20 Places To Visit In Delhi For Everyone Visiting The Capital

People staying far away from Delhi only know Delhi to be the National Capital and a hub for politics. However, very few people are aware of the diverse forms of culture and history that this place holds within. In fact, people who stay in and around Delhi too are not fully familiar with the excitement that the place holds.

As children we used to travel to Delhi and go sight seeing around the many historical monuments that are found here. However, nowadays, due to sheer laziness or other form of exposures that keep our lives busy, we have forgotten about going out and exploring new places which are different from pubs and restaurants. We bring to you a side of the capital of our country which will give you enough reasons to venture out and explore on your own. If you are from a different place then here is a quick guide to the place that you must not omit from your to-visit list. Along with a list of must-visit places in Delhi we are also giving you additional details so that you don’t have to worry about the ‘how’, ‘when’ and ‘how much’.

So here are the names of places that can show you to a totally different side of Delhi:

1. India Gate

The most important event of the nation i.e. Republic Day parade is held around the India Gate which was built in 1931 to honour the sacrifice of Indian soldiers as a war memorial. This fact alone makes it feature in the top most position in the list of places-to-visit in Delhi. Families and groups come here not only to explore this historical monument but also have picnics in the area, be it any season of the year. Just taking a walk around this place or having an ice cream would give you memories of a lifetime.

Timings: Open 24 hours

Entry Fee: None

How to get there: One can take metro and get down at the nearest metro station i.e. Central Secretariat. From there one can go either by foot along the Rajpath (25-30 minutes) or take an auto-rickshaw.

Tips: Perfect months to visit are October-March and only evenings in summers. One can also indulge in boating that happens around the grounds.

2. Lotus/ Bahai Temple

This temple dedicated to the Bahai faith was completed in 1986 and is an architectural delight. It has been built in the form of a lotus flower with 2t flower petals made out of white marble. This temple is an ultimate form of peace as everyone who enters is required to maintain silence. Even though Bahai Temple follows the Bahai faith, it welcomes people from all the religions across the world to worship their own as well.This temple is a visual treat for the eyes and synonymous with the face of Delhi.

Timings: Summers: 9:00a.m. – 7:00p.m.
Winters: 9:00a.m. – 5:30p.m.

Entry Fee: None

How to get there: The temple is a ten minutes walk from Kalkaji Mandir Metro Station.

Tips: Bahai Temple is closed on Mondays. Shoes are required to be kept at the counter before entering the temple. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the temple and everyone is required to maintain silence throughout.

3. Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar is a 73 meter tall tower which is a part of the Qutub Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated in the Mehrauli area of Delhi, this tower has five stories with a spiral staircase of 379 steps; although people are not allowed to go inside anymore. Qutub Minar is surrounded by a few other historically significant monuments like the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque and the Iron Pillar of Delhi. It was built in 1192 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak, the first ruler of the Delhi Sultanate and completed and renovated thereafter.

Timings: Sunrise to Sunset on all days.

Entry Fee: For Indian citizens: Rs. 30 and for foreign nationals: Rs.500. No entry fee for children up to 15 years.

How to get there: The nearest Metro Station is Qutub Minar Metro station; and we would advise you to take an auto rickshaw to reach the actual site as it quite a distance away. The charge should be around INR 30-40.

Tips: Do enquire about a Decorative Light Show held there from 6:30pm to 8:00. There is also a Qutub Minar Festival held in October/ November.

4. Red Fort

Built in 1638, the Red fort comprises of walls made from red sandstone designed to keep the invaders at bay. It became even more popular after Jawahar Lal Nehru gave a midnight speech here just before the independence of this country. Post that, flag hoisting and a Prime Minister’s speech at the Red Fort marks the celebration of the Independence Day every year. One can explore many other building inside the Red Fort complex such as the Drum House, the Hall of Public Audiences, the white marble Hall of Private Audiences, the Pearl Mosque, Royal Baths and Palace of Color.

Timings: Monday closed; open Tuesday- Sunday from sunrise to sunset.

Entry Fee: Rs. 30 and for foreign nationals – Rs.500

Photography: Nil; 25 INR for video filming

How to get there: Once can take the metro and get down at the Lal Quila metro station.

Tips: It advisable to either take a metro or a can to reach the Red Fort, as car parking is at a distance and involves a lot of walking from there to the fort. Also, make sure you stay back for the Sound and Light shows held on all opened day from 6:00pm in Hindi and English, alternately.

5. Jantar Mantar

An observatory built in 1724, the Jantar Mantar aimed at predicting the times, movements and cycles of the sun, moon and planets; that is to compile astronomical tables. It comprises of many yantras(instruments), namely, the Ram Yantra, the Samrat Yantra, Jayprakash Yantra and Mishra Yantra. It would especially interest people who have an fascination for astronomy.

Timings: Sunrise to sunset on all days

Entry Fee: INR 5 and for foreign nationals – INR 100

How to get there: It is a 10 minute walk from the Patel Chowk or Rajiv Showk metro station.

6. Jama Masjid

One of the largest mosques in India, Jama Masjid was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan between 1644 and 1656 and costed INR 1 million. The courtyard of Jama Masjid can accomodate more than 25,000 persons. It has three gates, all leading to the worship area, four towers and two minarets made of strips of red sandstone and white marble.

Timings: Open all days, from 07:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 1:30 pm to 06:30 pm.

Entry Fee: Entry to the mosque is free, however, one needs to pay INR 200 for photography and INR 100 for climbing the southern minaret.

How to get there: The closest metro station to Jama Masjid is Chawri Bazaar.

Tips: Women are required to cover their heads and dress modestly as it is a place of worship. You can remove your shoes at the top of the stairs and pay INR 5 to the site minder after collection. Beware of fake guides and people trying to dupe you into paying INR 300 for entry.

7. Akshardham

Built in five years, this temple holds the Guinness World Record for being the World’s Largest Comprehensive Hindu Temple. Akshardham Temple showcases 10,000 years of India’s culture, traditions, art, values, beauty, architecture and the spiritual side of it. Places of interest within the Akshardham complex are:

• Mandir – Depicting the beauty and spirituality of India’s art, culture and architecture, this temple (mandir) is dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

• Neelkanth Varni Abhishek: This is a ritual in which water from 151 holy rivers/ lakes/ ponds of India is used to offer prayers to the god.

• Exhibition at Hall 1 – (50 minutes) Where non violence, honesty, family, harmony and spirituality are depicted through films and robotic shows.

• Exhibition at Hall 2 – (40 minutes) Where the story of an eleven year old yogi called Neelkanth depicts the Indian culture, its unfading beauty, spirituality, customs, the amazing festivals and its beautiful timeless architecture.

• Cultural Boat ride at Hall 3 – (15 minutes) take a boat ride through 10,000 years of India’s glorious heritage by learning about the inventions of the Rishis (scientists) of India along with a unforgettable journey through the caves of Ajanta-Ellora.

• Musical Fountain – Circle of Life (Evenings at Sunset – 20 minutes) – Find out about what the Indian philosophy says about the cycle of birth, life and death through this spell binding musical fountain show.

• Garden of India – These gardens comprise of bronze statues of Indian warriors, child heroes, patriots and great women personalities of all times.

• Philosophers and leaders expressed their views on spirituality.

Timings: Closed on Mondays; and for rest of the days –
Entry: 09:30 am to 06:30 pm

Entry fee: The entry fee for the Akshardham complex is FREE, however, the charges for exhbitions and other points of attraction are as below:

Exhibition rates are Rs. 170 for adults, Rs.125 for senior citizens, Rs.100 for children between 4 and 11 years.
Musical fountain: Rs. 80 for adults, Rs.80 for senior citizens, Rs.50 for children between 4 and 11 years.

How to get there: Akshardham metro station falls on the route of Delhi metro plying from Dwarka to Noida, one can get down at this station and take an auto rickshaw to reach the temple.

Tips: Valuables and mobile phones are not allowed inside the temple, either you can keep them with the security personnel or in your vehicle outside. Also, there is an ample space for parking should you choose to drive down to Akshardham. A restaurant within the complex is open from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. along with a souvenir shop during the same timings.

8. Rashtrapati Bhawan

Taking seventeen years to build and completed finally in 1929, Rashtarapti Bhawan is home to the President of the world’s largest democracy. The complex also has other places that would interest you such as the Mughal Gardens, showcasing 159 varieties of roses and abundant varieties of many other flowers, Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum Complex comprising of the Clock Tower, residence of office staff and bodyguards, the stables and the Garages showcasing past as well as current presidencies, the regal ceremonies.

Timings: The mansion in Rashtrapati Bhawan is open on all days from 9:00am to 4:00pm. However, the Mughal Gardens are open from August to March on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Entry Fee: at INR 50, the registration fee is non refundable and non transferable.

How to get there: It is located at the western end of the Rajpath and not easily accessible by metro, hence it is advised to take a car, cab or autorickshaw.

Tips: The tickets can be booked online here
Cameras are not allowed inside the premises. Also, one should carry a valid proof of ID, be it an Indian citizen or a foreign national.

9. ISKCON Temple Delhi

This temple is a well known Vaishnav temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radharani. Opened in 1998, one can feel the spirituality and closeness to god listening to the Aarti and beautiful mesmerising devotional songs being played in this temple. The temple is heaven for worshipers of Lord Krishna as it is home to brilliantly crafted and dressed idols of him.

Timings: the temple is open for all from 4:30am to 9:00pm. However, the major altar is closed in between 1 pm to 4 pm.

Entry fee: None

How to get there: It is located in Sant Nagar area of East of Kailash, New Delhi. If going by the metro, one can get down at Nehru Place metro station. Iskon Temple is about 10 minutes walk from there.

10. Birla Mandir

Also known as the Laxmi Narayan Temple, it is dedicated to goddess Laxmi and Lord Narayana. The temple, built by industrialist J.K. Birla in 1939 and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi, is located in the west of Connaught Place. Birla Mandir is one of the most popular temples in Delhi.

Timings: Open on all days from 04:30 am to 01:30 pm and from 02:30 pm and 09:00 pm.

Entry fee: None

How to get there: The temple does not fall on any of the Delhi Metro routes, therefore, one can drive down or take a cab/ autorickshaw till there. To give you an idea, an autorickshaw would charge around INR 50 from Connaught Place to the Birla Mandir.

Tips: Best time to visit the temple would be during the morning and evening arti. Also, cameras and mobile phones are not allowed inside the temple.

11. Old Fort/Purana Qila

This fort is one of the oldest forts in Delhi. Construction of this fort was started by Humayun and continued by Sher Shah Suri after he displaced Humayun. The circuit of this fort is around 2 kilometers and is in close proximity to a lake and the National Zoological Center.

Timings: Open All Days

Entry Fee: INR 20 for Indian citizens and INR 200 for foreign nationals.

How to get there: The nearest metro station is Pragati Maidan; one can take an auto rickshaw for INR 40 approx to the fort.

Tips: Purana Qila is home for one of the most popular sound and lights show, which is held every evening.

12. Humayun’s Tomb

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this tomb, built in the memory of Mughal Emperor Humayun, was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. Commissioned by Humayun’s first wife and chief consort, Bega Begum in 1569-70, it was the first structure to use red sandstone on such a large scale.

Timings: Open all days from sunrise to sunset.

Entry fee: INR 30 and for foreign nationals – INR 500

How to get there: It is situated right opposite the Dargah Nizamuddin at Mathura Road, one can take the metro and get down at Khan Market as that is the nearest station; from there an auto rickshaw can be hired to reach the tomb.

13. Parliament House

This is home to all the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha meetings. Parliament House is a circular colonnaded building, based on the Ashok Chakra, conceived in the Imperial style consisting of a open verandah and 144 columns. It also houses ministerial offices, many committee rooms and one of the finest library of the country.

14. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

If you want peace and tranquility, then this is a must visit place. It is a Sikh temple which also houses a pool of water (considered holy), a dining hall for langar where they serve food free of cost, and a huge kitchen and an art gallery. People from all races, caste and religions are welcomed and fed here.

Timings: 24*7 open on all days.

Entry Fee: none

How to get there: Patel Chowk, Rajeev Chowk, and Shivaji Stadium Metro station are the major metro stations. One can further take an auto rickshaw or just walk along the road for approximately 10-15 minutes and reach the temple.

Tips: Shoes are to be taken off and submitted at the shoe counter, free of charge. One is required to dress modestly and cover your head once inside the temple and performing any ritual.

15. Lodhi Gardens

A beautiful place to have a picnic at, a favourite of walkers and joggers, with lush green gardens, this place has a quite a history. It houses the tombs of Mohammed Sha, Sikandar Lodi along with Shisha Gumbad and Bara Gumbad. It is a public park spread over 90 Acres and is considered to be a special place of preservation since it protects the last imprints of Sayyid rulers. Located between Khan Market and Safdajung’s Tomb, Lodhi Garden holds several architectural works of 15th century with monuments of Sayyid and Lodhi Periods.

Timings: Open all days, from 06:00 am to 07:30 pm

Entry Fee: None

How to get there: You can take the metro and get down at Khan Market. It is a 30 minute walk from there, so you decide whether to walk down or take an auto rickshaw.

Tips: You can try one of the finest restaurants of Delhi, The Lodi, situated in and around this complex.

16. Dilli Haat

An outdoor shipping plaza cum eatery, this place is frequented by people of all ages. From students, to lovers, to families to senior citizens, this place has something or the other for everyone. You can shop for ethnic Indian stuff like clothes, shoes, accessories and also enjoy different cuisines from all over the country.

Timings: Open on all days from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Entry Fee: INR 20

How to get there: one can drive down to Dilli Haat as there is ample parking near the complex. However, it is easily accessible via metro also. One can take the metro and get down at INA station and walk down to this place.

Tips: With a wide variety of food available, keep in mind to take a stroll through it all and then decide on what you want to explore eating as this place has so much to offer. If going on a weekend, you might be lucky to witness a cultural event at a large scale.

17. Garden of Five Senses

This garden was made with the sole purpose of simulating our senses through the beauty of it. It is spread over 20 acres near the Mehrauli Heritage area in Delhi and was constructed over a period of three years. Partly built over a rocky terrain, the garden has various theme areas, including a section on the lines of Mughal Gardens, plus pools of water lilies, bamboo courts, herb gardens and solar energy park. It has a gorgeous walkway which is surrounded by flowering and fragrant plants and trees.

Timings: April to September: 9 AM to 7 PM and October to March: 9 AM to 6 PM

Entry Fee: Adult 35INR, child(upto 12 yrs) 15INR, Sr. Citizen 15INR and Handicapped: Nil

How to get there: If you are taking the metro, you can get down at Saket. The garden is just 1 Km away from the Saket station. Or you can take an auto rickshaw.

Tips: Once there, do not forget to explore Fio Country Kitchen and Bar, a fine exceptional restaurant in the premises.

18. Hauz Khas

One of the most popular locations known for its cafes and restaurant along with scenic beauty, Hauz Khas offers both rural and urban environments. Hauz Khas Fort is near a beautiful lake, erstwhile a water reservoir built by Allaudin Khilji, and is adjoined by a deer park. The Fort is also a perfect place for a cozy chat and beautiful photography. The village on the other hand offers an amazing variety of restaurants and cafes, some of which are overlooking the lake creating a perfect setting for an unforgettable experience.

Timings: Hauz Khas Fort – open on all days from 10:30 am to 07:00 pm
Hauz Khas Village complex – open on all days from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 07:00 pm and restaurants till 11:00pm.

Entry fee: none

How to get there: Take the metro and get down at Green Park station. You can then take an auto rickshaw to the Hauz Khas complex for roughly 30-35INR.

19. Chandni Chowk

This market is by far one of the oldest yet busiest markets in the country. Situated near the Old Delhi Railway Station, this market also houses the Red Fort. India’s largest wholesale market, it was built in the 17th Century by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and designed by his daughter Jahanara in a way that it would reflect moonlight. Hence, the name Chandni(moonlight) chowk(Square). Chandni Chowk is a hub for shopping for a wide variety of clothes, fabrics, silver and gold jewellery,mouth watering food and stationery (Nai Sarak).

Timings: Shops- open on all days except on Mondays from 10:00 am to 07:00 pm.

Entry Fee: None

How to get there: The closest metro station is the Chandni Chowk station itself.

Tips: Do not forget to try the paranthe of its famous Paranthey Wali Gali. One can also offer prayers and look for some serenity at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib situated within the market.

20. The tomb of Safdarjung

Safdarjung’s tomb was the last enclosed garden tomb of the Mughals built in 1754. It is a mausoleum made out of sandstone and white marble in the late Mughal Empire style for a prominent leader under Muhammad Shah, Safdarjung. The tomb is very similar to Humayun’s Tomb and is also surrounded by beautiful gardens of the Mughal style. It is a place where you would find utmost peace and serenity, despite being close to the busy Lodhi Road.

Timings: open all days, sunrise to sunset.

Entry fee: INR15 (Indians), INR200 (foreigners)

How to get there: The nearest metro station is Jor Bagh, however, one can also get down at Safdarjung Station and make an immediate u-turn. You will see the entrance after walking for a few hundred meters.

Tips: Head to this place for a romantic, quite and cozy time with your partner.

In conclusion, if you are an outsider, we brought you a complete list of place that you need to visit if you want to have a real ‘Delhi-Experience’. However, if you already reside in Delhi and are clueless about where to go with your family/ kids/ partner, then we have made it easy for you. All you need to do now is find a perfect day and head out to enjoy Delhi.