Delhi boasts several stunning viewpoints that showcase the seamless blend of its rich history and glimmering skyline. From ancient forts overlooking bustling streets to rooftop cafes with scenic cityscapes, each vantage point offers some stellar panoramic views. So, whether it’s the last stop in your romantic date or the offset to an early start to the day, we bring you some fantastic viewpoints in our capital city.
1. Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid isn’t just a stunning landmark, but it also offers a breathtaking view of Old Delhi’s skyline. Built by Shah Jahan, this grand mosque, with its towering minarets and vast courtyard, lives up to its name as a place that overlooks the world. To get the best view, climb up the southern minaret that takes you to a viewing platform about 40m above the ground. It’s a dark, narrow staircase, so carry a torch and, if possible, have a friend accompany you. You may need to pay a fee to climb the minaret and gain access to one of Delhi’s excellent viewpoints.
⏰7 am to 12 noon and 1.30 pm to 6.30 pm
2. Red Fort
The Red Fort is symbolic of Delhi’s heritage and historic architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers some of the most spectacular views of Delhi’s skyline. There is no single viewpoint in the Red Fort. Instead, you’ll find several platforms along the fort walls that let you see the skyline from different angles. You may further need to purchase a ticket to get to these platforms.
⏰Every day from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm, except Monday
3. Parikrama
Parikrama is a revolving restaurant perched 73m above the city. It occupies the top floor of the Antariksh Bhavan. While you may not feel the movement, the restaurant slowly revolves around its central axis to give you a 360-degree view of the cityscape. In particular, it offers a bird’s eye view of Connaught Place, Red Fort, and Jama Masjid. The restaurant completes a revolution in about 90 minutes— just about as long as you would take to enjoy a meal. If not looking for dinner, you could step into the restaurant’s Sky Bar instead.
⏰Open for lunch and dinner
4. Hauz Khas Village
Hauz Khas Village is one of New Delhi’s most talked-about gems. Nestled in the middle of a chaotic city, Hauz Khas village offers a breath of peace with its forests and gardens, lakes, boutiques, and art galleries. One of Delhi’s excellent viewpoints, you’ll enjoy the sunrises at the tombs and sunsets at the lake. Several higher vantage points around, too, offer you a panoramic view of the area.
⏰The market is open throughout the day, and most historic attractions are open from 1.30 am to 7.30 pm on all days except Sunday
5. Le Belvedere
Here’s another vantage point where you can enjoy a delicious meal to complement it. Le Belvedere is a pan-Asian restaurant on the 20th floor of the Le Meridien Hotel in Connaught Place. The restaurant windows overlook Lutyen’s Delhi to give you a bird’s eye view of some of Delhi’s most famous buildings. You can glimpse Rashtrapati Bhawan, India Gate, and the National Museum. The view is even more stunning at night when you consider the buildings lit up with twinkling lights.
⏰The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner
6. Khari Baoli
The streets of Khari Baoli buzz with nonstop energy, lined with vibrant spice mounds and a constant flow of people. Dating back to the 17th century, this historic market has been a hub for spice trading for centuries. For a more panoramic view of this market and the surrounding streets, climb the rooftop of a nearby building that allows free access. Most rooftops in the area offer an expansive view of Nai Sarak, the street markets and a glimpse of the Red Fort and Fatehpuri Masjid mosque.
⏰The market is usually open throughout the day