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With a history dating back more than 2,000 years, India’s lively capital is a great place for anyone who enjoys culture. It combines ancient monuments, Mughal architecture, and colonial-era attractions with contemporary city life. Here are the best things to do in Delhi.
Planning Your Trip
Delhi, in northern India, is served by Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), with direct flights from major cities including:
- Flights from London to Delhi
- Flights from Paris to Delhi
- Flights from New York to Delhi
- Flights from Dubai to Delhi
- Flights from Singapore to Delhi
- Flights from Bangkok to Delhi
Delhi’s population is around 32 million and is one of the most densely populated cities in the world.
Public transport is served by the metro, buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws.
Plan your trip based on your travel style, keeping in mind Delhi’s seasons: very hot summers, the monsoon (July to September), autumn, and winter.
Delhi’s Top Attractions
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Red Fort
The iconic Mughal historical landmark, the Red Fort, was built by the Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century, and its red sandstone walls span around two kilometers.
Visitors can walk through the Lahori Gate, check out the marble work in the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audiences), and learn more at the museum with Mughal items on display.
At night, a light and sound show recounts the fort’s history, ending with the national anthem.
Step into History at Qutub Minar
The Qutub Minar is India’s tallest brick minaret at approximately 73 metres, and is another UNESCO World Heritage Site open to the public.
Built between the 12th and 13th centuries, the complex features intricate carvings and Quranic inscriptions, along with the remarkable Iron Pillar, a 1,600-year-old metallurgical marvel that has resisted rust for centuries.
The ruins around the mosque, such as the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, display some of Delhi’s oldest Islamic architecture.
Discover Humayun’s Tomb
Humayun’s Tomb was the first garden tomb on the Indian subcontinent, and is often said to be the Taj Mahal’s predecessor.
This tomb, made of red sandstone and marble, was built in the 16th century and is surrounded by Persian-style Charbagh gardens.
Visitors enjoy the symmetrical design, detailed lattice work, as well as the calm environment of the gardens.
Wander Through Old Delhi’s Lanes
Chandni Chowk is one of Delhi’s oldest and most historic markets!
Walk through small streets lined with centuries-old havelis, local shops, and historical sites like Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India.
Go to the Khari Baoli (Asia’s oldest spice market) to smell the aromas that have attracted merchants for centuries.
Check Paranthe Wali Gali for the local fried bread, and then visit the ancient Gali Qasim Jan to see Jain shrines hidden amongst busy shops.
Visit the National Museum
The National Museum is one of the largest museums in India and is home to over 200,000 items, including the Harappan Civilisation Gallery, Buddhist sculptures, and Mughal miniature paintings.
Each room has information, and there is a small cafe on-site.
India Gate and Connaught Place
India Gate is a war memorial arch located on Rajpath.
It was partly designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and is often compared to the Gateway of India in Mumbai.
Today, you can see the names of service people inscribed on it.
Close to India Gate is Connaught Place, which is known for its white Georgian-style buildings, entertainment businesses, and an underground market called Palika Bazaar.
Delhi Tips
Delhi is well-connected to the rest of the world, whether you travel with Gulf Air or any other airline.
Plan for at least three days of travel.
The ideal time to visit is between October and March.
If you want to learn more about historical sites, consider a local guide.
Use the metro to get around.
Opt for busy street food vendors.
Carry both cash and card.
Any Delhi tips you’d like to share? Please leave a comment below!