Top 10 Hangout Spots in Pune (And a Little More)

1. Hira's

You will hear this name at least 50 times everyday. Hira's is that Symbi hangout spot that everyone knows and loves. From crispy snacks, to other less, ahem, innocent reprieves, Hira's has it all. No matter at what time you come to this little shop thingy, you will always find a bunch of Symbi kids hanging out. If you wanna run into your crush, this is the place to be.

2. Cafe Peterdonuts

More like Symbi extended canteen. Cafe Peterdonuts is that cute aesthetic cafe right across the road from the back entrace of Symbi. They offer you free water and even let you sit there without ordering. Now that is unheard of in most places. Known for a big ass horse statue and quirky decor, CPD is the hotspot of most Symbi meetings. So if you wanna take a nap sometime and don't wanna go back home, this is the place you can head to. There is a 75% chance that you will run into us there as well.

3. Where Else?

Where Else would you go if you don't go to this pet friendly cafe? With lovely lightening and upbeat music, 'Where Else' is a Symbi favourite hangout spot. A little overpriced, sure, but are you a Symbi student if you don't spend your entire pocket money on one meal to appear 'cool?'

4. Farmaaish

Best deals on booze isn't the only high point of Farmaaish. Farmaaish is that 'adda' where you can have all kinds of fun. If you like pixie dust ambience and moonlit roof-top dinners, Farmaaish is the place for you. Feeling classy? Farmaaish. Feeling happy? Farmaaish. Hotel? Trivago.

5. Three Musketeers

From scrumptious food to rich wine, Three Musk is the symbi spot for the elites. The decor of the pub looks like something straight out of a cruise commercial. With exclusive features like live entertainment and friendly bartenders, Three Musk is one of those places you MUST choose if your friend has asked you to pick a restaurant for THEIR birthday treat.

6. Udaan Bio Park

That one place everyone knows but no one really talks about. When you go to Udaan park, you are not obligated to recognize anyone from your regular life. You only talk to the people you went with and revel the scintillating calmness of exotic plants. With zero need for socializing, and a sweet reprieve from annoying roommates, crowded parties and work stress, the Udaan is the perfect place to visit when you really need a break.

7. Vada Paav Maushi

What have you done if you come to Pune and don't taste the Vada Pav from the Vada Paav Maushi's stall. It is cheap, but is delicious and of superior quality. (Like Hush Hustlers' marketing strategies.)

8. Phoenix

God knows when we'll be able to visit again. If you don't run into someone you know in Phoenix Mall every five minutes, is it really Phoenix Mall? Our colleagues flock Phoenix stores like queries flock our dms (Self Promotion. BAM!) From clothes to cheap toothbrushes, there is nothing you can't find in Phoenix.

9. High Spirits

Karaoke nights, live bands and funky DJs. A must visit spot for all the music lovers in Pune, High Spirits is that funky place you don't wanna miss. Even the food is good somehow. Seriously, how does Pune manage to have all the best things?

10. Superstore

Anytime. Anything. Everything. Superstore is a strange place. Like the city New York, it never sleeps. It looks like a shopping complex from the outside, but it is a major life-saver from the inside (and also a shopping complex). You can hang out there till 4 AM and no one will kick you out. Trust us, some of us have had to spend nights there. So many memories cries in Symbian.

Special Mention:

Gym Area SCMS

From hitting each other during cult nights inaugral ceremonies to buying snacks from the Rangoli store (which you will later try to sneak inside the SCMS building), the area outside the gym is somehow the most relevant hangout spot for Symbians. You can sit on the slabs on either side and just chat with your peers while you wave at the friends entering or leaving the college. What's next? Go buy a drink from Symbi Juice Centre and make fun of SID students (but be respectful) as you miss classes to do absolutely nothing in the corridor of infinite memories.

Obituary:

Dosa Stori

We will miss you so much. Dosa Stori was that wonderful hangout spot that we all loved. Somewhere in their plain podi dosa and cheap, munchy pizzas, we found our central perk. But then covid happened and we had to say good bye. We will miss you Dosa Stori. We will always miss you. RIP. Hopefully be revived some day.

Terms You May Not Recognise:

Rangoli: A general store chain present across Symbi establishments including the Viman Nagar Campus and the Daisy Hostel.

SID Students: The 'Symbiosis Institute of Design' students who share the campus with us. We also share the campus with Media students and a tacit rivalry is prevalent between all three.

Disclaimer: We have no rights on the images used in this article and no profit is being generated from their use in this blog.