Got spare time in the iconic capital city of India? While there's no shortage of things to do in Delhi, we've compiled a few of our favourites to keep you busy.

Delhi is a city shaped by layers of history and culture. The grandeur of its past is visible in landmarks like Humayun’s Tomb, the Red Fort and Qutub Minar, while its vibrant street life plays out in the bustling lanes of Old Delhi and the spacious boulevards of New Delhi. This is a place where Mughal, colonial and contemporary influences sit side by side, offering travellers an experience that is as complex as it is compelling.

At the same time, Delhi pulses with creativity and change. Art galleries, book cafés, boutique shopping precincts and pop-up food stalls are part of a modern city that is constantly reinventing itself. Explore atmospheric neighbourhoods like Lodhi Colony, Khan Market or Shahpur Jat, take in contemporary art at Bikaner House or step into daily life with a food walk or heritage tour.

With its mix of history, culture and energy, Delhi is a city that rewards curiosity and offers something new at every turn - but where do you start?

If you have some spare time in India’s capital city, one of the best things to do in Delhi is simply taking a stroll - especially when the monuments like India Gate are easily visible.

What are the best things to do in Delhi?

Delhi is an experience that touches all the senses, sights, sounds, tastes, and smells, all fused in one dynamic city home to 35 million people. As many tours of North India start and finish in this grand city, travellers are spoilt for choice when it comes to places to visit in Delhi.

Chandni Chowk

Chandni Chowk is Old Delhi’s historic market, a buzzing maze of shops, temples, and food stalls. Originally designed in the 17th century, it remains the commercial and cultural heart of the city. Explore on foot or by rickshaw to take in its sights, sounds, aromas, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable energy at any time of day.

Akshardham Temple

Akshardham Temple is a vast cultural complex celebrating Indian spirituality and architecture. Dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, its intricately carved stonework and central shrine are remarkable. The site also features a boat ride, gardens, exhibitions and even an IMAX-style theatre that tells India’s spiritual and cultural stories.

Hauz Khas Village

Hauz Khas Village blends centuries-old ruins with a modern creative scene. Explore the 14th-century madrasa, mosque and water tank, then enjoy cafes, antique stores, upscale boutiques and galleries nestled alongside. Its lake and green surroundings make it a favourite for culture lovers and leisurely afternoons.

India Gate

As one of the most iconic places to visit in Delhi, India Gate is a 42-metre-high war memorial built to honour Indian soldiers who died in World War I. Located along Kartavya Path, it is surrounded by expansive lawns and an eternal flame. Its grand presence, especially when lit at night, makes it a poignant and enduring national landmark.

National Craft Museum

The National Craft Museum in Delhi celebrates India’s diverse and time-honoured craft traditions. Its exhibits showcase textiles, pottery, woodwork, and tribal art from across the country, highlighting regional styles and techniques. The museum also hosts live demonstrations by artisans and features a charming courtyard café.

Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar stands at an impressive 72.5 metres. Built in the 13th century, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a stunning example of Indo-Islamic architecture, featuring intricate carvings and inscriptions in Arabic. The surrounding complex includes ancient ruins and the Iron Pillar, known for its mysterious resistance to rust over centuries.

Lodhi Gardens

Lodhi Gardens offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of Delhi, where history and greenery coexist. Scattered with 15th-century tombs from the Lodi dynasty, the park features tree-lined paths, open lawns and lotus-filled ponds. It’s a popular spot for morning walks, picnics, or simply enjoying a quiet break surrounded by heritage and nature.

Cooking Classes

A cooking class in Delhi offers a hands-on way to explore the depth and diversity of Indian cuisine. Often held in local homes or intimate studios, these sessions introduce you to essential spices, traditional techniques and everyday recipes. You'll gain practical skills, cultural insights, and the chance to share stories over a freshly prepared meal.

Red Fort

The Red Fort is a symbol of India’s Mughal heritage and a UNESCO site. Built in the 17th century by Shah Jahan, its red sandstone walls enclose palaces, gardens and halls used for royal audiences. Today, it remains a site of national pride and hosts India’s Independence Day celebrations, attracting visitors with its striking design and historic significance.

Cultural Performances

Delhi is a hub for live arts, offering everything from classical dance and music to theatre and folk traditions. Venues like Kamani Auditorium and India Habitat Centre host performances year-round. From Kathak and fusion music to storytelling and experimental theatre, Delhi’s cultural calendar is rich, varied and a key part of the city’s identity.

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is one of Delhi’s most important Sikh temples, known for its golden domes, serene sarovar (pond), and welcoming atmosphere. Visitors of all backgrounds are invited to share in langar - a free community meal that reflects Sikh principles of equality, humility, and service.

Dilli Haat

Dilli Haat is a lively open-air market that brings together crafts, textiles and regional foods from across India. Artisans sell handmade goods like pottery, fabrics and jewellery, often crafted using age-old techniques. Food stalls serve authentic regional dishes, making it an ideal spot to explore India’s cultural diversity through its flavours and art.

Gandhi Smriti

Gandhi Smriti is a museum located in the former Birla House, where Mahatma Gandhi spent his final days. Exhibits include his personal belongings, photographs and quotes, offering a glimpse into his daily life. Visitors can follow his last footsteps to the spot of his assassination, making it a powerful place to reflect on his message of peace.

Lodhi Art District

As one of the more unusual things to see in Delhi, the Lodhi Art District is India’s first open-air public art gallery, transforming the walls of Lodhi Colony into vibrant street art. Murals by Indian and international artists explore themes from nature to social issues, adding colour and creativity to the neighbourhood and offers a fresh perspective.

National Museum

Delhi’s National Museum holds over 200,000 artifacts that trace the depth and diversity of India’s history. It showcases everything from Indus Valley relics and Mauryan art, to colonial-era objects. With displays covering sculpture, coins, manuscripts and textiles, the museum offers an engaging journey through India’s civilisations.

Street Food Tour

The street food scene in Delhi is a feast for the senses, with dishes that reflect the city’s diverse roots. A guided food tour through Old Delhi lets you sample local favourites like stuffed parathas, kebabs, chaats and syrupy jalebis. Along the way, you’ll pass spice stalls, busy grills and age-old eateries, making it a delicious way to explore the city.

Lotus Temple

The Lotus Temple is a Bahá’í House of Worship admired for its lotus-inspired architecture and peaceful ambience. Made of white marble and surrounded by gardens and water features, it offers a quiet space for prayer and reflection, regardless of faith. As one of Delhi’s most photographed landmarks, it stands out for its message of unity in diversity.

Khan Market

Khan Market is an upscale yet relaxed shopping area known for its mix of global brands, boutiques and bookshops. It’s also home to popular cafés and restaurants, making it a go-to spot for brunch or casual dining. Its leafy streets, compact layout and refined vibe attract locals, expats and visitors looking for a laid-back shopping experience.

Mehrauli Archaeological Park

Mehrauli Archaeological Park sits near Qutub Minar and offers a quieter glimpse into Delhi’s layered past. Spread across 200 acres, it features monuments from the Sultanate, Mughal and British eras, including tombs, mosques, stepwells and crumbling pavilions. With fewer crowds, it’s ideal for history lovers seeking a less-visited corner of the city.

Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar is an 18th-century astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in the heart of Delhi. Its striking geometric structures were designed to measure time, track celestial bodies and predict eclipses with impressive accuracy. Blending science and architecture, the site gives visitors a glimpse into India’s early advances in astronomy.

Humayun’s Tomb

Humayun’s Tomb, built in the 16th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an early example of Mughal architecture. Often seen as a forerunner to the Taj Mahal, it features red sandstone facades, elegant arches and symmetrical gardens inspired by Persian design. The complex offers a quiet space to appreciate Delhi’s imperial history.

Yoga Sessions

Delhi is a great place to practise yoga, with options ranging from sunrise sessions in Lodhi Garden to classes in quiet, modern studios. Locals gather under leafy trees for group practice, while travellers can join drop-in classes or guided sessions focused on breath and movement. In this city, yoga connects ancient traditions with contemporary life.

While most travellers who visit Delhi are short on time and prioritise the mighty landmarks, taking a different approach will showcase a hidden side to the city, particularly for greener spaces like Dilli Haat.

What is the best way to get around Delhi?

Navigating Delhi can be an adventure in itself. For comfort and convenience, hiring a private driver is recommended, especially for first-time visitors. Traffic can be heavy, so allow extra time for road travel, especially during peak hours. It’s also wise to get up early to see the monuments with fewer crowds.

Alternatively, the Delhi Metro offers a fast and efficient mode of transport, connecting major parts of the city. The metro is clean, affordable, and safe, making it a popular choice for both locals and tourists.

When planning your day in Delhi, it helps to group activities by location to avoid long commutes and traffic delays. The city is large and spread out, so focusing on one area at a time - such as Old Delhi, New Delhi or South Delhi - can make your day more enjoyable and efficient. This way, you’ll spend less time in transit and more time exploring.

Home to almost 35 million people, Delhi can get crowded. To beat the rush, aim to get up early and explore popular monuments like Humayun’s Tomb for a relaxing and insightful experience.

Which month is best to visit Delhi?

Weather-wise, the best time to visit Delhi is between October and March. During these months, the weather is cooler and more pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. November and February are especially good, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20 to 25°C. Avoid visiting in May and June, when the heat can be intense, and July to September, when monsoon rains bring humidity and disruptions to travel plans.

While October to March is the best time to visit Delhi, it’s also when the city hosts major festivals and events that can make it especially busy. Diwali, usually in October or November, brings vibrant celebrations and heavy traffic, while Republic Day on 26 January features a grand parade and road closures near central landmarks.

The Delhi International Trade Fair in November and cultural events like India Art Fair or the Jaipur Literature Festival (with satellite events in Delhi) can also draw large crowds. If you're travelling during these times, it's wise to book accommodation early and allow extra time for getting around.

How many days is enough in Delhi?

Three days is generally enough to explore the highlights of Delhi without feeling rushed. This allows time to visit major sites like the Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, India Gate and the Lotus Temple, as well as explore Old Delhi’s markets and enjoy a few local meals.

With the extra time, you can add experiences like a museum visit, a food tour, or time in areas like Lodhi Art District or Mehrauli Archaeological Park. If you’re interested in a slower pace or more niche interests - such as shopping, yoga, or contemporary art - consider staying four to five days.

While three days is a good amount of time to see Delhi’s main attractions, you could easily spend much longer uncovering the city’s layers. Historic neighbourhoods, evolving food scene, and hidden heritage sites offer something new with each visit, and there are hundreds of things to do in Delhi that reward curious travellers.

That said, it’s also worth planning time for regions nearby. Delhi is the gateway to the Golden Triangle - Agra and Jaipur are both within a few hours’ travel - and from there, Rajasthan opens up with its palaces, forts and desert landscapes. Balancing your time between the capital and these nearby destinations allows for a richer and more varied journey through northern India.

With hundreds of neighbourhoods split across 11 districts, you could spend a lifetime exploring Delhi and still never run out of things to do and places to see.

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Established in 2007, India Unbound is an award-winning travel company specialising in custom-made journeys and private tours to India. Whether you're drawn to the energy and history of Delhi or planning to include the famous Golden Triangle in your journey, we’ll help you experience it with ease and depth. Get in touch to begin building your tailor-made journey to North India.

22 Incredible Things To Do In Delhi