We do like the occasional pampering and treating ourselves to one of Delhi’s luxurious spas or a dinner in the city’s best restaurants. Unfortunately, these plans tend to cost big money. However, we’re here to show you that you don’t always need to burn a hole in your pocket to enjoy the best the city has to offer. Whether you’re a tourist impatiently waiting to explore the city or are a Delhi local in search of fun activities, we’ve rounded up ten free things to do in New Delhi that don’t cost a thing.
1. Visit historic landmarks
We’re starting off the roundup with a classic: visiting city landmarks. Luckily, you can visit some of New Delhi’s (and perhaps even the country’s) most iconic landmarks completely free of charge. These sites include the ominous, 60-metre long stepwell of Agrasen ki Baoli, a popular location for Bollywood shoots, as well as the grand India Gate, a national monument that commemorates the soldiers of the Indian Army who died in the First World War.
2. Connect with your spiritual side
If you’re somewhat religious, want to jump back on the spirituality train or simply explore new Delhi sites visiting some of Delhi’s most important temples and mosques is one of the best free activities the city has to offer.
🏛 Jama Masjid – Islamic Mosque
Built between 1644-1656 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (you know, the same guy who built the Taj Mahal), Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in India. The entry is free for all Indian nationals.
📍 Jama Masjid, Old Delhi, Delhi, 110006
🏛 Lotus Temple – Abrahamic of the Baháʼí Faith
This is a relatively new landmark in the city (1986) noted for its unique lotus flower shape, meant to symbolise peace and unity. It’s surrounded by pools and lush gardens, imbuing a sense of tranquility to your day.
📍 Lotus Temple Rd Bahapur, Kalkaji, New Delhi, Delhi 110019
🏛 Chhatarpur Temple – Hindu Temple
This large complex features a pyramidal tower, a museum and a garden. One of its main highlights is the statue of Hanuman. The temple looks the most beautiful when it’s decorated for rituals and festivals such as Navratri.
📍 G53H+6M3, Chhatarpur Extension, Chhatarpur, New Delhi, Delhi 110074
3. Join in on the Diwali celebrations
It’s one of the most celebrated festivals and one of the best free things to do in Delhi. Diwali signifies the victory of good over evil and light over darkness so people decorate their homes with tons of flowers, diyas (earthen lamps), rangolis and candles. This year, it falls on Friday, 1 November. Make sure to check out the melas (fairs) to witness captivating and festive performances.
4. Explore Delhi’s free museums
One of the most popular free activities in the city is heading to one of the city’s free museums. Now, if you’re a student, you’re in luck because you get free entry in most of them. So for those of us that have our uni days behind us, this is where to go:
🏛 Partition Museum: free admission
Located at the historic Town Hall building, you can learn more about the turbulent period between 1930 and 1945 that impacted about 20 million people. You can find the stories and artifacts of people that experienced it, as well as photos and other artwork.
📍 Partition Museum, Ambedkar University, Dara Shukoh Library, Lothian Rd, Delhi, 110006
🏛 Gandhi Smriti Museum: free admission
Situated in the Old Birla House, the museum was Gandhi’s residence until his death in 1948 and thus, is dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. Brush up your history knowledge and get to know more about the man and his ideas.
📍 Tees January Road, 5, Tees January Marg, near Birla House, New Delhi, Delhi 110011
🏛 Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum: free admission
This site commemorates the first and only female prime minister of India. It is housed in the building where Indira Gandhi lived until her assassination in 1984.
📍 1, Safdarjung Rd, Safdarjung Lane Area, Delhi Gymkhana Club, New Delhi, Delhi 110011
🏛 Dr. Ambedkar National Memorial: free entry for Indian nationals
Dedicated to anti-caste activist, social reformer and political leader B. R. Ambedkar, is a recently built memorial known for its unique book shape.
📍 Metro Station, 26, Alipur Road Civil Lines Near Vidhan Sabha, New Delhi, Delhi 110054
See more: These are the best coffee shops in the city
5. Discover New Delhi’s street art
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 reflect on climate change, address caste and women’s rights issues, and more.
📍 261, Block 15, Lodi Colony, New Delhi, Delhi 110003
6. Calisthenics in the park
Why waste your money with 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, including the popular Lodhi Garden, Talkatora Garden, Sanjay Van (see below) and Nehru Park, that boast 12 apparatuses each. They’re perfect for calisthenics, 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!
7. Hit one of Delhi’s oldest markets
There’s no need to go window shopping at Delhi’s shopping malls. When in doubt, one of the go-to free thing to do in the city is strolling through the narrow and busy streets of Chandni Chowk. The wholesale market that dates back to the 17th 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. What’s more, if you fancy yourself a photographer, Chandni Chowk is a paradise for anyone who wants to capture the vibrant lanes and the essence of Old Delhi.
📍 Central and South Delhi
8. Spend the day at the Delhi Public Library
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, consisting 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.
9. Escape the busy city at Sanjay Van
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 nilgais, the bio diversity 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 idea to share with your partner, a stroll at this lush city forest is always a win.
📍 G5MJ+4GR, Internal Path, Seth Sarai, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, Delhi 110016
Money may well make the world go round, but with these free things to do in New Delhi you’re ready to see the capital’s best known sites and uncover all its hidden secrets. Indeed, without rummaging your pockets for coins!