India’s capital city retains a charisma that has never once failed to enchant. Be it a byproduct of Bollywood’s innumerable song sequences shot within its dreamy old architecture or the call of its world-famous street food that wins all hearts. A few days here will have you lapping up its rich art and culture found among the charming alleys of Old Delhi. To help you get an essence of it all, we bring you our curated guide to the top tourist attractions to visit when in Delhi.
1. Humayun’s Tomb
One of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal was inspired by this white marble and red sandstone monument. This Mughal architecture, carrying hints of Persian influence, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With well-manicured gardens and gorgeous fountains facing the tomb, this place is perfect for a nice walk to witness the Lodi-era architecture.
2. Qutub Minar
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Qutub Minar in Delhi’s Mehrauli area, is the second-tallest monument in Delhi. Surrounding the minaret lie lush green lawns, beautiful ruins and amazing vantage points to click stunning pictures.
3. India Gate
This war memorial is dedicated to 82,000 soldiers who died in the First World War and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. India Gate is often compared to the Arc de Triomphe in France, and this larger-than-life structure has the names of 13,300 servicemen inscribed on its walls. An enigma to behold post sunset, this structure stuns with colourful lights and stellar fountains. The premise further hosts the Republic Day Parade every year.
4. Red Fort
A historical fort perched on the banks of the Yamuna, this monument is made from red sandstone. Yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Red Fort was a political centre of the Mughal Empire and is now a very popular tourist attraction. The gorgeous arches and marble structures here are a treat to behold.
5. Lotus Temple
Dedicated to the Baha’i faith, this structure, unfolding into a beautiful white lotus, is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Delhi. Surrounded by glistening pools and floral gardens, this temple boasts wonderful architecture with religious text inscribed on its inner walls.
6. Jama Masjid
Situated in Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid presents a massive central dome reflecting some fantastic Islamic architecture. A popular pilgrim destination during Eid, the monument has four towers and two minarets. This destination is further surrounded by some of the most lip-smacking street foods that Delhi has to offer.
7-16. Street shopping destinations
Delhi is home to several alleys filled to the brim with colourful clothing, accessories, home decor, novelties, and so much more. From Dilli Haat to Chandni Chowk, the city has some amazing street shopping destinations offering stellar items at a bargain. You can find the full list here.
17-26. Street food walk
Craving some delicious steamed momos, some spicy chole-kulche or maybe some syrup-dipped hot jalebis? There are several streets in Delhi offering you some of its best local food that is world-famous. Try the dahi chaats in CP or the flavourful nalli nihari near Jama Masjid or even the famous hot parathas in Chandni Chowk. You can find the full list of amazing street food destinations here.
27. Hauz Khas
A neighbourhood in South Delhi, Hauz Khas, holds a number of amazing cafes, gorgeous boutiques, art galleries, and so much more. You can find well-manicured parks here and an appeal that captures the urban lifestyle of Delhi. Take a seat at one of the live music bars here to order some delicious meals at many of the cafes perched in its alleys. If you want to explore more such neighbourhoods, follow our curated walking routes around the city here.
28-34. Gorgeous parks
With summer on high, we recommend a nice and brisk sunset walk at one of the many beautiful parks in Delhi. Stroll around the Garden of Five Senses, sprinkled with glistening pools or the Lodhi gardens dotted with old tombs. Find the full list of parks to visit here.
35. Museum of Illusions
Take a step away from the historic tour and delve into a world of wonder at Delhi’s very own Museum of Illusions. Stumble through vortex tunnels, walk into the world of the upside-down down or catch some stunning immersive exhibitions. This is easily the best way to spend some much-needed fun time alone or with friends and family. You can book your tickets here.
36-41. Art galleries
The corridors of Delhi’s art galleries host some of the most celebrated artists in the world. The likes of M.F. Hussain have graced these halls, and you can witness many artworks by many others at galleries like Akar Prakar and the National Gallery of Modern Art. You can find the full list of art galleries here.
42. Ugrasen ki Baoli
This historical stepwell used to be an ancient well reservoir that has 103 stone steps. The beautiful architecture here imitates several small windows overlooking the pit, and there even lies a small mosque at its south-western entrance.