Things to Visit in Delhi: Mughal Forts, Temples, and Markets
Explore the best of Delhi from Mughal-era forts and ancient temples to vibrant bazaars and legendary street food. Covers Old Delhi, New Delhi landmarks, museums, food experiences, and cultural highlights.
This massive 17th-century Mughal fortress spans 254 acres and took 10 years to build. The Diwan-i-Khas audience hall once contained the legendary Peacock Throne. Entry is 50 INR for residents and 600 INR for foreign visitors. Allow 2-3 hours. An evening sound-and-light show runs nightly.
Visit Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque
Built by Shah Jahan in 1656, this mosque accommodates 25,000 worshippers in its courtyard. Climb the southern minaret for panoramic views of Old Delhi for 300 INR. Entry is free but modest dress is required and visitors must remove shoes. Photography inside costs an additional fee.
Ride a cycle rickshaw through Chandni Chowk
This 17th-century bazaar street is Old Delhi's commercial heart, a sensory overload of spice shops, silk merchants, book sellers, and food stalls packed into narrow lanes. A cycle rickshaw ride through the main artery costs 50-100 INR and is the best way to absorb the chaos safely.
Eat parathas on Paranthe Wali Gali
This narrow lane in Chandni Chowk has been famous for its stuffed flatbreads since the 1870s. The parathas are deep-fried in ghee and stuffed with everything from potatoes and paneer to seasonal vegetables. A plate with sides costs 100-200 INR at the original shops.
New Delhi Landmarks
Visit Humayun's Tomb, the precursor to the Taj Mahal
This 16th-century Mughal garden tomb inspired the Taj Mahal built a century later. The red sandstone and white marble structure sits in a Persian-style garden with fountains and waterways. Entry is 40 INR for residents and 600 INR for foreign visitors. Late afternoon light is most flattering for photos.
Walk through Rajpath to India Gate
This 42-meter war memorial arch sits at the eastern end of the grand ceremonial boulevard. The eternal flame at Amar Jawan Jyoti burns at its base. The surrounding lawns are popular for evening picnics. The area is most atmospheric at night when the arch is illuminated.
Tour the Lotus Temple
This striking lotus-flower-shaped Bahai house of worship is one of the most visited buildings in the world. The 27 marble petals form a serene meditation hall. Entry is free and open to all faiths. No photography is allowed inside. Remove shoes before entering. Closed on Mondays.
Explore the Qutub Minar complex
India's tallest brick minaret at 72.5 meters was built in 1192 and is surrounded by ruins spanning centuries of Delhi's history. The iron pillar in the courtyard has resisted rust for 1,600 years. Entry is 40 INR for residents and 600 INR for foreign visitors. Best visited in the morning for fewer crowds.
Museums and Culture
Visit the National Museum of India
India's largest museum houses artifacts spanning 5,000 years, from Harappan civilization to modern Indian art. The Mughal gallery, Buddhist sculpture collection, and manuscript room are standouts. Allow 3-4 hours for a thorough visit. Entry is 20 INR for residents and 650 INR for foreign visitors.
Explore the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Sikh temple
This golden-domed Sikh gurdwara welcomes visitors of all faiths and operates one of the world's largest community kitchens, serving free meals to over 10,000 people daily. Cover your head, remove shoes, and wash your feet before entering. Volunteering in the kitchen is welcomed. Free entry.
Tour the Gandhi Smriti memorial
This museum is housed in the building where Mahatma Gandhi spent the last 144 days of his life and was assassinated on January 30, 1948. The room where he stayed and the garden path to the site of his death are preserved. A multimedia exhibition covers his life and philosophy. Free entry.
See the National Gallery of Modern Art
This collection spans Indian art from the 1850s to the present, with works by major Indian artists including Raja Ravi Varma, Amrita Sher-Gil, and M.F. Husain. The permanent collection rotates alongside temporary exhibitions. Entry is 20 INR for residents and 500 INR for foreign visitors.
Street Food and Dining
Eat chaat at Bengali Market
This small market square near Connaught Place is famous for its chaat vendors serving gol gappa, aloo tikki, papdi chaat, and dahi bhalla. Each vendor has a loyal following. Plates cost 30-80 INR. The gol gappa, hollow puffs filled with spiced water and tamarind, are the must-try item.
Try butter chicken and naan in its birthplace
Delhi is where butter chicken was invented in the 1950s. The rich tomato-cream-butter gravy with tandoori chicken pieces is available everywhere from street dhabas to fine dining. A plate with naan costs 200-400 INR at casual restaurants. The original restaurants are in Daryaganj.
Eat kebabs at Jama Masjid street food stalls
The lanes around Jama Masjid form one of Delhi's greatest food neighborhoods, specializing in Mughlai cuisine. Seekh kebabs, nihari slow-cooked stew, and biryani are the standouts. Evening is the best time when grills are fired up and the aroma fills the streets. Most dishes cost 100-250 INR.
Sample South Indian food at a Connaught Place restaurant
Delhi has excellent South Indian restaurants serving crispy dosas, idli with sambar, and filter coffee. Connaught Place and its surrounding blocks have some of the most popular options, with dosas costing 80-200 INR depending on the filling. Masala dosa stuffed with spiced potato is the classic order.
Take a guided Old Delhi food walk
Walking tours through Chandni Chowk and Jama Masjid cover 8-10 food stops over 3 hours, hitting legendary shops that have operated for generations. Tours cost 1,500-3,000 INR per person. The best ones include history and cultural context between food stops.
Shopping and Markets
Browse Dilli Haat handicrafts market
This open-air market showcases crafts and food from all Indian states in one location. Each stall represents a different region, with rotating artisans. Entry is 30 INR. The food court serves regional specialties from across India. Prices are fairer than street markets but haggling is still expected.
Shop for textiles at Sarojini Nagar Market
Delhi's most popular clothing market sells export surplus and factory seconds from international brands at steep discounts. A branded shirt might cost 100-300 INR. The market is chaotic and crowded, especially on weekends. Inspect items carefully for defects before buying.
Explore the spice market in Khari Baoli
Asia's largest wholesale spice market occupies a lane near Chandni Chowk, with shops selling every spice, dried fruit, nut, and herb used in Indian cooking. The concentrated aromas can be overwhelming. Prices for whole spices are a fraction of supermarket rates. The market has operated since the 17th century.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Delhi?
Four to six days covers Old Delhi, New Delhi landmarks, museums, food tours, and shopping. Spend one day in Old Delhi exploring the Red Fort and Chandni Chowk, one day on New Delhi monuments, one day on museums and temples, and extra days for food walks, markets, and day trips to Agra. Two days is tight but covers the essentials.
What is the best time to visit Delhi?
October through March is the best period, with November and February offering the most pleasant temperatures around 15-25 degrees Celsius. December and January can be cold and foggy, with lows near 5 degrees Celsius. April through June brings extreme heat reaching 45 degrees Celsius or higher. The monsoon from July to September brings heavy rain and humidity but greener surroundings.
Is Delhi safe for tourists?
Delhi is generally safe for tourists in the main sightseeing areas. Common scams include fake tourist offices near New Delhi railway station and unauthorized guides at monuments. Women should exercise extra caution at night and avoid isolated areas. Use metered transport or ride-hailing apps rather than accepting rides from unauthorized drivers.
How do you get around Delhi?
The Delhi Metro is the best way to cover long distances, with 12 lines connecting most tourist areas. Fares are 10-60 INR per ride. Auto-rickshaws and ride-hailing apps are convenient for shorter trips. Cycle rickshaws are the best way to navigate Old Delhi's narrow lanes. Avoid driving yourself as Delhi traffic is intense even by Indian standards.