What to see in Agra besides the Taj Mahal: a complete travel guide

The best time to visit Agra is between October and March, during India's winter. In this season, the weather in Agra is much more pleasant, with temperatures between 8 °C and 25 °C, ideal for walking around the city and touring its monuments, like the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.

Avoid the summer months (April to June), when temperatures can go over 45 °C, and also the monsoon season (July to September), when the rain is heavy and can ruin outdoor plans.

💡 Travel tip: If you want to combine your visit to Agra with Delhi and Jaipur, it's best to do it in winter, when the whole Golden Triangle has ideal weather for sightseeing.

There are several options, depending on your budget, the time you have and the city you're coming from. These are the most common ways to get there:

✈️ Plane: There are daily flights to Agra from Jaipur, but it's not the most convenient option if you're coming from Delhi, since the trip is short and there are better alternatives by land.

🚌 Bus: Agra has good bus connections with Delhi, Jaipur, Varanasi and Jodhpur. Sleeper buses are a comfortable option for long trips, and you can easily book them online on platforms like 12go.asia.

🚆 Train (the best option from Delhi): The train is the most popular way to reach Agra. From New Delhi, the ride takes about 2 to 3 hours. We chose this option and recommend it because it's comfortable and efficient. We suggest booking ahead on the official IRCTC website or on 12go.asia.

🚖 Taxi or private driver: A very common option among tourists is hiring a taxi or private driver to go from Delhi to Agra. It costs more, but it's also more comfortable if you want to travel without worrying about schedules or connections.

1. Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is India's most recognized symbol and one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World. This majestic white marble mausoleum was built between 1631 and 1654 by Emperor Shah Jahan in honor of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is surrounded by beautiful Persian and Islamic-style gardens and is a sublime example of Mughal architecture. The complex is decorated with friezes, calligraphy and floral motifs.

If you don't want to miss a single detail of the Taj Mahal, you can book this private tour with a Spanish-speaking guide, which also includes a visit to Agra Fort.

• Entrance fee: 1,050 or 1,250 rupees
• Hours: from half an hour before sunrise until sunset. Closed on Fridays

👉 Read our complete guide to visiting the Taj Mahal, with photography tips and key recommendations.

2. Agra Fort

Agra Fort is another essential visit in the city. This impressive red sandstone fortress, built between 1565 and 1573, was home to the Mughal emperors until 1638. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the fort includes a series of palaces, gardens and halls, such as the Golden Pavilions, the Khas Mahal, the Diwan-i-Khas, the Diwan-i-Am and the Anguri Bagh.

• Entrance fee: 550 rupees
• Hours: 6:30 to 19:00

3. Baby Taj Mahal or Itimad-ud-Daulah

The Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, known as the Baby Taj, was built between 1622 and 1628. This mausoleum stands on the banks of the Yamuna River and is famous for its beautiful inlays of precious and semi-precious stones, and for being a forerunner of the Taj Mahal.

• Entrance fee: 250 rupees
• Hours: from sunrise to sunset.

4. Mehtab Bagh - View of the Taj Mahal

Mehtab Bagh, also known as the Moonlight Garden, has one of the best views of the Taj Mahal, especially at sunset. This Mughal garden lines up perfectly with the Taj Mahal.

• Entrance fee: 250 rupees
• Hours: 6:00 to 21:00.

It's super easy to get there by rickshaw or tuk-tuk from the center of Agra.

5. Chini Ka Rauza

Chini Ka Rauza is a mausoleum dedicated to Afzal Khan Shirazi, a poet and grand vizier of Emperor Shah Jahan. Although it isn't in the best condition, it still has decorative tiles and a detailed interior.

• Entrance fee: free
• Hours: from sunrise to sunset

6. Akbar's Tomb

Akbar's Tomb is in Sikandra and is an impressive mausoleum built between 1605 and 1613. This monument of Mughal architecture was designed by Akbar himself and finished by his son Jahangir.

• Entrance fee: 250 rupees
• Hours: from sunrise to sunset.

7. Fatehpur Sikri

35 kilometers from Agra is Fatehpur Sikri, a city built by Emperor Akbar between 1571 and 1585. The capital of the empire for 14 years, it's a World Heritage Site and stands out for its mix of Hindu and Islamic architecture. Its most notable buildings include the Panch Mahal and the Jami Masjid mosque.

You can book the tour to Fatehpur Sikri and Keoladeo Park here.

8. Jama Masjid

The Jama Masjid is one of Agra's most important mosques and was built in the 17th century. Made of red sandstone and white marble, its façade has five arches and three decorated domes. It's near Agra Fort.

• Entrance fee: free

9. Shopping in Sadar Bazaar and Kinari Bazaar

Sadar Bazaar and Kinari Bazaar are two popular markets in Agra where you can buy handicrafts, jewelry and other local products. Kinari Bazaar, near the Jama Masjid, is especially known for its lively afternoons. Sadar Bazaar is famous for its authenticity and variety of products.

10. Mathura

Mathura is about 50 km from Agra and is a sacred city in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It's known around the world as the birthplace of the Hindu god Krishna, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. Mathura draws thousands of pilgrims and tourists every year, especially during the festivals of Janmashtami (Krishna's birthday) and Holi.

It's a perfect day trip from Agra, with historic temples and a unique spiritual atmosphere. You can easily get there by train, bus or taxi or, if you prefer, on this private tour.

Luxury:

• The Oberoi Amarvilas: Unmatched views of the Taj Mahal and a luxury experience with first-class service.
• ITC Mughal: A luxury resort with large gardens, a spa and several dining options.

Mid-range:

• Tajview – IHCL SeleQtions: A convenient location, comfortable rooms, views of the Taj Mahal and a very good breakfast.
• Royale Sarovar Portico Agra: An established hotel with spacious rooms and a pool.

Budget:

• Joey's Hostel Agra: Shared and private rooms, with a terrace overlooking the Taj Mahal.
• The Orchid Retreat: A very cheap option with private rooms and a very good Booking score of 9.5.

Ideally, spend 1 full day in Agra if you only want to see the essentials, like the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. But if you want to take it more slowly or include a day trip, you can give it 2 full days.

🗺 1-day and 2-day itinerary for Agra

📍 Day 1

Morning

• Taj Mahal at sunrise: It's best to go very early, before the groups arrive. Closed on Fridays.
• Agra Fort: Just 2.5 km from the Taj Mahal. This red fort is impressive and has incredible views of the river and the Taj.
• Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah (known as the Baby Taj): A beautiful white marble mausoleum, much quieter than the Taj.

Afternoon

• Mehtab Bagh: A garden on the opposite bank of the Yamuna River, ideal for watching the Taj Mahal at sunset.
• Dinner on a rooftop with a view of the Taj, like Saniya Palace or Hotel Kamal.

📍 Day 2

Morning

• Fatehpur Sikri: A beautiful white marble mausoleum, much quieter than the Taj.
• Akbar's Tomb (Sikandra): 35 kilometers from Agra, this city was the capital of the empire for 14 years and is a World Heritage Site

👉 If you'd rather have comfort and see everything without worrying about transfers or tickets, you can book this guided tour of Agra with private transportation and a Spanish-speaking guide.

Is Agra worth visiting beyond the Taj Mahal?
Yes! Although the Taj is the star, Agra Fort, the Baby Taj and Mehtab Bagh make it worth staying at least one night.

What day is the Taj Mahal closed?
The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays, so keep that in mind when you plan your visit.

How much does it cost to enter the Taj Mahal?
The entrance fee is 1,100 rupees for foreigners. If you want to go up to the mausoleum, there's an extra charge of 200 rupees.

What's the best time of day to visit the Taj Mahal?
Without a doubt, at sunrise, when there are fewer people and the light is magical.

How do I get to Agra from Delhi or Jaipur?
You can go by train, bus or private car. Here's our complete guide to traveling by train in India.

Where's the best place to stay in Agra?
Near the Taj Mahal, in the Taj Ganj area, there are options for every budget. If you want direct views, look for hotels with a rooftop.