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Places to visit in Delhi
- Muditha Ranaweera
- Apr 5, 2023
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 3
Wondering where to experience such a delightful and one-of-a-kind tryst with history? The answer is Delhi! Our national capital is a fascinating place that offers you a complete dose of history, heritage, culture, and tradition on any given day. The city has always been a popular tourist attraction for people all over the world.
In addition to the Lotus Temple, the Humayun’s Tomb, the Jama Masjid, and Delhi’s diverse industry for arts and crafts, there are a lot of magnificent monuments and performing arts venues to visit in Delhi and New Delhi. The region is also well known for its excellent cuisine, which includes delicacies from every corner of India. Not only that, Delhi is also a shopper’s paradise with numerous bazaars and markets, including Chandni Chowk, the country’s most famous commercial area. The city has long been a popular tourist destination for people from around the world, with numerous places to visit in Delhi that showcase its rich heritage.
7 Must-Visit Historical Places in Delhi
Delhi is a treasure trove of historical wonders, each site telling a unique story of India's rich and complex past. Here are the seven most remarkable historical places that every traveler should explore:
1. Red Fort (Lal Qila)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Red Fort stands as the crown jewel of Mughal architecture. Built in 1639 by Emperor Shah Jahan, this massive red sandstone fortress is more than just a monument – it's a symbol of India's independence. The intricate marble work, stunning halls like Diwan-i-Aam and Diwan-i-Khas, and the daily light and sound show make it a must-visit destination.
2. Qutub Minar
Rising 73 meters into the sky, the Qutub Minar is the world's tallest brick minaret. Constructed in the early 13th century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site represents the beginning of Islamic architecture in India. The complex contains intricate Islamic calligraphy, ancient ruins, and the famous Iron Pillar that has resisted rusting for over 1,600 years.
3. Humayun's Tomb
Often called the precursor to the Taj Mahal, this magnificent tomb is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. Built in 1570, the tomb is set in beautiful Persian-style gardens and showcases perfect symmetry and architectural brilliance. Its red sandstone and white marble construction influenced numerous monuments across India.
4. Jama Masjid
Constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1656, the Jama Masjid is India's largest mosque. This architectural marvel can accommodate up to 25,000 worshippers. With its massive courtyard, intricate stone carvings, and stunning view of Old Delhi, the mosque is a testament to the grandeur of Mughal architecture.
5. India Gate
A powerful war memorial honoring Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War I and the Afghan Wars. Designed by Edwin Lutyens, this 42-meter-high stone arch is reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The eternal flame at the Amar Jawan Jyoti makes it a place of deep national significance.
6. Purana Qila (Old Fort)
Believed to be located on the site of Indraprastha, the legendary capital of the Pandavas, Purana Qila is one of the oldest forts in Delhi. Built by Humayun and later completed by Sher Shah Suri, the fort showcases a perfect blend of Afghan and Indian architectural styles. Its massive walls, deep moat, and historical significance make it a must-visit site.
7. Lodhi Garden
A serene blend of history and nature, Lodhi Garden is a peaceful retreat in the heart of Delhi. This lush green space is home to magnificent tombs of the Lodhi dynasty, dating back to the 15th century. With its striking Indo-Islamic architecture, scenic walking trails, and vibrant flora, the garden offers a perfect escape for history enthusiasts, photographers, and nature lovers alike. Whether you're admiring the ancient structures, enjoying a picnic, or simply soaking in the tranquility, Lodhi Garden is a must-visit destination.
Practical Tips for Visiting Historical Sites
Most sites are open from sunrise to sunset
Purchase a combined ticket to save money on multiple monuments
Hire a local guide to understand the historical context
Carry water, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes
Respect photography restrictions at some sites
Top 5 Markets in Delhi that you should not miss
Delhi is a shopper’s delight, offering a mix of bustling bazaars and trendy shopping hubs. Whether you’re after budget fashion, traditional handicrafts, or mouth-watering street food, the city has it all. Here are five must-visit markets and what makes them special.
1. Chandni Chowk – A Historical Shopper’s Paradise
One of Delhi’s oldest markets, Chandni Chowk is a chaotic yet charming blend of history and commerce. Its lanes specialize in everything from silver jewelry (Dariba Kalan) and spices (Khari Baoli) to rich fabrics (Katra Neel). The market is also a food lover’s paradise, home to legendary eateries like Paranthe Wali Gali. If you want a taste of old Delhi’s vibrant culture, this is the place to be.
2. Sarojini Nagar – The Ultimate Budget Fashion Hub
For trendy, budget-friendly fashion, Sarojini Nagar is unbeatable. The market is known for export surplus clothing at rock-bottom prices, making it a favorite among college students and influencers. With new stock arriving daily, you’ll find stylish outfits, footwear, and accessories at unbelievable deals—if you can master the art of bargaining!
3. Dilli Haat – A Cultural Handicraft Wonderland
Dilli Haat offers a curated collection of handicrafts, textiles, and regional cuisine in an open-air, village-style setting. Here, you’ll find intricate Pashmina shawls, Madhubani paintings, and bamboo crafts from different states of India. The market is also known for its diverse food stalls, where you can sample everything from Rajasthani dal baati churma to authentic Northeastern momos.
4. Lajpat Nagar – The Best Market for Ethnic Wear
Lajpat Nagar is a go-to spot for ethnic fashion, offering embroidered kurtis, sarees, and unstitched fabrics at great prices. It’s also a haven for wedding shopping, with a variety of accessories, handbags, and Punjabi juttis. The market’s lively atmosphere, mehendi (henna) artists, and delicious street food make it a fun and vibrant shopping destination.
5. Janpath & Connaught Place – A Blend of Street and Luxury Shopping
Janpath is a budget-friendly hotspot for Tibetan handicrafts, boho jewelry, and quirky souvenirs. Just a short walk away, Connaught Place (CP) offers a more refined experience, featuring branded stores, bookstores, and stylish cafés. The colonial architecture and lively vibe make this area perfect for both shopping and leisurely strolls.
How can you commute in Delhi?
Delhi Metro
The Delhi Metro is clearly the quickest, most affordable, and best way to get around Delhi for daily and occasional commuters. The network boasts AC coaches, with one reserved for women in each metro, and an average frequency of one metro every five minutes. The network connects different zones of Delhi and the NCR region, including different interstate bus terminals, an airport, and all the major places in and outside Delhi.
Delhi Buses
With a humongous fleet of AC and non-AC buses, DTC is the biggest public transport operator in Delhi. It offers rides to both outside and inside Delhi. These buses connect almost all the parts of Delhi and is an ideal option for short distances.
Carpooling
Carpooling provides commuter convenience comparable to driving alone, with less stress and the added bonus of companionship while you’re commuting. Carpooling allows you to share the cost of gas and parking, cutting your expenses by nearly 50% or more; the more occupants in your carpool, the more you save, and it is also socially economical. The POOLit app helps you connect with verified professionals and find and give rides to verified users around your area.
Rickshaws
These are the most convenient modes to commute over short distances. While cycle rickshaws are a more practical option in comparatively congested areas including Old Delhi, Lajpat Nagar, most of the metro stations, and the Delhi University campus, auto rickshaws can be found in almost all the areas.
Cabs
A number of private cab operators or cab sharing service providers, including Uber, Ola and Easy Cabs, have also started operating in Delhi. These are a bit expensive option, so for more affordable options you can try commuting with metro or buses, or even carpooling, which can save you a lot of money.
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