Delhi often called as “Dilwalo ki Delhi” welcomes everyone with its rich history, culture, and modern vibes so effortlessly, that you feel right at your home. It’s a city where ancient forts and tombs share space with lively street markets, and peaceful parks offering countless things to do in Delhi making it a truly special place.
Delhi is little wild, a little warm, but is always full of heart. Beside these, there are many other interesting things to do in Delhi as a tourist, too. Whether you are a foodie, a shopaholic, or a history lover, Delhi never runs out of things to offer. From mouthwatering street food to old-world charm and trendy hangout spots, this guide brings you the best things to do in Delhi, that truly will give you a memory.
10 Famous Things in Delhi
Looking for some fun? Here are some best things to do in Delhi that one must try:
1. Explore the Incredible Red Fort
Exploring the Red Fort Delhi is one of the top things to do. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, one of the great leaders from Indian history, shifted his Capital to Delhi from Agra in 1648, after the completion of his beloved wife’s mausoleum, the Taj Mahal. He called his city Shajahanabad and constructed the grand Red Fort and the Jama Masjid in Delhi. The Red Fort was an important site and battlefield against the British in the 1857 First War of Independence (there are still bullet holes you can see). Following the war, the British demolished 2/3 of the buildings on the grounds of the Red Fort, replacing them with Victorian barracks.
2. Visit Lodhi Colony
Lodhi Colony was a bland and blocky outskirt of British-era housing estates. Now, the tall walls are bursting with colour. Murals from over 50 Indian and international artists from Mexico to France, Canada to Singapore and many places in between have embellished the buildings with amazing artworks. It is one of the top things to do in Delhi, and you can also explore the nearby Lodhi Garden in Delhi for a peaceful retreat amid history and greenery.
3. Crawl into the Jhandewalan Hanuman Temple
Not too far from the backpacker hotspot of Paharganj, Jhandewalan Hanuman Temple looms tall over Karol Bagh with its 112ft high statue of Hanuman. To enter, one walks through a demon's mouth and finds an artificial cave housing life-sized sculptures of deities, including one of them gulping down the blood of Kali as it jets out from her severed neck. Visiting this shrine is one of the most adventurous things to do in Delhi.
4. Shop Handcrafted Items Along Baba Khadak Singh Marg
Being the capital comes with advantages. Whether it is food, culture, or arts and crafts, the best of India comes together in Delhi. You can find mementoes from across the country all in one spot along Baba Kharak Singh Marg, stretching from central Connaught Place.
This street is home to half a kilometre of state emporia, filled with treasures representing artisans from each of India's states. A couple of blocks to the east is the government-run Central Cottage Industries Emporium, a multi-story trove of handicrafts from all over India, sold at set prices. There are many local things to explore in Delhi at such shopping places in Delhi that showcase the city’s vibrant art and culture.
5. Meet an Astrologer
Vedic astrology, or Jyotish, is a science that has been practised in India for approximately 3000 years. Although there are many sceptics, astrologers are quite common in Indian life. South Delhi is a great place to see an astrologer.
The best method for choosing your astrologer is to read the reviews online and check their schooling. As a general rule, the better the reputation, the better you might expect to pay. Some starting prices are ₹1000. However, with an English-speaking astrologer, what you can expect to pay is ₹3000-6000 for an hour.
6. Explore Humayun’s Tomb
Exploring Humayun Tomb is one of the top things to do in Delhi. It is one of the Historical places in Delhi and is harmoniously proportional and UNESCO-listed, the tomb of Emperor Humayun was built in 1570, which sought to combine both Mughal architectural style and the traditions of Humayun's Persian wife. This combination was so successful, it provided the model for the Taj Mahal.
7. Visit Akshardham Temple
A trip to this contemporary temple located on the river's eastern side feels much like an amusement park visit. Opened in 2005, its "display" is on a boat ride through 10,000 years of Indian history, a walk-through experience with great figures and a sound and light show. The real marvel is the astonishing temple itself, with pale-red sandstone that has been carved in traditional artisan techniques in elaborate reliefs with 20,000 deities, saints and mythical creatures.
8. Explore Delhi’s Bohemian Village
Rural India meets you in Hauz Khas Village, an artsy enclave of cool cafes, live music venues, tattoo parlours, and offbeat fashion right next to the Hauz Khas ruins in South Delhi. Browse records, catch some live music, or play some music yourself in Gypsy Cafe, a shoes-off, cushions-on-the-floor place for all music-lovers to get together and jam. Probably one of the best things to do in Delhi!
9. Visit the First Mosque Built on Indian Soil at the Qutub Minar
The Qutb Minar, a UNESCO site, was the first structure to be built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak immediately upon conquering Delhi from the Tomar Rajputs in A.D. 1193. The minaret, constructed from the stones of the old fort and temples, firmly signalled the beginning of a new era. The minaret serves as a reminder that Muslims controlled Delhi, and later India, until the British arrived. Also in the complex is the Quwwat-ul-Islam Masjid, the first mosque in India.
10. Find Tranquillity in the Bahai House of Worship
The temple was built with the purpose of unifying faiths, and visitors are invited to pray or meditate silently according to their own beliefs. Inside the temple, you can almost feel the inner calm.
Conclusion
There are many great things to do in Delhi. For example, visiting the Qutub Minar, exploring Old Delhi, visiting the rural metropolitan city, etc. Also, there are certain places where you can find peace and serenity if you’re bored with your mundane routine. There are mosques, shrines, Gurudwaras, and churches where you can find tranquillity. Additionally, the street food in Delhi here is marvellous. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, convince your mates and visit this city with them now!
