Believe it or not, Delhi is made up of at least eight historical cities, each one constructed on or near the others. It’s perhaps then no surprise that when it comes to things to do in Delhi, the list is long enough to rival the neighbouring Yamuna River (the country’s longest tributary). From visits to historic sites like The Red Fort and Humayun's Tomb to souvenir shopping in markets like Rajiv Chowk and Chandni Chowk, read on for a small snapshot of things to do in Delhi…
- Take a Tour of The Red Fort
- Browse Chandni Chowk Market
- Visit Humayun's Tomb
- Go Souvenir Shopping in Rajiv Chowk
- See The Qutb Minar Monument
- See The Exhibitions at Swaminarayan Akshardham
Take a Tour of The Red Fort
The Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Old Delhi, deserves one of the top spots on any list of things to do in Delhi. With its with looming red sandstone walls that reach up to 75ft, The Red Fort is a major tourist hot spot (and for good reason). Also known as Lal Qila, the Fort served as the main residence of the Mughal Emperors, and construction began on the 13th of May 1638, during the sacred Islamic month of Muharram, and wouldn’t finish until a whole ten years later. On a guided tour with an expert local guide, see the fort’s geometrical gardens, indoor canals and baths, and ornate mosque. The site is often bustling with visitors, and its proximity to Chandi Chowk makes for a perfect day drip from Delhi.
Browse Chandni Chowk Market
Located near the Old Delhi Railway Station, Chandni Chowk is one of the oldest and busiest markets in India. The bustling bazaar was constructed in the 17th century by Shah Jahan, the Mughal Emperor of the period and is also known as Moonlight Square, for the way the buildings used to reflect off the pool in the centre of the complex. With countless culinary stands, this is the ultimate stop off for lovers of food, delicacies and sweet treats, though the fun doesn’t stop at tasty treats. The narrow lanes are also home to book shops, electronic shops and every other conceivable kind of vendor, including clothing stores offering more than 1,000 different saree designs.
Visit Humayun's Tomb
Located in eastern Delhi, Humayun’s tomb was built in the 1560s, and was the first garden-tomb built in India. The mausoleum sits atop the sprawling gardens on a high terraced platform and was built with red sandstone. Commissioned by Empress Bega Begum, the wife and consort of the late Mughal Emperor, the structure took seven years to build, and stands as a popular spot for visitors to Delhi. This historic tomb is the perfect location for a stroll as you take in the beauty of the lush gardens, sparkling water channels and tall columns.
Go Souvenir Shopping in Rajiv Chowk
A commercial centre of New Delhi, this circular and sprawling market was originally named after Prince Arthur, though is now officially known as Rajiv Chowk. For visitors in search of the perfect souvenir to take back home, a shopping trip to Rajiv Chowk is one of the best things to do in Delhi. Built in 1929, the establishment was and is known as the hub of entertainment in Delhi, and houses one of India’s first underground markets, the Palika Bazaar. While you’re here, don’t miss a visit to the central park, a popular venue for cultural events such as the Urdu Heritage Festival and many others.
See The Qutb Minar Monument
Lying at the centre of Delhi’s oldest fortified city, Lal Kot, the Qutb Minar monument is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. Built between 1199 and 1220 in southern Delhi, the UNESCO-listed ‘Victory Tower’ is a one of the most famous landmarks in India and the world’s tallest brick tower. Made of red sandstone and marble, the monument is adorned with intricate carvings and calligraphy, harking back to its original purpose: to celebrate the Muslim conquest of India. Qutb Minar is undoubtedly one of the very best, and most impactful, things to do in Delhi.
See The Exhibitions at Swaminarayan Akshardham
Located close to the border with Noida, the Swaminarayan Akshardham is a Hindu temple which opened in 2005 and is a popular spot for those wishing to learn more about the history and modern practises of Swaminarayan Hinduism. The temple showcases a millennium of Hindu culture and architecture, with various different exhibits, but the primary focus is the main shrine, which is located in the centre of the complex. Other attractions include the Sahajanand Darshan, or ‘Hall of Values’, which features lifelike robotics displaying events from Swaminarayan’s life and his devotion to God, and the Sanskruti Vihar, a 12-minute boat ride, which takes you on a journey through 10,000 years of history complete with life-sized figures and robotics.