Things to Do in Delhi – A Complete Travel Guide

Delhi, the capital of India, is spread across an area of around 1484 square kilometers and is one of the oldest cities in the world. The city is bordered on its east by Uttar Pradesh and by Haryana on its north, west, and south. The Delhi Ridge and Yamuna River are two prominent geographical features of the city.

With Savaari’s taxi service in Delhi, you have the flexibility to explore at your own pace and venture beyond the city limits, giving you the freedom to discover hidden gems and create unforgettable memories.

Delhi-tourism

Table of Contents

  1. Things to do in Delhi
  2. Places to visit in Delhi
  3. How to Plan a Trip to Delhi
  4. Places to stay in Delhi
  5. About Delhi

Things to Do in Delhi

Delhi has something to offer to all kinds of travelers. Here are some things that you can do while in Delhi.

Things to do in Delhi during the summer

Activity Description Location
Go for Indoor Ice-Skating at iSkate This 15000 square feet ice skating arena inside Ambience Mall is made of real ice and is India’s first natural ice-skating rink. One of the best places to visit in Delhi in summer with family, iSkate offers one on one or group training sessions for an icy cold summer.
Timings: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 360 onwards for a one-hour fifteen minutes session.
Location: Ambience Mall, Gurugram, Haryana
Attend the International Mango Festival at Netaji Subhash Palace Gorging on fresh juicy mangoes is one of the most fun things in Delhi in summer. The capital city hosts an international mango festival every year to celebrate everything about the king of all tropical fruits. You can savour about 1100 varieties of mangoes including some rare varieties.
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: From morning till evening between June and July
Netaji Subhash Palace, Pitampura
Explore the Ice Bars in Delhi One of the best things to do in Delhi in June is to hit the Ice Bar with ice walls, ice sculptures, an ice bar counter, ice sofas and chairs and even drinking glasses. Experience the benefits of freezing in the summers while singing karaoke or dancing to awesome music. Cloaks and gloves are provided at the venue.
Timings: Open till midnight
Entry Fee: INR 1000 per person
Hauz Khas Village Connaught Place, and Saket
Visit thrilling Water Parks in Delhi If you’re looking for the perfect outing in Delhi with family, you’ll find that splashing around in a water park with your little ones or partner is among the best things to do in Delhi in a day. The fun rides in the water zone are an amazing way to spend the summer. Delhi has some amazing water parks like Fun and Food Village, Worlds of Wonder and Adventure Island.
Timings: From 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Entry Fee: Starting at INR 600
Fun and Food Village, Adventure Island, Splash

Things to do in Delhi during winter

Activity Description Location
Bask in the sun at Lodhi Garden Lodhi Garden is one of the most sought-after places for peace and tranquillity. The ducks go about their business near the fountain, birding chirping near the tomb, the place oozing with serenity. And since the sun is out, spreading warmth and joy, why not pack a picnic basket, or just bask in the sun over here at Lodhi Garden?
Timings: 6 AM to 8 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Lodhi Estate, New Delhi
Stay warm at The Drinking Safari Pitstop The Drinking Safari Pitstop in Gurgaon is a pretty great place to enjoy the vibes of a hill station while being close to the city. It’s ideal to beat the cold sitting in front of the bonfire, grooving to amazing music and devouring down char-grilled & barbequed delicacies.
Timings: 11 AM to 9 PM
Entry Fee: Rs 700
Gwal Pahari, Gurgaon
Spend the day exploring Hidden Monuments If you want to do something unique with your friends this winter, why not go for that long-due sightseeing tour of Delhi’s monuments? So, soak in the sun and get clicked at the grounds of Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, Safdarjung Tomb, Feroz Shah Kotla Fort, and Tughlaqabad Fort, and strike off Delhi Darshan from your bucket list too! Across Delhi
Go For an Early Morning Exercise Sesh at Nehru Park We know that leaving your warm blankets and razai for an early morning exercise sesh in winter sounds like a herculean task but trust us, it is totally worth it. You can enjoy the cool breeze and feel refreshed throughout the day. So, take out your cycles or running shoes or yoga pants, and go and have a wild workout in Delhi!
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 5 AM to 9 PM
Nehru Park – Ashoka Hotel

Things to do in Delhi with Family

Activity Description Location
Visit the Garden of Five Senses The Garden of Five Senses is one of a kind place to relax and enjoy a day out amidst the well-manicured green lawns and rock sculptures. The garden is divided into different segments; thus, visitors can choose a favourite spot and have a picnic with the family it is one of the fun things to do in Delhi for kids.
Entry Fee: For Adults: INR 20, For Kids: Free, For Senior Citizens: INR 10
Timings: Apr-Sep to 9 am to 7 pm & Oct-Mar 9 am to 6 pm
Saiyad ul Ajaib, Saket
Explore nature at the Deer Park Deer Park is one of the most sensitive green zones in Delhi that preserves an interdependent and nurturing relationship between flora and fauna. Thus, the park poses not only a historical and cultural attraction but also provides a nurturing space for children to learn about co-dependent relationships between animals and their biodiversity.
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 5 am to 8 pm on all days
Hauz Khas in New Delhi 
Visit Shankar’s International Dolls Museum This is a must-visit place to go with your little princess. Shankar’s International Dolls Museum presents 6500 beautiful dolls from over 85 countries. The collection of dolls features around 150 Indian costume dolls depicting the culture and ethos of different Indian regions as well as the world. All the dolls are specially created in the museum’s workshop. The beautiful dolls will entice you and your kids with their charm.
Entry Fee: For Adults: INR 10, For Kids: INR 5
Timings: Tues – Sat: 10 am to 5:30 pm (Mon Closed)
Nehru House

Things to do in Delhi with friends

Activity Description Location
Enjoy Paintball at the Shootout Zone Wish for some really interesting games during your upcoming team outing in New Delhi at Shootout zone. Get involved in the paintball game which is perfect for fun lovers, adventure seekers, and thrill lovers. Let all your friends get out of this zone and take all the stress away at this shootout zone.
Cost: Rs 300-1500 per person
Timings: 10.00 AM to 9.00 PM, except Sunday
Chattarpur Mosque
Soak in the city lights from the Sky Lounge Enjoy some fancy cooked dishes having a fine taste here where Indian, Italian, and other European delicacies will surely be a treat to your taste buds and it is one of the best places to visit in Delhi with friends. Get into the cosmopolitan ambience with your friends and love the aura it provides to all its guests.
Cost: For two people, the cost is Rs. 2800 (approx)
Timings: 7 AM to 12 AM
Antariksh Bhavan, Connaught Place
Groove to music at the Hard Rock Café This vibrant and chilling spot offers its guests the best drinks, live music, performers and delicious food. Courteous staff and rocking interiors are plus points to the cafe and the classy American style will surely drive you towards grooming and chilling.
Cost: The average cost incurred on ordering food along with drinks sums up and around 2500 INR.
Timings: 12 PM to 1 AM
DLF Place Mall, Saket, New Delhi
Have fun at Adventure Island As the name sounds, this island is filled with thrilling adventures due to the presence of amazing rides and adventure sports in Delhi including water coasters, boat rides, maze row, and many attractions to excite you and your friends. Not only this, but be a part of the Metro walk which takes you through the open marketplace which offers a mix of shopping, entertainment, fashion, lifestyle accessories, cafes, food stalls, and restaurants.
Cost: Starting at Rs. 300
Timings: 11 AM to 7 PM.
Swarn Jayanti Park

Things to do in Delhi for couples

Activity Description Location
Take a walk in the Buddha Garden On the outskirts of Delhi is a region called Dhaula Kuan where the forest region starts. Heaven in this region is the famous Buddha Garden, considered one of the best places to visit in Delhi for couples. The green scenery takes various colours during the changing seasons, making the place the kind of beauty that is worthy of spending a day in.
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 6 AM to 7 PM, Monday to Saturday
Delhi Bus Stand
Stroll through the Japanese Park Located in the upscale locality of Rohini, the lush green and expansive Japanese Park marks its presence to all the lovebirds out there in Delhi. It is one of the fun places in Delhi for youngsters to hang out as there are also many colourful boats in the lake which further adds to the charm of this great picnic spot. Alongside these, there are also many malls in the vicinity of the park, making this a great hangout or place to relax after a trip there.
Entry Fee: Free.
Timings: Every day, 5 AM to 11 PM
Swarn Jayanti Park
Visit the Purana Qila Purana Qila is Urdu for Old Fort and is situated in New Delhi. It is often referred to as Shergarh or Sher Fort after the Mughal Emperor Sher Shah Suri, who began its construction. Purana Qila is said to be inhabited for the past 2,500 years, and excavations at the site show evidence of materials belonging to the pre-Mauryan era.
Entry Fee: Rs. 20 for Indians and Rs. 200 for Foreigners
Timings: Monday – Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Mathura Road, New Delhi 
Go on a date to Thai High With its immaculate, cosy ambience and scrumptious Thai food, Thai High tops the list of romantic places in Delhi. Some of the no-miss items on Thai High’s menu are Pad Thai Noodles, Crispy Chicken, Crispy Lamb, Papaya Salad, Thai Green Curry, and Seafood. The food at the restaurant is authentic and fills one’s tummy; while the fairy-light-lit ambience lights up one’s spirit.
Cost: Rs. 2000 for two (Approx) 
Timings: 11.00 AM – 11.30 PM on all days
Kalka Das Marg

Offbeat things to do in Delhi

Activity Description Location
Listen to Qawwalis at Nizamuddin Dargah It’s said that music is food for the soul, and at Nizamuddin Dargah, you can experience the magic of music. Dedicated to the famous Sufi saint, Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, the dargah is the place where you can listen to centuries-old Sufi music, Shayari, and qawwali. The soulful qawwalis take place every evening.
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm; every day except Thursday
Boali Gate Road
Visit Ghalib’s Haveli in Ballimaran Located in the Chandni Chowk area, this Mughal-era mansion, about 300 years old, was once home to Ghalib, one of India’s most celebrated Urdu poets. The haveli was gifted to the poet by one of his ardent admirers. It was granted heritage status in 1997 and was later transformed into a museum.
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 11:00 am to 6:00 pm; closed on Mondays
Haveli Haider Kuli
Have a Tibetan Meal at Majnu Ka Tila If you have already explored the street food and the best restaurants in Delhi, it’s time to try something new and unique – a meal at Majnu Ka Tila, a Tibetan colony which is also known as Little Tibet. A stroll through this area will take you past several vibrant shops and kiosks selling Tibetan trinkets. Majnu Ka Tila

Places to visit in Delhi

delhi-travel-guide

Here is a quick list of the things to see in the capital city. You can book car rental service in Delhi with local driver to explore the city

Architectural Delights

  • India Gate – The India Gate is one of the most famous monuments. It was constructed by the British and modelled on Paris’ Arc de Triomphe. This was built as a memorial to the Indian soldiers who had lost their lives during World War I.
  • Lal Qila [Red Fort] – This was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan after he shifted his capital to Delhi from Agra. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is an example of the splendour of the Mughal reign.
  • Rashtrapati Bhawan – The residence of the President of India, the Rashtrapati Bhawan, is a sprawling 340-room mansion that was originally built for the Viceroy of India in 1929. It has impressive interiors and is spread across a 320-acre estate. Starting from June 1, 2023, Rashtrapati Bhavan will be open to the public for viewing six days a week. The visiting hours will be from Tuesday to Sunday, excluding gazetted holidays, between 9.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. The tour of Rashtrapati Bhavan is divided into three circuits. Circuit 1 includes the main building, central lawn, and prestigious rooms such as the Ashok Hall, Durbar Hall, Banquet Hall, and drawing rooms. Circuit 2 covers the Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum Complex, while Circuit 3, available during Udyan Utsav, offers a tour of the renowned gardens of Rashtrapati Bhavan, namely Amrit Udyan, Herbal Garden, Musical Garden, and Spiritual Garden. Visitors can book their slots here.
  • Lotus Temple – Talking about famous places, the Lotus Temple cannot be ignored. This is a Baha’i house of worship that welcomes people from all religions. The temple is shaped like a lotus flower with 27 marble petals.
  • Akshardham Temple – This is the largest Hindu Temple in the world. When you talk about Delhi’s famous places, the Akshardham Temple ranks among the top few places that most people visit.
red-fort-delhi

Religious Places

gurudwar-bangla-sahib-delhi

Apart from the Lotus Temple and Akshardham Temple mentioned above, there are many other places of religious interest.

  • Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya Dargah – This heritage site houses the tomb of the medieval Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya. The place also has the tomb of the great Persian and Urdu poet, Amir Khusrau, who was also a disciple of Auliya.
  • Chhatarpur Mandir – Dedicated to Goddess Katyayani, the Shree Adya Katyayani Shaktipeeth Mandir or Chhatarpur Mandir is an important pilgrimage center and is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year. To witness the religious fervour, try visiting the temple during the Hindu festivals of Dussehra, Mahashivratri, and Janmashtami.
  • Gurudwara Bangla Sahib – This is a popular Gurudwara dedicated to the eighth guru of Sikhs – Guru Har Krishan. It has a golden dome and the water distributed is believed to have healing properties.

Museums and Galleries

ngma-delhi
  • Triveni Kala Sangam – This is an important multi-disciplinary arts complex and education center in Delhi. There are several art galleries, an open amphitheater, an auditorium, and a café.
  • Nehru Memorial Museum and Library – The Teen Murti House which was once the residence of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, has been converted into a museum after his death. Many rooms have been preserved just as Nehru left them.
  • National Gallery of Modern Art – This modern art gallery was built in the 1950s and houses the best collection of Delhi’s modern paintings and sculptures. There is a beautiful sculpture garden and a museum shop too.

There are many other outing places in the city that can be explored while you are there.

[Also read: Best amusement parks in & around Delhi]

Popular Places to visit nearby

roadtips-near-delhi

Delhi is well-connected to surrounding cities and states making it a good starting point for many interesting locations.

Weekend Getaways from Delhi

corbett-national-park

Here are some tourist places near Delhi for quick reference

  • Corbett National Park (245 km via NH9) – The Jim Corbett National Park is located at the foothills of the mighty Himalayas in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. It makes for a perfect getaway from Delhi for wildlife and adventure enthusiasts.
  • Agra (243 km via Taj Yamuna Highway) – Agra is a historically famous city that is located on the banks of the River Yamuna. Agra’s monuments and heritage structures make it an important destination, but it is also its vibrant culture that appeals to the crowds. You can easily book a cab from Delhi to Agra with Savaari
  • Lansdowne (276 km via Meerut – Pauri National Highway) – Lansdowne is an offbeat tourist destination for a quiet evening with a bonfire and barbecue. It is a scenic place with mesmerizing views and makes for a quiet weekend getaway from Delhi.
  • Parwanoo (290 km via NH44) – Nestled in the Shivalik Range, Parwanoo holds the quintessential Himalayan beauty. The landscape remains snow-clad most of the year, which allows you a cooler escape from the sultry Delhi summers.
  • Kasauli (317 km via NH44) – Kasauli is a colonial-era town, nestled in the Dhauladhar Range of the Himalayas. It has cobbled streets, beautiful gardens, architectural marvels, and mesmerizing avenues making it a top pick for Delhiites looking to spend time in the hills.
  • Morni Hills (257 km via NH44) – Morni is a weekend getaway that is not too far but also away from the dense crowds of Delhi. One of the most underrated hill stations, Morni Hills is known for its rich flora and fauna and offers scenic views of the Shivalik range. Spend your day camping on the side of the pristine lakes of this place, collecting pine cones from the forests nearby.
  • Mussoorie (282 km via Saharanpur Road) – The quiet and quaint little Himalayan town is like a travel back in time, trapped in the previous century. The colonial culture of Mussoorie, the picture-perfect landscape with the breathtaking views of the Garhwal Himalayas, the fresh mountain air, are what Mussoorie is famous for.
  • Jodhpur (622 km via NH48) – From the azure stucco houses to the ornate palaces and mansions, Jodhpur is a sheer visual treat for travelers. You can also visit the famous Mehrangarh Fort and Museum, or the burial place of Rajaram Meghwal. Head to the Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park or the Clock Tower and watch the stunning sunset colours and panoramic views of the city.
  • Orchha (495 km via Taj Yamuna Highway and NH44) – The calm, serene and quiet vibe of the town will leave you refreshed. This small hamlet situated on the banks of the River Betwa would take you back in time to the reign of the Bundela kings. The architecture is definitely the prime attraction here.
  • Dehradun (248 km via Saharanpur Road) – The city’s proximity to other hill towns in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh makes Dehradun a very popular destination among all types of travelers. Popular tourist attractions in Dehradun include religious places such as, viewpoints, and a plethora of other interesting places to explore. Being close to one of India’s largest national parks, Rajaji National Park in Dehradun is an excellent destination to indulge in wildlife tours.

There are many other getaways near Delhi. Ensure that you research well.

Nightlife in Delhi

Delhi’s nightlife is popular across the country. If you are in Delhi and never say no to a good party, then here are some party places in the city that you should be aware of

  • Nightclubs – Ghungroo at ITC Sheraton, Agni at The Park Hotel, Kitty Su at The Lalit, Raasta at the Cyber hub, etc.
  • Lounges – AM PM Café at Rajouri Garden, Fork You at Hauz Khas Village, My Bar Headquarters at Connaught place, Mocha Arthouse Café at Vasant Kunj, etc.
  • Music Venues – Hard Rock Café at Saket, Hybrid at Janpath, TLR: The Living Room at Hauz Khas, etc.

Shopping in Delhi

Delhi has endless shopping options and is considered to be a paradise for shoppers. From colourful street markets to old shops, shopping centers to palatial malls, the city offers options to all kinds of shoppers. For street shopping, you can consider Janpath at Connaught Place, Chandni Chowk, Sarojini Nagar, Lajpat Nagar, Jwala Heri at Paschim Vihar, Greater Kailash I Market, Kamla Nagar Market, Monastery Market at Civil Lines, or Katran Bazaar near Rohini. If you are looking for malls, then you can consider DLF Emporio at Vasant Kunj, Select Citywalk at Saket, The Chanakya at Chanakyapuri, Pacific at Najafgarh Road, Star City Mall at Mayur Vihar, etc

Places to Eat in Delhi

delhi-food

Delhi is famous for its food. Here are some places where you can eat in the city.

Street Food

  • Chawri Bazaar, Chandni Chowk – for local street food
  • Jama Masjid – for biryani and kebabs
  • Lajpat Nagar – for Punjabi snacks and sandwiches
  • Yashwant Place – for Indo-Tibetan food

Restaurants

  • Thyme, The Umrao Hotel – Indian, Seafood, and International cuisine
  • Dilli 32, The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel – Indian cuisine
  • HOP House of Proteins, Malviya Nagar – Italian and Indian healthy food
  • AnnaMaya, Aerocity – Indian, European, Grill
  • CIA Call it Asiian, Alaknanda Road – Chinese, Sushi, Asian

[Also read: The ultimate Chole Bhature trail – Exploring the best of Delhi’s street food]

How to Plan a Trip to Delhi

How to Reach Delhi

Delhi is connected to all important cities via a network of highways and well-maintained roads. Here are some ways to travel to the capital city –

By Train

You can take a train from almost all corners of the country to reach the city. You can avail a taxi in Delhi to go around the city with ease.

By Road

Delhi is well-connected with most cities in the region. You can reach the city from the following cities with ease

  • Jaipur to Delhi – 273 km (via NH48)
  • Agra to Delhi – 237 km (via Taj Express Highway)
  • Lucknow to Delhi – 553 km (via Agra – Lucknow Expressway and Taj Express Highway)
  • Ludhiana to Delhi – 309 km (via NH44 and NH9)
  • Jodhpur to Delhi – 581 km (via NH62)

By Flight

Indira Gandhi International Airport is the international airport that serves Delhi. There are flights from around the country and major parts of the world to Delhi. You can book a Delhi airport taxi for a convenient ride to your hotel in the city.

Best Time to Visit Delhi

Winter is the best time to visit the wonderful city since the capital city weather is more pleasant allowing travelers to move around during the day without worrying about the sun. The temperature ranges from 4 to 24 degrees C during the winter months of December to February. Summers (March to June) can be hot and humid with temperatures ranging from 24 to 40 degrees C. Rains can be pleasant and romantic. Plan a trip from July to September if you like the rains.

Places to stay in Delhi

  • Holiday Inn, Mayur Vihar
  • Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Dwarka
  • Hostie Ramsabagh – 4 BR Artistic Farm Villa, Dera Village
  • Dhingra Farms, Dwarka
  • goSTOPS Delhi (Hostel), Dariyaganj
  • Joey’s Hostel, Laxmi Nagar
  • Hotel Swagat Palace, Karol Bagh
  • Dream Palace Hotel, Shakarpur

History

delhi-lotus-temple

Delhi is believed to have been inhabited since the 6th century BCE. It has a rich and fascinating history that spans various kingdoms and empires. Do you remember the epic Mahabharata where the Pandavas rule a kingdom called Indraprastha? It is believed that the city is in the same location as Indraprastha. The city has been ransacked and rebuilt numerous times.

Known Facts

Here are some interesting facts about the city:

  • Delhi is home to the world’s tallest brick structure, Qutub Minar.
  • The city was designed by British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker.
  • Delhi ranks among the most popular cities with tourists.
  • The Lotus Temple in Delhi is the World’s Only Structure of the Bahai Faith in Asia.
  • Five of the Original 14 Gates of the Walled City of Delhi are still standing.
  • Asia’s largest wholesale spice market is in Delhi – Khari Baoli Market.
  • New Delhi has an international museum of toilets.
  • 20% of Delhi’s landmass is covered by trees.
  • The National Zoological Park or Delhi National Park is home to a wide range of flora and fauna.

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Delhi Travel Updates

Last Updated on February 2, 2024 by Swati Deol

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Centuries Collide & Cultures Clash - Things to do in Delhi
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Centuries Collide & Cultures Clash - Things to do in Delhi
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Delhi, the capital of India, is spread across an area of around 1484 square kilometers and is one of the oldest cities in the world.
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About the author

Roaming less trodden paths, Hritika, a true mountain enthusiast, unveils the stories and secrets of uncharted territories. Her spontaneous spirit thrives on making unplanned adventures and immersing herself in the tales of the people she encounters. Her writing is a window into these hidden places, capturing their essence and sharing unique perspectives that resonate deeply with the adventurous soul. With every word, she invites her readers to join her on impromptu journeys, as she unveils the world beyond the well-known map, where every twist in the road holds a new story waiting to be discovered.

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