Best Things To Do in New Delhi

The federal capital of India, New Delhi, is a place with as many tourist destinations as there are types of tourists. There, you will find a great religious, historical, cultural and human legacy, which will take your breath away. You will see amazing monuments, many of them world renowned, natural spaces, open air galleries and much more.

During your stay, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of activities in the city. You can take a walk or tuk tuk ride to explore the city, as well as visit the majestic Taj Mahal, considered mankind's greatest love poem. You also have the option of strolling through the Lodhi district, known as the art district; go to the Mangal Mahadeva Birla Kanan temple to honour the god of destruction, Shiva; among other of the best things to do in New Delhi.

1. Take a walk around New Delhi and identify its highlights

A stroll through the streets of New Delhi is one of the must-do activities during your stay. You will be able to take a look around the city, identifying its main areas of historical, cultural and religious interest as you go .

Some of the main destinations you will see during this tour include the following:

The India Gate; this is a monumental 42-metre high structure, erected to commemorate the fallen soldiers of the First World War.
The Red Fort, which owes its name to the colour of the sandstone with which it was built during the 17th century by the Mughal Empire.
Humayun's Tomb, representative of Mughal architecture. This complex of buildings houses the tomb of Emperor Humayun, some mosques and other structures.
The Qutb Minar, with a height of about 72.5 metres, this tower of Islamic architectural style is one of the tallest in the world.

The city has many highlights that you will have the possibility to discover at your own pace without any inconvenience. You can also take a private tour of New Delhi and enjoy the company of an expert, who will tell you the history of each destination and take you straight to them, saving you time and money.

Book a private tour of New Delhi

2. Hop on a tuk tuk and get around Delhi in a different way

If you want to live a unique experience, you should get on the most popular means of transport in the city: the tuk tuk. You will move around the city in a comfortable and safe way, reaching the most emblematic places in New Delhi in less time. You will also get a unique perspective of the streets.

You can take a tuk tuk from any street in the city and go from one attraction to another at your leisure, thus marking your own route. For example, some popular destinations are:

The Gurudwara Bangla Sahib; this is a Sikh place of worship with a striking golden dome and a monumental structure in the Sikh architectural style.
The Red Fort, or former Mughal fortress, which has been converted into a museum complex and, due to its location, is often the meeting point for some of the best day trips from New Delhi.
The Presidential Palace or Rashtrapati Bhawan. The current residence of the President of India, it is noted for its neoclassical architecture and beautiful Mughal gardens.
The Lotus Temple, which is a multi-award winning architectural structure where the Baha'i faith is worshipped.

You can also connect with a tuk tuk tour of Delhi, with pick-up from your hotel. You will explore the city for approximately eight hours in the company of a driver-guide, who will take you directly to each site of interest.

<div class="post-button"" markdown="1"><a href="link|text=Book a tuk tuk tuk tour of Delhi|element=pa-3874">Book a tuk tuk tour of Delhi</a></div><h2 data-number="3. ">Be amazed by the architecture and romantic character of the Taj Mahal</h2> <figure><figcaption href="image|size=medium|url=https://res.cloudinary.com/hello-tickets/image/upload/v1696802779/post_images/new-delhi-203/Tak-mahal-tours/5715922844_1a181d35e2_o_Cropped.jpg|caption=Taj Mahal up close | ©Christopher John SSF">Taj Mahal up close</figcaption></figure>Visiting the <a href="link|text=Taj Mahal from New Delhi|element=sc-203-4769">Taj Mahal from New Delhi</a> is an experience not to be missed during your stay in the city. It is the most famous funerary monument in the world, which will amaze you with its <a href="link|text=romantic history|url=https://www.mundoprimaria.com/arte-primaria/cual-es-la-hermosa-leyenda-de-amor-del-taj-mahal">romantic history</a> and combination of Indian, Islamic, Turkish and Persian architecture</a>.During the visit, you will walk through the principal corners of this mausoleum built in white marble and decorated with inlaid precious stones. For example: <ul> <li>The south garden, which surrounds the main façade of the monument and whose design is inspired by the Muslim paradise.</li> <li>The main glass dome inside the monument. There, you should probably queue for some photographs.</li> <li>The tomb area, where the tomb of the Muslim emperor <a href="link|text=Shah Jahan|url=https://www.maravillas-del-mundo.com/Taj-Mahal/Shah-Jahan.php">Shah Jahan</a> is located next to that of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.</li> </ul>Because the monument is easily accessible by car or train, you can go on your own at any time of the day, during its opening hours, between 6:00 am and 6:30 pm. In addition, you have the option of connecting with a wide range of tours and excursions such as a guided tour of the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, which allows you to visit two 17th-century monuments in one activity. <div class="post-button" markdown="1"><a href="link|text=Book a tour of the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort|element=pa-3868">Book a visit to the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort</a></div><h2 data-number="4. ">Go to the Sanjay neighbourhood in Delhi and get to know the entrepreneurial spirit of the locals</h2> <figure><figcaption href="image|size=medium|url=https://res.cloudinary.com/hello-tickets/image/upload/v1696803705/post_images/new-delhi-203/see-and-do/vfvfdvf_Cropped.png|caption=New Delhi slum | ©Manfred Sommer">New Delhi slum</figcaption></figure>If you want to see the more human side of New Delhi, you must go to the Sanjay slum.This is a residential area with narrow streets and an entrepreneurial spirit. You can walk around the slum, while immersing yourself in the local culture and way of life.This small neighbourhood is surrounded by the industrial area of the city, close to the <a href="link|text=ISKCON Hare Krishna Temple|url=https://www.iskcondelhi.com/">ISKCON Hare Krishna Temple</a>. Head there at any time of day and wander through the labyrinthine streets lined with brick houses, dotted with small businesses in electronics, automotive and garment manufacturing.On any drive through Delhi's Sanjay Colony, you'll be surprised to see mountains of textile sacks and women sorting through them to sell to factories. You'll interact with the sympathetic children playing in the streets and have the opportunity to visit places such as a small Hindu temple and a school.<div class="post-button" markdown="1"><a href="link|text=Book a tour of Sanjay Colony in Delhi|element=pa-3872">Book a tour of Sanjay Colony in Delhi</a></div><h2 data-number="5. ">Explore some of the city's cultural heritage in Old Delhi</h2> <figure><figcaption href="image|size=medium|url=https://res.cloudinary.com/hello-tickets/image/upload/v1696803769/post_images/new-delhi-203/ver-y-hacer/2840057007_7c7c4cccc8_o_Cropped.jpg|caption=Jama Masjid | ©nborun">Jama Masjid</figcaption></figure></figure>Another must-see destination is the Old Delhi district, where you'll find several places of cultural, religious and architectural interest. You'll get a close-up look at the rich heritage of this place, immersing yourself in its bustling streets as if you were a local.Throughout the tour, you can stop at places that catch your eye to explore them in depth, including the following: <ul> <li><li>The Kinari Bazaar, a well-known wholesale market specialising in traditional handicrafts, tapestries and textiles of all kinds.</li> <li><a href="link|text=The Jama Masjid|url=https://youtu.be/4MqCZ9UKbEM">The Jama Masjid</a>, with a Mughal style of architecture, is considered one of the largest mosques in India with a capacity of 25,000 people.</li> <li>The Jain Shwetambar Temple; this is a place of worship frequented by followers of the Jain religion.</li> <li><a href="link|text=The Fatehpuri Masjid|url=http://www.masjidfatehpuri.in/">The Fatehpuri Masjid</a>, built in the 17th century by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.</li> <li>The Chandni Chowk market and one of the oldest, with stalls selling dried fruits, traditional sweets, spices, essential oils, silver jewellery and more.</li> </ul>And, if you want to enhance the experience, you have the opportunity to join some of the organised activities such as the old Delhi heritage tours with a rickshaw ride, also known as a tuk tuk. Not only will you have a guide but you will explore old Delhi in a traditional transport.<div class="post-button" markdown="1"><a href="link|text=Book a heritage tour of Old Delhi with rickshaw ride|element=element=pa-3871">Book a heritage tour of Old Delhi with rickshaw ride</a></div><h2 data-number="6. ">Visit the Lotus Temple and marvel at its monumental structure</h2> <figure><figcaption href="image|size=medium|url=https://res.cloudinary.com/hello-tickets/image/upload/v1696803842/post_images/new-delhi-203/ver-y-hacer/12614655_5f9dbe7f03_o_Cropped.jpg|caption=Lotus Temple | ©Jools Asher">Lotus Temple</figcaption></figure></figure>The Baha'i House of Worship, better known as the <a href="link|text=Lotus Temple|url=https://bahaihouseofworship.in/">Lotus Temple</a>, is a universal religious compound with great symbolism for locals. You will be amazed by this monumental expressionist structure, surrounded by gardens and swimming pools.As you arrive at the Lotus Temple, built in 1986 by the Iranian architect <a href="link|text=Fariborz Sahba|url=https://www.instagram.com/fariborzsahba/">Fariborz Sahba</a>, you cannot fail to admire the shape of the structure, which recreates a flower with 27 petals grouped in threes. All of them are covered in marble. This is a stop where you will undoubtedly be able to take amazing photographs.You will also find a total of nine doors, which correspond to the sides of the building and which lead to the interior. This central hall has a capacity for up to 2,500 people and is approximately 40 metres high. There, you will feel an atmosphere of tranquillity and spirituality.<h3 data-number="">Information of interest</h3><ul> <li>Price: Admission is free.</li><li>Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 8.30am to 6pm. Usually closed on Mondays.</li> </ul><h2 data-number="7.">Enjoy a tranquil atmosphere at Mangal Mahadeva Birla Kanan Temple</h2> <figure><figcaption href="image|size=medium|url=https://res.cloudinary.com/hello-tickets/image/upload/v1696803947/post_images/new-delhi-203/ver-y-hacer/50021389938_2ab6e4026d_o_Cropped.jpg|caption=Mangal Mahadeva Birla Kanan | ©lameato feliz">Mangal Mahadeva Birla Kanan</figcaption></figure>Your New Delhi itinerary will not be complete without a visit to the <a href="link|text=temple Mangal Mahadeva Birla Kanan|url=https://www.youtube.com/shorts/QkAg-sAqiNY?feature=share">temple Mangal Mahadeva Birla Kanan</a>. This is an open-air place dedicated to the god of destruction, Lord Shiva. You will see a series of silver and bronze statues up to 16 metres high, both of Shiva and other deities.As you arrive at the temple you will see: <ul> <li><li>The imposing statue of Shiva in the centre of the garden. The god stands holding his trident and a drum that resembles an hourglass.</li> <li>Two tall statues of the god Rama, who is attributed with right conduct and, next to him, his wife Sita, known to be the incarnation of Lakshmi.</li> <li>Statues of a couple considered the perfection of love: Krishna (incarnation of the god Vishnu) and by his side his consort, Radha.</li> <li><li>Three statues accompanying Shiva. These are the goddess Parvati, who represents the feminine principle and is the wife of Shiva; Ganesha, who is the son of the gods Shiva and Parvati; the Hindu god of war, Kartikeya.</li> </ul>This Hindu temple is located in a square in Rangpuri, on the avenue leading to <a href="link|text=New Delhi Airport|url=https://www.newdelhiairport.in/">New Delhi Airport</a>. You'll be able to access it easily, get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and get closer to local beliefs. You will also take amazing photographs especially at night, after the lighting of the lights.<h3 data-number="">Information of interest</h3><ul> <li>Price: entry is free of charge.</li> <li>Hours: daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.</li> </ul><h2 data-number="8.">Watch animal species from around the world at the National Zoo in New Delhi</h2> <figure><figcaption href="image|size=medium|url=https://res.cloudinary.com/hello-tickets/image/upload/v1696804023/post_images/new-delhi-203/see-and-do/27425259746_1edd931232_o_Cropped.jpg|caption=Animal at the National Zoological Park, New Delhi | ©Public.Resource.Org">Animal of the National Zoological Park of New Delhi</figcaption></figure>Visiting the <a href="link|text=National Zoological Park|url=https://nzpnewdelhi.gov.in/?ln=en">National Zoological Park</a> is another must-see and do in New Delhi. You will have the opportunity to see approximately 130 species of animals: mammals, reptiles and birds. All of them, grouped in separate enclosures, which resemble their natural habitats. The zoo is located in a 16th century citadel in the vicinity of the <a href="link|text=anciguo fuerte Purana Quila|url=https://www.delhitourism.gov.in/delhitourism/tourist_place/purana_quila.jsp">anciguo fuerte Purana Quila</a>. It is an area of some 176 acres, which you can walk around on foot or, if you prefer, hire a battery-powered car from the park's facilities, to get around more comfortably.During the walk through the zoo you will observe the behaviour of endangered species at close quarters. Such is the case with the legendary white tigers, towering elephants, lion-tailed macaques, jaguars, rhinos and more. Also, during the winter season, you will see migratory birds, among others.<h3 data-number="">Information of interest</h3><ul> <li>Price: General admission costs approximately €1 per person. However, there are several types of tickets available which you can <a href="link|text=consult previously|url=https://nzpnewdelhi.gov.in/en/page/timing_and_tariff">consult previously</a>.</li> <li>Hours: every day from 6:00 to 22:00 hours.</li> </ul><h2 data-number="9.">Go to the open-air gallery in New Delhi's Lodhi district</h2> <figure><figcaption href="image|size=medium|url=https://res.cloudinary.com/hello-tickets/image/upload/v1696866663/post_images/new-delhi-203/see-and-do/newdelhi_Cropped_1.png|caption=Lodhi | ©David Minty">Lodhi</figcaption></figure>The Lodhi neighbourhood in New Delhi is a place with a vibrant atmosphere, which will surprise you from the very first moment. There, you'll see an impressive display of street art on the walls. Head to this open-air gallery created by local artists and the <a href="link|text=St+art India Foundation|url=https://www.instagram.com/startindia/">St+art India Foundation</a>.During your tour of Lodhi, you'll see a series of colourful murals with impeccable techniques, which tell you about the local history and culture through images. You'll be amazed by the talent and ingenuity of street artists such as <a href="link|text=Blaise Joseph|url=https://www.instagram.com/blaisejoseph76/?hl=es-la">Blaise Joseph</a>, <a href="link|text=Yok and Sheryo|url=https://www.instagram.com/_sheryo/?hl=en-la">Yok and Sheryo</a>, among others.Some of the works you will see are the sardarji sitting reading the newspaper next to a pile of books and accompanied by a woman. Also, illustrations of old matchboxes, a traditional flute seller standing playing the instrument, a cow quietly looking at its surroundings, among many more.<h3 data-number="">Information of interest</h3><ul> <li>Price: Access to the Lodhi Quarter Street Art Gallery is free.</li> <li>Hours: You can walk around the Lodhi Quarter 24 hours a day, every day.</li> </ul><h2 data-number="10. ">Meet the historic India Gate in central New Delhi</h2> <figure><figcaption href="image|size=medium|url=https://res.cloudinary.com/hello-tickets/image/upload/v1696804111/post_images/new-delhi-203/ver-y-hacer/9713630068_41c6508157_o_Cropped.jpg|caption=India Gate | ©Arian Zwegers">India Gate</figcaption></figure></figure>The <a href="link|text=India Gate|url=https://www.delhitourism.gov.in/delhitourism/tourist_place/india_gate.jsp">India Gate</a>, is a national monument in central New Delhi, visited daily by locals and tourists alike. There, you'll see a structure of great historical significance, honouring soldiers who died in the Afghan War and World War I. The 42-metre-high arch was designed by British architect <a href="link|text=Edwin Lutyens|url=https://www.mcnbiografias.com/app-bio/do/show?key=lutyens-sir-edwin-landseer">Edwin Lutyens</a>. Enjoy its exquisite neo-colonial style, read the inscriptions with the names of the war dead and contemplate every ornate detail.You can take amazing photos of this national monument, especially after sunset, when the lights are turned on and projected onto the structure. India Gate is a very popular destination, usually incorporated into the itinerary of <a href="link|text=guided city tours of New Delhi|element=sc-203-1712">guided city tours of New Delhi</a>..

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The guide took us to a local jewellery workshop where we learned about Indian craftsmanship and saw the artisans in action.

It was exciting to see the historic buildings such as the Red Fort and the India Gate. It made me feel like I was travelling back in time.

The visit to a Sikh temple was very interesting. We learned about Sikh religion and culture and how they influence the daily life of people in Delhi.

I loved the walk through the local market. It was a lively and colourful atmosphere with lots of interesting things for sale.

The food at a local restaurant was delicious. We tried some typical Indian dishes that we had never tasted before.

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1. Take a walk around New Delhi and identify its highlights

2. Hop on a tuk tuk and get around Delhi in a different way

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