Delhi is a city rich in culture and history, where ancient buildings and modern life coexist with each other in perfect harmony. Its roads narrate the tale of imposing buildings which talk about emperors, battles, and paintings, all speaking of the rich heritage of the city. This article is an easy-to-use guide to 30 top historical places in Delhi, each of which has its own charm and story.
In this guide, you will discover who constructed Forts and palaces in Delhi, why its architecture is unique, and the principal attractions that render these landmarks so significant. We also provide useful information such as timings, cost of entry, the optimum time to visit, and the closest metro station to facilitate your visit. As a local or a traveler, this article will guide you through the eternal legacy of Delhi i.e, delhi tourist attractions.
Red Fort (Lal Qila)
The fort has splendid red sandstone walls, which were constructed starting 1639 under Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, and it is a marvel of Mughal and Persian architecture blended together. A few very charming monuments within the fort are Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Moti Masjid, and Rang Mahal, and symbolically it has also become part of the Independence Day celebrations. It is also, by the way, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Fort is open through the entire week between 9.30 AM and 4.30 PM, and the ticket price is approximately Rs. 35 for Indians and approximately Rs. 500 for international tourists; the best time to visit is between October and March since the weather is so nice and cool, while the closest metro station to access the Fort is Chandni Chowk on the Yellow Line.
Qutub Minar
The Victory Tower or Qutb Minar was built in the year 1193 and completed by Iltutmish. Red sandstone and marble were employed to construct it. It showcases the very best in Indo-Islamic architectural style. The marvelous interior and grand exterior are complemented with elements such as the Iron Pillar, Alai Darwaza, and Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque.
Timing, Entry Fee and nearest Metro
The monument remains the tallest brick minaret in the world to this day. It is accessible to tourists between 7 am and 5.30 pm upon paying an entrance charge of about Rs 40 for Indians and about Rs 600 for tourists. October to March is the best season to visit; the nearest distance is from Qutub Minar Metro Station on the Yellow Line.
Tomb of Humayun
Built at the behest of Empress Bega Begum between 1570 and 1572, the tomb of Humayun is the finest example of Indo-Persian and Mughal architecture with its magnificent layout of gardens, Charbagh, and elegant calligraphy in Persian. The dominating building houses the tombs of Humayun and Isa Khan. Typically recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is credited to have influenced the very builder of the Taj Mahal.
Timing, Entry Fee and nearest Metro
The monument is usually open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM; charges include approximately Rs. 40 for Indian tourists and approximately Rs. 600 for international tourists; the best time to visit is October to March, and the nearest metro station is JLN Stadium on Violet Line.
India Gate
Commissioned in 1931 by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the British architect, India Gate is a massive triumphal architecture constructed with sandstone commemorating Indian losses during World War I; through memorials like Amar Jawan Jyoti and National War Memorial.
Timing, Entry Fee and nearest Metro
Open round-the-clock at no entry fee, the monument is the best to visit during the colder seasons of October to March. This national monument can be accessed through the Central Secretariat Metro Station of Yellow/Violet Lines.
Jama Masjid
The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned Jama Masjid, India’s second-largest mosque, in 1656, famous for its massive Mughal architecture built of red sandstone and white marble. Its huge courtyard, massive minarets, and large domes bestow respectability upon it as a consecrated religious and historical landmark.
Timing, Entry Fee and nearest Metro
The mosque is visited in the morning and late afternoon hours—with timings normally being maintained apart by prayer sessions. Although little or no entry fee is collected, visiting between October to March months of favorable weather is most convenient; the nearest metro station is Jama Masjid on Violet Line.
Lotus Temple
Lotus Temple was constructed in 1986 by the Bahá’í community and is famous for its unique form made of 27 pure white marble petals in a flower-shaped formation unfolding around a welcoming prayer sanctuary. The peaceful pond and garden surrounding the temple portrays secular distraction and bear testament to the reconciliation through all of the religious belief systems, surpassing all of humankind.
Timing, Entry Fee and nearest Metro
Open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM with free entry, the ideal time to visit between October and March is nice weather, and the nearest metro is Kalkaji Mandir on the Violet Line.
Akshardham Temple
Mainly built in 2005 by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, Akshardham Temple is an example of the glorious temples of India, beautifully carved. Scattered out in the temple complex is the art of intricately carved temples, Yagna purush Kund which sets light from the sun reflecting in its water, and cultural exhibitions excitingly loaded with interactive attractions. It embodies artistic expression, a confluence of heritage and spirituality, and attracts flock of visitors quite regularly.
Timing, Entry Fee and nearest Metro
It’s usually open from 9:30 AM to 6 PM, entry is free to the temple (but entry to a few exhibitions is paid). Better visited between October to March, and the closest to access is Akshardham Metro Station on the Blue Line.
Purana Qila
Constructed in the 16th century by Sher Shah Suri, Purana Qila or Old Fort is an ancient fort with defense walls and features of classical Mughal architecture with historic structures like the Qila-i-Kuhna Mosque and Sher Mandal. The site is said to be connected to the mythological historic city of Indraprastha, thereby concretely extending the history of Delhi.
The fort is open for visitors from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, costing roughly Rs. 35 for Indian visitors and about Rs. 500 for foreign nationals; the winter months of October to March are the best time for a visit; and the nearest metro station is Delhi Gate on the Violet Line.
Rashtrapati Bhavan
A magnificent specimen of Indo-British architecture, Rashtrapati Bhavan was established in 1931 according to the design by British architect Edwin Lutyens. It has colossal buildings comprising Mughal Gardens, Durbar Hall, and Presidential Palace. While the accompanying premises of Rashtrapati Bhavan serve as the official residential area of India’s President, the gardens are made accessible to the general public on rare occasions.
Usually visited on Sunday mornings in spring, in exchange for an entrance fee of approximately Rs. 50 for Indian nationals and Rs. 200 for foreigners. Ideally, the best time lies during the garden season or in October through March; the nearest metro station is the Central Secretariat on Yellow/Violet Lines.
Jantar Mantar
Built in 1724 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, Jantar Mantar is an amazing observatory having a collection of gigantic astronomical instruments, Samrat Yantra, Ram Yantra, and Misra Yantra, all housed in strong masonry buildings. This monument is a sign of scientific progress of this age.
It can be visited perhaps from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM during which the gates are opened, and the entry fees are around Rs. 40 for Indians and Rs. 600 for foreigners. The best time to visit and explore its open ground is from October to March when it’s not that hot, and the nearest metro is Chandni Chowk on the yellow line.
Safdarjung Tomb
Safdarjung Tomb is an elegant piece of Mughal tomb creation that lies within the Charbagh plan enjoying its complete, beautiful harmony between marble and sandstone relived by extravagantly ornate carvings. It was built in 1754 by Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula. Declared the last grand Mughal garden tomb, it stands as a peaceful effort of its time.
The site is generally open from around 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM with an entry fee of about Rs. 40 for Indians and Rs. 600 for foreigners. It is best enjoyed during the lovely months of October to March, and the nearest metro station is Jor Bagh on the Yellow Line.
Hauz Khas Village and Fort
Hauz Khas Village and Fort date from as early as the 13th century, when Alauddin Khilji built it; these medieval Islamic defenses include a madarsa, a water tank, and a deer park, which today coexist with bohemian-type art and night parties.
It generally opens between 10.00 to 18.00 hours, with a nominal entry of about Rs. 25 for Indians, worth a little more for foreign visitors, making it the best time to visit during the cool months from October to March, and the nearest metro station is Hauz Khas on the yellow line.
Mehrauli Archaeological Park
The Mehrauli Archaeological Park is vast indeed, covering more than a hundred Delhi monuments, some of which include the Jamali Kamali Mosque, Rajon Ki Baoli, and Balaban’s Tomb; thus, one can gain a true experience of the digging history behind Delhi.
The fort is open for the public from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, costing about Rs. 40 for Indian visitors and about Rs. 600 for foreign tourists. It is advisable to visit this place in winter from October to March; tourists can access it from the Qutub Minar Metro Station on the yellow line.
Tughlaqabad Fort
Tughlaqabad Fort was built by Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq in 1321. It is quite famous for the massive defensive walls and strong stone buildings encompassing the utmost beauty of palace buildings and mysterious subterranean tunnels.
This grandeur fort, which stands testimony to the military prowess of that day, is normally open for visits from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and an entry fee of about Rs. 40 for Indians and Rs. 500 for foreign visitors is charged. The best season to explore its vast expanse is considered to be the cold months, October to March, and although not adjacent to a metro station, tourists usually use Saket Metro Station on the Yellow Line as an approximate drop-off point and take a quick taxi ride to reach this historical beauty.
Agrasen Ki Baoli
Agrasen Ki Baoli, so-called after mythical Agrasen and constructed in the 14th century, is an ancient stepwell infamous for its 108 steps along with its eerie, atmospheric beauty that has inspired many local myths.
This building is usually open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with no or a minimal fee for visiting, and the best time to go is between the winter months of October to March; it is well connected by Rajiv Chowk Metro Station on Blue and Yellow Lines.
Feroz Shah Kotla Fort
Feroz Shah Kotla Fort, built by Feroz Shah Tughlaq in 1354, is an ancient structure of an Ashokan Pillar, a baoli of immense depth, and a simple mosque, among others, and all of which contribute to the eerie atmosphere with the help of local superstitions regarding supernatural experiences.
Open from roughly 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, the entrance fee is roughly Rs. 40 for Indian visitors and Rs. 600 for foreigners, so October to March is ideal for visiting its ancient ruins; the nearest metro station is Feroz Shah Kotla on the Violet Line.
Nizamuddin Dargah
Nizamuddin Dargah is a spiritual haven for the great Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. It gives an open space to Indo-Islamic architecture and the ever-certain culture vibrancy with its well-known qawwali nights at the mausoleum of Amir Khusrau.
It is open from dawn, say around 5:00 AM, until approximately 10:00 PM—with qawwali performances in the evenings starting at around 8:00 PM— and has no entry charge. The best time to experience the spiritual environment here is the pleasant months from October to March; the nearest metro is New Delhi Metro Station on the Yellow Line with a quick rickshaw afterward.
Zafar Mahal
Constructed by Bahadur Shah Zafar II, Zafar Mahal is an excellent memory of Mughal dynasty well symbolized by the palace remains, which in its times served as the summer palace of the last of the Mughal emperors.
The monument is open to visit between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM while an entry rate of approximately Rs.40 for Indians and Rs.600 for foreign nationals is applicable. The period from October to March is the most pleasant to see the monument; tourists can easily access the location through Chandni Chowk Metro Station along the Yellow Line.
Siri Fort
Built in the 14th century by Alauddin Khilji, Siri Fort is a witness to the medieval engineering of Indian forts, with strong fortifications constructed to resist Mongol invasions.
The place is usually open between around 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM and charges an entry fee of the order of Rs. 40 for Indian visitors and Rs. 600 for foreign tourists. October to March would be the ideal time to go; the nearest metro station to take is Saket on the Yellow Line and then a short drive has to be undertaken.
Khan-i-Khana’s Tomb
Dedicated to the memory of Rahim, a famous poet and cabinet minister at the court of Akbar, the Khan-i-Khana’s Tomb is a fair representation of mausoleum architecture in Mughal fashion that contains hidden Persian inscriptions and refined finishes.
Tourists can enjoy its peaceful beauty between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM at a ticket of around Rs. 40 for Indians and around Rs. 600 for foreign tourists, and the best time to go is October to March when the weather is nice; the closest metro station is Jama Masjid on the Violet Line.
Bijay Mandal
Bijay Mandal, dated to the time of Muhammad bin Tughlaq, is thought to form part of a great palace complex that reflects the innovative yet genius architectures of that time.
The complex is usually open between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM with a nominal entry fee of about Rs. 40 for Indian tourists and about Rs. 600 for foreign tourists. The cooler period between October and March has good weather for a trip to its ruins; the nearest metro station is Chandni Chowk on the Yellow Line.
Chor Minar
Chor Minar, constructed during the reign of Alauddin Khilji, is a reminder of the brutal judicial practices of medieval times, historically used to display the severed heads of criminals.
Typically operating between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM for a ticket of around Rs. 40 for Indians and Rs. 600 for visitors, the venue is best frequented during the winter season in October to March; it can be accessed via Chandni Chowk Metro Station of the Yellow Line.
Qudsia Bagh
Qudsia Bagh, established by Qudsia Begum, is a Mughal garden featuring beautiful palace ruins and a small mosque that reflect the elegance of the past.
Open from about 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM for a small fee of around Rs. 40 for Indians, the garden is ideal to be visited during the comfortable season between October and March; the place can be reached by Jama Masjid Metro Station on the Violet Line.
Lal Gumbad
Lal Gumbad, constructed as a memorial of Shaikh Kabir-ud-din Auliya, is a simple monument boosting of indigenous folklore. There is a tale of stolen ornaments that adds a touch of mystery to its simple design.
It is usually open between 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM for a minimal entrance fee of approximately Rs. 40 for Indian tourists, and the best time to visit is the pleasant period from October to March; the closest metro stop is Chandni Chowk on the Yellow Line.
Mutiny Memorial
Built by the British in 1863, the Mutiny Memorial is a solemn tribute to the soldiers of the 1857 Revolt. Its simple design prompts quiet reflection on a challenging period in colonial history.
Open 24*7 and free, it can very well be enjoyed and best experienced during the very calm and reflective months of October to March; the nearest metro – is Rajiv Chowk Metro Station on Blue and Yellow Lines.
Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal
Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal is known for ghost stories. It is a monument built during the Tughlaq dynasty, thus adding further haunting beauty to its ruins.
The site is open mostly between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM with an entry fee of about Rs. 40 for Indians, and the site can be best explored during the winters from October to March; the nearest metro station to the site is Chandni Chowk on the Yellow Line.
Barakhamba Tomb
It is a twelve-pillared structure; thus, it is named Barakhamba Tomb of the 14th century. It gives an insight into the level of advancement in architecture during those times.
The tomb remains open for around 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, charges a mere entry fee of about Rs. 40 for Indians and is best enjoyed during pleasant times from October to March; it is conveniently located from Chandni Chowk Metro Station on the Yellow Line.
Roshanara Bagh
Commissioned by Roshanara Begum, Roshanara Bagh is a serene Mughal garden with her mausoleum set among well-kept lawns, reflecting the Mughal love for gardening.
The gardens remain open between 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM to travelers at an affordable cost of about Rs. 40 to Indian tourists and can be appreciated the best when visited from October to March during the cooler weather; the nearest metro station would be Chandni Chowk of Yellow Line.
Alai Minar
Alai Minar, that unfinished but grand project initiated by Alauddin Khilji, was designed to surpass the Qutub Minar’s height, and its unfinished, visualized design gives us a fascinating insight into medieval building ambition.
It is generally open between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM for an entry fee of around Rs. 40 per Indian, and the best visit time is October to March; one can drive to the complex through Qutub Minar Metro Station on the Yellow Line.
Turkman Gate
Turkman Gate, established during the Tughlaq dynasty and so named after Sufi saint Hazrat Shah Turkman, is a gate that bears testimony to the collective religious and cultural heritage of Delhi.
Generally open 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM with an entry charge of about Rs. 40 for foreign visitors, the best time to visit is between October and March when the climate is pleasant; the closest metro station is from Chandni Chowk Metro Station on Yellow Line.