Understanding the complex internal flow dynamics is crucial for the design and scale-up of fluidized beds. In this context, an experimental study on the hydrodynamic characteristics of gas-solid fluidized beds has been conducted in a 0.105 m × 1 m circular column using an advanced optical fiber probe. Geldart B particles (average diameter of 450 µm glass beads) having importance in combustion/gasification are utilized for this study. The effect of static bed height, flow rate on the mean solid holdup, and axial velocity are investigated. A raise in the solid axial velocity and reduction in the solid holdup is noted with increasing the flow rate for fixed bed height. Further, a decrement in solid holdup is observed with the axial position for the same operating conditions. Simultaneously, computational studies are performed using the Eulerian–Eulerian multiphase model with granular options adopted from literature. In addition, the predicted numerical results are validated against experimental data. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.