15 free things to do in Delhi NCR that doesn’t cost any serious money

There is a reason why Delhi is the cultural capital of India. Aeons of culture and architecture hide in plain sight. And while some, like the grand Humayun’s Tomb, may cost a few bucks (budget nonetheless), many of Delhi’s iconic landmarks are completely free of charge. Starting with the iconic symbol of the city itself, India Gate, which is perfect for an evening catch-up and ice cream or the ominous, 60-metre-long stepwell, Agrasen ki Baoli, that’s beloved in Bollywood shoots. Additionally, you can stroll the Lodhi Garden to admire the 15th-century Sayyid and Lodi dynasty tombs, visit the Hauz Khas Fort Complex overlooking the lake, or check out Bijay Mandal, a 14th-century Tughlaq dynasty ruins and royal observation tower.

Whether you are somewhat religious or consider yourself spiritual, a moment of calm is all you need. Delhi is home to some stunning temples, mosques, and peaceful shrines that are open to anyone regardless of faith. Step into the famous Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, built between 1644 and 1656 by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. You can also marvel at the pristine white marble architecture of the Lotus Temple and step into the halls of Bangla Sahib to hear live gurbani or feast on a community langar. Step into the sprawling grounds of Akshardham Temple or head to the Chhatarpur temple that’s overlooked by the giant statue of Hanuman.

Want to escape the heat, rain, or cold? Head to Delhi’s museums! Walk through Gandhi Smriti, the memorial where Mahatma Gandhi spent his final days or visit Teen Murti Bhavan (Nehru Memorial Museum) to explore modern Indian history. Moreover, the Partition Museum is an underrated gem where you can learn more about the turbulent period of partition between 1930 and 1945. Visit the Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum, where India’s first and only female prime minister lived before her assassination in 1984. Or, check out Dr Ambedkar National Memorial, known for its unique book shape, dedicated to the social reformer, Dr B.R. Ambedkar. And if you are looking for something quirky, the Sulabh International Museum of Toilets is a must-visit.

For art lovers, Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, The Lexicon Art, and Vadehra Art Gallery feature free entry to modern and contemporary art. Whereas the National Handicrafts and Handloom Museum is a living museum featuring traditional Indian craft heritage

One of the best free things to do in the city is going to Lodhi Art District to see the awesome murals and street art created by artists from around the world. There are tons of vibrant and thought-provoking pieces on display, such as artwork that reflects on climate change, addresses caste and women’s rights issues, and more.

Why waste your money on high gym fees when you can use the city’s free gyms? Part of NDMC’s “Go Green, Open Gym” project, there are 30 parks across the city. These include the popular Lodhi Garden, Talkatora Garden, Sanjay Van and Nehru Park, that boast 12 apparatuses each. They’re perfect for callisthenics, because all you need is your body weight to build muscle. So, what are you waiting for? Get to an open-air gym and get ready to flex those muscles!

There’s no need to go window shopping at Delhi’s shopping malls. When in doubt, stroll through the narrow and busy streets of Chandni Chowk. The wholesale market that dates back to the 17^th century is known for offering fragrant spices and colourful textiles, and indisputably amazing street food. But most importantly, it’s a great way to get to know more about different cultures, as the area often hosts festivals and processions that are open to the public.

For more window shopping, the state handloom emporiums in Janpath let you explore the vibrant diversity of India’s plethora of handloom and handicraft. Or expore many street markets like Sarojini Market, Karol Bagh market, Lajpat Nagar market, and many more. You don’t need to buy a thing, the vibe is just enough.

Delhiite bibliophiles are well aware of the Delhi Public Library. Inaugurated by Nehru in 1951, the Delhi Public Library today has become a huge library system. It consists of three branch libraries, 20 sub-branch libraries, one Braille library and 100 mobile library service points. Unless you want to borrow one of the library’s many books, you don’t need a membership to enjoy the library’s free services and read its countless books.

Located near Vasant Kunj and Mehrauli, the 443-acre site should be your go-to spot for reconnecting with nature. With a great number of plants and animals, including Indian peafowls and nilgai, the biodiversity park offers a getaway from the bustling streets of Delhi. Whether you’re looking for a fun thing to do with the kids or a romantic date to share with your partner, a stroll at this lush city forest is always a win.

Organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Fit India Sundays on Cycle brings hundreds of cyclists together every Sunday morning. The riders ride along Delhi’s scenic, low-traffic routes like Kartavya Path and JLN Stadium. Entry is completely free, and participants can register online via the MY Bharat Portal or the Fit India Mobile App to generate a digital pass. Bringing your own bike and helmet is recommended. However, Sports Authority of India also provides a limited number of cycles on a first-come, first-served basis.

Delhi offers a vibrant culture of free cinema screenings, hosted by international cultural institutes, government archives, and indie film societies. You can watch classic foreign films, contemporary world cinema, award-winning documentaries, and regional masterpieces on the big screen without purchasing a ticket. Spots are generally allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, though some venues require a simple online RSVP.

Set in the historic maze of Nizamuddin West, the 700-year-old Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah offers one of Delhi’s most powerful cultural and spiritual experiences. Every week, the courtyard comes alive with live Sufi qawwalis performed by traditional qawwals (such as the famed Nizami Brothers), filling the night air with soul-stirring devotional music, harmoniums, and tabla rhythms in honour of Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya and poet Amir Khusrau.

Experiencing the ceremonial magnificence of Rashtrapati Bhavan is one of Delhi’s most iconic free experiences. Every weekend, visitors can witness the Change of Guard Ceremony, a military tradition where the President’s Bodyguard (PBG) hands over security duties amidst equestrian drills and live military band performances.

Additionally, you can tour the sprawling Amrit Udyan (formerly Mughal Gardens) for free during its public opening windows to admire hundreds of rare rose varieties, herbal gardens, and musical fountains.

Majnu ka Tilla is a vibrant settlement along the Yamuna River that instantly transports you out of the city’s hustle. Stroll through its narrow, colourful lanes lined with prayer flags, craft shops, and authentic Tibetan eateries serving laphing and momos (absolute pocket-friendly eats!). Exploring these narrow streets sprinkled with homegrown stores is charming in itself. At the heart of the colony lies a tranquil central courtyard featuring a traditional Buddhist monastery and temple complex, with prayer wheels, intricate murals, and peaceful chanting sessions.

Sketchy Krew is an open, community-driven collective of artists, illustrators, and hobbyists in Delhi NCR who gather regularly for sketchwalks. Whether you are a seasoned painter armed with watercolors or a beginner carrying a simple notebook and pencil, anyone can join these relaxed weekend meetups. The group explores historic monuments, vibrant markets, public parks, and quiet neighborhood corners. So grab a sketchbook, tools of your choice and capture the city’s thriving life on paper while connecting with fellow creatives.

Experience Delhi’s greenest landscapes at their most serene by taking a sunrise morning walk across the city’s historic parks and trails for free. You can wander through Deer Park in Hauz Khas to spot deer and peacocks near the lake. Or enjoy the pristine lawns and quiet water bodies surrounding Raj Ghat. For a dose of history, jog along the 15th-century Lodi dynasty tombs at Lodhi Garden. Or trek through the wilder nature trails of the 200-acre Mehrauli Archaeological Park to discover ancient ruins like Jamali Kamali Mosque in the morning mist.