Introduction
Boasting an exciting blend of old-world charm and modernity, Delhi is one of the most amazing places to visit in the country. The capital city of India was an important political centre in the past and was ruled by many powerful emperors. As a result, the city is dotted with significant historical monuments that speak volumes of the architectural brilliance of different empires. What’s more, Delhi is also famed for housing many revered temples, eateries, shopping malls, colourful bazaars, nightclubs and other attractions that lure tourists from across the globe. If you plan a trip to the city any time soon, the following list of the best places to visit in Delhi will help you chalk out your itinerary.
List of Places to visit in Delhi-NCR in 2024
1. Qutub Minar:
One of the most iconic monuments in India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the towering Qutub Minar stands as a testament to the rich history of the region.
Qutub Minar is a 73-metre tall minaret, named after Qutb-ud-din Aibak. The tower contains 5 distinct tapering storeys, wherein the first 3 storeys of this masterpiece are adorned with red sandstone, while the fourth and fifth storeys are constructed in marble and sandstone respectively, engraved with decorative Quranic texts. Interestingly, the tower has a spiral staircase with 379 steps and has a mosque named ‘Quwwat-ul-Islam Masjid’ at the foot of the tower, which is the first mosque in India. This place is surrounded by famous restaurants and cafes with a view of the lit Qutub Minar in the evening making it among the best places to visit in Delhi at night.
- Timings: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Entry Fee: INR 30 (Indians); INR 500 (foreign nationals)
- How to reach:
- Located at a distance of 14.8 km from New Delhi Railway Station.
- Nearest Metro Station: Qutub Minar metro station, New Delhi
- Tip: The Qutub Minar is a steep climb, so wear comfortable shoes
2. Red Fort:
The Mughal-era Red Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-visit for anyone coming to the region with its grand Sandstone walls and the stunning Lahore Gate.
Constructed in 1639 by the Mughals, Red Fort gets its name from its massive red-coloured sandstone walls. Set in Old Delhi, the octagonal-shaped fort is spread over an area of 254 acres. The planning and designing of the fort is a fusion of Mughal, Persian, Hindu, and Timurid traditions. A strong influence on later structures built in and around Delhi, Red Fort also features a museum that holds Mughal-era artefacts, including daggers, curtains, miniature paintings and carpets. The highlights of this architectural creativity include the peacock throne, step well, imperial bath, Moti Masjid and Hira Mahal.
It is one of the best places to visit in Delhi with kids.
- Timings: 09:30 am to 04:30 pm (closed on Mondays)
- Entry Fee: INR 35 (Indian citizens) and INR 500 (foreign nationals)
- How to reach:
- It’s just 2 km away from Kashmere Gate ISBT.
- Nearest Metro Station: Chandni Chowk, New Delhi
- Tip: If you are visiting the Red Fort during summer, try to equip yourself with a water bottle, and an umbrella.
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3. Lotus Temple:
This contemporary House of Worship offers breathtaking views and an atmosphere of serenity and inspiration.
Known for its unique architectural design, Lotus Temple is a Bahá’í House of Worship, dedicated to the harmony of humanity. Inspired by the lotus flower, the temple boasts 27 free-standing marble-clad petals and is surrounded by sprawling gardens and a pond. With a height of over 34 metres, it can accommodate around 2500 people altogether. The temple welcomes every religion symbolizing the culture of Bahá’í Houses of Worship, and offers a tranquil ambience ideal for rejuvenation.
- Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
- How to reach:
- New Delhi Railway Station is at a distance of 14.8 km.
- Nearest Metro Station: Kalkaji Mandir, New Delhi
- Tip: It is advisable not to leave the prayer hall until the prayers are over.
4. India Gate:
India Gate is a war memorial to Indian soldiers who died in World War I and since then is a favoured tourist spot in Delhi
India Gate symbolises the sacrifice of 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives battling against the foreign army during World War I. Designed by Edwin Lutyens, it features the undying Amar Jawan Jyoti or the Flame of the Immortal Soldier which was added later to honour Indian martyred soldiers in the Indo-Pak War. Furthermore, this beautiful masterpiece is counted among the largest war memorials in India. Standing on a Bharatpur stone base, the structure is surrounded by lush lawns making it a popular picnic spot during winter afternoons and summer evenings. Lit at night, the monument looks magnificent with colourful fountains in the vicinity making it among the top 10 places to visit in Delhi.
- Timings: 24 hours a day, seven days a week
- How to reach:
- Kashmere Gate ISBT is at a distance of 11 km.
- Nearest Metro Station: Central Secretariat, New Delhi
- Tip: Take a stroll in the night at India Gate.
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5.Chandni Chowk:
It is the oldest and busiest market in Delhi.It is famous for its wholesale markets, street food, traditional Indian clothing and electronics.
One of the oldest and busiest markets in Delhi, Chandni Chowk is a must-visit for gourmands and shopaholics. The stores here sell a range of products at wholesale rates, so you can shop for some of the best things here without burning a hole in your pocket. Be it clothes, jewellery, perfumes, electronic products or lifestyle goods, the countless stores in Chandni Chowk have them all. Once you are done with your shopping spree, explore the food stalls and eateries to relish some lip-smacking street food and other delicacies.
- Timings: Most shops remain open between 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM on all days except Sundays.
- Entrance Fee: N/A
- How to reach:
- The nearest railway station is New Delhi (2.8 km).
- Nearest Metro Station: Chandni Chowk Metro Station
- Tip: Be careful about your purse and belongings when roaming through the busy streets of Chandni Chowk.
6. Humayun’s Tomb:
One of the lesser-known UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India, Humayuns’ Tomb is an unforgettable sight and a testament to the Mughal Empire.
Built in 1565 A.D., the Humayun’s Tomb was established in the memory of Humayun by his widow Bega Begam and was the first example of Mughal architecture in India. Constructed nine years of his demise, the tomb is inspired by Persian architecture which is reflected in the corridors arched alcoves, and the double dome. The tomb is also called Chaharbagh, owing to its garden squares with passageways and water channels, and holds graves of Mughal rulers inside the walled enclosed space.
- Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Entry Fee: INR 30 (Indians); INR 500 (foreign nationals)
- How to reach:
- Kashmere Gate ISBT is at a distance of 13 km.
- Nearest Metro Station: Jor Bagh, New Delhi
- Tip: Hire a guide for a complete informative tour.
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7. Akshardham Temple:
Akshardham Temple is a modern marvel, featuring intricate carvings and captivating architecture that mesmerizes.
Dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Akshardham Temple exhibits the ancient culture of India. The temple complex maintains a step-well-styled courtyard and 60 acres of lush lawns featuring the bronze statues of Indian heroes, including patriots and warriors. Registered as the World’s largest comprehensive Hindu temple in the Guinness World Record, the temple is an architectural marvel built from intricately carved sandstone and marble. Furthermore, the temple organizes exhibitions on Swaminarayan’s life teachings and also organises a musical fountain and light show after sunset every day.
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- Timings: 10:00 am to 06:30 pm (Closed on Monday)
- Entry Fee: Free
- How to reach:
- Located at a distance of 10 km from Kashmere Gate ISBT.
- Nearest Metro Station: Akshardham, New Delhi
- Tip: Catch the musical fountain in the evening.
8. Connaught Place:
Home to a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and shopping centres, Connaught Place is one of the most popular tourist spots in Delhi NCR.
Set in the heart of the National Capital and popularly known as CP, Connaught Place is considered the most expensive commercial market in the world. It is popular for housing showrooms of national and international brands, luxurious hotels and flea markets making it among the good places to visit in Delhi. The equinoctial sundial, Jantar Mantar, and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib featuring a reflecting pool, are extremely popular among tourists visiting Connaught Place. Notably, the commercial area got its name from Prince Arthur, 1st Duke of Connaught and Strathearn. If you are looking for places to visit near me, CP should definitely be on your list.
- How to reach:
- The nearest railway station is New Delhi at 1.6 km.
- Nearest Metro Station: Rajiv Chowk, New Delhi
- Tip: Try visiting Madame Tussaud’s wax museum and the Museum of Illusion
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9. Sarojini Nagar Market:
Brimming with street stalls and shops, it’s the perfect place for bargain hunters.
10. Damdama Lake:
Located in the Aravalli hills, Damdama Lake offers breathtaking beauty and a peaceful atmosphere away from the craziness of the city
Situated almost 60 Km away from I.T.O. Delhi, Damdama Lake offers a splendid view of Aravalli ranges and is perfect for day picnics. Popular for its serenity, it is amongst the largest natural lakes in Haryana and offers activities like para-sailing, hot air ballooning, rock climbing, camping and trekking. Besides, there are various resorts in the vicinity which are ideal for a family getaway or corporate meetings.
- Timings: 9:30 am to 6:00 pm
- How to reach:
- The nearest airport is IGI Airport (43km).
- Nearest Metro Station: Dwarka sec 10
- Tip: Carry sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Delhi:
Q: How to reach hotels in Delhi from the airport?
A: You can take the metro from Terminal 1-IGI Airport (Magenta Line) station or Delhi Airport (Orange Line) station serving T2 and T3 to reach hotels in Delhi and Noida. AC buses, metered taxis and app-based cabs are also readily available at IGI Airport to travel to different parts of Delhi and NCR.
Q: Is there more than one main railway station in Delhi?
A: Yes. Besides New Delhi Railway Station which services around 400 trains on a daily basis, there are four other major railway terminus in Delhi — Old Delhi (Delhi Junction), Hazrat Nizamuddin, Anand Vihar Terminal and Delhi Sarai Rohilla.
Q: Which are the main stations in Delhi for inter-state buses?
A: Major inter-state bus terminus (ISBT) in Delhi serving DTC as well as other state-owned and private operators include Kashmere Gate, Sarai Kale Khan and Anand Vihar. Bikaner House, Mandi House and Majnu ka Tila are other points in the capital from where inter-state buses start.
Q: What modes of public transport are available in Delhi?
A: Public transportation in Delhi comprises the fast-growing Delhi Metro, DTC and privately run cluster buses, app-based cabs, auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws.
Q: Suggest the best places to shop in Delhi.
A: There are myriad shopping places to visit in Delhi, Dilli Haat, Karol Bagh, Janpath, Sarojini Nagar, Khan Market, Lajpat Nagar, Chandni Chowk, Paharganj Market and Shankar Market being the most popular among all.