Top 10 Places to Visit in Delhi – A Local’s Bucket List
If you’re visiting Delhi for the first time, these are the top 10 places to visit. Delhi is a huge city with many sites and it’s hard to know where to start. Because I live in Delhi and know the city well, I’m giving you my bucket list of what every visitor should see, so you don’t feel like you’ve missed something.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Delhi
Delhi has so many historic and wonderful places to visit, but these are the top 10 everyone should see. These sites will leave you in awe of Delhi and how incredible it really is.
1. Red Fort (UNESCO)
The Mughals ruled India for over 300 years, and the Red Fort is where the emperors lived and ruled from. It was built in 1639 by Shah Jahan, the same ruler who built the Taj Mahal.
The Red Fort was the main royal residence in India, and hundreds of royals and their entourage lived there. You can still shop in the covered Meena Bazaar where the royal harem shopped, see the inner and outer audience halls where emperors entertained and conducted state business, and view the royal baths.
- Hours & Cost: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm, daily (closed Monday); INR 600 foreigners, children under 15 free (I recommend buying your ticket online in advance on the Archeological Survey of India website. Tickets cost less online, and you won’t have to line up at the ticket counter)
- Nearest metro station: Lal Quila (Violet line), exit Gate 4
- Where to eat: Cafe Delhi Heights or Jugmug Thela, both in the Red Fort
👍 Insider tip: Another way of seeing the Red Fort is to attend the sound and light show called Jai Hind. It takes place at 3 different historic sites within the fort, and the audience walks to each location. Your Jai Hind ticket gives you access to the 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 a peaceful complex and very old, some parts were built in 1192. The site is widely called the Qutub Minar, but there’s actually much more here than the tallest brick minar in the world.
Walk through the quiet ruins of the madrassa, the Quwaat-ul-Islam mosque, see the unfinished Alai Minar, and the mysterious 1,600 year old iron pillar that never rusts.
Visit the tombs of Delhi Sultanate rulers Iltutmish and Alauddin Khilji. Notice the beauty of Iltutmish’s tomb (he was well liked and regarded as a ruler), while the tomb of Alauddin Khilji (who was feared and despised) is in terrible condition, even though it’s newer.
- Hours & Cost: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm, daily; INR 600 foreigners, children under 15 free (I recommend buying your ticket online in advance on the Archeological Survey of India website. Tickets cost less online and you won’t have to line up at the ticket counter)
- Nearest metro station: Saket (Yellow line), exit Gate 2
- Where to eat: Olive Bar & Kitchen, Chô
3. Humayun’s Tomb (UNESCO)
Humayun’s Tomb is the most beautiful, and largest mausoleum in Delhi. It was built in 1572 for the great ruler Humayun and was the first garden style tomb in India.
Humayun’s Tomb is the most impressive monument in the complex, but there are several other restored tombs, Persian gardens and the graves of over 150 Mughal royals and their entourage.
The tomb has witnessed Delhi’s most turbulent times. During the Rebellion of 1857 the last Mughal ruler sought refuge here, and in 1947 the tomb was used as a refugee camp for Muslims migrating to Pakistan during Partition.
- Hours & Cost: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm, daily; INR 600 foreigners, children under 15 free (I recommend buying your ticket online in advance on the Archeological Survey of India website. Tickets cost less online and you won’t have to line up at the ticket counter)
- Nearest metro station: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium aka JLN Stadium (Violet line), exit Gate 2 or 3
- Where to eat: Fabcafe by the Lake (you will have to pay an entry fee of INR 200 to enter Sunder Nursery)
4. Chandni Chowk
Chandni Chowk is the most famous street in Delhi. It’s in the heart of Old Delhi, and was established during Shah Jahan’s time in the 1650s.
Once lined with beautiful gardens, fountains and the mansions of the wealthy, many of the historic sites are still there, though you have to look past the crowds and grime to see them.
A walk from one end of Chandni Chowk to the other (a distance of 1.8 km) will take you past of Old Delhi’s most famous sites including stunning Sikh, Jain and Hindu temples, specialty markets, havelis from Mughal times and famous street food stands.
This part of Old Delhi is on the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list, and one of Delhi’s top 10 places to visit.
- Hours & Cost: 24/7 but go during the day (markets are closed on Sunday); free
- Nearest metro station: Chandni Chowk (Yellow line), exit Gate 5
- Where to eat: Haldiram’s, Kake di Hatti, Kanwarji Raj Kumar
5. Raj Ghat (Gandhi Memorial)
A top 10 list of places to visit in Delhi is not complete without giving tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.
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. He is still considered the father of the nation.
This is where Mahatma Gandhi’s last rites were performed, the day after his assassination on January 30, 1948. An eternal flame burns and the memorial is always adorned in flowers. Many world leaders and dignitaries have paid their respects at Raj Ghat, including US Presidents and Queen Elizabeth II.
- Hours & Cost: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm, daily; free
- Nearest metro station: Delhi Gate (Pink line), exit Gate 4
- Where to eat: Udupi Cafe
6. Akshardham Temple
An absolute masterpiece as far as temples go, Akshardham is visually stunning. It’s easy to see why this is one of the top 10 places to visit in Delhi. The entire complex was completed in less than 5 years by 7000 artisans and 3000 devoted volunteers.
Besides the enormous temple, there are exhibitions including a movie and cultural boat ride, a park, a shop, and an excellent cafeteria. A popular light and water show takes place every evening depicting a story from the Kena Upanishad (Hindu holy text).
Conservative dress is required to enter the premises, and all electronics must be left in a secured storage area. You can check the Akshardham website to confirm water show 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), exit Gate 4
- Where to eat: cafeteria at Akshardham
7. Bahai Lotus Temple
The Bahai Lotus Temple is one of the most visited religious buildings in the world. It’s unique architecture is even recognizable from the air if you fly into Delhi during the day.
The temple is made entirely of marble in the shape of the 29 petals of a lotus flower. The interior is expansive and serene, beautiful in its simplicity. Everyone is welcome at the Lotus Temple. Bahais are very inclusive and believe in the unity of all people.
- Hours: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, daily (closed Monday)
- Nearest Metro Station: Kalkaji Mandir (Magenta line), exit Gates 1 or 2 or Okhla NSIC (Violet line), exit Gate 2
- Where to Eat Nearby: Epicuria Food Mall
8. Dilli Haat
Dilli Haat is Delhi’s favourite outdoor food and crafts bazaar. While many tourists come here to shop for Indian handicrafts, it is also very popular with locals. This is an excellent spot to do some souvenir shopping and have lunch.
You’ll find authentic Indian textiles, crafts and art from all over India here. Artisans rotate every two weeks, so the selection is always changing and seasonal.
There is a terrific outdoor food court with food stalls from many different states of India. It’s a great place to have a meal.
👍 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
- Where to eat: food court in Dilli Haat
9. Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid is one of the oldest working mosques in Delhi. It is the royal mosque built by Shah Jahan (the ruler that built the Red Fort and Taj Mahal) in the 1650s.
With three gates, four towers and two minarets, all of red sandstone and marble, it is an impressive sight. For incredible views and photos of Old Delhi, you can climb one of the towers for a small fee.
The dress code is strict. Women must cover their heads, shoes must be removed, and arms and legs must be clothed. You can borrow a cover up at the mosque if you need one.
- 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), exit Gate 2
- Where to eat nearby: Ebony Cafe
10. Lodhi Garden
The most captivating of the top 10 places to visit in Delhi is Lodhi Garden. The park is located in a very historic area of South Delhi and contains monuments that date back to 1444.
It is a breathtaking park, make sure you bring your camera. Walk along the lawns and manicured paths past hundreds of species of flora and fauna, and explore the ancient domed mosque, madrassa, arched bridge and well preserved tombs.
- Hours & Cost: 6:00 am – 7:30 pm, daily; free
- Nearest metro station: Jorbagh (Yellow line), exit Gate 2
- Where to eat nearby: Jamun, Jaatre Ice Cream
Where to Stay in Delhi
I highly recommend these hotels. They are in the best areas of Delhi and very well located for exploring the sites and attractions. You’ll be able to easily visit the top 10 places in Delhi from any one of these:
The Imperial New Delhi (luxury)
This is Delhi’s best luxury heritage hotel and the location is superb for exploring Delhi. It’s within walking distance of many sites and the Delhi metro. I love this hotel – it’s simply gorgeous, and guests will receive top notch service.
📍 Check prices and availability at the Imperial New Delhi
Lutyens Bungalow (mid-range)
This boutique property is in the greenest part of Delhi, right beside Lodhi Garden. Rooms are simple but comfortable, and breakfast is included. There’s a swimming pool, and guests can spot peacocks in the gardens.
📍Check prices and availability at Lutyens Bungalow
Prakash Kutir B&B (budget)
If you’re looking for super clean, well located, budget friendly accommodation, stay here. This is South Delhi’s best bed and breakfast. It’s family run, near a metro station, and within walking distance of a market with shops and restaurants. It is often fully booked, so reserve you room as soon as possible.
📍Check prices and availability at Prakash Kutir B&B
FAQs on the Top 10 Places to Visit in Delhi
The most visited tourist attraction in Delhi is the Qutub Minar (UNESCO).
The Delhi metro is the best way to travel to the sites and attractions in Delhi. It’s safe, clean, efficient and cheap.
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 Wrap-up on Top 10 Places to Visit in Delhi – A Local’s Bucket List
There you have it, my personal list of the top 10 places to visit in Delhi. These are the places I take my visitors to, and the ones I always recommend. It’s impossible to see all the sites of Delhi in a few days, but you’ll cover the most important ones with this list.
You might also like…
- Where to Stay in Delhi – Best Areas and Hotels for Every Budget
- How to Get From Indira Gandhi International Airport into Delhi
- Heritage Walk of Old Delhi: An Insider’s DIY Tour
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
