Are you planning to explore Delhi, the capital of India, during your holidays? If so, then you are in for a treat! Countless tourist places in and around Delhi will make your journey memorable.
From iconic historical monuments like Red Fort and Qutub Minar to bustling bazaars such as Chandni Chowk, there is something for everyone here. Not only this, but Delhi also houses several modern recreation spots, such as Cyber Hub Gurgaon, which offers an array of entertainment options like movie screenings and live music performances.
Whether shopping, sightseeing, or both, Delhi has it all! So don't wait any longer ― discover why tourists worldwide love vacationing in this Indian city.
Red Fort
The Red Fort stands as a quintessential symbol of the Mughal dynasty and dominates the landscape of Delhi’s tourist sites. Constructed in 1638, this stunning example of Mughal craftsmanship is built from red sandstone, making it a renowned landmark in Delhi. Its grandiose walls enclose attractions such as the Chhata Bazaar and captivating evening sound and light shows. History enthusiasts will appreciate knowing that the Red Fort was erected during the period when Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan relocated the capital to Delhi. In 2007, it earned a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, solidifying its status as one of Delhi’s most celebrated sites.
Builder: Shah Jahan
Construction Year: 1648
Entry Fee: No charge for children under 15 years, INR 10 for Indian nationals, INR 250 for international visitors
Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, closed on Mondays
Key Attractions: The nearby Digambar Jain Mandir, Sis Ganj Gurudwara, and Paranthe Wali Gali are not to be missed
Visitor Tip: Expect larger crowds and potentially long ticket lines during the high season
Closest Metro Station: Chandni Chowk
Distance from Delhi Airport: 20 kilometers
India Gate
The India Gate is a war memorial dedicated to the soldiers of the British Indian Army who lost their lives during World War I and the Afghan Wars. It was designed by Edwin Lutyens and constructed in 1931, making it one of Delhi's most iconic tourist places. The structure is built with red sandstone and granite, stands 42 meters tall, and has an eternal flame burning in honour of the fallen soldiers. Every year, India Gate is illuminated during the Republic Day celebrations, attracting tourists from all over India and abroad.
Built By: Edwin Lutyens
Built In 1931
Entry fee: Free for everyone
Opening hours: 24x7 (except for maintenance)
Must visit: The nearby National Gallery of Modern Art
Tip: Carry an umbrella or a hat in case you visit during the summer, as it can get hot.
Nearest Metro Station: Central Secretariat
Distance from Delhi airport: 20 km
Rashtrapati Bhawan
The Rashtrapati Bhawan is the official residence of the President of India and one of Delhi's most popular tourist attractions. It was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1912 and had four floors measuring 200,000 square feet. The Bhawan houses a museum, spectacular Mughal gardens, an impressive collection of artworks, and many other architectural marvels. Visitors can take guided tours of Bhawan and its gardens, held every Saturday and Sunday. This is an excellent way to learn about India's history and culture.
Built By: Sir Edwin Lutyens
Built In 1912
Entry fee: Free for everyone
Opening hours: 9 am to 4 pm (except for Mondays and public holidays)
Must visit: Mughal Gardens and the Presidential Museum nearby
Tip: Photography is not allowed inside the complex.
Nearest Metro Station: Central Secretariat
Distance from Delhi airport: 16 km
4 pm
Qutub Minar
The Qutub Minar is another of Delhi's iconic historical monuments and one of the most popular tourist places in the city. Built-in 1193, it is a tower of red sandstone and marble that stands 73 meters tall. It features intricate carvings and calligraphy on its walls, reflecting the architectural brilliance of ancient India. Several other ruins are near the Minar, such as the Alai Darwaza and Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque.
Every evening, an interesting sound-and-light show is organised here that narrates the history of the Qutub Minar.
Built By: Qutbuddin Aibak
Built In 1193
Entry fee: INR 20 for Indian citizens and INR 250 for foreign tourists
Opening hours: 7 AM to 5 PM (except for Fridays)
Must visit: The Iron Pillar nearby
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes when visiting the Minar, as it requires a lot of climbing.
Nearest Metro Station: Qutub Minar
Distance from Delhi airport: 15 km
Jantar Mantar
The Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observation site in Delhi and a must-visit tourist place. It is the largest observatory among five other similar sites spread across India. Built in 1724, it consists of thirteen architectural astronomy instruments that measure time, track celestial bodies, and observe stars. Visiting this historical structure will be a great learning experience for adults and children.
Built By: Maharaja Jai Singh II
Built In: 1724
Entry fee: INR 15 for Indian citizens and INR 200 for foreign tourists
Opening hours: 9 AM to 5 PM (except for Mondays)
Must visit: The nearby Unity Park
Tip: Wear good walking shoes to explore the observatory in detail.
Nearest Metro Station: Rajiv Chowk
Distance from Delhi airport: 20 km
Humayun's Famous Tomb
It is a monument built for the Mughal Emperor Humayun and is part of Delhi's UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, an Iranian architect, and constructed in 1570. This majestic tomb complex has several other monuments, such as Isa Khan's Tomb, Arab Sarai, Bu Halima's Garden, and the mosque of Nasir-ud-din. The mausoleum is an architectural marvel and a serene oasis within the busy city of Delhi.
Built By: Mirak Mirza Ghiyas
Built In 1570
Entry fee: Free for children under 15, INR 10 for Indians, and INR 250 for foreigners
Opening hours: Sunrise to Sunset, Closed on Fridays
Must visit: The nearby Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya Dargah
Tip: Wear comfortable clothes as the area is large, and touching is involved.
Nearest Metro Station: JLN Stadium
Distance from Delhi airport: 14 km.
FAQs
What are the best tourist places in Delhi?
Some of the best tourist places in Delhi are Red Fort, India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan, Qutub Minar, Jantar Mantar, Humayun's Tomb, Akshardham Temple, Chattarpur Temple, and ISKCON Temple.
Why is Delhi the best place to visit?
Delhi is the best place to visit because it offers a variety of tourist attractions, from iconic historical monuments to bustling bazaars. Delhi also houses several modern recreation spots offering various entertainment options. So whether shopping, sightseeing, or both, Delhi has it all.
Where can I spend my time in Delhi?
If you want to spend time in Delhi, visit iconic historical monuments like Red Fort and Qutub Minar or explore bustling bazaars such as Chandni Chowk. You can also head to modern recreation spots such as Cyber Hub Gurgaon, which offers various entertainment options like movie screenings and live music performances.
Conclusion
Only a visit to Delhi is complete with visiting the historic forts and monuments such as the Red Fort, India Gate, and Rashtrapati Bhavan. Not to mention, no visit to Delhi is complete without a visit to the iconic Qutub Minar, majestic Humayun's the Tomb, beautiful Jantar Mantar, spiritual Akshar-dham Temple, ancient Chattarpur Temple, ISKCON temple and lotus-shaped Lotus Temple.
It's time to seize this opportunity and take a trip that will make your holidays memorable. Pack your bags, grab your tickets, and explore the treasures of Delhi by uncovering its mesmerising tourist attractions one after another! From awe-inspiring historical marvels to exciting cultural delights – Delhi Tourist Places You Must Visit During Your Holidays will give you unlimited fun and entertainment.
