India’s capital is a bit chaotic with crazy traffic, staggering pollution, and a lot of scammers, but don’t let that scare you away. Despite the madness, Delhi offers beautiful gems. Behind every corner, there are vibrant markets, incredible architecture, and a whole lot of history waiting to amaze you. Check out these 6 unique things to do in Delhi.
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Things to do in Old Delhi
First up: Old Delhi, where you can find the majestic Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, and Jama Masjid.
1. Red Fort
We recommend starting your Delhi adventure by visiting the Red Fort, also known as Lal Qila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Going early means less crowds, so it’ll bring about a peaceful start to your day. The red sandstone fortress looks a bit like Agra Fort, and though we liked Agra Fort more, the Red Fort is worth a visit for a glimpse into India’s history. Be sure to count at least two hours to explore the Red Fort, and don’t forget about the gorgeous gardens!
Fun fact
Did you know the Red Fort was designed by Emperor Shah Jahan, the same person who constructed the Taj Mahal?
2. Jama Masjid
Just a short 15-minute stroll from the Red Fort, you’ll find Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in the city. It’s a really impressive monument with majestic domes and tall towers. Standing in the middle of the courtyard, you’ll feel very small compared to this giant mosque! Don’t forget to explore all corners around the courtyard, since each view is a bit different. It is really cool to look down on the streets and see all that’s happening down there. We saw people argue, making sales, and even a guy leading two sheep to a nearby garden. Admittedly, you don’t come here just to see what’s happening outside the premises, but it’s a nice bonus! So adding to that: make sure to climb up the tower for amazing panoramic views of Old Delhi’s bustling streets. It costs just € 1 and it’s totally worth it!
Good to know
We read online that entrance was free, unless you wanted to take pictures. This is not the case (anymore). Everyone gets charged a “camera fee” of around € 3 (300 rupees), whether or not you plan on taking any pictures. Pay attention that they don’t sell you anything you don’t want, too, like slippers or other stuff. In addition, women will have to cover up completely to go inside. Thysia was wearing long pants and her shoulders were covered, but she still had to rent a robe for € 0,50 in order to enter Jama Masjid.
3. Chandni Chowk
There’s no place like Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi. Get ready for a lot happening at once: chaos, smells, sounds, and people everywhere! To be honest, we couldn’t get enough of it. It’s such a fascinating and unique place to stroll around, even if you don’t plan on buying anything. Most of the time, you won’t know which way to go because it’s so busy. Everyone will be rushing around, honking their horns to keep things moving. People will try to lure you into their shops, but don’t feel pressured to oblige! Make sure to visit Khari Baoli as well, the biggest spice market in Asia. The smells there were incredible! Once you’re done checking out the spice market, visit Dariba Kalan for jewelry, Katra Neel for women clothing and readymade items, or Bhagirath Palace for electronics. At Chandni Chowk you can find and buy literally everything!
Things to do in New Delhi
Next up: New Delhi, where you can find Humayun’s Tomb, Safdarjung’s Tomb, and the Lotus Temple.
4. Humayun’s Tomb
Humayun’s Tomb, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, will probably be one of your favorite things in New Delhi, at least it was for us! It’s such a large complex where you could easily spend several hours, depending on how much you want to explore.
We suggest heading straight to Humayun’s Tomb, since that will take the most time to explore. Walk around the gardens, go up the stairs to the red sandstone tomb, and explore the inside to see the marble tombstones. The view from up here is really amazing, too. You get a 360 degree view of Humayun’s Tomb and surroundings, so cool!
We also really liked Isa Khan’s Tomb near the entrance. It is octagonal in shape and a bit hidden, so not many people go there. A great place to escape the crowds and capture some stunning shots! One last tip: make sure to book your tickets in advance, that way you won’t have to queue when entering!
Fun fact
Humayun’s Tomb was actually the inspiration behind the Taj Mahal!
5. Safdarjung’s Tomb
Safdarjung’s Tomb is another tomb to check out. Honestly, if we’re comparing it to Humayun’s Tomb, Safdarjung Tomb isn’t as impressive. But the cool thing is, there are hardly any people here! When we told some locals we were going to visit Safdarjung’s Tomb, they all looked so surprised. This alone is worth a visit in our opinion, which means you’re doing something right! Traveling is all about discovering small, hidden gems, right? Safdarjung’s Tomb is a nice escape from the busy city of Delhi, you feel totally isolated from all the craziness outside. You can walk around, check out the tomb, and relax on the grass. We found the whole place kind of romantic! The only downside was some construction happening when we went, parts of the dome weren’t as visible as we’d hoped.
6. Lotus Temple
One of the most recognizable landmarks in Delhi is the remarkable Lotus Temple. Shaped like a beautiful lotus flower, the structure has 27 marble petals. It’s a Baha’i place of worship open to everyone, no matter their religion or background. Unfortunately, when we wanted to visit, it was closed, but we still caught a glimpse of its wonderful exterior. The architecture has won many awards, and we totally understand why! This is one of the few things we regret when we were in India, not being able to visit this masterpiece. Oh well, always time for a return visit, right?
Where to stay in Delhi
More helpful India posts
- The perfect day trip to Agra, India
- 9 best things to do in Jaipur, The Pink City of India
- 6 days in India: Budget Breakdown
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