Delhi, the capital of India, is a city of contrasts. It's a place where time travel is possible—where you can stand amidst the ruins of a 12th-century fort in the morning and shop in a glitzy modern mall in the evening. As a melting pot of cultures, Delhi offers an overwhelming yet fascinating mix of history, food, and modern life.
Whether you have one day or a week, this Delhi Sightseeing Guide for 2025 covers the top 15 places you absolutely cannot miss. We've categorized them into Heritage, Spiritual, and Modern attractions to help you plan your perfect itinerary.
Historical Marvels: The Heritage Circuit
1. The Red Fort (Lal Qila)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Red Fort is the jewel of Mughal architecture in Delhi. Built by Shah Jahan in 1648, its massive red sandstone walls enclose a complex of palaces and gardens.
- Don't Miss: The Chhatta Chowk bazaar, the Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), and the Light & Sound Show in the evening.
- Timings: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (Closed Mondays).
- Entry Fee: ₹35 (Indians), ₹500 (Foreigners).
2. Qutub Minar Complex
Standing tall at 73 meters, the Qutub Minar is the highest brick minaret in the world. The complex is a treasure trove of historical monuments.
- Highlight: The mysterious Iron Pillar which has not rusted for over 1,600 years.
- Photography Tip: Visit during sunset when the lights turn on, creating a magical atmosphere.
3. Humayun's Tomb
Often called the precursor to the Taj Mahal, this garden tomb is a masterpiece of Persian-inspired Mughal architecture. It was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent.
- Best For: Photography enthusiasts and history buffs. The symmetry of the gardens (Charbagh) is perfect.
4. India Gate
The 42-meter high War Memorial Arch, dedicated to soldiers who died in World War I. The eternal flame, Amar Jawan Jyoti, burns here day and night (now shifted to the adjacent National War Memorial).
- Activity: Enjoy a picnic on the lawns or an ice cream in the evening. The monument is beautifully lit at night.
5. Jantar Mantar
Built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur, this observatory features 13 architectural astronomy instruments. It's a testament to the scientific advancement of 18th-century India.
6. Purana Qila (Old Fort)
One of the oldest forts in Delhi, believed to be the site of the ancient city of Indraprastha. The lake here offers boating facilities.
Spiritual Sojourn: Temples & Mosques
7. Akshardham Temple
A modern architectural marvel, Akshardham is the world's largest comprehensive Hindu temple. Built from pink sandstone and white marble, it features 20,000 carved deities.
- Must See: The Sahaj Anand Water Show in the evening offers a spectacular display of water, music, and lights.
- Note: Mobile phones and cameras are not allowed inside.
8. Lotus Temple
Famous for its flower-like shape, this Bahá'í House of Worship is open to all, regardless of religion. It's a place for silent meditation and reflection.
9. Jama Masjid
India's largest mosque, capable of holding 25,000 devotees. The view of Old Delhi from its minaret is chaotic and beautiful.
- Food Tip: Visit the nearby Karim's or Al-Jawahar for legendary Mughal cuisine.
10. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
One of the most prominent Sikh gurdwaras in Delhi, known for its golden dome and healing water (Sarovar). Don't miss the Langar (community kitchen) which feeds thousands daily for free.
Modern Delhi & Shopping
11. Chandni Chowk
The heart of Old Delhi. It's crowded, noisy, and chaotic—but absolutely essential. Shop for wedding lehengas, spices, and electronics.
12. Connaught Place (CP)
The colonial heart of New Delhi. A huge white circle of Georgian-style buildings filled with restaurants, bars, and brand showrooms. Don't miss the underground Palika Bazaar.
13. Dilli Haat
An open-air food plaza and craft bazaar. It offers a kaleidoscope of colorful Indian crafts and cuisines from different states.
14. National Museum
For history lovers, this is a must-visit. It holds over 200,000 artworks spanning 5,000 years of Indian history.
15. Lodhi Gardens
A favorite spot for Delhiites for morning walks. Dotted with tombs of the Sayyid and Lodi rulers, it's a beautiful blend of history and nature.
How to Plan Your Delhi Tour?
Delhi is huge, and traffic can be unpredictable. Here is a suggested 2-day plan:
Day 1: Heritage & Old Delhi
Red Fort ➔ Jama Masjid ➔ Chandni Chowk (Lunch) ➔ Raj Ghat ➔ Akshardham Temple (Evening).
Day 2: New Delhi & Culture
Qutub Minar ➔ Lotus Temple ➔ Humayun's Tomb ➔ India Gate ➔ Connaught Place/Dilli Haat (Dinner).
Getting Around Delhi
- Metro: The Delhi Metro is world-class, clean, and connects almost every part of the city.
- Private Cab: For a hassle-free experience, especially in summer, hiring a private AC cab for the full day is recommended. Triveni Cabs offers 8 Hours / 80 Km packages starting at just ₹2,500.
- Auto Rickshaws: Good for short distances, but always negotiate the fare or ask for the meter.
Best Time to Visit Delhi
October to March is the best time. The weather is pleasant. December and January can be quite cold (5-7°C). Avoid May-June (extreme heat) and July-August (monsoon) if possible.
🚗 Book Your Delhi Sightseeing Cab
Why struggle with metro crowds? Book a private car with driver for a comfortable tour of Delhi.
- Swift/Dzire (4 Seater): ₹2,500
- Innova Crysta (7 Seater): ₹3,500
- Tempo Traveller (12 Seater): ₹5,500