New Delhi packs 3,000 years of history into one sprawling metropolis. The city has three UNESCO World Heritage sites and layers of architecture from Mughal, British colonial, and modern Indian periods. This guide covers essential attractions with exact locations, opening hours, ticket prices in Indian Rupees, and practical tips.
Essential New Delhi Attractions and Landmarks
Red Fort (Lal Qila)
The Red Fort at Netaji Subhash Marg, Chandni Chowk, is a 17th-century Mughal fortress-palace built by Emperor Shah Jahan. The 103-hectare complex is enclosed by 2.4km of red sandstone walls rising 33 meters. Tickets cost 600 INR ($7.20) for foreigners, 50 INR for Indians. Opening hours: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, closed Mondays. The sound and light show runs evenings at 7:30 PM (Hindi) and 8:30 PM (English), tickets 80 INR extra. Reach via Chandni Chowk metro station (Yellow Line). Plan 2-3 hours. Visit early morning (9:30 AM) to avoid the worst crowds and midday heat. The Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) contains the inscription that inspired the phrase ‘if there is paradise on earth, it is this.’ The nearby Chandni Chowk market is a sensory assault of spice shops, street food, and narrow lanes best explored on foot or by cycle rickshaw (negotiate to 200-300 INR for an hour).
Qutub Minar Complex
The Qutub Minar at Mehrauli, South Delhi, is a 73-meter tapering minaret built starting in 1199 by Qutb-ud-din Aibak. It is the tallest brick minaret in the world with five distinct stories marked by projecting balconies. Tickets cost 600 INR ($7.20) for foreigners, 40 INR for Indians. Opening hours: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The complex also contains the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque (India’s first mosque), the 7-meter Iron Pillar that has resisted rust for 1,600 years, and the Alai Darwaza gateway. Reach via Qutub Minar metro station (Yellow Line), then a 500m walk or auto-rickshaw (50 INR). Plan 2 hours. The best photos are in early morning light. The Mehrauli Archaeological Park adjacent to the complex has dozens of lesser-known tombs and monuments with no entry fee and almost no tourists.
Humayun’s Tomb
Humayun’s Tomb at Mathura Road, Nizamuddin East, is a 16th-century Mughal garden tomb that served as the architectural template for the Taj Mahal. The red sandstone and white marble structure sits in a 30-acre Persian-style charbagh garden divided by water channels. Tickets: 600 INR ($7.20) foreigners, 40 INR Indians. Hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Reach via JLN Stadium metro station (Violet Line) or Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station. Plan 1.5-2 hours. The tomb of Isa Khan nearby within the same complex is an earlier octagonal tomb that is often empty of visitors. Photographers should arrive at opening time for the best light on the eastern facade.
India Gate and Rajpath
India Gate at Rajpath, Central Delhi, is a 42-meter war memorial arch designed by Edwin Lutyens, commemorating 84,000 Indian soldiers who died in World War I. It is free and open 24 hours. The best time to visit is after sunset when it is illuminated. Rajpath, the ceremonial boulevard running from Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Palace) to India Gate, is lined with reflecting pools and government buildings. The National War Memorial adjacent to India Gate opened in 2019 with granite tablets listing 26,000 names. Reach via Central Secretariat metro station (Yellow/Violet Lines). Avoid midday when there is no shade along the 2.3km boulevard.
Lotus Temple (Bahai House of Worship)
The Lotus Temple at Lotus Temple Road, Kalkaji, is a Bahai house of worship shaped like a 40-meter lotus flower with 27 freestanding marble petals. Entry is free. Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (winter), 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (summer). Closed Mondays. Reach via Kalkaji Mandir metro station (Violet/Magenta Lines). The interior is a silent prayer hall with no religious icons, seating 1,300 people. Plan 45-60 minutes. Photography is prohibited inside the prayer hall. The surrounding 10-hectare gardens with nine reflecting pools are open to photographers.
Akshardham Temple
Akshardham Temple at NH 24, Noida Mor, East Delhi, is a massive modern Hindu temple complex opened in 2005. The main monument is 43 meters tall, 96 meters wide, and carved from pink sandstone and white marble with 20,000 deities and mythological figures. Entry to the complex is free. The exhibitions (boat ride through 10,000 years of Indian history, IMAX film, musical fountain) cost 250 INR ($3) combined. Hours: 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM (temple), exhibitions until 8:00 PM. Closed Mondays. Reach via Akshardham metro station (Blue Line). No phones, cameras, bags, or electronics allowed inside; free lockers are provided. Allow 3-4 hours for the full experience. The musical fountain show (Sahaj Anand) at sunset is included in the exhibition ticket.
