Top 10 Tourist Places in Delhi

Delhi, the capital of India, is a city of contrasts. It has a rich history, culture, and heritage, as well as a vibrant and modern lifestyle. Delhi offers something for everyone, from ancient monuments and temples to shopping malls and nightlife. Here are some of the best places to visit in Delhi that you should not miss.

1. Red Fort

The Red Fort is one of the most iconic attractions and places to visit in Delhi. It was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century as his residence and the seat of his empire. The fort is a magnificent example of Mughal architecture, with red sandstone walls, marble palaces, gardens, and mosques. The fort also witnessed many historical events, such as the first war of independence in 1857 and the speech of India’s first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru on the eve of independence in 1947. The fort hosts a sound and light show every evening that narrates its history and glory.

Timings: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., plus light shows in the evenings. Closed on Mondays.

How to reach: The nearest metro station is Chandni Chowk on the Yellow Line. You can also take a bus, auto-rickshaw, or taxi to reach the fort.

2. Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built by Qutub-ud-din Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate, in the 12th century as a symbol of his victory over the Hindu rulers. The minaret is 73 meters high and has five storeys, each with a balcony and intricate carvings. The complex also has other monuments, such as the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the Iron Pillar, and the Alai Darwaza.

Timings: Sunrise to sunset.

How to reach: The nearest metro station is Qutub Minar on the Yellow Line. You can also take a bus, auto-rickshaw, or taxi to reach the complex.

3. Lotus Temple

The Lotus Temple is a stunning piece of modern architecture and a place of worship for people of all faiths. It was built by the Bahai community in 1986 and is shaped like a lotus flower with 27 petals made of white marble. The temple has a serene atmosphere and invites visitors to meditate and pray in silence. The temple also has a library, a museum, and gardens around it.

Timings: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Closed on Mondays.

How to reach: The nearest metro station is Kalkaji Mandir on the Violet Line. You can also take a bus, auto-rickshaw, or taxi to reach the temple.

4. India Gate

India Gate is a majestic archway that stands as a tribute to the Indian soldiers who died in World War I and other wars. It was built by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1931 and has the names of more than 13,000 soldiers inscribed on it. Underneath the arch is an eternal flame called Amar Jawan Jyoti that honors the unknown soldiers. The gate is surrounded by lawns and fountains and is a popular picnic spot for locals and tourists alike.

Timings: Open 24 hours.

How to reach: The nearest metro station is Central Secretariat on the Yellow Line. You can also take a bus, auto-rickshaw, or taxi to reach the gate.

5. Humayun’s Tomb

Humayun’s Tomb is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture in Delhi. It was built by Humayun’s wife Bega Begum in 1570 as a mausoleum for her husband. The tomb is a masterpiece of symmetry and proportion, with a dome-shaped structure made of red sandstone and white marble. The tomb also houses the graves of other Mughal emperors and nobles. The complex has beautiful gardens, water channels, and pavilions that add to its charm.

Timings: Sunrise to sunset.

How to reach: The nearest metro station is JLN Stadium on the Violet Line. You can also take a bus, auto-rickshaw, or taxi to reach the tomb.

Also Read: Explore the Top 10 Tourist Places in India

6. Akshardham Temple

Akshardham Temple is a spectacular temple complex that showcases the beauty and spirituality of Hinduism. It was built by the followers of Swaminarayan in 2005 and is one of the largest temples in the world. The temple has a stunning architecture, with intricate carvings, sculptures, and domes made of pink sandstone and white marble. The temple also has a museum, a musical fountain, a boat ride, and a cultural park that depict the history and culture of India.

Timings: 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Closed on Mondays.

How to reach: The nearest metro station is Akshardham on the Blue Line. You can also take a bus, auto-rickshaw, or taxi to reach the temple.

7. Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid is the largest and most famous mosque in India and one of the best places to visit in Delhi. It was built by Shah Jahan in 1656 and can accommodate up to 25,000 worshippers at a time. The mosque has a majestic appearance, with three domes, four minarets, and a courtyard made of red sandstone and white marble. The mosque also offers a panoramic view of the old Delhi from its southern tower.

Timings: 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

How to reach: The nearest metro station is Chawri Bazar on the Yellow Line. You can also take a bus, auto-rickshaw, or taxi to reach the mosque.

8. Rashtrapati Bhavan

Rashtrapati Bhavan is the official residence of the President of India and one of the most impressive buildings in Delhi. It was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1929 and covers an area of 320 acres. The building has a classical style, with a dome-shaped structure, pillars, and arches made of cream-colored sandstone. The building also has a museum, a library, and gardens that are open to the public on certain days.

Timings: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., except on Mondays and national holidays.

How to reach: The nearest metro station is Central Secretariat on the Yellow Line. You can also take a bus, auto-rickshaw, or taxi to reach the building.

9. Connaught Place

Connaught Place is the commercial and cultural hub of Delhi and one of the best places to visit in Delhi for shopping and entertainment. It was built by the British in 1931 and has a circular layout with radial roads and white colonnaded buildings. Connaught Place has many shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, cinemas, and clubs that cater to different tastes and budgets. Connaught Place also has some landmarks, such as Jantar Mantar, Central Park, and Palika Bazaar.

Timings: Open 24 hours.

How to reach: The nearest metro station is Rajiv Chowk on the Yellow Line. You can also take a bus, auto-rickshaw, or taxi to reach Connaught Place.

10. Chandni Chowk

Chandni Chowk is the oldest and busiest market in Delhi and one of the best places to visit in Delhi for foodies and bargain hunters. It was established by Shah Jahan in 1650 and has a chaotic but charming atmosphere. Chandni Chowk has many narrow lanes and alleys that sell everything from clothes and jewelry to spices and sweets. Chandni Chowk also has some famous attractions, such as the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib, and Paranthe Wali Gali.

Timings: Open 24 hours.

How to reach: The nearest metro station is Chandni Chowk on the Yellow Line. You can also take a cycle rickshaw or walk to explore Chandni Chowk.

These are just a few of the many attractions that Delhi has to offer. The city also boasts a vibrant street food scene, bustling markets, and a mix of old and new that makes it a unique and exciting destination for travelers.