Things to do in Delhi
Delhi is a city that has everything from history, culture, shopping, food, and entertainment. Delhi juxtaposes Mughal landmarks, bustling bazaars, spiritual hubs, and contemporary enclaves. Tourists can visit forts, tombs, gardens, and museums in the day and dine and party in the night. Delhi has something to offer for families, couples, solo tourists, and groups. This schedule suggests 15 fun activities or things to do in Delhi with facts to assist you in managing your time better. Each activity unveils another side of the city and enables you to construct a balanced image of its character.
Things to Do in Delhi: A Local’s Guide
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Walk around the Red Fort
Red Fort in Delhi by PAJASA
The Red Fort of Old Delhi is still one of the city’s favourite attractions. Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor, built the fort in the 17th century. The fort occupies a vast space with tall, red sandstone walls. You can stroll through halls such as Diwan-i-Aam and Diwan-i-Khas, in which emperors hosted public and private functions. Museums within the fort store Mughal-era artefacts, paintings, and weapons. Visitors can stroll on the walkways and in the gardens and click photos of its ornate arches and gates. The sound-and-light show in the evening straightforwardly narrates Delhi’s history. The fort is closed on Mondays.
Built: 12 May 1639 – 6 April 1648
Location: Netaji Subhash Marg, Lal Qila, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi, 110006
Timings: 24 hours
Nearby Metro station: Lal Qila Metro Station on the Violet Line
Highlights: UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tallest Brick Minaret, Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, Independence Day Celebrations, and Iron Pillar
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Visit Qutub Minar
Qutub Minar in Delhi by PAJASA
Qutub Minar is a 73-meter-high 12th-century tower. The five-storied minaret is adorned with carvings and inscriptions. The Iron Pillar, Alai Darwaza, and Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque in the Qutub complex at the tower’s base provide a good glimpse of early Delhi architecture and history. The Iron Pillar is everyone’s point of interest since it has remained rust-free for centuries. Large lawns provide you with a chance to rest after walking through the complex. The tall minaret and ruins draw a lot of tourists for photography. You will require two hours to explore the entire complex. Tickets are provided by staff at the entrance for locals and foreigners.
Built: 1199 CE
Location: Seth Sarai, Mehrauli, New Delhi, Delhi 110030
Timings: 24 hours
Nearby Metro station: Qutub Minar
Highlights: UNESCO World Heritage Site, Height and Structure, Iron Pillar and Surrounding monuments
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Visit India Gate and Rajpath
India Gate and Rajpath in Delhi by PAJASA
India Gate, within central Delhi, is a war memorial honouring Indian World War I soldiers. The India Gate is an imposing stone arch, and you can see soldiers’ names carved on its face. The arch runs along the broad road of Rajpath, connecting India Gate to Rashtrapati Bhavan and Parliament House. You can stroll over the wide road on foot and view the government buildings. Families tend to congregate in the evening to sit on the lawns, munch on snacks, and unwind. Street food vendors sell ice cream, popcorn, and cold drinks. The monument glows magnificently at night and makes for a vibrant atmosphere. You can visit free of charge, and it remains open day and night.
Built: 1931
Location: Kartavya Path, India Gate, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Architect: Edwin Lutyens
Timings: 24 hours
Nearby Metro station: Central Secretariat Metro Station
Highlights: War Memorial, Amar Jawan Jyoti, Architectural Style, and Nighttime Spectacle
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Explore Humayun’s Tomb
Explore Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi by PAJASA
Humayun’s Tomb provides you with a glimpse of early Mughal garden-style architecture. The tomb was built in the mid-1500s by builders. The tomb lies in the middle of an enormous Charbagh-style garden, with watercourses. Emperor Humayun’s tomb occupies the central chamber, with smaller tombs orbiting the central building. The red sandstone and marble design later affected the Taj Mahal. The complex houses Isa Khan’s Tomb and Bu Halima’s Garden, which are available for visitors to roam. Large lawns provide the location with a peaceful ambience for walking and photography. The gates issue tickets, and the place remains open daily. A whole visit takes two hours. The tomb prominently features Mughal art and culture.Built: 1931
Location: Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia Dargah, Mathura Rd, Nizamuddin, Nizamuddin East, New Delhi, Delhi 110013
Architect: Mirak Mirza Ghiyath
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Nearby Metro station: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (JLN) Metro Station on the Violet Line
Highlights: The First Garden-Tomb, Double Dome and Kiosks, Charbagh Garden, and UNESCO World Heritage Site
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Visit Lotus Temple
Lotus Temple in Delhi by PAJASA
The Lotus Temple in South Delhi is open to people of all faiths. The temple is shaped like a white lotus with 27 marble petals. The main prayer hall offers a chance for you to sit silently in the absence of any ceremony or ritual. Staff do not allow taking photographs within, but outside, among the gardens, you are still allowed to take photos. Individuals can walk along the lawns and feel the peaceful environment. The temple remains open six days a week, with the exception of Monday, and admission is free. Masses of people visit on weekends, so coming early in the morning or late in the evening saves you time waiting. Travellers come to the temple to see both its architecture and its serene setting.
Built: 1986
Location: Lotus Temple Rd, Bahapur, Kalkaji, New Delhi, Delhi 110019
Architect: Fariborz Sahba
Timings: 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Nearby Metro station: Kalkaji Metro Station
Highlights: Lotus Flower Design, White Greek Marble, Marble Petals, Lush Gardens, and Nine Entrances
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Visit Akshardham Temple
Akshardham Temple in Delhi by PAJASA
Akshardham Temple in East Delhi offers a mix of culture, spirituality, and amusement. The temple has complex carvings of saints, deities, and animals. The exhibitions inside utilise audio-visual shows, models, and a boat trip to correlate Indian history and culture. The evening’s Sahaj Anand water show is still a favourite. You can also stroll for hours through the large gardens around the temple. The temple complex is free, but you will require tickets for the shows and performances. The temple continues to be closed on Mondays and has stringent security, hence you cannot take phones and cameras inside. A tour takes three to four hours.
Built: 2005
Location: NH 24, Pramukh Swami Maharaj Marg, Pandav Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi, 110092
Architect: Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha
Timings: 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Nearby Metro station: Akshardham Metro Station
Highlights: Akshardham Mandir, Yagnapurush Kund & Sahaj Anand Water Show, Abhishek Mandap and Narayan Sarovar
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Walk Through Chandni Chowk
Chandni Chowk in Delhi by PAJASA
Chandni Chowk is one of the oldest and busiest bazaars of Delhi. Pedestrian streets get crowded with shops of clothes, jewellery, spices, and domestic items. Dariba Kalan is famous for silver jewellery, and Khari Baoli continues to be well-known for its spices. The cuisine here is a major attraction, and paranthe in Paranthe Wali Gali, jalebi, and chaat are popular choices. A ride on the rickshaw is an easy option for travelling on crowded roads. Chandni Chowk is located close to Jama Masjid and Red Fort, so all three can be seen on one trip. An experience of a full meal will take a minimum of three to four hours to do both shopping and eating.
Location: Sis Ganj Dwara, Chhippy Wada, Chandni Chowk, Delhi, 110006
Timings: 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM
Nearby Metro station: Chandni Chowk
Highlights: Diverse Bazaars, Wholesale Market, Iconic Street Food, and Religious Sites
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Lunch at Karim’s in Old Delhi
Karim’s in Old Delhi by PAJASA
Karim’s close to Jama Masjid is still a favourite for Mughlai cuisine since 1913. The eatery serves kebabs, nihari, korma, and biryani that attract people from across the city. The simple sitting does not reduce its popularity, as the taste still lures people. You can arrange lunch here after the Jama Masjid or the Chandni Chowk visit. The food is affordable and comes in large servings. Locals and visitors wait during rush hours, so you will have to wait for a bit. Original Karim’s is still the most popular, but other outlets have been opened in Delhi. Eating here provides you with the experience of Old Delhi’s Mughlai food tradition.
Origin: 1913
Location: 16, Gali Kababian, Jama Masjid, Old Delhi, Delhi
Timings: 9:300 AM to 1:00 AM
Nearby Metro station: Chandni Chowk (Yellow Line)
Popular dishes: Mutton Korma, Mutton Nihari, Chicken Mughlai, Chicken Jahangiri, Butter Chicken, Khameeri Roti, Phirni and Shahi Tukda.
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Wander through Lodhi Gardens
Lodhi Gardens in Delhi by PAJASA
Lodhi Gardens of Central Delhi stretch over 90 acres with tombs, lawns, and avenues lined with trees. The gardens contain monuments such as the Tomb of Sikandar Lodi, Shish Gumbad, and Bara Gumbad. People utilise the area for morning walks, jogging, and yoga. People take picnics and sit on the lawns during weekends. Photographers use the tombs and grass as locations for shoots. You can visit for free of cost, and the gardens remain operational daily from dawn to dusk. The area also attracts bird watchers because many species live in the trees. Lodhi Gardens provides a mix of history and nature, which makes it a balanced place to visit.
Built: 1930
Location: Lodhi Rd, Lodhi Gardens, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi, Delhi 110003
Timings: 6 am to 8 pm
Nearby Metro station: Jor Bagh Metro Station
Highlights: Tomb of Mohammed Shah, Tomb of Sikandar Lodhi, Bara Gumbad and its Mosque, Botanical gardens, and Yoga and meditation
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Shop at Connaught Place
Connaught Place in Delhi by PAJASA
Connaught Place, or CP, remains Delhi’s main shopping and dining area. The roundabout has brand shops, bookstores, and restaurants. The underground market, Palika Bazaar, provides cheap shopping for apparel and electronics. Janpath Market closes by deals in handicrafts, jewellery, and economical fashion. Coffee houses, pubs, and fast-food chains turn the venue into a night hangout. Rajiv Chowk Metro Station connects CP to all parts of Delhi and is thus easily accessible. You can spend three to four hours shopping, eating, and just browsing here. Connaught Place offers a modern feel but maintains historical architecture.
Built: 1933
Location: Connaught Place, New Delhi, 110001
Timings: 10 am to 10 pm
Nearby Metro station: Rajiv Chowk
Highlights: International and local brands, Janpath market, Palika Bazaar, Wide dining variety, Live music and events, and many more
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Uncover Hauz Khas Village
Hauz Khas Village in Delhi by PAJASA
Hauz Khas Village mixes a medieval history with modern living. The remains of a 14th-century madrasa and tombs surround the Hauz Khas Lake. You can walk through the ruins by day and relax on the lake. The village also has art galleries, fashion stores, antique stores, and designer stores. Restaurants and cafes line the narrow streets and serve a variety of foods. In the night, it is filled with food and music. Entry to the ruins and lake is still free, and a visit would take two to three hours. Hauz Khas Village offers an equal mix of Old and New Delhi.
Founded: 1316
Location: Hauz Khas Fort Rd, Hauz Khas Village, Deer Park, New Delhi
Timings: 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM from Monday to Saturday
Nearby Metro station: Hauz Khas Metro Station
Highlights: Feroz Shah’s Tomb, Remnants of Islamic Architecture, Hauz Khas Social, Coast Café, Fashion and Accessories, and Wildlife.
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Visit the National Museum
National Museum in Delhi by PAJASA
Delhi National Museum showcases India’s history through its exhibits. The galleries feature Harappan artefacts, Buddhist artefacts, coins, arms, sculptures, and Mughal miniatures. The museum also maintains temporary exhibitions with diverse themes. One can use audio guides to go through the galleries in an orderly manner. The museum stays shut on Mondays but remains open on other days with tickets you obtain at the entrance. The full visit takes three to four hours. The museum also has a cafe and bookshop as other alternatives for visitors. The museum is near the India Gate, so you can combine it with a visit to nearby locations. It offers a complete overview of Indian history and culture.
Founded: 1316
Location: Janpath Rd, Rajpath Area, Central Secretariat, New Delhi, Delhi 110011
Architect: Ganesh Bhikaji Deolalikar
Timings: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Nearby Metro stations: Udyog Bhawan and Central Secretariat metro stations
Highlights: Harappan bronze “Dancing Girl” statue, a standing Buddha made of grey schist, intricate miniature paintings, and sculptures from various periods
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Enjoy at Dilli Haat
Dilli Haat in Delhi by PAJASA
Dilli Haat is an open-air shopping complex that brings together handicrafts and cuisine from across India. Shacks stand for different states and change every few weeks. You can buy fabrics, jewellery, pottery, paintings, and woodwork. Food stalls offer regional specialities such as Tamil Nadu’s dosas, Sikkim’s momos, and Lucknow’s kebabs. The market has a small entry fee and remains open daily. Cultural performances and live music are usually organised during the evening hours. The INA branch of Dilli Haat is still the most popular and easily accessible by metro.
Founded: 1316
Location: INA Market, Dilli Haat, Kidwai Nagar West, Kidwai Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110023
Architect: Ganesh Bhikaji Deolalikar
Timings: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Nearby Metro stations: Dilli Haat INA metro station
Highlights: Handicrafts and Textiles, Unique products, State-specific food stalls, Open-air cultural events, and many more
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Rickshaw Ride in Old Delhi
Rickshaw Ride in Old Delhi by PAJASA
A Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi will give you a first view of the narrow lanes and crowded bazaars. The journey will expose you to streets such as Jama Masjid, Dariba Kalan, and Khari Baoli. Rickshaw drivers typically offer facts about the history and significance of the lanes during the ride. The experience is time-efficient and saves you from the discomfort of navigating through crowded streets on foot. Tourists can alight at food stalls or stores on the way, which makes the ride convenient. Morning and evening rides remain more pleasant due to the climate. A ride typically takes 30 minutes to an hour. It offers a clear picture of daily life in Old Delhi.
Location: Old Delhi
Timings: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Nearby Metro stations: Chandni Chowk
Prices: ₹7,000 to over ₹9,000 for luxury experiences
Highlights: navigating the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, visiting historical monuments like the Red Fort and Jama Masjid, and exploring specialised markets
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Experience Delhi’s Nightlife
Delhi’s Nightlife by PAJASA
Delhi offers many choices for nightlife, from cafes to clubs. Connaught Place boasts top-floor bars and lounges that continue to be popular for evening parties. Aerocity, close to the airport, includes hotels, restaurants, and trendy clubs that remain open till late at night. Hauz Khas Village draws young crowds with food and music, while Khan Market offers fine dining with global cuisines. Live music and DJ sessions continue to be common in most places. Individuals usually linger for three to five hours, depending on the destination. Travelling at night is convenient with the Delhi Metro and app taxis. Delhi nightlife offers entertainment, food, and social life in one place.
Food Spots: Karim’s, Paranthe Wali Gali, Samosa Corner, Khan Chacha, Tomatino, and many more.
Famous Nightclubs and Bars: Kitty Su, Privee, Raasta, Blue Frog, Club Inferno, and many more.
Get-Togethers Spots: Hauz Khas Village, Connaught Place, Dilli Haat and many more.
Conclusion
Tourists in Delhi are offered a wide range of activities covering history, culture, shopping, food, and entertainment. You can explore monuments like the Red Fort, the Qutub Minar, and Humayun’s Tomb to know about Mughal history. You can enjoy local food at Karim’s, do some shopping at Chandni Chowk or Connaught Place, and spend time relaxing in Lodhi Gardens. To experience the culture, you can linger around Dilli Haat or the National Museum, while Hauz Khas Village and Delhi nightlife uncover the city’s contemporary face. A rickshaw ride through Old Delhi and visits to the Lotus Temple and the Akshardham Temple provide diversity to the tour. These 15 things to do in Delhi provide you with a precise and thorough glimpse at the