attractions · New Delhi
Skip the filler. These are the sights that make New Delhi worth the flight, ranked by what millions of travelers actually rate highest.
Nizamuddin East · $
The 1570 garden tomb of the second Mughal emperor was the architectural prototype for the Taj Mahal, its red sandstone and white marble dome set in geometric charbagh gardens. A 2013 restoration returned it to UNESCO-showpiece condition.
Insider tip: Arrive at opening (sunrise) for soft light and empty lawns, and don't miss the adjacent Isa Khan octagonal tomb.
Mehrauli · $
The 73-metre fluted victory tower, begun in 1192, is the world's tallest brick minaret and anchors a UNESCO complex of ruined mosques, tombs and the rust-free 1,600-year-old Iron Pillar. Carved Quranic calligraphy bands wrap each of its five storeys.
Insider tip: Combine it with a walk in the adjoining Mehrauli Archaeological Park, which is free and almost empty.
Old Delhi (Chandni Chowk) · $
Shah Jahan's 1648 sandstone citadel was the seat of Mughal power for 200 years, and India's Prime Minister still raises the flag here every Independence Day. Inside lie the marble Diwan-i-Khas and the once jewel-encrusted Rang Mahal.
Insider tip: Enter via Lahori Gate at 9.30am opening, before tour buses; buy tickets online to skip the queue.
Lodhi Road · $
Ninety acres of lawns scattered with 15th-century Lodi and Sayyid dynasty tombs, where Delhi's power-walkers, peacocks and picnicking families share space. The Bara Gumbad and Sheesh Gumbad domes glow gold at sunset.
Insider tip: Free and open dawn to dusk — go around 4.30pm in winter, then walk to Lodhi Colony's street-art block or Khan Market for coffee.
Old Delhi (Chandni Chowk) · $
Shah Jahan's 1656 congregational mosque holds 25,000 worshippers in its red sandstone courtyard, flanked by two 40-metre minarets. Climbing the southern minaret gives the definitive rooftop panorama of Old Delhi running down to the Red Fort.
Insider tip: Visit outside the five prayer times, dress with covered shoulders and knees, and pay the small fee to climb the minaret.
Noida Mor, East Delhi · $
Completed in 2005 from pink sandstone and white marble, this vast BAPS Swaminarayan complex features 20,000 carved figures, a colonnade of 148 stone elephants and a nightly musical fountain show. Entry to the main mandir is free.
Insider tip: Phones and cameras are banned — use the free cloakroom, allow 3 hours, and stay for the evening water show (ticketed).
October–March
Indian Rupee (INR)
Hindi, English
How this list is made: we only feature places rated 4.5 stars or higher with 1,000+ reviews from real travelers. Ratings and review counts are approximate and move over time — always check current numbers before booking. Photos are sourced from Wikimedia Commons under free licenses (credits in each gallery).
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Good to know
Three days covers the headline monuments, Old Delhi's food lanes and a museum or two at a comfortable pace. Add a fourth day if you want a day trip to Agra for the Taj Mahal.