What to see and do in Delhi, India: a guide to the essentials

The best time to visit Delhi is between October and March, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant. During these months temperatures range from 10°C to 25°C, which makes walking around the city much more comfortable.

These dates also coincide with some of India's most important festivals, like Diwali (the festival of lights) and Holi (the festival of colors).

Avoid the summer months (April to June), when temperatures go above 40°C and walking outdoors gets really unpleasant. July to September is monsoon season, with heavy rain that can make getting around difficult.

1. Red Fort

The Red Fort, or Lal Qila, is one of Delhi's most important symbols. Built between 1638 and 1648 by Emperor Shah Jahan, it has red sandstone walls more than 30 meters high that surround a complex of gardens and pavilions.
Its interior may not be as striking as other forts in India, but it's worth visiting for its historical value.

• ⏰ Hours: 9:30 to 16:30
• 💰 Entrance fee: 900 rupees
• 📌 Tip: If you want to see the city's most iconic spots, you can book this guided tour in Spanish.

2. Humayun's Tomb

This 16th-century tomb is considered the architectural forerunner of the Taj Mahal and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's surrounded by symmetrical Persian gardens and is ideal to visit in the morning, when there are fewer people and the light is softer.

• ⏰ Hours: 7:00 to 17:00
• 💰 Entrance fee: 600 rupees

3. Jama Masjid mosque

It's one of the largest mosques in India and a gem of Mughal architecture. Its huge courtyard can hold up to 25,000 people, and its 2 minarets are 40 meters tall.

• ⏰ Hours: 7:00–12:00 and 13:30–18:30
• 💰 Entrance fee: Free (300 rupees if you want to take photos)
• 👕 Important: You have to cover your body; they lend you pieces of cloth at the entrance.

4. Gurdwara Bangla Sahib

Delhi's main Sikh temple, known for its golden dome and marble structure. It's a place of spirituality open to people of all religions. One notable feature of the Gurdwara is its Sarovar, a sacred pool where the devout purify themselves before going in.

During our visit we took a free guided tour with one of the temple's volunteers, who explained Sikh traditions and practices to us in detail. The tour is free, but it's customary to leave a donation. One of the most impressive things about Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is its community kitchen, known as Langar, which serves free meals to more than 40,000 people a day, regardless of their religion or social status, reflecting the Sikh principle of equality and service.

• ⏰ Hours: Open all day
• 💰 Entrance fee: Free (donations accepted)

5. Main Bazaar

A chaotic, vibrant street that's ideal for experiencing Delhi's energy. There are street food stalls and shops selling clothes, electronics, souvenirs and more.

• ⏰ Hours: All day
• 💰 Entrance fee: Free

6. Qutub Minar

At 72.5 meters high, it's the tallest brick minaret in the world and one of Delhi's most impressive monuments. It's surrounded by historic remains, like India's first mosque and the famous Iron Pillar.

Qutub Minar is a little far from the center, but it's easy to reach by taxi or by taking the Yellow Line of the metro to Qutab Minar station, followed by a short auto-rickshaw ride or a walk.

• ⏰ Hours: 7:00 to 17:00
• 💰 Entrance fee: 550 rupees

7. Lodhi Garden

A park that's ideal for taking a break from the chaos of the city. It has 15th-century tombs and green gardens.

• ⏰ Hours: 6:00 to 19:30
• 💰 Entrance fee: Free

8. Agrasen ki Baoli

Agrasen ki Baoli is a fascinating old stepwell in the heart of Delhi. With its 103 stone steps and unique architectural design, it's a testament to the water engineering of medieval India. It's a quiet place that gives you a breather from the city's chaos.

• ⏰ Hours: 7:00 to 18:00
• 💰 Entrance fee: Free

9. Akshardham Temple

An impressive cultural and spiritual complex, opened in 2005. It has incredible stone-carved architecture, and the temple has several attractions that reflect millennia of Indian tradition and spirituality. Every night there's a light and sound show at its central fountain.

Keep in mind that Akshardham Temple doesn't let you bring in cameras, phones or electronic devices. You also need to wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.

• ⏰ Hours: 9:30 to 18:30 (closed on Mondays)
• 💰 Entrance fee: Free; exhibitions: 170 rupees
• 🚇 How to get there: Metro Blue Line

10. Chandni Chowk

Getting lost in Chandni Chowk, Delhi's oldest and busiest market, is an essential experience. The streets are packed with people, cars and all kinds of shops. The chaos and the intense smells and sounds immerse you in the real India.

• ⏰ Hours: 9:30 to 20:30
• 💰 Entrance fee: Free

11. Connaught Place and Rajpath

Connaught Place is a commercial and financial center with British colonial architecture. Rajpath is the ceremonial avenue that's home to India Gate and the government buildings.

• ⏰ Hours: Connaught Place: 10:00 to 20:30 / Rajpath: All day
• 💰 Entrance fee: Free

12. Lotus Temple

A house of prayer open to all religions. Its design, in the shape of a white lotus flower, is one of a kind in the world and a symbol of harmony.

• ⏰ Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 to 18:00
• 💰 Entrance fee: Free

13. Raj Ghat

Raj Ghat is the place where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948. This austere mausoleum is made up of a black marble slab and an eternal flame.

• ⏰ Hours: 6:30 to 18:00
• 💰 Entrance fee: Free

There are places to stay for all tastes, and below are our recommendations by budget. We stayed at Bloomrooms, for example.

Luxury

• The Claridges: A blend of elegance and comfort.
• Taj Palace: Combines Indian heritage with modern comforts.

Mid-range

• Bloomrooms @ Link Road: Modern and comfortable, ideal for travelers on a mid-range budget.
• Hotel Uptown Palace: A modern hotel in the center of the city.

Budget

• Zostel Delhi: A hostel popular with backpackers, near Connaught Place.
• Smyle Inn: A cheap option in the Paharganj area, popular with low-budget travelers.

We recommend spending at least 2 full days exploring Delhi, especially if it's your first time in India. The city has quite a few places of interest.

👉 Travel tip: Delhi is a chaotic city, which is why we recommend planning your itineraries by area, so you don't waste time getting around.

Suggested itinerary for Delhi

🗓 Day 1 – Old Delhi

• Jama Masjid mosque
• Red Fort
• Raj Ghat
• Chandni Chowk (street food for lunch)
• Gurdwara Bangla Sahib (at sunset)

🗓 Day 2 – New and Imperial Delhi

• Humayun's Tomb (early)
• Qutub Minar
• Lodhi Garden
• Connaught Place and Rajpath
• India Gate lit up at night

🗓 Day 3 – Temples and hidden corners

• Lotus Temple
• Agrasen ki Baoli
• Akshardham Temple (afternoon and evening show)

Is Delhi safe for tourists?

Delhi can seem chaotic, but it's generally safe if you take basic precautions: stick to tourist areas, avoid being out alone very late and keep an eye on your belongings.

Is it better to get around by metro or rickshaw?

The Delhi metro is modern and cheap, and it connects the main sights well. Rickshaws are handy for short distances, but always remember to negotiate the price before you get in.

What's the best area to stay in Delhi?

The best areas to stay are:

• Paharganj: cheap and popular with backpackers.
• Connaught Place: more central, modern and safe.
• South Delhi (Hauz Khas, Green Park): quiet and more stylish.

What clothes should you bring to Delhi?

Light clothes that still cover your shoulders and legs (out of respect for the culture). If you're going to visit temples, bring a scarf or shawl to cover up.

Can you visit the Taj Mahal from Delhi?

Yes! You can take a day trip to Agra by train or on a private tour to visit the Taj Mahal and be back by the afternoon or evening. You can see options here.