New Delhi and Old Delhi are two very distinct parts of the city of Delhi, which is also a union territory of India.
New Delhi, which was founded by the British in 1931 as the imperial capital, is the current capital and seat of government of India, whereas Old Delhi is widely regarded as the cultural and historical centre of the city.
Top 10 Places to Visit in New Delhi
Delhi is a bustling metropolis and India’s most important international gateway, with a population of roughly 20 million people and a fascinating blend of ancient and modern influences.
New Delhi, to the west, and Old Delhi, to the east, are separated by the Yamuna River, one of the holiest rivers in Hinduism and a natural dividing line between the two. Seeing the city’s thriving arts and crafts scene, numerous historic landmarks, and plethora of theatres and concert halls are just a few of the many things to do in Delhi and New Delhi.
The region is also renowned for its delicious food, which features dishes inspired by all corners of India. Shopping in Delhi is a delight, as the city is home to dozens of markets and bazaars, the most well-known of which being Chandni Chowk.
Our guide to the finest of what Delhi, India has to offer will help you make the most of your time in this exciting metropolis.
1. The Red Fort
Shah Jahan commissioned the construction of the stunning Red Fort (Lal Qila) in 1648, and it remained the centre of Mughal administration until 1857. More than two square kilometres in size are enclosed by the impressive walls of this monument, which are made of red sandstone and are built in the shape of a crescent and encircled by a moat.
The main gate, known as the Lahore Gate, is so called because it faces the city of Lahore in Pakistan; the even more spectacular Delhi Gate was utilised by the monarch during ceremonial processions.
Visitors entering through the Lahore Gate will find themselves at Chhatta Chowk, a covered bazaar dating back to the 17th century where they may purchase silks, jewellery, jewels, silverware, souvenirs and even meals.
The musicians who played for the emperor lived in the Red Fort’s Naubat Khana, and the palace’s beautiful galleries still have a number of fascinating musical instruments, including kettledrums, gongs, and cymbals. The Hall of Public Audiences (Diwan-i-Am) is also beautiful and worth visiting because it was where the emperor received his subjects.
2. Qutub Minar
The stunning Qutub Minar, which was completed in the 12th century, is the tallest minaret in India. In addition to being recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it is today a popular tourist destination for people from all over the world.
At a height of almost 70 metres, this five-story tower is covered in beautiful carvings depicting the history of Qutub and inscriptions from the Quran. One of its most distinguishing features is the variety of stone used in its construction (the first three stories are made of red sandstone, while the fourth and fifth stories were built with marble and sandstone).
In addition to Altamish’s, Alauddin Khalji’s, and Imam Zamin’s tombs, the complex also features the Quwwat-ul-Islam Masjid, a mosque located at the tower’s base, as well as a gateway constructed in 1310. Iron Pillar, or Alai Minar, is a 2,000-year-old structure that should not be missed.
3. Lodi Gardens
The Lodi Gardens, at 90 acres, are one of the largest parks in New Delhi and a must-see while in the city. The park is home to beautiful gardens and countless artefacts dating back to the Lodi era, before the 1600s.
Highlights of the city’s architecture include the tombs of the Lodi Sultans, built in the 15th century, as well as a beautiful mosque with three domes and distinctive blue tiles (the Glazed Dome) and the crumbling remains of an even larger dome, built in 1490.
The Athpula, an eight-arch bridge over the lake in the park dating back to the 16th century, is well worth seeking out. More than 100 types of natural trees, 50 species of butterflies, and several bird species can all be found in Lodi Gardens. It also contains the National Bonsai Park of the country.
You can visit the bustling Khan Market in only five minutes if you’re in the area. In truth, this lively (and quite secure) zone is one of the world’s most illustrious shopping areas, where high-end retailers and food vendors coexist.
4. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
The Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi’s most significant Sikh temple, was built in the 18th century and is conveniently close to Connaught Place. The Sarovar, the spectacular pool in the centre of this enormous complex, and the iconic gold dome and flagpole are among the highlights.
The huge temple structure itself is noteworthy, as are the temple’s art gallery and the tiny museum documenting the history of the Sikh religion. At the spacious Gurdwara Kitchen, guests are always welcome to enjoy a delicious dinner on the house. The only conditions are that you take off your shoes and cover your hair (free headscarves and shoe storage are provided).
5. The Lotus Temple
The Bahá’ House of Worship, a breathtaking architectural marvel with nine symmetrical wings and a gorgeous central dome, is also known as the Lotus Temple. The entire building is made out of white concrete and marble, making it look as delicate as the flower it was meant to represent.
It seems like any moment now it will rise from the nine pools of water around it and explode into blossom. Since opening to the public in 1986, the temple has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
Strangely, there are no obvious signs of religion in this extraordinary site of worship. The ISKCON Temple in New York City is one of the largest Krishna temple complexes in the world and a fascinating example of a modern temple.
6. India Gate
India Gate is a majestic stone arch that was created as a memorial to Indian soldiers who died in World War I. Its design is reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. More than 90,000 servicemen lost their lives protecting this gigantic monument, and their names are memorialised on its walls beside an eternal flame.
The structure, which stands on a red stone base and has a shallow domed bowl on top that is sometimes filled with burning oil (usually only on important anniversaries), dominates the parkland around it, which is frequented by both tourists and locals having a picnic or taking a break from their busy schedules.
One of the best free things to do in New Delhi is to check out the India Gate after dark. When it and the neighbouring fountains are illuminated at night, the result is very breathtaking.
7. Jama Masjid
The Jama Masjid, one of the greatest mosques in India, was Shah Jahan’s final architectural masterpiece. Built with alternating vertical bands of red sandstone and white marble, this stunning monument was finished in 1658 and boasts three entrances, four angled towers, and two 40-meter-high minarets.
The enormous centre pool is used for ritual bathing before prayers, and thereafter visitors can climb the southern minaret for breathtaking views of Old Delhi. Shoes must be removed and proper attire worn before entry; non-Muslims are not permitted during prayers.
Chandni Chowk is Old Delhi’s large main road and a market area devoted to shopping and eating, therefore afterward you should go there. Naya Bazaar and Gadodial are two popular spice markets where you can buy a wide variety of spices and other culinary ingredients, such as aniseed, ginger, pomegranate, saffron, lotus seeds, pickles, chutneys, and more.
8. Humayun’s Tomb
Humayun’s Tomb, located in a beautiful, expansive square garden, is a towering monument made of white marble and red sandstone. It is a stunning example of Mughal architecture and served as inspiration for Agra’s Taj Mahal.
The tomb was constructed in the middle of the sixteenth century as a memorial to Haji Begum’s husband by Humayun’s senior widow. It is surrounded by formal gardens and other tombs, including that of Humayun’s barber and the Tomb of Isa Khan (the architect of the Taj Mahal), an octagonal structure that is a fine example of Lodi architecture.
Attempting to see this magnificent building after dark when it is illuminated is a lot of fun.
9. Akshardham
The magnificent Hindu Akshardham Temple was only recently finished (it opened in 2007), but it appears like it has been there for millennia. This building’s grandiose appearance, thanks to its ornate carvings, draws a steady stream of admirers.
The impressive main monument stands 43 metres tall and features elaborate carvings of animals, plants, gods, dancers, and musicians carved from pink sandstone and marble. Notable features include the 3,000-ton stone elephant monument that weighs in at the middle of the building’s beautiful stone ode to elephants, which is supported by 234 elaborate pillars.
There’s also the theatre presenting a film on the building’s construction, the enjoyable 15-minute boat trip showcasing India’s rich history and diverse culture, and the breathtaking Yagnapurush Kund, a massive melodic fountain that is especially beautiful when illuminated at night.
10. The Jantar Mantar Observatory
Jantar Mantar is one of five astronomical observatories built by Maharajah Jai Singh I in 1725, and it is located near Connaught Place, one of New Delhi’s largest and best-known business districts.
This historically significant site features several additional antique apparatus that were originally used to monitor the orbits of the sun, moon, and planets in order to predict eclipses. One of the many impressive features of this beautiful structure is a massive sundial known as the Prince of Dials.
