Best attractions, free activities, seasonal experiences, family-friendly options, and romantic spots in Delhi. What Delhi is known for and why it's worth visiting.
Delhi is a city of extremes — ancient and modern, overwhelming and rewarding. Here's what to see and do, organized by interest and season.
Must-Do Experiences
These define a Delhi visit. Miss these and you've missed the city.
Walk Through Old Delhi
What: Navigate the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, Delhi's 17th-century market district
Why: This is Delhi at its most intense — street food, spice markets, humanity, chaos, and history in every lane
How long: 3-4 hours minimum
Include:
- Jama Masjid (India's largest mosque)
- Paranthe Wali Gali (paratha street)
- Khari Baoli (spice market)
- Red Fort entrance
See our neighbourhoods guide for detailed Old Delhi coverage.
Explore Mughal Monuments
Must-see:
- Humayun's Tomb — Prototype for the Taj Mahal, stunning gardens
- Red Fort — Mughal imperial residence, massive walls
- Qutub Minar — 73-metre tower, 800 years old
Allow: 1.5-2 hours each
Entry: ₹550 per site for foreigners
See our heritage guide for complete monument information.
Eat Street Food
Where: Chandni Chowk for the full experience
What to try:
- Parathas at Paranthe Wali Gali
- Kebabs at Karim's
- Chaat at Natraj Dahi Bhalle
- Jalebis at Old Famous Jalebi Wala
See our food guide for complete recommendations.
Free Things to Do
Parks and Gardens
Lodhi Gardens
- 15th-century tombs scattered across manicured lawns
- Best at sunrise or sunset
- Free entry, dawn to dusk
- Perfect for morning walks, picnics, photography
Deer Park (Hauz Khas)
- Actual deer and peacocks roam free
- Adjacent to Hauz Khas ruins
- Morning joggers, evening walkers
- Free entry, 5 AM to 8 PM
Monuments
Agrasen ki Baoli
- 14th-century stepped well
- 103 steps descending into the earth
- Atmospheric, photogenic
- Free entry, near Connaught Place
Mehrauli Archaeological Park
- 100+ monuments from 1,000 years of history
- Adjacent to Qutub Minar (which costs ₹550)
- Ruins, tombs, step-wells
- Free entry, sunrise to sunset
Religious Sites
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
- Golden-domed Sikh temple
- Free langar (community meal) served to all visitors
- Reflective pool, peaceful atmosphere
- Near Connaught Place
Nizamuddin Dargah
- 700-year-old Sufi shrine
- Thursday evening qawwali (free)
- Spiritual atmosphere
- Walking distance from Humayun's Tomb
Other Free Experiences
India Gate
- War memorial, pleasant evening walk
- Illuminated at night
- Street food vendors nearby
Walking Chandni Chowk
- The experience is free; the food costs
- Best morning hours
Things to Do by Season
Summer (April-June)
Delhi hits 40-45°C. Adapt accordingly.
Do:
- Indoor museums (National Museum, National Gallery of Modern Art)
- Mall hopping (Select Citywalk, DLF Promenade)
- Early morning monument visits (arrive 6 AM)
- Evening activities after 6 PM
- Swimming pools at upscale hotels
Avoid:
- Midday outdoor sightseeing
- Walking tours
- Long Old Delhi sessions
Tip: Carry water, sunscreen, and a hat. AC breaks between activities are essential.
Monsoon (July-September)
Rain, humidity, but also relief from heat.
Do:
- Museums and indoor attractions
- Monsoon-green Lodhi Gardens (between showers)
- Coffee and cafe culture
- Food focus — restaurants over street food
Avoid:
- Old Delhi (lanes flood)
- Step-wells (slippery)
- Outdoor evening activities (mosquitoes)
Tip: Carry umbrella, waterproof bag for electronics. Check weather before heading out.
Winter (October-February)
Delhi's best season. Cool, dry, perfect for sightseeing.
Do:
- Everything — this is prime visiting time
- Morning heritage walks
- Street food (no sweating)
- Diwali (Oct/Nov), Republic Day (Jan 26)
- Rooftop bars and restaurants
Watch out for:
- December-January fog (flight delays, cold mornings)
- Pollution spikes in November
Things to Do with Kids
Interactive Attractions
National Science Centre
- Hands-on exhibits, fun for ages 5-15
- Pragati Maidan area
- Entry: ₹80
National Rail Museum
- Old trains, toy train rides
- Chanakyapuri
- Entry: ₹50
Shankar's International Dolls Museum
- 6,000+ dolls from 85 countries
- Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
- Entry: ₹15
Outdoor Options
Deer Park
- Deer, peacocks, ducks
- Kids love the animals
- Free, open morning to evening
Lodhi Gardens
- Running space, picnic areas
- Squirrels and birds
- Free
Adventure Island (Rohini)
- Amusement park
- Better for older kids (rides)
- Entry: ₹600-800
Food Kids Will Eat
- Pizza at Big Chill
- Ice cream at Giani's
- South Indian at Saravana Bhavan (dosa, idli)
- Pancakes at Elma's Bakery
Romantic Things to Do
Sunset Spots
Lodhi Gardens — Walk among 15th-century tombs as the light turns golden
Humayun's Tomb — The gardens at sunset are striking, less crowded than midday
Garden of Five Senses — Landscaped gardens in Mehrauli, quieter than parks
Dinner Spots
Olive Bar & Kitchen — Mediterranean food in a beautiful Mehrauli courtyard
Qla — Rooftop with Qutub Minar views, contemporary Indian
Indian Accent — If budget allows, Delhi's best restaurant
Lodi - The Garden Restaurant — Dining in Lodhi Gardens
Experiences
High Tea at The Imperial — Colonial elegance,₹2,500+ per person
Spa Day — Hotels like The Leela, ITC Maurya have excellent spas
Rooftop Drinks — Hauz Khas Village has multiple options
Off-the-Beaten-Path
Beyond Tourist Delhi
Majnu ka Tilla — Tibetan refugee colony. Momos, thukpa, monastery. North Delhi.
Feroz Shah Kotla — Ruined 14th-century city. Thursday djinn gatherings (yes, really).
Coronation Park — Where British staged coronations. Relocated colonial statues.
Jahaz Mahal — "Ship palace" ruins in Mehrauli. Less visited, atmospheric.
Chor Bizarre — Antique and junk market. Sunday mornings, Daryaganj.
Alternative Experiences
Street Art in Lodhi Colony — India's first open-air art district. Murals on buildings.
Champa Gali — Tiny alley of cafes and boutiques. Saket. Worth finding.
Sunder Nursery — Restored Mughal garden, recently opened. Adjacent to Humayun's Tomb.
Day Trips from Delhi
Agra (Taj Mahal)
Distance: 230 km (4-5 hours by car, 2 hours by Gatimaan Express)
What to see: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, optional Fatehpur Sikri
Plan: Full day trip, leave early
See our getting around guide for transport options.
Jaipur
Distance: 280 km (4-5 hours by car, 4 hours by train)
What to see: Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal
Plan: Overnight minimum, ideally 2 days
Neemrana Fort
Distance: 122 km (2-3 hours by car)
What: 15th-century fort converted to heritage hotel
Plan: Lunch trip or overnight stay
Quick Reference
| Interest |
Top Pick |
| History |
Old Delhi + Humayun's Tomb |
| Food |
Chandni Chowk food walk |
| Free day |
Lodhi Gardens + Nizamuddin + India Gate |
| Photography |
Humayun's Tomb at sunrise |
| Shopping |
Dilli Haat + Khan Market |
| Nightlife |
Hauz Khas Village |
| Family |
National Rail Museum + Deer Park |
| Romance |
Lodhi Gardens sunset + Olive dinner |
For detailed itineraries, see our planning guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Delhi best known for?
Delhi is known for Mughal monuments (Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, Jama Masjid), the chaotic energy of Old Delhi, incredible street food, colonial-era New Delhi architecture, and being the capital of multiple empires over 2,500 years. It's a city where history layers upon history.
What is the most visited place in Delhi?
The Red Fort is Delhi's most visited monument — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and symbol of Mughal power. India Gate is the most visited outdoor space. Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi draws the most foot traffic overall as a combined market, food, and historical area.
Is Delhi worth visiting?
Yes. Delhi rewards visitors who engage with its chaos. The food is extraordinary, the history is layered and visible, and it's the gateway to the Golden Triangle. Skip it if you want relaxation — come if you want intensity, history, and unforgettable meals.
What are the best free things to do in Delhi?
Free attractions include: Lodhi Gardens (morning walks), India Gate and Kartavya Path, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Nizamuddin Dargah, Thursday qawwali, Agrasen ki Baoli, Mehrauli Archaeological Park, and walking through Chandni Chowk. Delhi's best experiences often cost nothing.
What romantic things can you do in Delhi?
Romantic options include: sunset at Lodhi Gardens, dinner at Olive Bar & Kitchen or Qla, high tea at The Imperial, Humayun's Tomb at golden hour, evening walk at Garden of Five Senses, and rooftop drinks in Hauz Khas or Mehrauli.
What are the top things Delhi is famous for?
Delhi is famous for Mughal-era architecture (Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, Jama Masjid), street food culture (especially in Old Delhi's Chandni Chowk), being India's political capital with Parliament and Rashtrapati Bhavan, its seven historical cities built over 1,000 years, and its massive markets like Chandni Chowk, Sarojini Nagar, and Dilli Haat.
Why is Delhi historically important?
Delhi has been the capital of multiple empires over 1,000 years. The city has been built, destroyed, and rebuilt at least seven times — by the Tomars, Khiljis, Tughlaqs, Mughals, and British. Each dynasty left behind monuments that still stand today, from the 12th-century Qutub Minar to the 20th-century Lutyens architecture of New Delhi.
What food is Delhi most famous for?
Delhi is most famous for butter chicken (invented at Moti Mahal in Daryaganj in the 1950s), kebabs from Mughal-era restaurants like Karim's, paranthas from Paranthe Wali Gali, chaat from Old Delhi street stalls, and biryani. The street food culture in Chandni Chowk alone draws millions of visitors every year.
What is the number one tourist attraction in Delhi?
Red Fort (Lal Qila) is Delhi's most visited monument, drawing over 3 million visitors per year. The 17th-century Mughal fortress in Old Delhi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and India's most iconic political symbol — the Prime Minister addresses the nation from its ramparts every Independence Day.
Which Delhi monuments are UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
Delhi has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Red Fort (inscribed 2007), Humayun's Tomb (inscribed 1993), and Qutub Minar (inscribed 1993). All three are maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. Humayun's Tomb has undergone major restoration by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture.
Is India Gate the most visited place in Delhi?
India Gate is the most visited open-access site in Delhi since there's no ticket or entry barrier — millions of people visit the lawns every month. But among ticketed monuments, Red Fort leads. India Gate is a war memorial, not a historical monument, so it doesn't appear in ASI visitor statistics the same way.
Why do people skip Delhi when visiting India?
Many travellers treat Delhi as a transit point to Agra, Jaipur, or Rajasthan. The city has a reputation for pollution, scams, and aggressive touts, which puts some people off. But skipping Delhi means missing India's best street food, Mughal architecture that rivals the Taj Mahal, and a city with more historical layers than almost anywhere on earth.
What makes Delhi different from other Indian cities?
Delhi has been the capital of at least seven successive empires, and each one built a new city on top of the last. No other Indian city has this density of historical layers. It's also the only place where Mughal monuments, colonial British architecture, and modern India all exist within a few kilometres of each other. The food culture draws from every region of India.
Is Delhi better than Mumbai for tourists?
Delhi and Mumbai are completely different experiences. Delhi is better for historical monuments, Mughal architecture, and street food. Mumbai is better for nightlife, waterfront views, and Bollywood culture. For a first-time visitor to India who wants history and food, Delhi is the stronger choice. If you want modern India's energy, Mumbai edges ahead.
Is Dilli Haat free to enter?
Not quite free — Dilli Haat at INA charges a nominal entry fee of ₹30 (/bin/sh.35) for Indian nationals and ₹100 (.20) for foreign visitors. It's a government-run open-air handicraft market with food stalls from every Indian state. Given the entry fee is less than a cup of chai at most cafes, it still qualifies as one of Delhi's cheapest outings.
Are Delhi's temples free to visit?
Yes, all major temples and gurudwaras in Delhi are free to enter. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Akshardham Temple, Laxminarayan Temple (Birla Mandir), ISKCON Temple, and Chhatarpur Temple charge no entry fee. Some have camera fees or restrictions on electronic devices (Akshardham bans all phones and cameras). Dress modestly and remove shoes before entering.
Can you visit Delhi's monuments for free?
Several significant monuments are completely free: Agrasen ki Baoli, Lodhi Gardens (with 15th-century tombs), Mehrauli Archaeological Park (200+ structures), Safdarjung's Tomb grounds, Sunder Nursery, and most neighbourhood mosques including Jama Masjid. The ticketed ASI sites charge ₹35 for Indians and ₹200-600 for foreigners.
How hot does Delhi get in summer?
Delhi regularly hits 43-47°C (109-117°F) between mid-May and mid-June. April averages 38-42°C, and even March can reach 35°C by month's end. The heat is dry and intense — direct sun feels physically aggressive. Night temperatures stay above 28-30°C, offering little relief. The worst stretch is typically the last two weeks of May and first two weeks of June, before monsoon arrives in late June or early July.
Is it worth visiting Delhi in summer?
Yes, if you plan around the heat. Hotels drop rates by 30-50%, tourist sites are nearly empty, and you skip the winter pollution. The key is staying indoors from 11am-4pm and scheduling outdoor visits for early morning only. Museums, cooking classes, malls, and Kingdom of Dreams are all fully air-conditioned. Budget travellers benefit most — a ₹12,000/night winter hotel room might cost ₹6,000-7,000 in May.
How cold does Delhi get in winter?
Delhi winters run from November to February. December and January are the coldest months, with nighttime lows of 3-7°C (37-45°F) and daytime highs of 18-22°C (64-72°F). Early mornings are genuinely cold and often foggy. By midday, the sun warms things up enough for comfortable sightseeing in a light jacket. February starts warming and rarely drops below 8°C at night.
What is the best winter month to visit Delhi?
November is the best winter month overall — clear skies, comfortable temperatures (15-28°C), manageable pollution after Diwali clears, and no fog. December and January are colder and foggier but have Republic Day (January 26) and peak festival season. February offers warming weather and Surajkund Mela. Avoid the last two weeks of November if pollution concerns you — post-Diwali smog can be intense.
Does Delhi flood during monsoon?
Parts of Delhi do flood during heavy monsoon downpours, particularly low-lying areas like Minto Bridge underpass, ITO, and sections of Ring Road. Major tourist sites like India Gate, Red Fort, and Connaught Place occasionally see waterlogging but remain accessible. Check local news on heavy rain days and avoid underpasses. The worst flooding usually happens in August during peak monsoon.
Are museums open during rain in Delhi?
Yes. All major Delhi museums operate on normal schedules during monsoon. The National Museum, National Gallery of Modern Art, Crafts Museum, and National Science Centre are all open rain or shine. Only outdoor sites like Lodhi Gardens and Sunder Nursery become uncomfortable in heavy rain. Museums are actually less crowded during monsoon, making it a good time to visit.
What are the best things to do with kids in Delhi?
The National Science Centre (₹80, interactive exhibits), National Rail Museum (₹100, ride a miniature train), Delhi Zoo (₹40), Akshardham Temple (free, fountain show), and Adventure Island amusement park (₹800-1,200) are the top family-friendly activities. Most work for ages 4 and up.
Is Akshardham Temple good for kids?
Yes. The Akshardham Temple complex in East Delhi has boat rides through animatronic dioramas, a musical fountain show (evenings), and large gardens to run around in. Entry is free. The boat ride and exhibition cost ₹170 for adults, ₹100 for children. No phones or cameras allowed inside.
Are there any indoor activities for kids in Delhi?
Yes. The National Science Centre has hands-on exhibits across four floors. KidZania at Noida's DLF Mall has role-play activities (₹1,000-1,500). Select Citywalk in Saket has a bowling alley and gaming zone. During monsoon or summer heat, mall-based activities are the safest bet.
What are the most romantic restaurants in Delhi?
Indian Accent in The Lodhi hotel tops the list — modern Indian tasting menus in an intimate, low-lit dining room for ₹6,000-8,000 (2-96) per person. Lavaash by Saby in Mehrauli offers Armenian-Bengali fusion on a fairy-lit terrace for ₹2,500-3,500. Tres in Lodhi Colony is a small Mediterranean spot with a hushed atmosphere, ₹2,000-3,000. Olive Bar & Kitchen near Qutub Minar has a whitewashed courtyard setting. Book Indian Accent at least 5-7 days ahead.
Are there any scenic spots for couples in Delhi?
Lodhi Gardens at sunset is the most popular — 90 acres of Mughal tombs and old trees with golden late-afternoon light. Sunder Nursery next to Humayun's Tomb has manicured rose gardens and palm-lined walkways for ₹30 entry. The lake at Purana Qila offers pedal boat rides for ₹100-150. Champa Gali in Saket is a fairy-lit alleyway with independent cafes. All are safe, well-maintained, and popular with couples.
