Top 25 Things to do in Delhi

Start your day at the Flower Market

If you are a morning person, this deserves be on your list of ‘things to do in Delhi’.

I love being surrounded by flowers and loved the visit to the flower market located in Ghazipur, Delhi. I’m sure you’d do too. The market starts around 4 am.

I’d suggest you visit as early as you can. You can find fresh and artificial, both kinds of flowers in this market. Fragrance of roses, rajnigandha, lilies, orchids, marigold will freshen up your day. 

Plants, flower bouquets, baskets and other such accessories are available in this flower market. It’s a beautiful place for photography too.

Be prepared for the crowd and the noise!

Location- Ghazipur Village, Delhi

Entry- Free

Nearest metro station- Anand Vihar ISBT

Website- http://www.fmcdelhi.org/

pay respect to the martyrs at India Gate

India Gate is a famous place in Delhi. It was built in 1931 as a war memorial to honor Indian soldiers.

Sir Edwin Lutyens was the designer of India Gate. Amar Jawan Jyoti is the flame that stays ablaze all the time.

Every Republic Day parade starts after the Prime Minister pays his tributes to the Amar Jawan Jyoti. Nowadays India Gate is not just a war memorial, it is a place for many for outings, get-togethers and picnics.

Location- Rajpath, New Delhi

Hours- Open all the time

Entry- Free

Nearest metro station- Central Secretariat

Meditate at the Lotus Temple

This beautiful structure amazed me when I looked at it.

This lotus flower shaped building in Delhi is the place of worship for people following Baha’i faith.

It has 27 petals made up of marble and it’s a beautiful place to visit and meditate in silence. One has to strictly observe silence here. People from all religions visit this place for admiring its beauty, for meditating and praying.

Open 9 am to 7 pm Tuesday to Sunday, closed on Monday

Location- Bahapur, Shambhu Dayal Bagh, Kalkaji, Delhi

Entry- Free

Nearest metro station- Kalkaji Mandir Station

Website-http://www.bahaihouseofworship.in/

Look back at History at the Red Fort

Red Fort is also known as Lal Quila. It is the place where Indian flag was hoisted at the time of independence of India by Jawahar Lal Nehru above the Lahore Gate on 15th August 1947.

Since then this has become a tradition. The Prime Minister of India hoists national flag at the Red Fort on every 15th August (India’s Independence Day).

Red Fort is the largest monument in Delhi. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a beautiful amalgamation of Mughal, Persian and Indo-Islamic architecture. Lal Quila has been plundered and damaged many times but still it stands with its head held high.

Visit it for its architecture and historical importance.

Location- Netaji Subhash Marg, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi

Entry- Open days : Tuesday to Sunday (Closed on Monday)

Timings – 9.30 AM to 4.30 P.M

Entry- INR 90 for Indians, INR 950 for foreigners

Photography Charges- No charges for photography, INR 25 for video filming

Nearest Metro Station- Chandni Chowk

revisit CHildhood at National Rail Museum

Rail and rail journeys have always fascinated me.

So how could I miss the chance to visit the National Rail Museum in New Delhi. This museum has a great collection of more than 10 0 real size exhibits of trains.

The museum showcases many working and static models, equipment and historical photographs. You can enjoy a train ride and boating here.

This museum has been the shooting spot for famous Bollywood songs like’ Chand Sifarish ‘ from the movie Fana and ‘Foolishq’ from ‘Ki & Ka’.

Open Tuesday to Sunday 9.30 am to 5.30 pm, closed on Monday

Location- Chanakyapuri, New Delhi

Entry ticket- Weekdays- Adult INR 50, Child (3 to 12 years) INR 10

Weekend & Government Holiday ticket charges- Adult INR 100, Child (3 to 12 years) INR 20

Separate tickets for various train rides

Nearest metro station- Sir M Vishveshwaraiah Moti Bagh

Website-http://nrmindia.com/

Get Lost In Chandni Chowk Market

Chandni Chowk Market is a different level of experience in itself. To be honest I am yet to gather courage to visit a place that is way too chaotic and crowded for my comfort.

Though it is on my list and I am going to visit it for the array of experiences it offers. It has everything from fabrics, fashion accessories, wedding outfits , jewelry, books, spices, houseware and what not.. All at amazing prices!

Don’t forget to head towards Paranthe wali gali for lip-smacking paranthas and Old Famous Jalebi Wala for your sweet tooth. Trust me, your taste-buds are going to be totally pleased!

Location- Chandni Chowk, Delhi

Open- 10.30 am to 9 pm Monday to Saturday, closed on Sunday

Entry- Free

Nearest metro station- Chandni Chowk

tantalize your taste buds with the local Street food

A trip to Delhi is incomplete unless you try it’s amazingly delicious street food. You would find a huge variety of food and cheap prices available at almost every place in Delhi.

It includes Parathe, Kulfi, Chaat, Dahi-Bhalle, Golgappe, Aaloo Puri,  Pao-Bhaji, Paneer Tikka, Chhole Kulche, Paan, Chhole Bhature, Indian sweets, Pakode, Kebab, Biryani, Momos and a lot more. The list is endless.  

Some of the famous places to try street food in Delhi are- Nand ke Chhole Bhature in Sadar Bazar, local market in Chandni Chowk, Lajpat Nagar market, Karol Bagh Market, Kamla Nagar Market, Khan Market,  Karim’s and Kebab Factory at Saket, Parathe wali gali, Bikanevala, Chawri Bazar.

Traveling to India but don’t know much about street food? Find here tips on eating street food in India.

Starting early in the morning, you can find many of these open till late night.

Click selfies with Qutub Minar

With its rich culture, heritage, and history, Qutub Minar is one of the major heritage sites in Delhi that attracts travelers and photographers from all over the world.

It is the tallest minaret in the world made up of bricks. Its centuries-old architecture makes it a very popular site in Delhi among art, history and photography enthusiasts.

This structure is the manifestation of the architecture of different eras. Qutub Minar is taller than some of the other famous buildings in the world like the tower of Pisa and Great Pagoda in China.

The area surrounding the Qutub Minar is called Qutub Complex. There are many worth-visiting monuments in this area like Quwwat-Ul-Islam Mosque, the tomb of Itutmish, Ala’i-Darwaza, Ala’i Minar, Imam Zamin’s Tomb, Ala-Ud-Din Madarasa and Iron Pillar.

A good place for people interested in architecture, history and photography.

Location- Kalka Dass Marg, Mehrauli, Delhi

Opening time- 7 am to 5 pm, daily

Tickets- INR 40 for Indians, INR 600 for Foreigners

Nearest metro station- Qutub Minar Metro Station

Know about the unlucky Emperor at Humayun’s Tomb

Humayun’s Tomb is the mausoleum of the second Mughal ruler Humayun.

It  is located in a large complex that includes many other structures like Isa Khan Niyazi Tomb, a mosque, Nila Gumbad, Afsarwala Tomb, Bu-Halima’s Tomb and Char Bagh.

It is believed that the design of the Taj Mahal was inspired from this monument only. The Humayun’s tomb was commissioned by his first wife Empress Hameeda Bega Begum.

The Emperor’s sudden demise had left the Empress heartbroken. She decided to spend the rest of her life in making a grand mausoleum in her husband’s memory. 

This monument was the first one to have the combination of red sandstone and white marble in its construction. The tomb was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.

Humayun’s Tomb is a delightful blend of Persian, Turkish and Indian architecture. A hint of Rajasthani architecture in Jharokhas, lattice work and chhatris is visible in the structure and is definitely worth visiting.

Location- Mathura Road, Opposite Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah, Nizamuddin, New Delhi

Open sunrise to sunset

Entry- Indian INR 40 (35 for cashless transaction), foreigners INR 600 (550 for cashless transaction).

Free entry for children under the age of 15 year

Nearest metro station- Jor Bagh

Find peace at Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid is one of the biggest Mosques of India. It stands in a complete contrast to the area it is located in. Where there is noise, crowd and utter chaos outside, inside is an oasis of peace and open space.

When the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan moved his capital from Agra to Delhi, he constructed this magnificent monument as the main centre for the worship of God. 

During the festivals like Eid and the holy month of Ramzan, the hustle-bustle, crowd, and activities increase manifold. Artwork on the gates, domes, corridors, minarets and calligraphy are sure to catch one’s eye.

The whole courtyard is lined with red sandstone tiles. Visit this mosque to find some solace and witness its beauty.

Location- Chandni Chowk, New Delhi

Timings- 7 a.m. to 6.30 p.m and is closed between 12 pm to 1.30 p.m for prayer hours everyday. Entry Fee- There is no entry fee for Jama Masjid. INR 300 is charged for photography. In case you are carrying a phone (with inbuilt camera), you will be asked to pay the fee anyway.

Nearest metro station- Jama Masjid Metro Station

Get mesmerized by Akshardham Temple

I can say this without any doubt that Akshardham is the most beautiful temple that I have ever visited.  It is a hindu temple that displays traditional and modern hindi culture.

I got an opportunity to visit this temple on an official tour. Its sheer elegance and beauty kept me bewitched the whole time I was there. The hard work and craftsmanship put into construction of this temple is clearly evident in its architecture.

Sadly, you are not allowed to take photographs here.

Opens 9.30 am to 6.30 pm, closed on Monday

Address- Noida Mor, Pandav Nagar, New Delhi

Entry- Free

Nearest metro station- Akshardam

Know Delhi through Heritage Walks

Delhi is a historical city that has many stories to tell.

A mystical blend of new and old, history and modernity, Delhi never ceases to amaze its visitors. If just ticking the places off your list is not your thing and you want to get into the finer details, you must try these.

There are many things to do for a culturally immersive experience. You would probably get spoiled for choices. Many walking tour companies organise walks through which you can explore the city on foot.

You can choose from the walks into the popular areas and walks to the offbeat places. Prices for these walks start at as low as INR 500 and can go up to INR 3000 or more.

Places to stay in Delhi

WelcomHeritage Haveli Dharampura

Located in the heart of Delhi, this heritage building has been awarded UNESCO award for cultural and heritage restoration. Jama Masjid and Red Fort are located at a walkable distance. On-site restaurant, bar and free wifi are some of the services provided. Click here for reviews, images and booking.

The Lalit

One of the best luxury hotels in Delhi, the Lalit offers five-star accommodation catering to the needs for business travel as well as for vacation. Property amenities include Gym, Bar/Lounge, Pool and many more. Click here for reviews, images and booking.

The Imperial Hotel

The Imperial is a heritage hotel that provides a luxurious stay to its guests. The old world charm of this property easily transports you into another world altogether. Click here for reviews, images and booking.

Test your bargaining skills AT Sarojini Market

‘Sarojini ke kapde pehan ke jaati madam disco…’ that’s a line from a popular Bollywood song. Now, Sarojini mentioned here, is the Sarojini Nagar Market of Delhi.

You probably would have  heard of this place if you are living in India and are into budget/street fashion.

This is the place where you can find great stuff at throwaway prices. Good bargaining skills come in handy at this place.

I have personally seen a lot of YouTube videos of this place on the internet as it is a huge shopping destination for budget friendly people. Don’t forget to add it to your ‘things to do in Delhi’ list.

Location- Sarojini Nagar, Delhi

Timings- 11 a.m to 8 p.m, closed on Mondays

Entry- Free

Explore Shopaholics Haven at Dilli Haat

Dilli Haat is the right place to shop for handicrafts and traditional Indian items.

Artists from different parts of India sell their products here. Visit this for shopping if crowded and chaotic markets of Delhi overwhelm you. It is well-organised, clean and a very convenient place to shop. 

With a huge variety of fabrics, kurtas, sarees, shawls, accessories, home decor items, it is a haven for shopaholics and art enthusiasts. After the retail therapy, go for some Indian food is to satiate your hunger pangs.

Location- Sri Aurobindo Marg, West Kidwai Nagar, Kidwai Nagar, New Delhi

Entry- INR 20

Hours- 10.30 am to 10 pm daily

Nearest metro station- INA Metro Station

Website-  http://www.dillihaat.net.in/

Get some Chills at the spooky Tughlaqabad Fort

With a past of more than six centuries, this ancient fort deserves a spot in the list of the worth-visiting, offbeat historical places of Delhi.

Tughlaqabad Fort is now nothing more than ruins standing in dilapidated condition. People who are interested in history, stories, architecture, and photography would definitely like this place.

Tughlaqabad was built by Sultan Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq as his capital city for the newly founded Tughlaq dynasty. The main purpose of building a strong massive fort was to protect the Sultan and the Sultanate from the Mongol invaders.

The construction of this fort started in 1321 and was completed in just 4 years. Many people believe it to be haunted. Click here to know its story.

Open all days of the week 6 am to 7 pm

Location- Mehrauli- Badarpur Road, Tughlaqabad, Delhi

Entry- INR 30 for Indians, INR 300 for foreigners

Nearest metro station- Govindpuri

Observe the wildlife at Delhi Zoo

Delhi Zoo is located on Mathura Road in New Delhi. It is sprawled over an area of 176 acre. The park was inaugurated in 1959. Later, its name was changed to National Zoological Park, Delhi in 1982.

This zoo is home and breeding ground to around 1300 animals. It is a fairly well maintained zoo with about 130 species of Indian and international animals and birds.

It is worth a visit because it is a well-maintained zoo with hundreds of animals, birds and many kinds of trees and plants. You get to observe them and also spend time close to nature. 

Location- Mathura Road, New Delhi

Timings 1st April to 15th October- 0900 Hrs to 1630 hrs

16th Oct to 31st March – 0930 hrs to 1600 hrs

Closed on Fridays and National Holidays.

Entry-

For Indian citizens

Adult INR 40 

Children 0-5 years age -Free

Children 5-12 years age INR 20

Senior Citizens (age 60 and above)- INR 20

For Non-Indians

Adult INR 200

Children 0-5 years age -Free

Children 5-12 years age INR 100

Nearest metro station- Pragati Maidan

Pragati Maidan

Huge pavilions and grounds of Pragati Maidan are used for various events like trade fairs, exhibitions etc. I still remember visiting this place when I worked as a volunteer in a Philately Exhibition in Pragati Maidan.

Huge exhibits of various Indian states display their culture and history. When you are in Delhi, make sure to check out the events happening at this place and join.

Location- Pragati Maidan, New Delhi

Nearest metro station- Supreme Court Metro Station

Website- http://www.indiatradefair.com/

langar At Bangla Sahib Gurudwara

When I went to Delhi a few years ago, this Sikh temple felt like an oasis in the desert to me.

I went to this place after visiting many famous places in Delhi which were swarming with tourists. Amidst all that, this gurudwara (Sikh temple) was a place for respite and peace. You should visit this place for the ambience and experience.

The music of the religious hymns, cleanliness and purity of the place. Serving at the langar hall (community kitchen) and sharing a meal with hundreds of other visitors is an experience worth having. 

Location- Hanuman Road Area, Connaught Place, Delhi

Entry- Free

Nearest metro station- Patel Chowk

Explore the city with HOHO City Bus Tour

If you want a readymade sightseeing tour, go ahead with Delhi Tourism’s Hop On Hop Off sightseeing service.

One day and two days tours are offered that start at many different times during the day. Another plus point is that these tours are very reasonably priced. You can choose out of 25 plus tourist attractions.

Location- HOHO Information Center, Baba Kharak Singh Rd, Raja Bazar Road Area, Connaught Place, New Delhi

Price- Starts at INR 499

Nearest metro station- Rajiv Chowk

Website-http://hohodelhi.com/

A date with history at Mehrauli Archaeological Park

Mehrauli Archaeological Park is a historical site spreading over 200 sq km area.

It is one of the oldest places in Delhi. Worn-out tombs, stepwells and gateways in this area tell the story of a glorious past.

You can see ruins of Lal Kot, tomb of Balban, Jamali Kamli Mosque and tomb, Quli Khan’s Tomb, Rajon Ki baoli, Madhi Masjid and many such more structures. 

It is also a good place if you want to spend some time in solitude or go for a walk in a peaceful place.

Open everyday of week from 5 am to 6.3 pm

Location- Opposite Qutub Minar Metro Station, Mehrauli, New Delhi

Entry- Free

Nearest metro station- Qutub Metro Station

Website- http://delhitourism.gov.in/delhitourism/heritageWalk/karavan.jsp

Visit the President’s residence- Rashtrapati Bhawan

I was not aware that Rashtrapati Bhawan is open for visitors. It is the world’s largest residence of a head of state.

Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker were the designers behind this amazing building. Spread across 320 acres with 340 rooms in total, Rashtrapati Bhawan includes Mughal Garden and Rashtrapati Bhawan Museum.

One has to make an online request on the official website for visiting Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Rashtrapati Bhawan main building and Central Lawn are open from Thursday to Sunday. Rashtrapati Bhawan Museum Complex is open on all days except Monday. The Mughal Garden and other gardens are open from December to February on Thursday to Sunday. Find detailed information on the official website.

Location- President’s Estate, New Delhi

Entry- Registration charges INR50

Nearest metro station- Central Secretariat

Website- https://presidentofindia.nic.in/visit-to-rashtrapati-bhavan.htm and https://rashtrapatisachivalaya.gov.in/rbtour/

Listen to the soulful music at Nizamuddin Dargah

Nizamuddin Dargah is located in Nizamuddin in Delhi. This locality is named after the famous saint Hazrat Nizamuddin.

You must visit this place on thursday evenings if you are into traditional spiritual music. The whole place comes alive with music of Qawwali. You feel transported into some other place. Many people visit this place irrespective of their faith and religion.

Location- Baoli Gate Road, Nizamuddin, New Delhi

Entry- Free

Nearest metro station- Indraprastha Metro Station and Jangpura Metro Station

rejuvenate at Lodhi Gardens

Lodhi Gardens is a huge public park that is quite popular among the locals.

Spreading over 90 acres, this garden has tombs of Sikander Lodhi, Muhammad Shah and many more. It is under the protection of Archaeological Survey of India.

People visit this place for walking, relaxing and spending some peaceful time. You can see many couples and families coming here for picnics.

Some ancient structures and tombs of Mughals add an old world charm to this place. Great place to take a break and rejuvenate!

Location- Lodhi Estate, New Delhi

Entry- Free

Nearest metro station- Jor Bagh 

chill at Book Cafes

If I am staying at one place for a few days, I usually make it a point to explore local book cafes.

Delhi has many such amazing options. Here, you can spend some quality time with your favourite book and a cup of tea or coffee.

Some of the popular ones are Kunzum Travel Cafe, The Brew Room, Ivy & Bean, Cha Bar, May Day Book-store and Cafe, Tpot. Cozy environment, good food and beverages and the chance to meet many bookworms and travelers make these quite popular.

Shopping at Shahpur Jat

Shahpur Jat is a small urban village that has become a popular shopping hub.

Full of upmarket fashion boutiques, quirky shops and cozy stores, it is a must visit for the fashionistas. A very popular shopping destination during the festive and wedding season, Shahpur Jat has a lot to offer.

You can find custom-made outfits, home-decor items, jewelry and a lot more. In case you don’t want to buy the expensive outfits, you will find shops that rent out wedding-wear.

Location-Shahpur Jat, New Delhi

Open 11 a.m to 8 p.m

Nearest metro station- Hauz Khas

ISKCON temple

International Society for Krishna Consciousness or ISKCON is the religious and spiritual movement started by Swami Prabhupada.

This ISKCON temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha Rani. The Museum of Vedic culture housed within this temple displays a collection of paintings and statues. Ramayana Art Gallery and Bhagvata Purana Exhibit are also interesting to watch.

I’d suggest you attend the aarti in the temple. If you are even a bit spiritually inclined, this should be your one of the things to do in Delhi.

Location- Sant Nagar, East of Kailash, South Delhi

Entry- Free

Nearest metro station- Nehru Place

website –http://www.iskcondelhi.com/

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