13 Must-See Places to Visit in Delhi: Top Attractions 2025
If this is your first time in Delhi, you’ll want to see the most famous sites. These are the must-see places in Delhi. You’ll be able to experience Delhi’s incredible history and culture with these top attractions.
At first glance it’s hard not to notice the crowds and trash, but if you look more closely and take the time to explore, you will be blown away by Delhi.
But don’t stay in Paharganj! That’s the seedy, backpacker area. There are way safer and better places. You can check out places to stay for every budget here.
Even if you only have one day in Delhi, you can still see quite a lot.
13 Must-See Places to Visit in Delhi: Top Attractions 2025
Delhi is one of the most under-rated and historic cities in the world. There are incredible historic sites around every corner. Delhi is also the nation’s capital and home to the best markets, museums and cultural show cases in the country.
If you’re looing for more off-beat places, Delhi has plenty of unusual hidden gems.
Visiting these sites will leave you in awe of Delhi. I live in Delhi, and the city still astonishes me every day!
1. Red Fort (UNESCO)
This spectacular royal palace is where the Mughals ruled India from for over 300 years. It was built in 1639 by Shah Jahan, who also built the Taj Mahal. Shah Jahan was responsible for this entire part of Old Delhi – at the time this was the entire city.
Visitors can still shop in the covered Meena Bazaar where the royal harem shopped and view the inner and outer audience halls where royalty entertained and conducted state business. This is the number one attraction in Delhi, so try to go early before it gets too busy.
You can purchase tickets online at the Archeological Survey of India website. Tickets are INR 50 less and you’ll save time at the entrance.
- Hours & Cost: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm, daily (closed Monday); INR 600 foreigners, children under 15 free
- Nearest metro station: Lal Quila (Violet line)
👍 Insider tip: You can also see the Red Fort by attending the sound and light show Jai Hind. It is set at 3 different sites within the fort, and the audience walks to each location. Jai Hind tickets give you access to the Red Fort after 6:00 pm. Purchase tickets at: https://in.bookmyshow.com.
2. Qutub Minar (UNESCO)
This is my favourite of Delhi’s UNESCO sites. It’s an old complex, some parts were built in 1192 over the razed ruins of ancient Hindu temples.
The complex is named for the giant brick minaret (the tallest in the world), but there’s also several well preserved Delhi Sultanate tombs (one of the ancient dynasties), a historic madrassa and the fantastic Quwaat-ul-Islam mosque which used pieces of the razed Hindu temples in its construction.
The complex is also home to the mysterious 1600 year old iron pillar that never rusts.
👍 Insider tip: purchase entrance tickets in advance on the Archeological Survey of India website. Tickets are INR 50 less and you won’t have to line up at the ticket booth.
- Hours & Cost: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm, daily; INR 600 foreigners, children under 15 free
- Nearest metro station: Saket (Yellow line)
3. Humayun’s Tomb (UNESCO)
Humayun’s Tomb is the largest tomb in Delhi, widely believed to be one of the tombs that inspired the design of the Taj Mahal. It was built in 1572 for Emperor Humayun by his distraught queen, and was the first garden style tomb in India.
This is a whole historic complex with several other lovely (but smaller) restored tombs, Persian gardens and the graves of over 150 Mughal royals and their entourage.
👍 Insider tip: purchase entrance tickets in advance on the Archeological Survey of India website. Tickets are INR 50 less and you won’t have to line up at the ticket booth.
- Hours & Cost: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm, daily; INR 600 foreigners, children under 15 free
- Nearest metro station: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium aka JLN Stadium (Violet line)
4. India Gate
This is a great first stop for new visitors. It’s set at one end of Kartavya Path, the famous boulevard that leads to India’s parliament buildings at the opposite end.
Officially, it’s a war memorial and there’s an eternal flame, but it’s also one of the most popular places for Indian families to visit and it’s quite lively. There’s street food stands, hawkers, and lots of picture taking.
It’s surrounded by park land and set in the heart of Lutyens’ Delhi, the area of Delhi designed by Edwin Lutyens for the British Raj. This is the one of the greenest and nicest parts of the city.
This would be a great place to visit in the evening. There’s always people around and India Gate looks beautiful at night, lit up in the colours of the Indian flag.
- Hours & Cost: 7:00 am – 11:00 pm, daily; free
- Nearest metro station: Central Secretariat (Yellow line)
5. Chandni Chowk
Chandni Chowk is the most famous street in Delhi. It’s in the heart of Old Delhi, and was established by Shah Jahan in the 1650s.
The street is 1.8 km long and if you walk from one end where the Red Fort is, to the opposite end by the famous spice market, Khari Baoli, you’ll pass historic temples and markets, famous street food stands, and old havelis (mansions).
Chandni Chowk is closed to motorized vehicles during the day, but cycle rickshaws are allowed. If you get tired or overwhelmed, just grab one.
This part of Old Delhi is on the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list.
- Hours & Cost: 24/7 but go during the day (markets are closed on Sunday); free
- Nearest metro stations: Chandni Chowk (Yellow line) or Lal Quila (Violet line)
6. Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid is the royal mosque built by Shah Jahan in the 1650s. It is one of the oldest working mosques in Delhi, and one of the must-see places of Old Delhi.
It’s a large and impressive mosque with three massive gates, four towers and two minarets, all made of red sandstone and marble. For great aerial photos of Old Delhi, you can climb one of the towers for a small fee.
This is still a working mosque and there’s a dress code. Everyone must remove their shoes, and cover arms and legs. Women must also cover their heads. The mosque has cover ups you can use.
- Hours & Cost: 7:00 am – 12:00 pm & 1:30 pm – 6:30 pm, daily; free but there is a INR 300 fee for bringing in a camera
- Nearest metro station: Jama Masjid (Violet line)
7. Raj Ghat (Gandhi Memorial)
No trip to Delhi is complete with giving tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi’s memorial is one of the most important places to visit in Delhi. Every visiting dignitary and world leader comes here – it’s usually their first official stop.
Raj Ghat is where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated, the day after his assassination on January 30, 1948. An eternal flame burns and the memorial is always adorned in flowers.
Gandhi created a legacy of non-violent non-cooperation. He was a peaceful, but powerful leader in the fight for India’s freedom from British rule. To this day he is considered the father of the nation.
- Hours & Cost: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm, daily; free
- Nearest metro station: Delhi Gate (Pink line)
8. National Museum
Delhi’s National Museum, while not what I would consider one of the top museums of the world, does have some unique collections. There are objects spanning 5,000 years of Indian art, jewelry, armour and coinage, and the world’s best collection of antiquities from the Indus Valley Civilization.
Make sure you visit the Buddhist art section. The museum holds a very special collection of bone fragments from the Buddha, which were discovered in 1970. Because of this, this part of the museum has become a pilgrimage site. The last time I was at the museum there was a Buddhist monk meditating and praying over the sacred relics.
👍 Insider tip: the museum offers free 90 minute guided tours at 10:30 am and 2:30 pm daily.
- Hours & Cost: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (closed Monday); INR 500 foreigners, students up to grade 12 are free with ID
- Nearest metro station: Udyog Bhawan (Yellow line)
9. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
This is a very important Sikh temple in Delhi, the most prominent one in the city. It’s visited by thousands of devotees and many tourists every day. You don’t have to be Sikh to visit, everyone is welcome. There’s even a designated visitors centre.
Visitors must remove shoes and cover their heads, but there are bandanas you can borrow.
When you visit the gurudwara, go into the temple first, then walk around the sarovar (blessed pool), and visit one of the dining halls for the free community meal called langar. This is a culturally authentic experience and everyone is welcome. I often visit and eat langar at the gurudwara, it’s one of my favourite things to do in Delhi.
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is a really special place to visit in Delhi. I urge you to accept the free tour at the visitors centre so you can learn more about the gurudwara and how it assists the community. It’s quite remarkable.
- Hours & Cost: 24/7; free
- Nearest metro station: Shivaji Stadium (Orange line)
10. Akshardham Temple
An absolute masterpiece as far as temples go, Akshardham is stunning. It’s easy to see why this is one of the top places to visit in Delhi. It’s built entirely of pink marble and sandstone, and almost every inch is intricately carved with Hindu gods, goddesses and mythological stories.
Besides the enormous temple, there are exhibitions including a movie and cultural boat ride, a park, a shop, and an excellent cafeteria.
Conservative dress is required, but there are sarongs you can borrow. Mobile phones, tablets etc. must be left in a secured storage area before entering the temple.
👍 Insider tip: there’s a very popular light and water show every evening which tells a story from a Hindu holy text. It’s worthwhile and the temple is stunning lit up at night. You can check the Akshardham website to confirm timings.
- Hours & Cost: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm, daily (closed Monday); temple is free but there is a small fee for exhibitions and water show
- Nearest metro station: Delhi Gate (Pink line)
11. Lodhi Garden
Lodhi Garden is Delhi’s favourite heritage park, and when you visit you’ll understand why. It’s one of the most captivating places to visit in Delhi.
Not only is the park home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna, it’s also the site of gorgeous monuments dating back to 1444.
This part of South Delhi is extremely historic, and full of mausoleums from hundreds of years ago. There are several in the park, as well as the ruins of mosque, madrassa and lovely arched bridge.
👍 Insider tip: directly across the street is Lodhi Colony – a quiet residential area famous for large art murals on the sides of the low rise buildings. There are over 50 of them! It’s known as the Lodhi Art District.
- Hours & Cost: 6:00 am – 7:30 pm, daily; free
- Nearest metro station: Jorbagh (Yellow line)
12. Bahai Lotus Temple
One of Delhi’s most iconic buildings is the Bahai Lotus Temple. The temple looks like an opening lotus flower with 29 petals and is one of the most visited religious buildings in the world. It’s even on the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list.
You don’t need to be Bahai to visit. In fact, they are very used to visitors here and well organized for the crowds that come during peak hours. Try to get here early because it does get busy, and you will have to queue up to enter.
Don’t skip seeing the inside of the prayer hall. The prayer hall is one of the most serene places in Delhi, and beautiful in its simplicity.
- Hours: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, daily (closed Monday)
- Nearest Metro Stations: Kalkaji Mandir (Magenta line) or Okhla NSIC (Violet line)
13. Dilli Haat INA
Dilli Haat is Delhi’s favourite outdoor food and crafts bazaar. The market has a rotating roster of artisans and vendors selling textiles, crafts and art from across India. If you want to do some souvenir and gift shopping, this is a great place. Plus it’s a pedestrian only zone.
There’s a fantastic outdoor food court with foods from across the country. This was where I ate my first non-hotel Indian meal during my first days in India back in 2016.
While many tourists come here, it is also very popular with locals who love to shop at Dilli Haat for seasonal handicrafts – like the little diya lamps used during Diwali.
👍 Insider tip: There are 3 Dilli Haat markets in Delhi. The INA location is the largest and nicest by far. There is also a Delhi Haat INA store in Saket – do not go there!
- Hours & Cost: 10:30 am – 10:00 pm, daily; INR 100
- Nearest metro station: Dilli Haat INA (Yellow line), exit Gate 5
How Do I Spend a Day in Delhi?
If you have one day in Delhi, I would visit these places and in this order:
Lodhi Garden, India Gate, Raj Ghat, Jama Masjid, Red Fort, Chandni Chowk
For a slightly different and more detailed plan see this perfect one day in Delhi itinerary. It covers the best places to visit, how to get around Delhi and where to eat.
To visit all of these 13 must-see places, you need at least 2 days. This is how I would do it, and in this order:
Day 1
- Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
- National Museum
- India Gate
- Raj Ghat
- Jama Masjid
- Red Fort
- Chandni Chowk
Day 2
- Lodhi Garden
- Humayun’s Tomb
- Akshardham
- Lotus Temple
- Qutub Minar
- Dilli Haat
Start as early as you can and bring bottled water, a scarf and sensible shoes. Don’t linger too long at any one spot or you won’t be able to see everything.
How to Get Around Delhi
Considering how big Delhi is, it’s remarkably easy to get around. Not only that, but transportation is very cheap.
The best way to move around the city is by Delhi Metro. This is one of the best and most extensive systems in the world. It’s in English and Hindi, completely colour coded and differently abled accessible. The first carriage of every train in the moving direction is for women only.
Do not hesitate to use it, it’s a fantastic system and I use it all the time.
Uber and auto rickshaws are also widely used and reliable in Delhi. Both are inexpensive. I tend to use auto rickshaws for shorter distances because they’re so easy to get (they are everywhere) and quick. For longer distances when the metro isn’t the best option I use Uber.
Where to Stay in Delhi
I highly recommend these hotels. They are in South and Central Delhi, which are considered the best areas. You’ll be able to easily reach all these attractions, and walk to shops and restaurants.
These are also excellent properties with terrific reputations.
The Imperial New Delhi (luxury)
This is Delhi’s best luxury heritage hotel, and the location is superb for exploring. You’ll be within an easy walk of Connaught Place, a retail and commercial hub with numerous shops and dining options. Several of Delhi’s best places to visit are also walking distance, and the metro.
I love this hotel – it’s simply gorgeous, and guest service is top notch service.
📍 Check prices and availability at the Imperial New Delhi
Lutyens Bungalow (mid-range)
This boutique property is right beside Lodhi Garden in the greenest part of Delhi. You’ll be able to walk to Khan Market which is one of the best places to shop in Delhi with loads of shops and restaurants.
Rooms are simple but very comfortable, and breakfast is included. You can cool off in the swimming pool, and watch for peacocks in the gardens.
📍Check prices and availability at Lutyens Bungalow
Prakash Kutir B&B (budget)
If you’re looking for a clean, well located, budget friendly place to stay, book here. Prakash Kutir is a wonderful South Delhi bed and breakfast. It’s family run, near a metro station, and within walking distance of Hauz Khas Market with shops and restaurants.
This place is often fully booked, so reserve you room as soon as possible.
📍Check prices and availability at Prakash Kutir B&B
FAQs on Must-See Places to Visit in Delhi
Lutyens’ Delhi in New Delhi is the most beautiful area in the city. This part of Delhi has wide leafy boulevards, white colonnaded homes and expansive parks.
The most visited tourist attractions in Delhi are the Red Fort and Qutub Minar, both UNESCO.
You can visit the major sites and most popular places in Delhi in 3 days if you hustle. But even 100 days in Delhi is not enough to see and do everything – there is an astonishing number of places of interest and cultural events!
The Wrap-up on 13 Must-See Places to Visit in Delhi: Top Attractions 2025
If this is your first visit to Delhi, these are the places you’ll probably want to visit. Have fun exploring, keep your eyes open for the incredible things you’ll see along the way (and the potholes), and enjoy this amazing city!
Looking for more? You might also like…
- 21 Practical Things to Know Before Going To Delhi 2025
- Delhi Itinerary: Easy Ways to Spend Your First Day 2025
- 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
