Reach:
  
  
• By Bus: PMPML buses to Shaniwar Wada
  
  
• By Train: Pune Junction is 3.5 km away.
  
  
• By Air: Pune Airport is 12 km away.
  
  
• Things to Do / Places to Visit: Explore 21,000+ exhibits, photography, and guided tours
  
  
• Estimated Budget: ₹20 (entry) + ₹50 (local snacks)
  
  
• Trip Duration: 2 hours
  
  
• Must Try Foods: Sabudana khichdi at nearby eateries
  
  
• Nearby Cities: Satara (110 km), Ahmednagar (120 km)
  
  

Pro Tip: Go midweek to avoid crowds and take advantage of student discounts (carry ID!).

Street Shopping at Hong Kong Lane – Bargain Lover’s Paradise

Pune’s Hong Kong Lane is a colorful chaos of deals, bargains, and street fashion. It offers trendy bags, sunglasses, and mobile accessories at rock-bottom prices. Popular with college students, it’s a great place to practice your bargaining skills. The stalls are always brimming with fashionable items, often cheaper than online prices. A great day out for window shopping or picking up something funky. Pair your haul with street food and make it a full-blown desi shopping spree!

• Bags, belts, and bangles for as low as ₹50—fashion without guilt.
  
  
• Many stalls accept UPI—carry your PhonePe app and bargain with ease.
  
  
• Quick bites like cold coffee or momos keep you fueled during the spree.
  
  
• Location: Deccan Gymkhana, Pune
  
  
• How to Reach:
  
  
• By Bus: Buses to Deccan Bus Stop
  
  
• By Train: Pune Junction is 5 km away.
  
  
• By Air: Pune Airport is 13 km away.
  
  
• Things to Do / Places to Visit: Budget shopping, accessory hunting, food stalls
  
  
• Estimated Budget: ₹100–₹300
  
  
• Trip Duration: 2–4 hours
  
  
• Must Try Foods: Cold coffee, frankies, street chaat
  
  
• Nearby Cities: Kolhapur (230 km), Nashik (210 km)

Pro Tip: Browse SavePlus India’s Ajio discount codes for online comparisons before buying—sometimes it’s cheaper online!

Dine Under ₹100 at Vaishali – A Pune Classic.

Vaishali is an iconic eatery where generations of Punekars have enjoyed hearty South Indian meals. The ambience is nostalgic, the food authentic, and the prices surprisingly modest. Even at peak hours, people wait in long lines just for that famous dosa or idli. A meal here is more than food—it’s a Pune ritual. Located on FC Road, it’s well connected to shoppers and students. The vibe is casual, the crowd is lively, and the taste is unforgettable.

• The butter idlis and masala dosas are legendary and cost just ₹90 or less.
  
  
• The open-air seating and buzzing atmosphere add to the experience.
  
  
• Located close to street shopping zones—double up on savings!
  
  
• Location: Fergusson College Road, Pune
  
  
• How to Reach:
  
  
• By Bus: Take a bus to Goodluck Chowk.
  
  
• By Train: Pune Junction is 4.5 km away.
  
  
• By Air: Pune Airport is 13 km away.
  
  
• Things to Do / Places to Visit: Dine, relax, and people-watch
  
  
• Estimated Budget: ₹100
  
  
• Trip Duration: 1–1.5 hours
  
  
• Must Try Foods: Set dosa, filter coffee, butter idlis
  
  
• Nearby Cities: Solapur (250 km), Aurangabad (230 km)

Pro Tip: Check for ICICI Bank ZestMoney EMI options if you're dining out often and want to spread the cost.

Soak in the Vibes at Pune’s Book Cafés – Coffee + Books = Bliss

Pune is home to charming book cafés like Pagdandi and Waari that offer quiet spaces for reading and unwinding. With cozy interiors and an affordable menu, these cafés are ideal for solo thinkers and freelancers. You can enjoy a cup of chai while flipping through bestsellers or working remotely. They also host events like poetry readings and book clubs on weekends. The ambiance is minimalist, yet rich in warmth and creativity. It’s the perfect spot to relax without racking up a bill.

• Bring your laptop and enjoy free Wi-Fi for light work or study sessions.
  
  
• Enjoy filter coffee or masala chai with cookies for under ₹50.
  
  
• Many cafés offer book swaps or discounts on second-hand reads.
  
  
• Location: Baner and Kothrud, Pune
  
  
• How to Reach:
  
  
• By Bus: Direct buses to Baner or Kothrud
  
  
• By Train: Pune Station is 8–10 km away
  
  
• By Air: Pune Airport is 15 km away
  
  
• Things to Do / Places to Visit: Read, sip coffee, work remotely
  
  
• Estimated Budget: ₹50–₹80
  
  
• Trip Duration: 2–3 hours
  
  
• Must Try Foods: Masala chai, cookies, open sandwiches
  
  
• Nearby Cities: Navi Mumbai, Talegaon (35 km)

Pro Tip: Download free eBooks using SavePlus India’s Kindle India deals before visiting, to read offline!

Watch Indie Films at NFAI – ₹50 Tickets!

The National Film Archive of India is a unique spot where cinephiles can indulge in rare and meaningful cinema. From regional films to global indie treasures, the screenings are curated for lovers of the art form. At just ₹50, it’s one of the most enriching experiences for anyone on a budget. Located on Law College Road, the place is accessible and surrounded by calm greenery. The screenings happen regularly and often coincide with film festivals. It's a cultural retreat right in the heart of Pune.

• Attend retrospectives and director specials at affordable rates.
  
  
• Participate in post-screening discussions and film clubs.
  
  
• Enjoy affordable snacks outside or carry your own refreshments.
  
  
• Location: Law College Road, Pune
  
  
• How to Reach:
  
  
• By Bus: Bus to BMCC College stop
  
  
• By Train: Pune Station is 5 km away
  
  
• By Air: Pune Airport is 14 km away
  
  
• Things to Do / Places to Visit: Film screenings, discussions, retrospectives
  
  
• Estimated Budget: ₹50
  
  
• Trip Duration: 2–3 hours
  
  
• Must Try Foods: Samosas and chai outside the archive
  
  
• Nearby Cities: Panchgani (100 km), Mahabaleshwar (120 km)

Pro Tip: Plan your visit during film festivals or cultural weekends for added value.

Explore Flea Markets at FC Road and Juna Bazaar – Treasure Hunting

If you’re a lover of quirky antiques and retro gems, Juna Bazaar will steal your heart. It’s a haven for collectors and the curious, from gramophones to brass idols. On the other hand, FC Road offers trendy college wear, jhumkas, and casual bags. Both markets are wallet-friendly and allow you to walk away with bags full of goodies. The shopping experience is vibrant and truly local. These markets give you the thrill of the hunt without hurting your bank balance.

• Get ethnic jewelry, watches, or vintage cameras at throwaway prices.
  
  
• Practice your haggling—most vendors expect you to bargain.
  
  
• Visit early for best finds or late for slashed closing-time rates.
  
  
• Location: Kasba Peth and FC Road, Pune
  
  
• How to Reach:
  
  
• By Bus: Take a bus to Juna Bazaar or FC Road
  
  
• By Train: Pune Junction is 4 km away
  
  
• By Air: Pune Airport is 12 km away
  
  
• Things to Do / Places to Visit: Vintage shopping, food stalls, local bargains
  
  
• Estimated Budget: ₹200–₹500
  
  
• Trip Duration: 2–3 hours
  
  
• Must Try Foods: Misal pav, gola, bhel
  
  
• Nearby Cities: Baramati (110 km), Sangli (230 km)

Pro Tip: Check SavePlus India’s offline store offers for added discounts nearby.

Rent a Cycle and Explore Pune – ₹20/hr Rides

Cycling is one of the best ways to experience Pune's charming neighborhoods like Koregaon Park or Aundh. Public rental bikes like Yulu and MyByk are cheap, easy to use, and widely available. Ride through quiet lanes, stop by gardens or check out local art murals along the way. It's great for your health and your wallet. It also helps reduce your carbon footprint while giving you a closer feel of the city. Best of all, many areas have cycle stands for easy pick-up and drop.

• Use UPI or wallet payments to unlock cycles for as low as ₹20.
  
  
• Discover cafes, parks, and heritage homes on scenic routes.
  
  
• Some rental apps offer free minutes and referral discounts.
  
  
• Location: Koregaon Park, Aundh, Viman Nagar, Pune
  
  
• How to Reach:
  
  
• By Bus: Accessible by city bus across zones
  
  
• By Train: Pune Jn or Shivajinagar, depending on location
  
  
• By Air: Pune Airport is centrally located
  
  
• Things to Do / Places to Visit: Café hopping, mural hunting, scenic rides
  
  
• Estimated Budget: ₹20–₹50
  
  
• Trip Duration: 1–2 hours
  
  
• Must Try Foods: Cold coffee, momos, sandwiches en route
  
  
• Nearby Cities: Hinjawadi, Chakan, Pimpri

Pro Tip: Use referral codes or SavePlus India for rental app offers.

Attend Free Cultural Events at Symbiosis or Fergusson College

Pune’s top colleges host an array of cultural events, drama fests, and music nights throughout the year. During annual college fests, entry is usually free and open to all. These events feature performances, food stalls, fashion shows, and sometimes even celebrity guests. College canteens serve cheap and tasty food, ideal for budget bites. You can enjoy youthful energy and vibrant culture without spending much. Stay updated through student-run social media pages.

• Explore student bazaars for handmade accessories and artwork.
  
  
• Munch on Maggi, samosas, or sandwiches from the canteen.
  
  
• Watch competitions, gigs, and theatrical plays for free.
  
  
• Location: SB Road, FC Road, Viman Nagar
  
  
• How to Reach:
  
  
• By Bus: Connected to all major college zones
  
  
• By Train: Pune Jn is 5–6 km from most colleges
  
  
• By Air: Pune Airport is 10 km away
  
  
• Things to Do / Places to Visit: Events, food stalls, street shopping
  
  
• Estimated Budget: ₹50–₹100
  
  
• Trip Duration: 3–4 hours
  
  
• Must Try Foods: College canteen Maggi, samosas, chai
  
  
• Nearby Cities: Lavasa (60 km), Lonavala (65 km)

Pro Tip: Watch SavePlus India’s social media for real-time free event alerts.

Conclusion

From serene hilltops to bustling bazaars, Pune offers rich experiences without exhausting your wallet. With a pinch of planning and the proper promo codes, you can explore this vibrant city to the fullest.

Let SavePlus India be your guide to fun, food, and savings—all on a shoestring budget.

FAQ

Can I explore Pune with just ₹500 a day?
Yes! Using local transport, street food, and free entry spots, ₹500 is enough for a full day.

Which is the cheapest place to eat authentic food in Pune?
Vaishali, Wadeshwar, and local canteens offer authentic meals for under ₹100.

Are flea markets in Pune open every day?
Yes, but Juna Bazaar is best on Wednesdays and Sundays for antique deals.

How can I save on travel within Pune?
Use PMPML buses, cycle rentals, or shared autos and apply UPI cashback offers.

When is the best time to visit Pune on a budget?
Monsoon and winter months are ideal; local fests and off-peak times offer better rates.