Are you looking for places to visit in Delhi? If so, you are at the right spot! Let’s embark on a journey together to travel to the heart and soul of the country – Dilwaalon ki Dilli. Delhi bustles with an energetic love, life, history, and culture that set it apart from other metro cities of India. It has tastes for every palate and plate, spectacles for every eye, music for every ear, and an emotion for every soul. Let’s dive right in to look at tourist places in Delhi for you to explore with friends, family, partners, or even solo!
Journey around These Places to Visit in Delhi!
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Red Fort
Ages of the Mughal rule have left beautiful impressions on the city of Delhi in various manners, such as the Red Fort or the ‘Laal Qila’. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahaan, Red Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site assembled with marvellous limestones. Interestingly, it was white when created; the government painted it red since the stone began to flake off over time. A beautiful history to uncover and embrace, Red Fort is among the most important places to visit in Delhi with family and friends.
How to Reach: Chandni Chowk Metro Station is the nearest metro station.
Things to Do: Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e-Khaas, Rang Mahal, Lahori Gate, Sound and Light Show, Museum
Timings: 9.30 A.M. to 4.30 P.M. from Tuesday to Sunday. The fort is closed on Mondays.
Entry Fees: INR 35 for Indians and tourists from SAARC and BIMSTEC countries; INR 500 for tourists from the rest of the countries
Did you know? Before it was part of the British Crown, the Kohinoor Diamond originally belonged to Shah Jahaan.
READ: Red Fort India-Discover the Rich History and Beauty
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Qutub Minar
A skyscraping epitome of architecture, Qutub Minar appeals to travellers and architects alike. Its intricate sandstone carvings draw one to marvel at the honeycomb-like designs and the artisans’ mastery. The Minar also houses the ancient Iron Pillar of Delhi, which refuses to rust since it was made in the 4th Century. This phenomenon has managed to keep scientists and metallurgists baffled still. The walls bear calligraphy and Quran verses. The blend of Persian, Islamic, and Indian architectural styles in its creation makes the Minar a symbol of cultural integration and diversity.
How to Reach: Qutub Minar Metro Station is the nearest metro station.
Things to Do: Iron Pillar, Quwwat-al-Islam Mosque, Alai Darwaza, Alai Minar, Annual Qutub Festival
Timings: Qutub Minar is open daily from 7.00 A.M. to 5.00 P.M.
Entry Fees: INR 30 for Indian adults and INR 500 for foreign tourists. The entry is free for children below 15 years of age.
Did you know? Due to its elevated location, the Qutub Minar was initially used as a watchtower to look for forthcoming enemies and dangers.
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India Gate
The magnificent India Gate is a war memorial that offers tribute to the British Indian Army troops who died during World War I and the Afghan Wars. India Gate is one the most popular places to visit near Delhi at night, popularized after the Bollywood movie Rang De Basanti was released. The place holds patriotic significance and promotes the idea of Unity in Diversity. Amar Jawan Jyoti is an everlasting flame that burns under the arch of India Gate, commemorating the lost lives of the soldiers.
How to Reach: The “Central Secretariat Metro Station” is the nearest metro station.
Things to Do: Amar Jawan Jyoti, Lawns and Gardens, Boating, Light Show
Timings: India Gate is open on all days and times.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee.
Did you know? All the names of the soldiers who lost their lives are inscribed on the Gate’s walls.
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Humayun’s Tomb
“Humayun’s-Tomb” is a mausoleum of Mughal Emperor Humayun and the first-ever tomb created with a garden in India. The architectural design of the tomb inspired the construction of the Taj Mahal and led to a revolution in the then-architectural styles of India. The tomb is symmetrical and grand, and people from around the world arrive here to visit this peaceful place and pay homage to the deceased Emperor. The Chaar Bagh garden surrounding the tomb can calm a troubled mind. Near the tomb of Humayun also lies the tomb of Isa Khan, an Afghan nobleman who served in Sher Shah Suri’s court.
Humayun’s-Tomb is also a UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Site. You can visit here with your friends and family. This place also provides peace to solo travellers.
How to Reach: JLN Stadium Metro Station is the nearest metro station.
Things to Do: Chaar Baagh Garden, Photography, Walk
Timings: Humayun’s Tomb is open from 6.00 A.M. to 6.00 P.M. on all days of the week
Entry Fees: INR 30 for Indians and INR 500 for foreign travellers. Videography is chargeable.
Did you know? Humayun’s-Tomb served as a refugee camp during the Partition Era in India.
READ: 6 Best Luxury Resorts Near Delhi
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Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid, located in Old Delhi, is another echo of the Mughal Era that has rippled through and through. Like the Qutub Minar, the Jama Masjid is also a blend of Persian, Indian, and Islamic styles of architecture and showcases carvings of Quran verses on the walls. It is a peaceful mosque open to all and is one of the major tourist places in Delhi. It also serves as a hub of cultural gatherings and celebrations for those who follow the religion of Islam and is an important part of Islamic culture worldwide. The two majestic minarets of the Jama Masjid are its most distinctive features. These minarets offer a bird’s eye view of Old Delhi from their heights.
When visiting here, one is advised to wear modest clothing. Jama Masjid is an important place of historical significance that one can visit with family. They can also shop for souvenirs from the Chawri Bazaar next to the mosque.
How to Reach: Jama Masjid Metro Station is the nearest metro station.
Things to Do: Pray, Shop at Chawri Bazaar, Try Non-Vegetarian Food from Nearby Stalls
Timings: Jama Masjid is open daily from 7.00 A.M. to 12.00 P.M. and 1.30 P.M. to 6.30 P.M.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee. Photography is chargeable at INR 300.
Did you know? Jama Masjid is the grandest mosque in the world and was the last huge monument to be created by the Mughals before their reign ended.
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Connaught Place, New Delhi
Connaught Place, locally called CP, is one of the best places to visit in Delhi with friends on a low budget. The hustle and bustle of the city meets modern vibrancy in the nooks and crevices of this fast-paced commercial hub. With stores selling apparel to furniture and handcrafted items to liquor, Connaught Place has it all! You can find brands worth millions and stalls that sell items worth INR 10 in this place. If you are not in the mood for shopping, you can watch a movie or grab a bite at CP’s most delicious eateries. It also boasts a magnetic nightlife that draws in young party-goers nationwide. It is one of the most ‘happening’ party places to visit in Delhi at night.
If you choose to visit here, do not miss out on the lip-smacking food at Haldriam’s or the mind-boggling deceptions of the Museum of Illusions. Ram Chander & Sons, India’s oldest toy store, is also here.
How to Reach: Rajiv Chowk Metro Station.
Things to Do: Shopping, Eating, Enjoy the Nightlife, Cinemas, Agrasen ki Baoli
Timings: Connaught Place is open Monday to Saturday from 10.00 A.M. to 8.30 P.M. It is closed on Sundays.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee.
Did you know? Connaught Place is considered one of the world’s most expensive commercial markets ever!
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Hauz Khas
Like Connaught Place, Hauz Khas is another social hub at the top of everyone’s list of places to visit in Delhi with friends. If you are not so much of a party animal, worry not because Hauz Khas is not only a party place – there are historical monuments, art galleries, parks, and many cafes selling mouth-watering food.
Hauz Khas Social is the most popular café and is visited by many Indians and foreigners alike, and so is Raasta, a discotheque and pub. You’ll surely love to be here if you love partying, good food, and good vibes!
The doors of Neeli Masjid and Chor Minar are open for those interested in history. Deer Park is also a peaceful place for being one with nature.
How to Reach: Hauz Khas Metro Station is the nearest metro station.
Things to Do: Shopping at Boutiques, Popular Cafes, Pubs and Bars, Nature Walk, Hauz Khas Fort
Timings: Hauz Khas is open from 10.30 A.M. to 7.00 P.M. from Monday to Saturday and is closed on all Sundays.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee.
Did you know? The popular Bollywood song ‘Agar tum saath ho’ from Tamasha was shot at Hauz Khas Social.
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Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah
The Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah is a tomb and shrine established in honour of the famed Chishti order Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. It is renowned for its spiritual atmosphere and Sufi music. One can come here to be immersed in a spiritual experience and listen to Qawwalis in the evenings – one of the transcendental experiences for which the Dargah is well-known. Around the Dargah are lively markets as well as Humayun’s Tomb.
How to Reach: Indraprastha Metro Station and Pragati Maidan Metro Station are the nearest metro stations.
Things to Do: Offer Prayer, Light Candles, Charity
Timings: Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah is open on all days of the week from 5.00 A.M. to 10.30 P.M.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee.
Did you know? The tombs of famous poets Amir Khusrau and Mirza Ghalib are also enshrined in the Dargah.
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Purana Qila
Purana Qila, literally translating to Old Fort, is the oldest known fort built in Delhi. It is a very picturesque location with an eerie charm to it. The fort is said to have been built during the times of the Mahabharata and is considered more than 5,000 years old. If you wish to spend some time with your family, partner, friends, or even yourself away from the hustle and bustle of the main city, Purana Qila is an ideal location. You will find peace here in the beautiful ruins of the majestic fort.
How to Reach: Pragati Maidan Metro Station is the nearest metro station.
Things to Do: Boating, Qila-e-Kunha Mosque, Sher Mandal, Sher Mandal Lake, Light and Sound Show
Timings: Purana Qila is open on all days of the week from 7.00 A.M. to 5.00 P.M.
Entry Fees: The entry fee is INR 20 for Indians and INR 200 for foreign tourists. Videography is chargeable at INR 25 per video camera. Photography is free.
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Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Maharaja Jai Singh of Jaipur constructed five Jantar Mantars throughout the country, one of which is in Delhi. It is a sundial that can measure time with the help of the position of the sun and the shadows and also provides astronomical information with precision.
There are 13 astronomical instruments present here that visitors can try out.
How to Reach: Patel Chowk Metro Station is the nearest metro station.
Things to Do: Astronomical Activities, Photography, Educational Tour
Timings: Jantar Mantar is open on all days of the week from 6.00 A.M. to 6.00 P.M.
Entry Fees: The entry fee is INR 15 for Indians, SAARC and BIMSTEC Residents and INR 200 for foreign tourists. Videography is chargeable at INR 25 per person. Photography is free.
Did you know? One can measure the shortest and longest days in the year with the help of the Egyptian Instrument.
Transport
All places in Delhi are accessible by the metro, buses, and cars. Metro is the most preferred option to travel in Delhi because it is cost-effective, quick, and an indistinguishable part of the Delhi lifestyle.
Accommodation
If you are travelling with family, many budget hotels can be found throughout Delhi. If you prefer luxury, Delhi also has a variety of resorts in and outside the city.
If travelling with friends or solo, backpacker dormitories are recommended for staying. Many modern dorms provide comfortable beds and excellent facilities. Several dorms are available in Delhi.
Conclusion
Poet Mirza Ghalib called Delhi the ‘soul of the world’, and rightfully so. A city full of love and emotions is not to miss out on. There are ample places to visit in Delhi. The capital of India has popular attractions like Red Fort, Qutub Minar, India Gate, Jantar Mantar and more for people to enjoy their stay. Delhi is easy on everyone’s pockets – it has something for everyone. Hope you take with you what’s yours from here!
