A city where the whispers of centuries old history meet the beat of modernity. The experience Delhi has to offer, you can not find in other places. From the magnificent Historical buildings to bustling markets and peaceful temples, Delhi is a mix of culture, architecture, and experiences. Planning a 2 day trip to this city can be overwhelming but you can cover all the major attractions if you plan well. Whether you are a history buff, foodie or someone looking for unique luxury experiences in India, Delhi has everything for you. This guide covers the top 10 Places to Visit in Delhi, with opening hours, metro connectivity and tips so you make the most of your short trip.
So now let’s get started with this detailed guide about places in Delhi that will provide you a complete insight into how to get the best out of this Delhi trip which will also include some of the best places to visit in India for foreign travellers.
Best Way to Explore Delhi
Delhi is a big city and can be intimidating but the good news is that Delhi has options for all kinds of travellers. Delhi Tour Packages offered by various operators have guided tours but if you want to explore on your own terms then public transport and rentals are the way to go.
You need a combination of the city’s extensive metro network and flexible transportation options. Metro is highly recommended for solo travellers or small groups as it connects most tourist places and is fast and budget friendly. For larger groups looking to travel to top 10 Places to Visit in Delhi in comfort and convenience, tempo traveller rent in Delhi is best solution.
Places to Visit in 2 Days Delhi Tour
While two days are not sufficient to explore this vibrant city that is why we have done proper research to curate a list of the top 10 places to visit in Delhi to get the experience of cultural diversity, mouth watering dishes and many more.
Red Fort
One of Delhi’s most famous monuments, the Red Fort is a Mughal marvel. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a symbol of India’s freedom struggle as the national flag was first hoisted here in 1947. What many don’t know is that the fort was originally white, made of limestone but was painted red when the limestone started to wear off. If you want to explore this monument in detail, take a guided tour to discover the fort’s hidden stories. And then head to Paranthe Wali Gali in nearby Chandni Chowk for some good food.
Timing: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Opening Days: Tuesday to Sunday (Closed on Mondays)
Ticket Price: ₹35 for Indians, ₹550 for foreigners
Nearest Metro Station: Chandni Chowk
Tips: Arrive early to avoid long queues. The light and sound show in the evening is a must-watch to understand the historical significance of the monument.
India Gate
A 42 meter high archway in the heart of Delhi, India Gate is not just a war memorial but a national icon. Built to commemorate the soldiers who died in World War I and Afghan Wars, India Gate has the names of over 13,000 soldiers. A lesser known fact is that beneath India Gate lies the Amar Jawan Jyoti, an eternal flame for the soldiers who died after independence. After visiting, take a walk in the lush lawns surrounding India Gate or grab a classic Delhi style ice cream from the many vendors around. You can also visit the newly built National War Memorial nearby which is dedicated to India’s armed forces.
Timing: Open 24 hours
Opening Days: Every day
Ticket Price: Free
Nearest Metro Station: Central Secretariat
Tips: Visit during the evening when the India Gate is illuminated and the atmosphere becomes lively with food vendors, families, and tourists alike.
Lotus Temple
While its architecture is what attracts most visitors, the Lotus Temple is much more than that. A Bahá’í House of Worship, it is open to all faiths, making it a symbol of unity in diversity. It’s one of the most visited places in the world and often gets more footfalls than the Taj Mahal in a year. The lotus shaped structure made of white marble symbolizes purity and peace, two core principles of the Bahá’í faith. Nearby Nehru Place market is a whole different world where tech enthusiasts can shop for gadgets.
Timing: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Opening Days: Tuesday to Sunday
Ticket Price: Free
Nearest Metro Station: Kalkaji Mandir
Tips: Strict silence is maintained within the temple and the best time to visit is during weekdays to avoid crowds.
Akshardham Temple
Although it looks like an ancient structure, Akshardham was built in 2005. Despite being modern, it has centuries of Indian culture and spirituality. The intricate carvings, sculptures and murals have scenes from Indian mythology, so if you are interested in Indian art and history, it is a must visit. It is also the world’s largest Hindu temple complex. Don’t miss the evening water and light show, a visual treat that combines storytelling with technology. You can end your visit with a meal at the food court, which has variety of traditional Indian veg food, perfect for families looking for an affordable dining. It is one of the best places among the list of top 10 places to visit in Delhi.
Timing: 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Opening Days: Tuesday to Sunday
Ticket Price: Free entry, but exhibitions and the water show are ticketed
Nearest Metro Station: Akshardham
Tips: Photography is not allowed inside the complex so be sure to leave your devices in the designated lockers.
Gurudwara Shri Bangla Sahib Ji
Gurudwara Shri Bangla Sahib Ji is one of the most famous Sikh temples in Delhi and is open to all, regardless of religion. Famous for its healing waters, the Gurudwara’s Sarovar is a peaceful place to sit and reflect. The Gurudwara also serves free meals to thousands of people every day through its community kitchen, Langar, where you can participate and even volunteer. A hidden gem inside the Gurudwara complex is the Sikh museum, which gives you a deeper insight into Sikh history and culture. Near Connaught Place, the Gurudwara is a peaceful oasis in the midst of central Delhi.
Timing: Open 24 hours
Opening Days: Every day
Ticket Price: Free
Nearest Metro Station: Rajiv Chowk
Tips: You need to be in a modest attire and while entering the temple you need to cover your head and wash your hands and feet before entering the Gurudwara.
Qutub Minar
At 73 meters tall, Qutub Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world. Built in 1193 by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, this monument has seen the rise and fall of many dynasties. Around the minaret is the larger Qutub complex which has tombs, mosques and the Iron Pillar, a rust-free structure from 4th century. The pillar’s rust resistance is still a mystery to scientists. Many tourists miss the Mehrauli Archaeological Park adjacent to Qutub Minar, a quiet area with scattered Mughal ruins which is a more offbeat experience.
Timing: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Opening Days: Every day
Ticket Price: ₹30 for Indians, ₹500 for foreigners
Nearest Metro Station: Qutub Minar
Tips: Wear comfortable walking shoes as the complex has several monuments and involves a fair bit of walking.
Jama Masjid
India’s largest mosque, Jama Masjid is a beauty of Mughal architecture. Built by Shah Jahan in 1656 it can hold 25,000 people. A unique feature of Jama Masjid is the southern minaret which visitors can climb to get a birds eye view of Old Delhi’s streets. Beneath the mosque are hidden tunnels and chambers which were used as escape routes during war times. After your visit head to Karim’s, a nearby restaurant which has been serving Mughlai food since 1913 and is one of the best in Delhi.
Timing: 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Opening Days: Every day
Ticket Price: Free, but there is a ₹300 charge for photography
Nearest Metro Station: Chawri Bazaar
Tips: Women are required to wear robes provided at the entrance. Be sure to remove your shoes before entering.
Dilli Haat
This open air market has artisans from all over India showcasing handicrafts, jewelry, textiles and more. What sets Dilli Haat apart is the opportunity to taste different regional cuisines under one roof. The market is structured like a traditional village fair and each stall is a temporary home for craftsmen from all over the country, they rotate every 15 days. A visit to Dilli Haat is incomplete without trying momos from the northeastern states or indulging in Rajasthani dal baati churma.
Timing: 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Opening Days: Every day
Ticket Price: ₹30 for Indians, ₹100 for foreigners
Nearest Metro Station: Dilli HaatINA
Tips: Haggle with vendors to get the best deals on handicrafts and souvenirs.
Humayun’s Tomb
Also known as the precursor to the Taj Mahal, Humayun’s Tomb is the first garden tomb in India. The Persian style architecture is an early example of Mughal Empire’s architectural skills. A little known fact is that the tomb complex has the grave of Dara Shikoh, the son of Emperor Shah Jahan whose resting place is much more humble than his father’s grand monument. The gardens are a peaceful oasis in the city, perfect for a stroll. After your visit head to Nizamuddin Dargah nearby where you’ll find street food stalls serving kebabs and other Mughlai delicacies.
Timing: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Opening Days: Every day
Ticket Price: ₹35 for Indians, ₹550 for foreigners
Nearest Metro Station: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (JNL Metro)
Tips: Visit early in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat.
Connaught Place
At the center of New Delhi is Connaught Place (CP), the hub of shopping, dining and entertainment. Built during British era this circular market is a mix of colonial architecture and modern energy. CP has a wide range of dining options from street food to fine dining. One of the hidden gems in the area is Agrasen Ki Baoli, an ancient stepwell just a short walk away, one of the most underrated historical spots in Delhi. If you want to unwind after a long day of sightseeing CP’s many cafes and bars are the perfect place to do so.
Timing: Open 24 hours
Opening Days: Every day
Ticket Price: Free
Nearest Metro Station: Rajiv Chowk
Tips: Visit early for a peaceful shopping experience or in the evening when the area comes alive with nightlife.
If you are travelling to these top 10 places to visit in Delhi with family or friends and planning to visit multiple places in a day then bus rental in Delhi is the best option. Each has its advantages for example, metro helps you avoid traffic, and renting a vehicle lets you customize your journey, make unplanned stops and stay as long as you want at each place.
