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Things to Do in New Delhi, India
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Plan language: EnglishMost popular attractions in New Delhi, India
Things to do in New Delhi, India, include visiting the Red Fort, a 17th-century fortress that stretches over 2 kilometers. Explore the Qutub Minar minaret, standing 73 meters tall. Do not miss the India Gate, an impressive war memorial located in the heart of the city.
1. Red Fort
A journey into the heart of Mughal history. Discover the red walls and a captivating sound and light show.
Quick facts: The complex covers an area of 254 hectares and includes walls 33 meters high. It served as the main palace of the Mughal emperors for nearly 200 years.
Highlights: At nightfall, a sound and light show illustrates the imperial history using speakers built into the red sandstone walls. The name "Lal Qila" means "Red Fort" because of the intense color of the walls made from sandstone.
2. Qutub Minar
A dive into over 800 years of carved history. Experience the acoustic magic by exploring each detailed floor.
Quick facts: The tower measures exactly 73 meters in height, making it one of the tallest brick structures in the world. Over 2 million visitors walk through it each year to admire its carved details.
Highlights: The Arabic calligraphy inscriptions carved on each level tell captivating stories of conquests and ancient architects. You can even hear the unique echo inside the minaret, a rare acoustic phenomenon to experience.
3. India Gate
A walk under a 42-meter arch lit up at night is an unforgettable memory. Explore a living memory where history lights up at dusk.
Quick facts: This 42-meter-high arch honors Indian soldiers who fell during World War I. It attracts around 3 million visitors each year, especially in the evening for its spectacular night lighting.
Highlights: An eternal flame burns beneath the arch, dedicated to unknown soldiers, creating a solemn and moving atmosphere. The structure displays the names of more than 13,000 soldiers, engraved in bronze, paying tribute to their sacrifice.
4. Humayun's Tomb
To be discovered for its architecture that influenced the Taj Mahal. Experience a journey through history and sophisticated royal gardens.
Quick facts: At this site is the tomb of Humayun, the second Mughal emperor. This monument inspired the construction of the Taj Mahal. It combines Persian and Indian architectural elements with charbagh gardens divided into four distinct parts.
Highlights: What is truly fascinating is the perfect geometry of the garden surrounding the tomb, divided into 16 sections, each bearing symbolic plants. You can also observe the early use of the double dome, a technique reused in several Mughal mausoleums.
5. Lotus Temple
An architectural sanctuary that soothes the mind. Treat yourself to a moment of calm and contemplation in a unique sculptural space.
Quick facts: Each white marble petal of this structure reaches a height of 40 meters and reflects the symbolic purity of the lotus flower. Each year, more than 6 million visitors come to admire the nature-inspired architecture that has no altar or religious images.
Highlights: The 27 petals of the flower are grouped into three sections of nine petals, creating a visual effect of perfect symmetry and natural harmony. Inside offers a deep silence incredibly rare in the heart of the busy city, inviting meditation and personal reflection.
6. Akshardham Temple
A cultural treasure with breathtaking detailed sculptures. Live an immersive experience between art, faith, and technology.
Quick facts: This temple attracts about 6 million visitors each year thanks to its grand architecture. Its vast complex covers 100 acres, offering gardens, fountains, and interactive exhibits.
Highlights: A stunning detail is the giant 14-meter-high statue of Swaminarayan, carved from a single block of rose rock. In the evening, the water, light, and sound show authentically transports visitors on a unique spiritual journey.
7. Jama Masjid
Come and discover an architectural masterpiece with a unique spiritual atmosphere. Admire the vast courtyard that can hold thousands of visitors under elegant red sandstone minarets.
Quick facts: This mosque can accommodate up to 25,000 worshippers during major prayers. Its two minarets reach a height of 40 meters, offering a spectacular view of the old city.
Highlights: A often forgotten secret is that the central courtyard can hold over 20,000 people, making it one of the largest open spaces in the capital. The large wooden doors, inlaid with floral patterns, were forged with a blend of wood and iron that dates back several centuries.
8. Raj Ghat
A refuge of calm in the heart of the city. Feel the peace where history and memory intertwine.
Quick facts: A simple memorial with a black plaque marks the cremation site of a major leader who shaped modern India. Every day, an eternal flame burns in a peaceful garden surrounded by trees.
Highlights: A unique practice is to light a commemorative flame every day at the exact hour of the leader's death, creating a solemn and moving ritual. The scene is enhanced by the total absence of an imposing structure. Only a polished black marble rests on the ground, reflecting the sky and surrounding trees.
9. National Museum
Explore a treasure of 5,000 years of Indian history. Admire rare works and artifacts that bring the past to life.
Quick facts: It houses more than 200,000 objects covering 5,000 years of Indian history, from ancient sculptures to decorative arts. Its impressive collection includes rare manuscripts and precious textiles.
Highlights: In the Indian civilization gallery, you can see an ultra-detailed model of the Konark temple, with its 24 carved wheels evoking a colossal chariot. An entire room is dedicated to traditional costumes, where each piece tells a unique story of cultural diversity.
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Traditional Sweet Dishes
Jalebi
Jalebi is a popular sweet in New Delhi made by deep-frying wheat flour batter in circular shapes, soaked in sugar syrup, known for its vibrant orange color and crispy texture.
Gulab Jamun
Gulab Jamun consists of soft, deep-fried milk-based dough balls soaked in fragrant rose-flavored sugar syrup, often served warm and enjoyed during festivals.
Rabri
Rabri is a rich and creamy dessert made by slow-cooking milk until it thickens, flavored with cardamom, and garnished with nuts, commonly enjoyed as a festive treat.
Traditional Savory Dishes
Butter Chicken
Butter Chicken, originating from Delhi, is a creamy tomato-based curry made with marinated grilled chicken, famous worldwide for its rich and buttery flavor.
Chole Bhature
Chole Bhature is a fragrant and spicy chickpea curry served with deep-fried fluffy bread called bhature, a beloved street food and breakfast staple in Delhi.
Kebabs
Delhi is renowned for its kebabs, especially seekh kebabs and galouti kebabs, which are seasoned minced meat grilled to perfection, reflecting Mughal culinary heritage.
Traditional Beverages
Lassi
Lassi is a traditional yogurt-based drink that can be sweet or salty, often flavored with rose water or cardamom, served chilled as a refreshing drink.
Chai
Chai, or masala tea, is a spiced milk tea that is a daily ritual in Delhi, blending black tea with a mix of aromatic spices and sugar.
Nimbu Pani
Nimbu Pani, or Indian lemonade, is a popular summer drink made from lemon juice, water, sugar, and a pinch of salt or spices, known for its refreshing taste.
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Most popular day trips
Jaipur
Known as the Pink City, rich with forts and palaces.
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Comments (10)
Hot and humid most of the year. Winters are best to roam around comfortably. Summers might be a test if you dislike heat.
If you're going to Old Delhi, try to visit early morning for less heat and thinner crowds, plus better photo chances.
Spent three days exploring the city, enough to see main sites but you could dig deeper if you like history and markets.
Delhi's food scene is wild, from street stalls to fancy joints. Tried way too many dishes, still craving more. Plan for 4-5 days here.
Some street food stalls only accept cash, so always carry small notes, cards not widely accepted in cheaper spots.