A Definitive List of the Places to Visit in Delhi, India

The vibrant capital city of India, Delhi, is where ancient history and modernity blend seamlessly, creating an experience that’s as rich as it is diverse. In this post, we’ll explore the best places to visit in Delhi, taking you through a journey of colorful markets, majestic monuments, lush gardens, and more.

Let’s dive into this fascinating city and discover why these spots make our list of the top places to visit in Delhi, India!

If you’ve more time in Delhi and want to explore the places around Delhi? Read our ultimate guide to the best weekend trips from Delhi.

DELHI QUICK LINKS

Airport Transfer: Klook offers an arrival meet-and-greet plus airport transfer to your hotel in Delhi at reasonable prices.

Where to Stay: Bed & Chaï (budget); Mizpah (mid-range); The Manor (boutique); Haveli Dharampura (heritage); The Imperial (luxury)

Top Rated City Tour: Full Day City Tour of Old & New Delhi

Top Rated Food Tour: Old Delhi Food & Heritage Walk

Top Rated Day Tour: Taj Mahal Tour

Ground Transport: If you are heading to Agra or Jaipur next, you can easily book train and bus tickets in advance on 12Go.

Heads up: some links here are affiliate links. That means if you click and buy something, I may earn a teeny-weeny commission (think chai money, not a private jet) at no extra cost to you. It’s a small way to keep this blog running, the words flowing, and the pages free for you to enjoy. I only recommend things I truly love, use, or secretly wish I invented, because trust matters, and so do good recs. Thanks for supporting the little cozy corner of the internet I call my virtual home.

Delhi: First Impressions

Delhi is often the starting point for journeys across North India. For those with limited time in India, the Golden Triangle is a popular choice. This renowned tourist circuit links the iconic cities of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, offering a glimpse of the region’s rich cultural heritage. For a longer trip, take a look at our India itinerary ideas for 1–4 weeks, which maps out several routes across different regions.

The story of Delhi is intriguing. It’s like reading a really, really old book. Far from being merely old, this city is steeped in ancientness, with a history that stretches back thousands of years, making it one of the most culturally and historically significant cities in the world.

Over the centuries, Delhi has been built, destroyed, and rebuilt several times. Each era left its mark, from the rulers of ancient dynasties to the mighty Mughals, and finally the British, before India gained independence.

This incredible fusion of epochs is akin to a journey through time along Delhi’s streets. You can see ancient forts standing tall beside modern buildings, telling tales of a city that has seen empires rise and fall. It’s this rich, layered history that makes Delhi a living, breathing museum of India’s past.

As an essential stop in any Indian odyssey, Delhi offers a glimpse into the soul of India, helping you to grasp the essence of this extraordinary country.

Places to Visit in Delhi: An Ultimate List

Delhi has something for everyone! Whether you’re a history buff, architectural enthusiast, culture connoisseur, mythology zealot, art lover, vintage fanatic, museum aficionado, or foodie, or a parent who wants your children to learn and have fun, you’ll never run short of places to visit in Delhi and things to do in Delhi.

Delhi offers a range of attractions for its guests, including the old-world charm of Purani Dilli, numerous historic monuments, expansive national museums, verdant gardens, tree-lined, broad streets, traditional Havelis, and sprawling farmhouses. The list is indeed extensive!

Here’s a list of almost all the places in Delhi that are worth exploring, tailored to your unique interests. You can choose locations that resonate with your taste, style, and preference, and speak directly to your heart and curiosity.

Delhi For History Buffs And Architectural Enthusiasts

Owing to its rich history, there’s no dearth of historical places in Delhi. It’s a historical lovers’ playground.

Gates of Delhi

India Gate: Delhi’s poster child, built to honour Indian soldiers who died in World War I, India Gate doubles up as Delhi’s favourite evening hangout. Come here at sunset, and you’ll see precisely how the city unwinds: kids chasing bubbles, families spreading out picnic sheets, school groups everywhere, and vendors doing brisk business with ice creams and corn. It’s less about ticking off a monument and more about watching Delhi be itself.

Turkman Gate: It’s one of those places you’d miss if you weren’t looking for it, and yet it carries more weight than it lets on. Tucked inside Old Delhi, this gate dates back to the Tughlaq period and marks a neighbourhood that has seen both imperial history and modern political trauma. It’s mainly remembered for what happened here during the Emergency in the 1970s. Today, it blends into daily life, busy lanes, homes, and shops, which somehow makes the history feel closer, not distant.

Khooni Darwaza or Kabuli Darwaza: Known for the execution of Mughal princes after the 1857 uprising, this gate sits near modern roads and offices, reminding you how casually Delhi coexists with its past. Architecturally plain, emotionally heavy, it’s not somewhere you linger, but it does make you pause. Delhi has plenty of beauty; this gate tells you it also remembers loss.

Kashmere Gate: Once the northern exit of Shahjahanabad, Kashmere Gate opened toward Kashmir and beyond. It played a crucial role during the 1857 revolt and still carries visible scars from that time. Today, it sits surrounded by buses, traffic, students, and chaos near ISBT and Delhi University. It’s a perfect example of how Delhi doesn’t preserve history in glass cases; it lets it exist right in the middle of everyday mess.

Ajmeri Gate: Originally pointing travelers toward Rajasthan and Ajmer, Ajmeri Gate was one of the city’s main commercial exits. Now hemmed in by traffic near New Delhi Railway Station, it’s more a marker than a monument. You probably won’t plan a visit around it, but if you pass by, it’s worth knowing you’re crossing what was once a vital artery of the old city.

Mori Gate: Part of Shahjahanabad’s original walls, Mori Gate was known as the “hole in the wall” and used mainly for drainage and everyday movement. Over time, it also became historically significant — Sikh forces entered here in 1783. For generations, Hindu funeral processions passed through this gate on their way out of the walled city. Today, it sits close to Delhi Junction, making it an easy reference point if you’re moving between Old Delhi, Kashmere Gate, or the Red Fort area, especially when navigating transport-heavy parts of the city.

Lahore Gate: This one’s Delhi at its most symbolic. As the main entrance to the Red Fort, it once faced the road to Lahore and today carries the weight of modern India’s identity. Every Independence Day, the Prime Minister addresses the nation from here, stitching together Mughal architecture and contemporary politics. It’s grand, familiar, and still powerful, one of the few gates that feels as relevant today as it did centuries ago.

Delhi Gate: The southern entry into Shahjahanabad, Delhi Gate connected the walled city to what lay beyond. It still stands in Old Delhi, surrounded by dense neighbourhoods and relentless traffic. Like many of the city’s older structures, it doesn’t announce itself. You notice it while moving through the city, which somehow feels appropriate for a place that has always been about movement.

Did you know? Delhi originally was a walled city. It had 14 gates, of which five still stand.

National War Memorial

Lal Quila (Red Fort)

Salimgarh Fort

Fatehpuri Mosque

Tomb of Razia Sultan

Mirza Ghalib Haveli (Ghalib ki Haveli)

When somebody asked Ghalib for his postal address, he cut him down to size: “Asadullah Ghalib, Delhi kafi hoga” (Asadullah Ghalib, Delhi, will be enough.)

Agrasen ki Baoli or Ugrasen ki Baoli

Raj Ghat

It is the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi.

Humayun’s Tomb

It’s speculated to have inspired the Taj Mahal. Nevertheless, it’s one of the best places to see in Delhi. Please read our guide to Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi.

Barakhamba Tomb

Purana Qila

It is the oldest fort in the city, narrating the history of Dilli in detail.

Qila-i-Kuhna Mosque

It’s inside the premises of Purana Qila.

Sher Shah Gate and the remains of the fort of Sher Shah Suri

It is right opposite the grand remains of Purana Qila.

Khairul Manzil

It is a mosque opposite Purana Qila.

Bāġ-e Bīdel (Garden of Bīdel)

This complex has two graves: one of the 17th-century poet Abdul-Qādir Bīdel and another of the Sufi Saint Malik Yaar Paran.

Lodhi Gardens

It contains Mohammed Shah’s Tomb, the Tomb of Sikandar Lodi, Shisha Gumbad, Bara Gumbad, and Athpula Bridge.

Feroz Shah Kotla Fort

It encompasses Jami Masjid, Minar-e-Zarreen, Ashokan Pillar, and Baoli. It’s also known to be the abode of the djinns.

The Hauz Khas Archaeological Complex (Tughlaq Monuments)

Chor Minar

R.K. Puram Heritage Trail

It includes a visit to the Wazirpur Monument Complex, Bijri Khan’s Tomb, and Munda Gumbad.

Ashokan Rock Edict and Park

Safdarjung’s Tomb

It has many small pavilions, such as Jangli Mahal, Moti Mahal, and Badshah Pasand, as well as a garden. Read more about the Tomb of Safdarjung in Delhi.

Mehrauli Archaeological Park

It’s adorned with ancient tombs and monuments, viz. Rajon Ki Baoli, Jamali Kamali Mosque, and Tomb, Dargah of Qutb-ud-din Bakhtiyar Kaki(Qutb Sahib), Tomb of Balban, Tomb of the Sufi poet Jamali, Tomb of Adham Khan, Zafar Mahal, and Jahaz Mahal.

Qutub Complex

It’s studded with ancient architectural ruins named Alai Darwaza, Alai Minar, Alauddin’s Tomb & Madrasa Complex, Itutmish’s Tomb, Imam Zamin’s Tomb, Iron Pillar, Mughal Serai, Qutb Minar, Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, Sanderson’s Sundial, Smith’s Folly, and Tarikh-ul-Islam Mosque. Qutub Minar is the world’s tallest brick minaret.

Jahanpanah

It embraces ancient ruins named Khirki Masjid, Bijay Mandal, Quila Rai Pithora, Kalusarai Masjid, Serai Shaji Mahal, Satpula, and Begumpur Masjid.

Tughlaqabad – Adilabad – Nai-ka-Kot Fortress Complex

Read more about the ruins of Tughlaqabad.

Siri Fort

Rashtrapati Bhavan

Parliament House

Lotus Temple

Jantar Mantar

Rajpath

Haveli Dharampura, Delhi 6 (Old Delhi Haveli Tour)

Lal Kot

Pro tip: The Light and Sound Show at the Red Fort and Purana Qila is unmissable. If you’re in Delhi on weekends, make sure to attend the Change of Guard ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Delhi For Spiritual Zealots

Shahi Sunehri Masjid, Chandani Chowk

Sunehri Mosque, Red Fort

Hazrat Nizam-ud-din Dargah

Be a part of eternal history; listen to the Sufi qawwali at ’Nizamuddin Ki Dargah’.

Sis Ganj Gurudwara

Sri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir

Jama Masjid

Bangla Sahib Gurudwara

Cathedral Church of the Redemption

Sacred Heart Cathedral

Laxminarayan Temple (Birla Mandir)

Hanuman Mandir

Neeli Masjid, Hauz Khas Village

Kalkaji Mandir

Akshardham Temple

Sri Venkateswara Balaji Mandir

Jhandewalan Temple

Moth ki Masjid

ISKCON

Chhatarpur Temple (Shri Adya Katyayani Shakti Peeth Mandir)

Delhi For Museum And Vintage Enthusiasts

Gandhi Smriti Museum

Azad Hind Gram

National Philatelic Museum

National Rail Museum

National Science Centre

National Museum

National Police Museum

Air Force Museum

Metro Museum

Tibet House

Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum

Zakir Hussain Memorial

Archaeological Museum & Indian War Memorial Museum

Sulabh International Museum Of Toilets

Delhi For Kids

Nehru Planetarium

National Zoological Gardens (Delhi Zoo or Chidiya Ghar)

Madame Tussauds

Shankar’s International Dolls Museum

Read more about the Dolls Museum in Delhi.

Stellar Children’s Museum

Hauz Khas Deer Park

National Children’s Museum

Children’s Park near India Gate

Atlantic Water World

Kingdom of Dreams, Gurugram

Worlds of Wonder, Noida

Waste to Wonder (Seven Wonders of the World)

Recently opened in Delhi, this park features replicas of the 7 wonders of the world made entirely from waste.

Read More: Lansdowne – A Perfect Weekend Getaway from Delhi

Delhi For Art Lovers

National Gallery of Modern Art

India Habitat Centre

Crafts Museum

Kiran Nadar Museum of Art

Ghalib Academy And Library

Sangeet Natak Akademi (Asawari)

Art Positive

Exhibit 320

Nature Morte

Vadehra Art Gallery

Art Heritage Gallery

Delhi Art Gallery

Indira Gandhi Centre for the Arts

Latitude 28

Kamani Auditorium

Lalit Kala Akademi

Jan Natya Manch Street Plays

Kumhar Gram (Potter’s Village)

India International Centre

Lodhi Art District

Read our in-depth review of the Lodhi Art District in Delhi.

Delhi Drum Circle

Champa Gali

Delhi for Book Lovers

Daryaganj Sunday Book Market (Shifted to Mahila Haat)

Book Cafes

There are a ton of charming Book Cafes that are counted among the best places to hang out in Delhi 🙂

Cha Bar at Iconic Oxford Book Store
Cafe Turtle
Spell and Bound Bookshop and Cafe
Ivy and Bean
Music and Mountains – Hillside Cafe (Sakley’s)
Rico’s
May Day Bookstore and Cafe
Jugmug Thela
Book Talk
T’Pot Book Cafe
Serendipity – The Claridges
Cafe Moon River
Book Exchange Cafe
XCO Cafe
Woodbox Cafe
Fursat Se
Another Fine Day Cafe, Gurgaon
The Reader’s Cafe, Ghaziabad

Delhi For Fitness Freaks

Raahgiri Day (on Sundays)

If you haven’t been, Raahgiri is something you must experience at least once.

Spin Monkey Cycle Tour

Explore Delhi like never before with the Spin Monkey Cycle Tour!

Delhi For Nature Lovers And Outdoor Enthusiasts

Mughal Gardens (renamed as Amrit Udyan now)

‘Udyanotsav’ marks the annual opening of the Mughal Gardens to the public from 5 February to 12 March, (except on Mondays) between 9.30 AM to 4 PM.

Shanti Van

Sunder Nursery

Delhi’s first arboretum, Time magazine ranks Sunder Nursery among the world’s 100 most incredible places to visit in 2018. It’s not only a haven for nature lovers but also a treat for history enthusiasts. Just adjacent to Humayun’s Tomb, Sunder Nursery is a restored Mughal-era complex that houses 6 historical monuments: Sunder Burj, Mirza Muzaffar Hussain’s Tomb, Lakkarwala Burj, Sunderwala Mahal, Chhota Batashewala, and an unidentified Mughal Tomb, as well as a beautiful plant nursery.

Garden of Five Senses

Delhi Flower Markets at Ghazipur and Connaught Place

Okhla Bird Sanctuary, Noida

Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary

Did you know? Delhi is the world’s second-most bird-rich capital city, after Nairobi, Kenya.

Delhi for Thrill Seekers

Mystery Rooms

Camp Wild

Try rock climbing at Camp Wild!

The Paintball Co

Delhi For a Traveler in You

One Dollar Travel Cafe, CP

The Hippie Trail, Hauz Khas Village

Kunzum Travel Cafe, Hauz Khas village

Definitely, A Traveler’s refuge! Read travel books or spend time with fellow travelers with a cup of coffee and a cookie at Kunzum Travel Cafe.

Cafe Wanderlust, Gurgaon

Delhi for Shoppers

Chandni Chowk

Shopping at Chandani Chowk is an experience like no other. Lined with shops and stalls, the narrow and crowded lanes are teeming with an array of items-you can literally find anything and everything here.

Some of the most famous traditional bazaars here include Dariba Kalan, Nai Sarak, Bhagirath Place, Katra Neel, Kucha Choudhary Market, Khari Baoli Spice Market (Sadar Bazaar), Kinari Bazar, and Paranthe Wali Gali.

Karol Bagh

Shopping in Karol Bag, especially along Ajmal Khan Road and in Gaffar Market, is a great experience. Ajmal Khan Road is a paradise for fashion enthusiasts, while Gaffar Market is a tech lovers’ dream-it’s here you can find electronics at competitive prices.

Paharganj Market

A lively marketplace that’s as affordable as vibrant. You must know the art of bargaining!

Gandhi Nagar Market

It’s the largest textile market in Asia—you can imagine the sheer variety and volume of fabrics and garments on display.

Kamla Nagar Market

Majnu ka tilla (Little Tibet)

Inner Circle, Connaught Place

Janpath market

Palika Bazaar

State Emporia Complex, Baba Kharak Singh Marg

It houses emporiums from all Indian states selling state specialties.

Rajiv Gandhi Handicrafts Bhavan

Dilli Haat, INA, and Janakpuri

Lajpat Nagar (Central Market)

Sarojini Nagar Market

M Block Market, Greater Kailash

Khan Market

Nehru Place Market

South Extension Market

Shahpur Jat

Azadpur Subzi Mandi aka Farmer’s Market

Take a sneak peek at Asia’s largest wholesale fruit and vegetable market and enjoy the fresh produce that arrives from all across the country.

Delhicacies – Delhi for Foodies

Undoubtedly one of the most gastronomically delightful cities in the world, Delhi has eateries for every type of craving and budget. Here you can savor a variety of Indian street food.

Paranthe Wali Gali, Chandni Chowk

Try their yummy stuffed paranthas!

Old Famous Jalebi Wala, Chandni Chowk

Here, you’ll get to relish Delhi’s best Jalebi!

Dilli Haat

You must savor the regional delicacies (from different states in India) while you shop at this cultural village.

Roshan di Kulfi, Karol Bagh

Their Lacha Tokri is to die for!

Keventer’s

They have several outlets in Delhi. Please stop by one of them and try your favorite flavor of appetizing shakes.

Legends of India, CP

Legends of India = Deliciousness

Haldiram’s

Eating at Haldiram’s is like taking a delightful culinary tour through the heart of India’s rich and varied snack culture. And, you must not miss Raj Kachori!

Khan Chacha, CP

A must-visit for some mouth-watering kababs and tikkas!

Shyam Sweets, Chawri Bazaar

Fill your mouth and your soul with their heavenly Aloo Puri. Couple it with hot halwa to enhance the experience.

Saravana Bhawan, Janpath, and Andhra Bhawan, Ashoka Road

Both are famous for their authentic South Indian food.

Pandara Road

It’s full of outlets serving spicy North Indian and Punjabi cuisine.

Bengali Market

Eat all kinds of street food and sweets here. It’s one of the best places in Delhi to try gol gappe, papri chaat, crisp aloo chaat, and sandesh!

Gole Market

Mind-boggling variety of food- a shout-out for our favorite at Gole Market – Bangla Sweet House. Their mini samosas and gulab jamuns are to die for.

Gujarat Bhawan

One-stop shop for authentic Gujarati cuisine in Delhi.

Khandani Pakodewala, Sarojini Nagar, or Vinod Snacks, Pakode Wali Gali, Lajpat Nagar

Visit one of them for crispy and spicy pakodas.

Wafflesome, Greater Kailash-I

Do you love waffles? I absolutely adore them! There’s something irresistibly comforting about biting into a warm, crispy waffle, with its golden pockets perfectly holding your favorite toppings. Whether it’s drenched in syrup, sprinkled with sugar, or loaded with fruit and cream, each waffle is a small piece of heaven on a plate!

Chache Di Hatti, North Campus

You can’t say you’ve visited Delhi if you haven’t tasted chacha ke chole bhaturey!

Sitaram Diwan Chand, Paharganj

They have been serving chole bhaturey since 1970. Delhites vouch for its chole bhaturey. Taste it to believe it.

Shawarma Waala, Kamla Nagar

For shawarma, of course!

Wenger’s

A perfect place to savor the old-world charm of baking.

Azoté, SDA Market

Yummy Red Velvet Sundae!

Thadi, Hauz Khaz Village

You can laze around while you eat here.

The Great Kabab Factory

Check out their Great Kababs.

Rajdhani

Authentic Rajasthani cuisine in Delhi.

QD’s restaurant, Hudson Lane

Yumy Paneer Tikka!

Majnu ka Tila

Famous for Tibetan street food. You must try Laping noodles, pancakes, shabalay, and thukpa.

Giani di Hatti, Chandni Chowk

Almost divine kulfi faluda!

Kailash Chandra Jain Chai Wallah

Ah! Their Almond Chai.

Hira Lal Chaat Wala, Chawri Bazaar

Kulle ki Chaat or Daulat ki Chaat

Pandey’s Paan, CP

Wouldn’t you want to conclude your dinner with an Indian after-dinner treat? Savor the best paan in Delhi here!

Karim’s, Chandani Chowk

A literal haven for Mughlai food lovers!

YETI, The Himalayan Kitchen, Hauz Khas Village

It not only offers heartwarming Himalayan cuisine but is also known as one of the most Instagram-worthy cafes in Delhi.

Prabhu Chaat Bhandar, UPSC Road

Delhi mein aa ke chaat nahin khayi to kya kiya? Prabhu Chaat Bhandar has been famous for its signature chaat since 1935.

Fun Fact: “It is said that Prabhu Chaat Bhandar was amongst the first chaat stalls in Delhi to be listed in the income tax bracket for its immense revenue collection,” quotes NDTV Food. This reminds me of an anecdote: once, when income tax officials arrived at Prabhu Chaat Bhandar for a raid, Nathu Lal (founder) claimed he didn’t have any taxable sales. Upon hearing that, the income tax officers began counting the used plates.

Delhi is known for its mouth-watering street food. You can’t leave the city without trying the famous street food, infamous for causing Delhi Belly. So, how do you consume it without getting sick?

I only have one piece of advice – Take a legit food tour that allows you to savor Delhicacies without the risk of Delhi Belly.

What’s the most authentic way to explore the local Indian food scene? Well, my friend Viola shared her experience of cooking with a local in Delhi. Read to learn how you, too, can experience India, homemade!

Pro-Tip: Delhi has so much to offer that one gets confused about what to do and what not to do in a limited period of time. If you plan to visit India’s cultural hub, please make a list of the types of places you’d like to see (I am sure the list will be long enough), see them, and experience them for yourself.

Phew! That’s a wrap-up of our guide to the best places in Delhi. If I missed any places worth visiting in Delhi, do let me know.

INDIA TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

Here are the essential resources I personally use and recommend for planning a trip to India.

Visa for India: iVisa works great for applying for a fast e-visa online. Also, OneWayFly is excellent if you need to show proof of onward travel (flight itinerary) or hotel reservation.

For travel insurance: Heymondo. It’s the most affordable travel insurance with maximum coverage. You get 5% off if you use my link.

For Connectivity: Airalo. It’s the first-ever eSIM global website where you can buy an eSIM at affordable prices and stay connected while traveling.

For booking flights: Skyscanner and WayAway. They are the best flight search and comparison sites that help you find the best and cheapest flight deals. And with the WayAway membership plan, you’ll get cashback for every booking. Plus, with the special promo code “MELODIES”, a 10% discount is activated.

International money transfer & currency exchange: Wise. With competitive exchange rates, fast transfers, and a 9.1/10 rating on TrustPilot, it’s the only service you should use every time you transfer and exchange internationally.

For finding accommodations: Booking.com and Agoda. They are pioneers among hotel booking websites, offering a wide range of properties reviewed by travelers.

For rental car: Discover Cars. It’s the best international car rental platform for all your car rental needs.

For ground transport: Omio, RailEurope, and Bookaway. Best sites for booking bus and train tickets in India.

For tours & day trips: Viator, GetYourGuide, and Klook. They offer the best city tours and day excursions in India.

For on-the-go guidance, a Lonely Planet Guidebook for India comes in handy.

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