10 Best Things to Do and See in New Delhi
Exploring New Delhi on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in New Delhi, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in New Delhi. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Gateway of India
The India Gate, in New Delhi, is an iconic landmark and a very popular strolling spot for both visitors and locals. This grand stone arch rises in the heart of a vast urban space, where people come to admire its monumental architecture and the lively atmosphere around it. The site offers a pleasant setting for a break, with lawns, walkways, and open views over one of the best-known areas of the Indian capital. In the evening, the place takes on a particularly lively and photogenic atmosphere.
2. Red Fort
The Red Fort of New Delhi is a vast fortified complex in red sandstone, emblematic of the Indian capital. Visiting it, you will discover high walls, grand monumental gates, and several pavilions that showcase Mughal architecture. The site offers a glimpse into the city’s history while providing pleasant spaces for walking and sightseeing. Seen from both outside and inside, the fort impresses with its scale, decorative details, and solemn atmosphere, making it a must-see stop for visitors to New Delhi.
3. Qutub Minar
The Qutub Minar, in New Delhi, is one of India’s most famous monuments and a must-see for discovering the city’s heritage. This tall stone tower captivates visitors with its elegant architecture, carved details, and the historic complex surrounding it, with ancient monuments and ruins open to visitors. On site, you can admire a remarkable mix of architectural influences and a setting steeped in history, ideal for a cultural walk. It is also a popular spot for its impressive views and unique atmosphere.
4. Lotus Temple
The Lotus Temple in New Delhi is a famous Bahá’í place of worship, known for its lotus-flower shape and instantly recognizable architecture. Surrounded by pools and landscaped gardens, it offers a peaceful setting in the middle of India’s bustling capital. Visitors discover a space open to everyone, ideal for reflection and silence, as well as an outstanding building with elegant white lines and beautiful natural light. It is a must-see stop for anyone looking to appreciate both spirituality and contemporary architecture.
5. Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid in New Delhi is one of the great historic mosques of the Indian capital, notable for its vast courtyard and elegant marble domes. On arrival, visitors discover monumental architecture, slender minarets, wide courtyards, and a peaceful atmosphere in the heart of the city’s bustle. It is also a living place of worship, where visitors can observe the respect for traditions and admire the decorative details, the arches, and the open views over the city.
6. Lodhi Garden
Located in the heart of New Delhi, Lodhi Garden is a large public park known for its shaded pathways, manicured lawns and peaceful atmosphere, away from the city bustle. It offers a harmonious blend of nature and heritage, with historic remains scattered throughout the park, including stone tombs and monuments that reflect the region’s ancient legacy. The site attracts walkers as well as photography, sports and relaxation enthusiasts, offering a pleasant setting for a green escape in India.
7. Humayun’s Tomb
Humayun’s Tomb, in New Delhi, is a vast Mughal mausoleum surrounded by landscaped gardens and symmetrical pathways that invite visitors to stroll. Listed among the city’s top attractions, this site captivates with its red sandstone and marble architecture, elegant domes, and refined decorative details. A visit reveals a peaceful monumental complex where historical heritage, garden harmony, and architectural beauty come together, offering a remarkable glimpse into the legacy of Mughal India.
8. Jantar Mantar
The Jantar Mantar of New Delhi is a remarkable ensemble of stone astronomical instruments, located right in the heart of the city. This site attracts visitors with its monumental geometric shapes and the ingenuity of its devices, designed to observe the sky, measure time, and track certain celestial movements. As you walk among its structures, you discover a place that is at once scientific, historical, and photogenic, offering a unique perspective on India’s heritage. It is an ideal visit to better understand traditional astronomy in a lively urban setting.
9. Raj Ghat
Raj Ghat is an iconic place of remembrance in New Delhi, located on the banks of the Yamuna. It features a simple and peaceful memorial set in well-kept gardens, with a black marble slab surrounded by lush pathways. The atmosphere invites calm, strolling and reflection, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Popular with both visitors and locals, this site holds an important place in the Indian capital’s cultural landscape and is a meaningful stop for understanding its history and identity.
10. Purana Qila
Purana Qila is one of the most evocative historic sites in New Delhi. Behind its imposing sandstone walls, visitors discover a vast fortified complex marked by monumental gates, open spaces and traces of the past throughout the enclosure. The site stands out for its solemn yet open atmosphere, where defensive architecture takes center stage. Located near Mathura Road and the Delhi Zoo, it offers a direct look at the ancient heritage of the Indian capital.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
