10 must-see places to visit in New Delhi

This list of the best places to see in New Delhi will help you make sure you don't miss a thing in this chaotic, noisy and must-see city.
India's capital, with its more than 14 million people and high levels of pollution, is the kind of city you hate at first sight but as you get the hang of the traffic, smells and way of life, you're either hooked or thinking of catching the first flight back.
Getting lost in the day and night markets, finding the beautiful Humayun's Tomb, getting to the Mequizta Masjid and the Red Fort, tasting the traditional spicy Indian food or getting on a tuk tuk, are just some of the many things to do in Delhi.

Based on the experience of the time we spent in the city during our 24-day trip to North India, we have compiled this list of what we think are the 10 must-see places in Delhi. Let's get started!

Humayun's Tomb

Humayun's Tomb, a World Heritage Site and the inspiration for the construction of the Taj Mahal, is our favourite place to visit in New Delhi.
This great example of Mughal architecture is considered the first garden tomb and was the chosen eternal resting place of Emperor Humayun. In addition to the tomb of the emperor, in this complex you can find other smaller tombs such as the tomb of the barber and Isa Khan, mosques and other buildings, forming a space that conveys harmony and peace.
Near this tomb is the Lodhi Gardens, one of the few green lungs of the city and with several interesting tombs, which you can also visit.
A good option to learn about the history of this tomb and other places of interest in the city is to book this guided tour in English.
Visiting hours: daily from 7:00 to 17:00.

Humayun's Tomb

2. Red Fort

The Red Fort, named after the colour of the sandstone from which it was built, is another of Delhi's most famous sights.
Built between 1638 and 1648, this complex is impressive for its massive ramparts, over 6 kilometres long with some sections over 30 metres high, and for its two impressive gateways, the Delhi Gate and the Lahore Gate.
The interior of the fort is a little disappointing compared to other Indian forts such as Amber Fort, although it is worth entering to see a copy of Solomon's throne, the imperial flats and several pavilions.
Visiting hours: daily from 9:30am to 4:30pm.

Red Fort

3. Jama Masjid Mosque

Another of the best things to do in Delhi is to enter the Jama Masjid Mosque, one of the largest and most impressive mosques in Asia.
This mosque was built by Emperor Shah Jahan between 1644 and 1656 on a small hill, from where you have a good view of the old part of the city.
Once you pass the entrance control, which is free if you don't have a camera, you'll be impressed by the large courtyard that can hold up to 25,000 people, the two 40-metre-high minarets and the three large entrance gates.
A good way to get a good first taste of the country and the city is to book this guided tour or this free tour of Delhi for free, both with an English-speaking guide, which takes in the most interesting sights of Delhi.
Visiting hours: daily from 7 am to 12 pm and from 1.30 pm to 6.30 pm.

Jama Masjid Mosque

Our recommended hotel in Delhi

We stayed at the Godwin Deluxe Hotel, located a 10-minute walk from the Main Bazaar, an area full of local shops and restaurants for dining. In addition to its location, the hotel offers an airport pick-up service, 24-hour reception, buffet breakfast and one of the best value for money in the city.

4. Gurdwara Bangla Sahib

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the city's main Sikh temple, is another one of the most authentic and impressive places to see in New Delhi.
This marble temple, which features a golden dome and a sacred pool, allows you to get to know and learn more about the customs of the practitioners of the Sikh religion. This religion, which emerged in India in the 1500s during the conflict between Hinduism and Islam, has the ninth largest number of believers in the world.
When you enter the temple, free of charge, you will find a large room where you can sit on the floor and listen to the chanting prayers chanted by various Sikhs and immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere.

Gurdwara Bangla Sahib

5. Main Bazaar, one of the must-see places in New Delhi

Walking down Main Bazaar Street, located in the backpacker neighbourhood of Paharganj, is another of the best things to do in Delhi.
This chaotic street, where crowds of people mix with rickshaws and tuk tuks, shops selling all kinds of goods, street stalls, cheap hostels and terraces for reasonably priced Indian or Western food, is a favourite haunt for travellers touring India or Southeast Asia.
From this larger street, the narrower alleys of this neighbourhood lead off, where you can get to know the authentic essence of the city.
For us this street was the first contact with India as it is close to our hotel and although the contrast with the West is striking, we think it is a good place to start acclimatising yourself to this unique country.

Main Bazaar, one of the places to see in New Delhi

6. Qutab Minar

The Qutab Minar, a World Heritage Site, is the tallest brick minaret in the world and another of the places to see in New Delhi.
This more than 72-metre high tower, which was begun in 1193 and took more than 160 years to complete, was inspired by the Minaret of Jam in Afghanistan.
A great example of Islamic art, the minaret has five differently designed floors with verses from the Qur'an carved into the red sandstone walls.
Besides this tower, in the Qutb complex you can see the Quwwat Mosque and the ruins of the first Islamic city built in Delhi.
Visiting hours: daily from 7 am to 5 pm.

Qutab Minar

7. Lotus Temple

The Lotus Temple, or Bahai House of Worship, is a centre of prayer and meditation and one of the most striking sights to see in Delhi.
This temple impresses from afar with its design in the shape of a half-open white lotus flower with 27 marble petals and an interior with a huge hall devoid of any sculpture or decorative symbols. This austerity is due to the fact that Baha'ism is based on 3 principles: the unity of God, the unity of humanity and the unity of religion, regardless of one's beliefs.
For this reason, access is open to everyone, and all you have to do is take off your shoes and remain in silence to meditate and achieve spiritual peace.
Visiting hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 6pm.

Lotus Temple, one of the places to see in Delhi.

Travel insurance for India

To travel to India, there is nothing better than having a good travel insurance. We always travel insured with Mondowith whom we take an insurance fully adapted to the needs that we are going to have on the trip.
By taking out your insurance with Mondo herejust for being a Viajeros Callejeros reader, you get a 5% discount.

8. Raj Ghat

Remembering the Hindu leader Mahatma Gandhi at the Raj Ghat (Royal Courtyard), the place where he was cremated in January 1948, is one of the best things to do in New Delhi.
This austere mausoleum, consisting of a black marble slab and an eternal flame, reflects the spirit of this historic leader who led non-violent civil disobedience against the British Crown's occupation until India gained independence.
As a curiosity, the mausoleum reads "Hey Ram" (Oh Lord), the last words he uttered before he was assassinated.
Another place to see in New Delhi related to Gandhi is Birla Bhavan, the house where he lived the last 144 days of his life, where you can find the Gandhi Smriti, the exact place where he was assassinated.
A good way to learn about the life of this historical figure is to book this Gandhi tour of Delhi with an English speaking guide.
Visiting hours: daily from 6.30 am to 6 pm.

Raj Ghat

9. Chandni Chowk

Wandering around Chandni Chowk, the oldest and busiest market in the city, is another must-do in Delhi.
Located near the Red Fort, the narrow streets of this market are filled with people and vehicles of all kinds, making it difficult to see the typical shops selling nuts and spices without getting overwhelmed.
If you end up finding the charm of the organised chaos, the intense smells, the traffic jams and the noise of this neighbourhood, you can be sure that you will enjoy a trip to the most authentic India.

Chandni Chowk

10. Connaught Place and Rajpath

Not far from the Main Bazaar is a more westerly area that revolves around Connaught Place, built during the British occupation.
This circular square with beautiful colonial Victorian architecture is one of the major financial and commercial centres to see in New Delhi.
The square consists of an outer circle with shops, restaurants and hotels, a central park and a central circle with offices and more restaurants.
Another less chaotic area to visit in Delhi is the Rajpath, the city's largest avenue with government buildings and the great India Gate, which pays homage to the Indian soldiers who died in World War I.

India Gate