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 lived in Delhi for years 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 is.
1. Red Fort (UNESCO)
This is the most visited site in Delhi. The Red Fort is where the Mughal empire lived and ruled India from. It was built in 1639 by Shah Jahan, the same ruler who built the Taj Mahal.
Hundreds of royals and their entourage lived at the Red Fort, and today you can still shop in the covered Meena Bazaar where the royal harem shopped, see the inner and outdoor audience halls and view the royal baths.
It’s in chaotic Old Delhi, so if you’re here for a few days, save this for the end. Old Delhi is best explored after you’ve become acclimatized to Delhi.
Hours & Cost: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm, daily; INR 600 foreigners, children under 15 free.
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 called the Qutub Minar (referring to the brick minaret), but there’s much more.
There are the ruins of a madrassa, the Quwaat-ul-Islam mosque, 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.
3. Humayun’s Tomb (UNESCO)
Humayun’s Tomb is the most beautiful, and largest mausoleum in Delhi. It was built in 1572 for the Mughal ruler Humayun and was the first garden style tomb in India.
Humayun’s Tomb is the most impressive monument in this complex, but there are several other restored tombs, Persian gardens and the graves of over 150 Mughal royals and their entourage.
Hours & Cost: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm, daily; INR 600 foreigners, children under 15 free.
Tickets for the Red Fort, Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb can be purchased 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.
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 down Chandni Chowk will take you past some of Old Delhi’s most famous sites including temples, specialty markets, historic havelis and famous street food, making it one of the top 10 places to visit.
Hours & Cost: 24/7 but go during the day (markets are closed on Sunday); free.
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 is still considered the father of the nation and revered across India. He was a peaceful, but powerful leader in the fight for India’s freedom from British rule.
This is where Mahatma Gandhi’s last rites were performed, the day after his assassination on January 30, 1948. 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 (shoes must be removed).
6. Akshardham Temple
An absolute masterpiece as far as temples go, Akshardham is visually stunning and one of the largest Hindu temples in the world. It’s easy to see why this is one of the top 10 places to visit in Delhi.
Besides the temple, there are exhibitions including a movie and cultural boat ride, a park, a shop, and an excellent cafeteria.
Conservative dress is required to enter the premises, and all electronics must be left in a secured storage area.
Hours & Cost: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm, daily (closed Monday); temple is free, but there is a small fee for exhibitions (shoes must be removed).
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); free (shoes must be removed).
8. Dilli Haat INA
Dilli Haat INA is Delhi’s favourite outdoor food and crafts bazaar. While many tourists come here to shop for Indian handicrafts, it is also popular with locals. This is an excellent spot for souvenir shopping and 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. I’ve eaten here many times and never had a problem.
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.
9. Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid is one of the oldest working mosques in Delhi. It is the royal mosque built by Shah Jahan 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. Shoes must be removed, and arms and legs must be clothed and women must cover their hair. You can borrow a cover up at the mosque.
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.
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, so 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.
How to Get to Get Around Delhi
The best ways to get around to see these things in Delhi is by metro, Uber, auto rickshaw, or any combination of these.
The Delhi metro is really good – don’t be nervous about using it. And auto rickshaws are everywhere and super convenient. Uber is also good in Delhi, and very cheap.
I go into more detail in this article on how to get around Delhi.
Where to Stay in Delhi
I am very familiar with these properties, and recommend them because they are exceptional and in good neighbourhoods. They are also well located for seeing the top 10 sites of Delhi.
- Leela Palace New Delhi (luxury): 5 star property and considered Delhi’s finest hotel. It’s beautiful and traditional, with exceptional service and comfort. Located in Delhi’s most exclusive neighbourhood near the embassies.
- Lutyens Bungalow (mid-range): Heritage boutique property in one of the best areas of the city next to Lodhi Garden. Fantastic area near many sites. Breakfast is included.
- Prakash Kutir Bed & Breakfast (budget): Family run guest house in a very good area of South Delhi, near the metro and easy to explore the whole city from. Spotlessly clean. A home-cooked breakfast is included.
Last Words 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.
