What are the Must-See Attractions on a Trip to New Delhi?

India’s bustling Delhi, the nation’s capital, is one of the world’s most ancient cities and has one of the largest concentrations of world heritage sites, so there’s plenty to explore. With monuments, parks, and bustling bazaars, it can be hard to narrow down the list of must-see attractions when you’re visiting New Delhi. With a little bit of research and planning, though, you can make sure you don’t miss a single highlight of this vibrant and historic city.

Qutab Minar

Towering above the Gurgaon skyline is the red sandstone and white marble magnificence of the Qutab Minar. Built by acclamation in 1192, this red sandstone monument is one of the oldest in Delhi, and it stands as an ode to ancient cultures and traditions. While the outside of the minaret is eye-catching in its own right, it’s worth going in to explore some of the artwork such as the lotus motives and Hindu carvings.

Red Fort

Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 1600s, the beautiful Red Fort has changed hands from the Mughals to Colonial rule and beyond. Today, it stands as a reminder of India’s tumultuous colonial past. Visitors can admire the intricate craftsmanship on display here, as well as explore the panoramic views from the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience).

Jama Masjid

The largest mosque in India, Jama Masjid is a must-see for anyone visiting Delhi. Built in 1656, this impressive mosque stands right next to Red Fort and is considered to be one of the most important in all of India. Visitors can admire the architecture of the mosque, which was built with red sandstone and white marble. The courtyard can hold up to 25,000 worshippers at once, making it quite an impressive sight to behold.

Humayun’s Tomb

Humayun’s Tomb dates back to 1570 when it was built by Humayun’s widow, Haji Begum. This iconic tomb is a reminder of Mughal architecture and opulence, which is still visible today. Visitors can enjoy a stroll around the stunning garden, marvel at the many tombs within the compound, and soak up some of the history that this iconic monument exudes.

Akshardham

Akshardham is one of New Delhi’s best known temples, offering visitors a delightful experience they’ll never forget. This Hindu temple complex stands out with its striking blend of art and architecture. From its intricately carved halls to its massive sculptures and fountains, visitors won’t want to miss this spectacular site.

India Gate

India Gate is an iconic monument located in the centre of New Delhi that was originally built in honour of Indian soldiers killed in World War I. The monument stands 42 metres high and is surrounded by lush lawns and sprawling gardens. Visiting India Gate is a great way to get a sense of history and patriotism as it stands tall in the bustling capital city.

Raj Ghat

Raj Ghat is an important cultural site in Delhi that serves as a memorial for Mahatma Gandhi who was cremated here following his assassination in 1948. Located on the banks of Yamuna river, Raj Ghat is full of history as evident in its tranquil environs. The marble plinths carved with Gandhi’s famous quotes is particularly striking and make this site a popular tourist attraction.

Chandni Chowk

No trip to Delhi is complete without visiting the bustling and chaotic markets of Chandni Chowk, which has been around since 1650. Chandni Chowk remains one of the best places to explore local culture, bustling bazaars and an array of delicious street food options—which will make it an unforgettable experience for any visitor.

Seeing all these stunning sights will surely make any trip to New Delhi memorable. Keep in mind that if you want to visit any monuments or cultural sites you may need tickets or passses (such as for Akshardham), so it’s worth doing a bit of research ahead of time to make sure you don’t miss anything.

To find more information about New Delhi’s attractions, places to stay or other useful information you can visit the website delhi.gov.in which is Delhi government’s official site providing important information like events happening in New Delhi or public amenities and services available in the city. You can also see all the different tourist spots or events listed on Tourism-of-India, or get informed about how to go around or where to find lovely places to eat while visiting New Delhi on timeout.com/new-delhi.