Delhi rewards travellers who slow down. It has been shaped by ancient kingdoms, the Delhi Sultanate, the Mughal Empire, British rule, and modern India, so centuries-old monuments sit right beside busy markets and government avenues. This guide covers the best places to visit in Delhi, from Mughal forts to peaceful gardens, plus food, shopping, and a simple plan for 1 to 3 days.

Why Delhi Deserves More Than a Layover

Many travellers treat Delhi as simply a stop between destinations, but the city deserves more time. Spend two or three days exploring its historic streets, grand monuments, markets, and modern neighborhoods, and you’ll see centuries of history come together in one place. From Sultanate and Mughal architecture to colonial landmarks and modern India, Delhi offers a fascinating journey through the country’s past and present.

If you’re building a longer trip, Delhi pairs naturally with Agra and Jaipur on the classic Golden Triangle route https://lazyatra.com/blog/rajasthan/golden-triangle-rajasthan/, or with our Uttar Pradesh itineraries https://lazyatra.com/tour-package-for-uttarpradesh/9 if you’re continuing on to Agra.

Places to visit in Delhi - Red Fort at sunrise

Red Fort: Where Mughal Delhi Comes Alive

Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century, the Red Fort became the centre of his new imperial capital, Shahjahanabad. Its massive red-sandstone walls, grand courtyards, and royal buildings reflect the power and elegance of the Mughal Empire. The fort also remains an important symbol of modern India, as the Prime Minister hoists the national flag here every Independence Day.

Inside, Don’t Miss

Diwan-I-Khas: The private audience hall used for important guests and royal meetings.

Lahori Gate: The impressive main entrance and one of Delhi’s most recognisable landmarks.

Diwan-I-Am: The Hall of Public Audience, where the emperor met his subjects.

Jama Masjid and Old Delhi: The Heart of Shahjahanabad

Just a short walk from the Red Fort, Jama Masjid is one of India’s most impressive historic mosques, commissioned by Shah Jahan in the 17th century. Its vast courtyard, towering minarets, and red-sandstone and marble architecture give you a real sense of the scale and grandeur of Mughal Delhi. Step outside, and you enter Old Delhi, where the narrow lanes of Shahjahanabad are filled with centuries-old shops, bustling markets, street food, and traditional havelis.

Don’t Miss

Chandni Chowk: A lively area for shopping, street food, and local life.
Dariba Kalan: Famous for traditional jewellery and silverware.
Khari Baoli: One of Asia’s largest and most famous spice markets, filled with colourful sights and aromas.
Paranthe Wali Gali: A historic lane known for its stuffed parathas and traditional eateries.

Allow 2–4 hours to explore the area, or longer if you want to take your time and sample Delhi’s famous street food.

Chandni Chowk market, one of the best places to visit in Delhi for street food

Humayun’s Tomb: The Blueprint for the Taj Mahal

Built in the 16th century as the tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun, this magnificent monument combines red sandstone, white marble, and a perfectly symmetrical charbagh garden. Its elegant design became an important influence on later Mughal architecture, including the Taj Mahal. Take time to admire the arches, domes, geometric patterns, and peaceful gardens. Visit in the morning or late afternoon for softer light and more comfortable weather.

Allow: 1–1.5 hours.

Qutub Minar: Delhi’s Iconic Tower

Standing around 73 metres tall, Qutub Minar is one of Delhi’s most recognisable landmarks. Construction began in the early 13th century under Qutb-ud-din Aibak and was continued by later rulers. The surrounding complex is just as interesting as the tower itself. Look for:

Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque: One of the earliest surviving mosques in Delhi.
Iron Pillar: Famous for its remarkable resistance to corrosion.
Alai Darwaza: An elaborately decorated gateway showcasing early Indo-Islamic architecture.

Allow 1.5–2 hours to explore the complex properly.

India Gate and New Delhi: The Colonial-Era Capital

India Gate is a major war memorial honouring Indian soldiers who died during World War I and later conflicts. The surrounding lawns and broad avenues are especially enjoyable in the evening, when the monument is illuminated and the area becomes lively. Nearby, you can explore Kartavya Path, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and the Parliament area, where grand colonial-era planning meets modern India. The wide avenues and monumental buildings feel completely different from the crowded lanes of Old Delhi.

Allow: 1–2 hours, preferably in the evening.

India Gate at dusk, a top place to visit in Delhi for an evening walk

Lotus Temple and Akshardham: Delhi’s Modern Side

Delhi isn’t only about forts and centuries-old monuments. Its modern side is just as impressive.

Lotus Temple

The Lotus Temple is one of Delhi’s most distinctive landmarks, designed to resemble a blooming lotus flower. It belongs to the Bahá’í Faith, but people of every religion are welcome to visit for quiet reflection and meditation. The peaceful atmosphere makes it a refreshing break from the city’s busy streets.

Allow: 45–90 minutes.

Akshardham

Akshardham is a spectacular modern temple complex known for its detailed stone carvings, grand architecture, exhibitions, and evening water show. The complex is open Tuesday to Sunday and closed on Mondays. Darshan generally runs from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Photography and electronic devices are not permitted inside, so visitors need to use the cloakroom.

If you want to see the exhibitions and evening water show, plan for around 3–4 hours.

Raj Ghat and Lodhi Garden: Delhi’s Quieter Corners

Raj Ghat

Raj Ghat marks the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. Unlike Delhi’s grand monuments, the memorial is deliberately simple—a black marble platform surrounded by peaceful gardens. Because it is close to the Red Fort and Old Delhi, it’s easy to combine with a visit to that area.

Allow: 30–45 minutes.

Lodhi Garden

Lodhi Garden offers a peaceful escape from Delhi’s traffic and crowds. The green park is dotted with impressive 15th-century tombs from the Sayyid and Lodi dynasties. It’s particularly popular in the morning for walking, photography, and relaxing.

Allow: 1–2 hours.

Purana Qila and the National Museum

Purana Qila

Purana Qila, or Old Fort, is associated with Humayun and Sher Shah Suri, although the site has a much deeper history. Its massive walls, gateways, mosque, and palace remains provide a glimpse into Delhi’s earlier layers of history. It’s a good choice if you want to explore Delhi beyond the better-known Mughal monuments.

Allow: 1–1.5 hours.

National Museum

The National Museum is one of the best places to understand India’s long and diverse history under one roof. Its collections include ancient sculptures, coins, manuscripts, paintings, archaeological discoveries, and decorative arts. If you enjoy history and culture, give yourself at least 2–3 hours.

What to Eat in Delhi

Delhi is one of India’s great food cities, and Old Delhi is the best place to experience its traditional flavours. If you’re new to Indian street food, choose busy, well-established places with good turnover. Don’t miss:

Chole bhature
Parathas
Butter chicken
Kebabs and chaat
Rajma chawal
Nihari
Jalebi and kulfi

How Many Days Do You Need?

One day

A fast-paced itinerary could be:

Morning: Humayun’s Tomb
→ Late morning: India Gate and New Delhi
→ Afternoon: Qutub Minar
→ Evening: Red Fort and Chandni Chowk

This covers the major highlights, but it will be a busy day.

Two days

Day 1 – Old Delhi

Red Fort
Jama Masjid
Chandni Chowk
Raj Ghat

Day 2 – New Delhi

Humayun’s Tomb
Qutub Minar
India Gate
Lotus Temple or Lodhi Garden

Three days

With a third day, you can explore at a more relaxed pace and add Akshardham, the National Museum, Purana Qila, along with more time for shopping and food.

For a first visit, three days is ideal.

How to Reach Delhi

From Agra

Frequent trains connect Agra and Delhi, with the fastest services taking roughly 1.5–3 hours. This makes Jaipur → Agra → Delhi one of the most convenient routes for exploring India’s Golden Triangle.

From Jaipur

Delhi is roughly 250–280 km from Jaipur by road. Driving generally takes around 5–6 hours, depending on traffic and the route. Regular trains and buses provide alternatives.

By Air

Indira Gandhi International Airport is Delhi’s main airport and one of India’s major international gateways, with extensive domestic and international connections.

Best Time to Visit Delhi

The most comfortable time to explore Delhi is generally October to March. February–March is particularly pleasant for sightseeing. December–January can bring cold mornings and fog, which occasionally causes delays to road, rail, and air travel. From April to June, temperatures can become extremely hot, making midday sightseeing uncomfortable. July to September brings monsoon humidity and periods of heavy rain. For long walks and outdoor sightseeing, October–March is the best overall window.

If you’d rather have the planning done for you, take a look at our Uttar Pradesh itineraries for travellers from Jaipur https://lazyatra.com/tour-package-for-uttarpradesh-from-jaipur/9 which pair naturally with a Delhi stop, or browse our Golden Triangle Rajasthan guide https://lazyatra.com/blog/rajasthan/golden-triangle-rajasthan/ for the full Jaipur-Agra-Delhi route.