10 Best Places to Visit in Delhi

Introduction

Delhi, India’s capital, has a long history. The city is dotted with enthralling mosques, forts, and monuments left over from the city’s former Mughal rulers. The contrast between rambling Old Delhi and well-planned New Delhi is enormous, and it’s worth exploring both. If you need to unwind, visit one of Delhi’s flourishing landscaped gardens.

The following is the list of the best attractions and places to visit in Delhi. The best part is that many of them are completely free! (And is easily accessible via Delhi’s Hop On Hop Off bus). Take one of these famous Delhi Tours instead.

The following are the top ten places to visit in Delhi:

1. Red Fort

The Red Fort, Delhi’s most famous monument, is a powerful reminder of Mughal-era India and a symbol of India’s struggle for independence. It was also built by the fifth Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1638 when he decided to relocate his capital from Agra. Both the Sikhs and the British captured the fort during its turbulent history. Each evening, a one-hour sound and light show depicting the fort’s history is held to transport you back in time.

• Location: Old Delhi, opposite Chandni Chowk.
• Entry Cost: Foreigners- 500 rupees. 35 rupees for Indians.
• Hours: The Opening Hours are from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., plus evening light shows. Mondays are closed.

2. Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid is another magnificent Old City treasure and one of India’s largest mosques. Its courtyard can accommodate up to 25,000 devotees. The mosque took 12 years to complete and was finished in the year 1656. A climb to the top of its southern tower will also reward you with a stunning view of Delhi’s rooftops (albeit obscured by metal security grills). You will be denied entry if you do not dress appropriately when visiting the mosque. Covering your head, legs, and shoulders is required. There is clothing available.

• Location: Old Delhi, opposite Chandni Chowk. Close to the Red Fort.

3. Chandni Chowk

The main street of the Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk, stands in stark contrast to the vast, orderly streets of New Delhi. It’s chaotic, crumbling, and congested but also wholly captivating. As one of India’s oldest and busiest markets, its narrow winding lanes teem with low-cost jewelry, fabrics, and electronics. Space is shared by cars, cycle rickshaws, hand-pulled carts, pedestrians, and animals. For the more daring, Chandni Chowk is also a great place to try some of Delhi’s street food. There is also the renowned Karim’s Hotel, a Delhi dining institution.

• Location: The Old Delhi, near the Red Fort and Jama Masjid.

4. Swaminarayan Akshardham

This massive temple complex, built by the spiritual organization BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and opened in 2005, is a relatively new attraction. Its mission is to promote Indian culture. The complex includes a sprawling garden, sculptures, and a boat ride, in addition to the stunning architecture of the pink stone along with the white marble shrine. Allow enough time to explore it thoroughly – at least half a day. Please keep in mind that cell phones and also cameras are not allowed inside.

Location: The National Highway 24, near Noida Mor, New Delhi.

Entry Cost: Free. The exhibitions, however, require tickets to be viewed.

Hours: The Opening Hours are from 9.30 a.m. until 6.30 p.m. (last entry). Mondays are closed.

5. Humayun’s Tomb

If Humayun’s Tomb resembles the Taj Mahal in Agra, it inspired the Taj Mahal’s design. The tomb was built in 1570 and housed the body of Humayun, the second Mughal emperor. It was the first to be made in India, and also the Mughal rulers followed it up with extensive construction throughout the country. The tomb is part of a larger complex set among lovely gardens.

• Location: Nizamuddin East, New Delhi. Off Mathura Road, near the Nizamuddin train station.
• Entry Cost: Foreigners- $5 U.S. and for Indians, 10 rupees. Children under the age of 15 are free.
• Hours: Sunrise until sunset, daily. It looks best in the golden light of late afternoon.

6. Lodhi Gardens

Lodhi Gardens offers a peaceful respite from city life and is the place to go if you’re tired and worn out. The British built the sprawling Gardens in 1936 around the tombs of 15th and 16th-century rulers. This park is popular with joggers, yoga practitioners, and young couples.

• Location: The Lodhi Road, not far from the Humayun’s Tomb.
• Entry Cost: Free.
• Hours: The Opening Hours are daily from sunrise till 8 p.m., but Sundays are particularly busy.

7. Qutab Minar

The Qutab Minar, one of the world’s tallest brick minarets, is a magnificent example of the early Indo-Islamic architecture. It was built in the year 1193, but the reason for its construction is unknown. Some believe it was created to represent victory and also the beginning of Muslim rule in India, while others believe it was used to summon the faithful to prayer. The tower has five distinct stories adorned with intricate carvings and Quranic verses. The site also contains several other historical monuments.

• Location: Mehrauli, south Delhi.
• Entry Cost: Foreigners, 500 rupees. 30 rupees for Indians. Children under the age of 15 are free.
• Hours: Sunrise until sunset, daily.

8. Gandhi Smriti and Raj Ghat

A visit to Gandhi Smriti will take you to the exact location where Mahatma Gandhi, also known as the Father of the Nation, was assassinated on January 30, 1948. He remained in the house for 144 days until his death. Both the room he slept in, which has been preserved strictly as he left it, and also the prayer ground where he held a mass congregation every evening is open to the public. There are also numerous photos, sculptures, paintings, and inscriptions. His memorial can also be found at the Raj Ghat.

• Location: The 5 Tees January Marg, central New Delhi.
• Entry Cost: Free.
• Hours: The Opening Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays are closed.

9. India Gate

The towering archway of India Gate in the heart of New Delhi is a war memorial dedicated to the Indian soldiers who died fighting for the British Army during World War I. It glows warmly under floodlights at night, and the gardens that line its boulevard are also a popular place to spend a hot summer evening. A fun Children’s Park is also available for children.

• Location: Rajpath, near Connaught Place, New Delhi.
• Entry Cost: Free.
• Hours: Always open.

10. Bahai (Lotus) Temple

Because it is shaped like a lotus flower, the Bahai Temple is also known as the Lotus Temple. It’s adorable at night when it’s nicely lit up. The Bahai Faith’s temple is made of concrete covered in white marble and proclaims the unity of all people and religions. There is room for everyone.

• Location: The Near Nehru Place, south Delhi.
• Entry Cost: Free.
• Hours: The Opening Hours are from 9.00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Mondays are closed.