Delhi, India's sprawling capital territory, is a city where ancient monuments stand beside ultramodern malls and Mughal gardens shadow gleaming corporate towers. As one of the world's most populous cities, Delhi offers an intoxicating blend of history spanning 3,000 years, from Iron Age settlements to British colonial architecture. The city serves as the political, cultural, and commercial heart of India, drawing millions of visitors annually to its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, vibrant street food scene, and legendary bazaars.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Delhi.
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1
Red Fort (Lal Qila)
Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1638, Red Fort served as the main residence of Mughal emperors for over 200 years. The massive red sandstone fortress contains palaces, halls of audience, and beautiful gardens, and hosts the annual Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it remains one of Delhi's most iconic landmarks.
Tip: Buy tickets online to avoid queues · Sound and light show held evenings (extra charge) · Closed on Mondays
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2
Qutub Minar
A soaring 73-meter minaret of red sandstone and marble, Qutub Minar is the world's tallest brick minaret and the centerpiece of the Qutb complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 12th century by Qutb ud-Din Aibak to mark the beginning of Muslim rule in India, the complex also contains the Quwwat ul-Islam mosque and the enigmatic Iron Pillar that has resisted corrosion for 1,600 years.
Tip: Combine with Mehrauli Archaeological Park nearby · Carry water as there is little shade · Photography inside the minaret is not permitted
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3
India Gate
India Gate is a 42-meter war memorial standing at the end of Rajpath (now Kartavya Path), designed by Edwin Lutyens and dedicated to 84,000 Indian soldiers who died in World War I. The eternal flame of Amar Jawan Jyoti burns at its base in honor of fallen soldiers. It is the most visited monument in Delhi and surrounded by lush lawns perfect for evening strolls.
Tip: Visit at sunset for stunning golden light · Evening illumination makes it spectacular after dark · The surrounding lawns are great for a picnic
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4
Humayun's Tomb
Commissioned by Humayun's widow Hamida Banu Begum in 1565, this magnificent Mughal mausoleum set in a formal garden was the inspiration for the Taj Mahal. The double-domed structure of red sandstone and white marble is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The complex houses the tombs of numerous Mughal royals and was India's first garden-tomb.
Tip: Combine with nearby Sunder Nursery and Isa Khan's Tomb · Early morning light is perfect for photography · The garden layout follows Persian charbagh design
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5
Lotus Temple
The Baha'i House of Worship, popularly known as the Lotus Temple, is a stunning architectural masterpiece shaped like a blooming lotus flower with 27 free-standing marble-clad petals. Designed by Iranian-Canadian architect Fariborz Sahba and completed in 1986, it welcomes visitors of all religions for prayer and meditation. It is one of the most visited buildings in the world.
Tip: Silence must be maintained inside the temple · Photography is not allowed inside the prayer hall · Arrive early to avoid long queues on weekends
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6
Akshardham Temple
Opened in 2005, Swaminarayan Akshardham is a breathtaking Hindu temple complex covering 100 acres and featuring an intricately carved pink sandstone and white marble monument. The central monument stands 43 meters tall and is adorned with 234 ornate pillars, 9 domes, and 20,000 statues. The complex includes exhibitions, a musical fountain show, and a boat ride through 10,000 years of Indian history.
Tip: Cameras and phones must be deposited at lockers (free) · Musical fountain show runs evenings at 7:30PM · No leather products allowed inside
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7
Jama Masjid
India's largest mosque, Jama Masjid was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1644 and 1656. The mosque can accommodate 25,000 worshippers in its vast courtyard of red sandstone and white marble. Its three imposing gateways, four towers, and two minarets rising 40 meters make it one of the grandest mosques in Asia. Non-Muslims are welcome outside prayer times.
Tip: Dress modestly; robes available at entrance for small fee · Climb the south minaret for panoramic Old Delhi views (₹100) · Visit on Friday for the main congregational prayer atmosphere
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8
Raj Ghat
Raj Ghat is the cremation memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, India's independence leader, situated on the banks of the Yamuna River. The simple black marble platform marks the spot where Gandhi was cremated on January 31, 1948, the day after his assassination. An eternal flame burns at the site, and the surrounding garden contains memorials to other prominent Indian leaders including Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi.
Tip: Remove shoes before entering the memorial platform · Fridays see large gatherings and prayers · The adjacent museum tells Gandhi's story
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9
Lodi Garden
Spread across 90 acres in the heart of New Delhi, Lodi Garden contains beautifully preserved 15th and 16th-century tombs of the Sayyid and Lodi dynasties set among manicured lawns, flowering trees, and birdsong. The garden is a favorite escape for Delhiites seeking morning walks and evening relaxation. Notable tombs include the Sheesh Gumbad, Bada Gumbad, and the tomb of Muhammad Shah.
Tip: Best for morning walks and bird watching · Bonsai Park within the garden is a hidden gem · Avoid peak afternoon heat by coming early or at dusk
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10
National Museum
India's largest museum, the National Museum on Janpath houses over 200,000 works of art spanning more than 5,000 years of Indian cultural history. Its collection includes the world-class Indus Valley Civilization gallery, Mughal miniature paintings, ancient jewelry, decorative arts, manuscripts, musical instruments, and artifacts from the colonial period. An essential cultural stop for any Delhi visit.
Tip: Audio guides are available in multiple languages · The Indus Valley gallery alone is worth the visit · Photography is permitted in most galleries (no flash)
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Landmarks
Red Fort (Lal Qila)
Qutub Minar
India Gate
Humayun's Tomb
Rashtrapati Bhavan
Purana Qila
Safdarjung's Tomb
Agrasen ki Baoli
Museums
National Museum
National Gallery of Modern Art
Gandhi Smriti
Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum
National Rail Museum
National Science Centre
Nature
Lodi Garden
Sunder Nursery
National Zoological Park
Yamuna Biodiversity Park
Garden of Five Senses
Nehru Park
Cultural
Chandni Chowk
Jama Masjid
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
Lotus Temple
Akshardham Temple
Dilli Haat
Hauz Khas Village
Connaught Place
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Getting There
- By air Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is 16 km southwest of the city center. Delhi Metro Airport Express connects to New Delhi Railway Station in 20 minutes ($1.50/₹130). Taxis cost $10-20/₹800-1,600., By train Delhi has 5 major railway stations: New Delhi, Delhi Junction (Old Delhi), Hazrat Nizamuddin, Anand Vihar, and Delhi Sarai Rohilla. Most trains use New Delhi or Nizamuddin stations., By bus Inter-state buses arrive at ISBT Kashmere Gate (for north India), ISBT Sarai Kale Khan (for south and east), and ISBT Anand Vihar (for UP/Uttarakhand)., By road Delhi is connected by National Highways to all major Indian cities. The NH-8 leads to Jaipur, NH-58 to Haridwar, NH-2 to Agra.
- Getting Around
- Metro Delhi Metro has 9 lines, 285+ stations covering most tourist areas. Single journey: ₹10-60 ($0.12-$0.72). Tourist cards: 1-day ₹150 ($1.80), 3-day ₹500 ($6), Auto rickshaw Three-wheelers for short trips; insist on meter or negotiate beforehand. Average 3 km trip: ₹50-100 ($0.60-$1.20), Uber ola App-based rides are reliable, metered, and recommended for tourists. Airport to Connaught Place: $10-15 (₹800-1,200), Cycle rickshaw Ideal for navigating Old Delhi's narrow lanes. Short trips: ₹30-60 ($0.36-$0.72), Bus Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses cover the whole city cheaply (₹10-25 / $0.12-$0.30) but can be confusing for tourists
- Best Areas To Stay
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Buy the Composite Ticket ($7.50/₹600) covering Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, and other ASI monuments - it saves money and skips individual queues.
Carry a scarf or stole in your daypack as many religious sites (mosques, gurudwaras, temples) require covering your head or shoulders.
Visit major monuments early morning (by 9AM) to beat both crowds and Delhi's intense heat, particularly from March to October.
Download the Delhi Metro app and Google Maps offline maps before your trip - essential for navigating the city without data roaming.
Most major monuments are closed on Mondays. Plan your itinerary accordingly - use Mondays for Chandni Chowk, markets, and free sites.
Old Delhi attractions are best explored on foot or by cycle-rickshaw. Auto-rickshaws cannot navigate the narrowest lanes of Chandni Chowk.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) monuments charge higher entry for foreign nationals than Indian nationals - this is normal and officially sanctioned.
Pollution can be severe in Delhi from October to February. Check AQI levels and consider wearing an N95 mask on high pollution days.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Delhi?
A minimum of 3 days is needed to see Delhi's main highlights. 5-7 days allows a more relaxed pace with day trips to Agra or Jaipur.
When is the best time to visit Delhi?
October to March is ideal. December-January has perfect weather (10-20°C) but smog can be an issue. March-April offers pleasant temperatures with less fog.
Is Delhi safe?
Delhi is generally safe for tourists with standard urban precautions. Solo female travelers should exercise extra caution in Old Delhi and late at night.
How do I get around in Delhi?
The Delhi Metro is the most efficient way to travel between major attractions. Use Uber or Ola for convenience. Auto-rickshaws are good for short local trips.
What should I wear when visiting Delhi?
Lightweight, modest clothing is recommended. Women should carry a scarf for religious sites. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
What language is spoken in Delhi?
Hindi is the primary language. English is widely spoken at hotels, restaurants, and tourist sites. Basic Hindi phrases are appreciated.
What currency and payment methods are used in Delhi?
India is largely cash-based. ATMs are widely available. Most upscale restaurants and hotels accept cards. Carry small INR notes for autos, street food, and markets.
Is tipping expected in Delhi?
Tipping 10% at restaurants is appreciated but not obligatory. Hotel porters expect ₹50-100 per bag. Guides: ₹200-500 per day.