Top 10 Delhi Attractions and Places to Visit

Delhi, the capital of India, has a rich history. The city is dotted with spellbinding mosques, forts, and monuments left over from the Mughal rulers that once occupied the city. The contrast between rambling Old Delhi and well planned New Delhi is immense, and it's interesting to spend time exploring both. If you feel in need of some relaxation, just head to one of Delhi's flourishing landscaped gardens.

Here's a list of the top 10 Delhi attractions and places to visit. The great thing is that many of them are free! (And can easily be reached by Delhi's Hop On Hop Off bus). Or, take one or more of these popular Delhi Tours. Got children? Also have a look a these 5 Fun Things To Do in Delhi with Kids.

Like walking? Check out this Guide to Top Walking Tours in Delhi.

1. Red Fort

www.flickr.com user Saad.Akhtar

Delhi's most famous monument, the Red Fort, stands as a powerful reminder of the Mughal emperors who ruled India. Its walls, which stretch for over two kilometers (1.2 miles), were built in 1638 to keep out invaders. However, they failed to stop the fort being captured by the Sikhs and the British. To take your imagination back to the ancient era, a one hour sound and light show of the fort's history is held each evening.

• Location: Opposite Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi.
• Entry Cost: $5 or 250 rupees. Free for children under 15 years.
• Opening Hours: Sunrise until sunset. Closed Mondays.
• Book a Sound and Light Show with Dinner Tour Online (Viator).

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2. Jama Masjid

www.flickr.com user RussBowling

Jama Masjid is another marvelous treasure of the Old City, and is the largest mosque in India. Its courtyard can hold an incredible 25,000 devotees. The mosque took 13 years to build, and was completed in 1650. A strenuous climb to the top of its southern tower will reward you with a stunning view across the rooftops of Delhi. Be sure to dress appropriately when visiting the mosque or you won't be allowed in. This means covering your head, legs and shoulders. Attire is available there.

• Location: Opposite Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi. Near the Red Fort.
• Entry Cost: Free, but a camera fee applies.
• Opening Hours: Daily, except when prayers are being held from 12.15 p.m. to 1.45 p.m. It closes just before sunset.

3. Chandni Chowk

Sharell Cook

Chandni Chowk, the main street of old Delhi, is a shocking contrast to the wide, orderly streets of New Delhi. Cars, cycle rickshaws, hand-pulled carts, pedestrians, and animals all compete for space. It's chaotic, crumbling and congested, but completely captivating as well. As one of the oldest and busiest markets in India, its narrow winding lanes are full of inexpensive jewelry, fabrics, and electronics. For the more adventurous, Chandni Chowk is an excellent place to come to sample some of Delhi's street food. The renowned Karim Hotel, a Delhi dining institution, is also located there.

• Location: Old Delhi, near the Red Fort and Jama Masjid.

4. Humayun's Tomb

www.flickr.com user js42

If you think Humayun's Tomb looks a bit like the Taj Mahal in Agra, that's because it was the inspiration for the Taj Mahal's creation. The tomb was built in 1570, and houses the body of the second Mughal emperor, Humayun. It was the first of this type of Mughal architecture to be built in India, and the Mughal rulers followed it up with an extensive period of construction all over the country. The tomb is part of a greater complex that's set amongst beautiful gardens.

• Location: Nizamuddin East, New Delhi. Near the Nizamuddin train station, off Mathura Road.
• Entry Cost: $5 or 250 rupees. Free for children under 15 years.
• Opening Hours: Sunrise until sunset, daily. It's best viewed in the golden light of the late afternoon.

5. Lodi Gardens

www.flickr.com user Dave 'Coconuts' Kleinschmidt

Lodi Gardens provides a serene retreat from city life, and is the place to come if you're feeling tired and worn out. The vast Gardens were built by the British in 1936 around the tombs of 15th and 16th century rulers. Joggers, yoga practitioners, and young couples all enjoy this park.

• Location: Lodi Road, not far from Humayun's Tomb.
• Entry Cost: Free.
• Opening Hours: Daily, but Sundays are particularly busy.

6. Qutab Minar

Getty Images

Qutab Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world, is an incredible example of early Indo–Islamic architecture. It was built in 1206, but the reason remains a mystery. Some believe that it was made to signify victory and the beginning of Muslim rule in India, while others say it was used to call the faithful to prayer. The tower has five distinct stories, and is covered with intricate carvings and verses from the holy Quran. There are also a number of other historic monuments on the site.

Visit the India Travel Forum for an interesting set of photos of Qutab Minar, posted by one of the members.

• Location: Mehrauli, south New Delhi.
• Entry Cost: $5 or 250 rupees. Free for children under 15 years.
• Opening Hours: Sunrise until sunset, daily.

7. Gandhi Smriti

www.flickr.com user Hyougushi

A visit to Gandhi Smriti will show you the exact spot where Mahatma Gandhi, affectionately referred to as the Father of the Nation, was assassinated on January 30, 1948. He lived in the house for 144 days up until the time of his death. The room that he slept in, kept exactly how he left it, and the prayer ground where he held a mass congregation every evening are both open to the public. Plenty of photos, sculptures, paintings, and inscriptions are also on display.

• Location: 5 Tees January Marg, central New Delhi.
• Entry Cost: Free.
• Opening Hours: From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday.

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8. India Gate

www.flickr.com user wonker

The towering archway of India Gate at the center of New Delhi is a war memorial, built in memory of the Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army in World War I. At night it glows warmly under floodlights, and the gardens that line its boulevard are a popular place to enjoy a warm summer's evening.

• Location: Rajpath, near Connaught Place, New Delhi.
• Entry Cost: Free.
• Opening Hours: Always open.

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9. Garden of Five Senses

www.flickr.com user dirk772

The Garden of Five Senses is another peaceful place to come to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. However, it's no ordinary garden. As its name suggests, the Garden of Five Senses has been specifically designed to awaken all five senses. The sprawling 20 acre site beckons with a vibrant display of thoughtfully landscaped plants and flowers, waterfalls, rocks, quirky sculptures, murals, ceramic bells, and spiral walkways. The amphitheater often has live music. There are also restaurants and bars (check out the groovy Zoo at night) to relax in.

• Location: Said-ul-ajab village, M.B. Road, close to the Mehrauli heritage area in New Delhi. Near Saket.
• Entry Cost: Free.
• Opening Hours: Daily from 6.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m.

10. Bahai (Lotus) Temple

www.flickr.com user The Hendrix Experience

The Bahai Temple is commonly referred to as the Lotus Temple, as it's shaped like a lotus flower. It's particularly pretty at night, when it's attractively lit up. Made out of white marble, the temple belongs to the Bahai Faith, which proclaims the unity of all people and religions. Everybody is welcome to worship there. The tranquil gardens and ponds surrounding the temple are also a great place for a relaxing picnic.

• Location: Near Nehru Place, south New Delhi.
• Entry Cost: Free.
• Opening Hours: Daily, from 9.00 a.m. until sunset.