Places to Visit in Delhi: 12 Hidden Gems For the Intrepid Explorer
Delhi is a city brimming with history. It’s the site of 8 historic cities, each built by successive rulers and dynasties, so it’s not uncommon to find tombs and monuments from hundreds of years ago. Delhi has many places to visit, but these are 12 special spots not even many locals know about.
You might be wondering how I found these hidden gems. The truth is, I think Delhi is fascinating and spend hundreds of hours exploring and researching the city. Plus I live there, so I hear about places from locals or read about them in the media.
These are my favourite truly off the beaten path beauties I have discovered.
👉 Some of these places are a little hard to find, so I created this google map for you! Click here to see the map.
Places to Visit in Delhi: 12 Hidden Gems
A few of these places are very out of the way. To visit them you’ll have to get into parts of Delhi most tourists never see. Don’t worry – these are not unsafe areas, just areas visitors rarely stumble into. In Delhi that is just as much fun as the sites themselves.
Check the google map I created to help you find them!
1. Chausath Khamba
This is a very out of the way, but gorgeous mausoleum built in 1624 for a governor in the Mughal court.
From the outside it looks very plain and box-like, hardly worth seeing. But don’t judge this book by its cover! The interior is a complete surprise – a multitude of carved marble pillars and domes.
To get here you’ll have to enter through an old Mughal style gate, which is also interesting.
An added bonus is that the tomb of Mirza Ghalib (and his wife) is also on the grounds. Ghalib is Delhi’s most beloved Mughal era poet.
- Hours & Cost: 24/7 (but go during the day); free
- Nearest metro station: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (aka JLN Stadium) (Violet line)
2. Ghazipur Flower Market
If you’re an early riser, don’t miss the chance to see India’s largest wholesale flower market in action. Just about every garland and flower you see in Delhi originates here. It’s one of the most interesting places to visit in Delhi.
Tables are piled high with flowers and garlands, there are baskets spilling over with fresh blooms and it smells amazing! Make sure you bring your camera for this one.
It starts early around 4:00 am, and is mostly done by noon. I was there around 9:00 am and it was already quieting down. Grab an Uber and head over there between 5-6:00 am for the best photos.
- Hours & Cost: Hours: 4:00 am – 12:00 pm, daily; free
- Nearest metro station: Kaushambi (Blue line)
3. Begampur Mosque
This forgotten treasure of the Tughlaq era will astound you because of its immense size and most prominent feature, 64 domes. When it was built in the 14th century it was the largest mosque in Delhi, surpassed by Old Delhi’s Jama Masjid two centuries later.
Begampur Mosque is another example of an important historical structure being allowed to crumble into neglect. It is frequently used as a cricket pitch, cow pasture and source of masonry for neighbourhood home improvement projects.
- Hours & Cost: 24/7 (but go during the day); free
- Nearest metro station: Hauz Khas (Yellow or Magenta line)
4. Zafar Mahal
Zafar Mahal is the summer palace of the last Mughal emperor of India, built in 1820. It’s now in a deplorable state, but walking around the grand halls and grounds, you can imagine it must have been magnificent.
The urban village of Mehrauli now surrounds the palace, but you’ll be able to identify it from the large wooden doors. If the doors are closed climb through the square opening.
Several Mughal rulers have lived at the palace and the grounds have audience halls, private rooms and a small mosque at the back. It’s an important piece of India’s history. The Archeological Society of India have been promising to restore Zafar Mahal for years, but it remains to be seen.
- Hours & Cost: 24/7 (but go during the daytime); free
- Nearest metro station: Qutab Minar (Yellow line)
5. Jahaz Mahal (Ship Palace)
This Lodhi era palace (1451-1526) is not far from Zafar Mahal and well worth a look. It was built by a sultan to accommodate the women of the royal harem, apparently numbering up to 500.
It’s called the Ship Palace because its reflection looked like a ship in the ponds that used to be there.
For great views and pictures of the palace, try to get up on the roof. The last time I was there the caretaker wouldn’t let me, but usually a small ‘donation’ will do the trick. Wear sensible shoes because the steps leading up to the roof are a bit treacherous.
- Hours & Cost: 24/7 (but go during the daytime); free
- Nearest metro station: Chhattarpur (Yellow line)
6. Khirki Masjid
This is a really unique mosque because it’s built like a fortress. It’s astonishing how large it is, with columns and arches that go on forever. It was built during the Tughlaq dynasty, between 1351–1354.
This is one of my favourite places to visit in Delhi because it’s really beautiful and atmospheric inside. It always impresses visitors.
The entrance if often locked, but for INR 100 the caretaker will be happy to let you inside. Be careful of the bat droppings near the entrance.
- Hours & Cost: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm, daily; free (but you may have to tip the caretaker to get inside)
- Nearest metro station: Malviya Nagar (Yellow line) or Panchsheel Park (Magenta line)
7. Gandhi Smriti Museum
Most visitors end up paying their respect to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat, where Gandhi was cremated. But I think Gandhi Smriti Museum is even more moving and special. This is where Gandhi lived the last months of his life, and where he was assassinated.
The museum is the former home of the industrialist (and wealthy) Birla family. Gandhi was staying with the family when he died. After Gandhi’s death the government acquired the home and turned it into a museum.
The rooms Gandhi stayed in have been carefully preserved, even with Gandhi’s spectacles. While you will see many Indians here (Gandhi is still considered the father of the nation), most foreign tourists in Delhi miss this very special place.
- Hours & Cost: 10:00 am – 4:30 pm, Tuesday to Sunday; free
- Nearest metro station: Lok Kaylan Marg (Yellow line)
8. Lothian Cemetery
Rumoured to be one of the most haunted places in Delhi, Lothian Cemetery is straight out of Delhi’s colonial history book. It is full of the graves of Christians who died in the 1800s, including British soldiers who were killed during the Mutiny of 1857.
This is one of the most deserted places in Delhi, even though it’s located in an extremely congested part of the city. The caretaker was the only person I saw in two hours while I was rummaging around the old tombs.
- Hours & Cost: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, daily; free
- Nearest metro station: Lal Quila (Violet line)
9. Mohammad Wali Masjid
I came across this mosque by accident when I was looking for Siri Fort Forest and the auto rickshaw dropped me off at the wrong location.
I had never heard of it before, but it’s a lovely, well preserved mosque built sometime between 1451 – 1526 during the Lodhi period. Apart from a few locals walking past through the grounds, I was the only one there.
You’ll find the mosque in the parkland around Siri Fort Sports Complex, partly surrounded by a medieval wall from the second city of Delhi, Siri.
Unfortunately, much of the ruins of Siri were demolished during construction of the sports complex prior to the Commonwealth Games in 2010. Occasionally there’s talk of digging beneath the stadium to salvage what may be left, but nothing seems to ever come of it.
- Hours & Cost: 24/7 but go during the day; free
- Nearest metro station: Hauz Khas (Magenta and Yellow lines)
10. Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah
This is one of the most mystical and spiritual places in Delhi. It’s the mausoleum of a very powerful Sufi saint, Khawaja Nizamuddin Auliya. Thousands of devotees come here every week from all religions, even though this is an Islamic site.
The mausoleum was built in 1325 by the emperor Muhammad bin Tughluq who was a devotee of the saint. There are many other tombs on the grounds also, including Princess Jahan Ara Begum and revered poet Amir Khusro, who both wanted to be buried near the saint.
The dargah is tucked away in the congested Nizamuddin basti, you’ll have to navigate the narrow lanes of the market to reach it. Once you reach the dargah, immediately remove your shoes and cover your heads. I recommend dressing very conservatively.
Make sure you see the ancient stepwell while you’re here. The stepwell is steeped in legend and the cause of the famous curse on Tughlaqabad Fort.
- Hours & Cost: 5:00 am – 10:30 pm, daily; free
- Nearest metro station: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium aka JLN Stadium (Violet line)
11. Devi Prasad Sadan Dhobi Ghat
This is your chance to see a traditional open air laundry, one of the very few remaining in Delhi. The dhobi ghat has been here for generations and does much of the laundry for local families, businesses and hotels.
Huge amounts of laundry are done using hand cranked spinners, massive tubs filled with soapy water and coal filled irons – it’s like stepping back in time a hundred years.
To find the dhobi ghat just follow the lanes filled with sheets drying in the sun. It’s just around the corner from the Agrasen ki Baoli (a beautiful stepwell), another of Delhi’s most amazing free places to visit.
Try to visit early in the morning when the laundry is in full action mode. The dhobis are welcoming and cheerful, but remember this is their place of livelihood, not a tourist attraction.
- Hours & Cost: 5:00 am – 2:00 pm, daily; free
- Nearest metro station: Barakhamba Road (Blue line)
12. Chhatarpur Temple Complex
This is a massive temple complex in South Delhi that often gets missed by tourists. A local friend brought me here the first time during the festival of Navratri and it was madness (but so interesting).
Most tourists flock to Akshardham Temple, and it’s worthwhile seeing, but Chhatarpur Temple is more authentic and steeped in Hindu mythology. This is where devout Indians come to worship.
The complex is dedicated to the goddess Shakti who is considered the mother goddess in Hinduism and sum of all female energy.
The main temple is Shri Aadya Katyayani Shaktipith Mandir. One of the most interesting things in this temple are the rooms devoted to the goddess. She has her own bedroom with dressing table and sword, and a living room with nine chairs, one for each of her nine avatars. Shakti is considered a living god.
The complex is spread out on the Main Chhatarpur Road, with temples on both sides of the street. Bring good walking shoes and give yourself a few hours to visit this fascinating complex.
- Hours & Cost: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm, daily (open 24/7 during Navratri); free
- Nearest metro station: Chhattarpur (Yellow line)
How to Get Around Delhi to Visit these Places
Considering how huge Delhi is, it’s pretty easy to get around.
The best way is to use the Delhi metro. The Delhi metro is surprisingly excellent and user friendly. It’s all colour coded and in English and Hindi, so it’s almost impossible to get lost. It’s also super clean, organized and cheap. Don’t hesitate to use it!
There is Uber in Delhi and it’s widely used. It’s reliable and very inexpensive. Auto rickshaws are also great for short distances. Just agree on a price before you hop in.
Where to Stay in Delhi
Whatever your budget, South or Central Delhi (below Connaught Place) are the best areas to stay in. These are safer, greener parts of the city that are well connected by metro and close to most of the sites.
My top recommendations are:
📍Imperial Hotel New Delhi (luxury) – The Imperial is Delhi’s best heritage hotel and a personal favourite. Built during the British Raj, it exudes traditional luxury without feeling stuffy. The location is superb, right on Janpath Road, within walking distance of numerous shops, restaurants and attractions.
🚩 Check prices and availability at the Imperial New Delhi
📍Lutyens Bungalow (mid-range) – This heritage property has an incredible location right beside Lodhi Garden, in what could be the very best neighbourhood in Delhi. Rooms are elegant but comfortable, and breakfast is included. There’s an outdoor pool.
🚩 Check prices and availability at Lutyens Bungalow
📍Prakash Kutir B&B (budget) – This is South Delhi’s best family-run bed and breakfast. It’s located in Hauz Khas, a better residential neighbourhood, near a metro station and market with shops and restaurants. A home cooked breakfast is included, and it’s squeaky clean. It’s a good base to explore the city from.
🚩 Check prices and availability at Prakash Kutir B&B
FAQs About Places to Visit to Delhi
Here are the most common questions about places to visit in Delhi:
Which is the most visited place in Delhi?
The Red Fort is the most visited place in Delhi. It’s a Mughal royal palace built in the 1600s located in Old Delhi. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Which is the most beautiful area in Delhi?
Lutyens’ Delhi, located in New Delhi is the most beautiful area of the city. It is characterized by wide roads, roundabouts, thousands of trees, parks and sprawling bungalows. This is where the diplomatic enclave and many luxury hotels are located.
How to spend a day in Delhi?
Visit one of the UNESCO world heritage sites, have lunch and so some shopping in Khan Market or Connaught Place for a perfect day in Delhi. If it’s your first time in Delhi, consider one of these itinerary suggestions for an easy day in Delhi.
The Wrap-up on Places to Visit in Delhi: 12 Hidden Gems For the Intrepid Explorer
Delhi is a very historic city and full of surpises around every corner. Have fun getting into some truly off the beaten path places by visiting these hidden gems in Delhi.
Looking for More? You Might Also Like…
- Beautiful Heritage Hotels in Delhi for a Memorable Stay (2024)
- Exploring the Charms of Old Delhi: 20 Top Things to Do and See
- How to Get from Indira Gandhi International Airport into Delhi
Don’t forget travel insurance! It’s always a good idea to carry travel insurance just in case something goes wrong. I really like and use SafetyWing
