The toughest part about Delhi sightseeing? Narrowing down your must-visit list! This city is brimming with heritage hotspots, colourful markets, posh hangouts and lush green spaces. Where to even begin?

Delhi’s a delicious jumble of contrasts. One minute you’re jostling through Chandni Chowk’s boisterous bazaars, and the next enjoying tranquil moments at the stately India Gate. There’s no dull moment here. Expect a little chaos, but that’s part of Dilli’s rustic charm. Here are the 6 best places to visit in Delhi for your next trip!

Red Fort (best places to visit in Delhi)

The Red Fort is a majestic fort in Delhi that leaves visitors awestruck. Built in the 17th century by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, its grand architecture showcases the splendour of that era and is considered one of the best places to visit in Delhi. The massive sandstone walls stretch for over two kilometres, with the striking Lahore Gate being the main entrance. Inside, you’ll find beautiful gardens, palaces, and mosques like the Diwan-i-Aam and Diwan-i-Khas where the emperor once addressed his subjects. The fort’s museum has an array of Mughal artefacts too. During the day, the red sandstone glows warmly in the sun and presents a breathtaking sight and at night, the illuminated fort looks magical.

Akshardham Temple (best places to visit in Delhi)

One of the best places to visit in Delhi is Akshardham Temple, especially for those interested in spirituality. Built in 2005, it’s in the Guinness Book as the World’s Largest Comprehensive Hindu Temple – enough reason to visit! The temple has eight beautifully carved buildings, with walls covered in vivid Hindu teachings.

There’s also a huge step well inside, believed to be India’s largest. It’s devoted to Lord Swaminarayan, with the main attraction being his idol along with 20,000 other deities. The captivating water shows, gardens, Narayan Sarovar pond, exhibitions, and ceremonies within the Akshardham complex make it a must-visit.

Humayun’s Tomb (best places to visit in Delhi)

Humayun’s Tomb stands out as the first of its kind in two ways – it was India’s first garden tomb on the subcontinent, and the first structure made using red sandstone. This famous Delhi attraction became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 thus making it the best places to visit in Delhi. Located in Nizamuddin East by the Yamuna River, the tomb showcases brilliant Mughal architecture fused with Persian elements, designed by renowned architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyath.

The construction was started by Empress Bega Begum, Humayun’s first wife. Today, the mausoleum is the house to the remains of famous Mughal emperors, queens, princes and descendants. The striking white dome and beautiful gardens compete for your attention and awe. A must-visit jewel in Delhi’s crown.

Qutub Minar (best places to visit in Delhi)

Another best places to visit in Delhi is the towering 238-foot Qutub Minar, a pride of Delhi tourism, even featured on DMRC tokens and travel cards. In 1993, UNESCO declared this world’s tallest brick minaret a heritage site.

Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate, started building it in 1192 after defeating the last Hindu ruler. His son-in-law Iltutmish continued, adding three more stories to the basement. Later, Firoz Shah Tughlaq constructed the fourth and fifth floors.

Part of the larger Qutub complex, the minaret stands alongside other historical gems like the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, Iron Pillar and the ill-conceived “Smith’s Folly” cupola addition.

Chandni Chowk (best places to visit in Delhi)

Chances are any Delhi travel guide will mention Chandni Chowk. Despite the jostling crowds, you should visit to feel the city’s pulse. Chaotic yet functioning, it holds historical significance as one of Delhi’s oldest markets.

Since the 17th century, this area has been called a “shopper’s paradise.” Under Shah Jahan’s rule, a canal bordered by moonlight-reflecting trees gave rise to the name “Chandni Chowk” – meaning moonlight square.

Opposite the Red Fort, Chandni Chowk is a lively hub of shops, food stalls, rickshaw pullers and tangled overhead wires mirroring the chaos below. You’ll find everything from electronics and perfumes to jewellery and lifestyle goods at incredible discounts. Braving the crowds is worth it to experience the unmistakable energy of this iconic Delhi market. This market should be in your list as its shops and vibe comes under the list of the best places to visit in Delhi.

India Gate (best places to visit in Delhi)

Among the best places to visit in Delhi, India Gate strikes a unique chord. This majestic archway by Sir Edwin Lutyens honours 82,000 Indian and British soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War I and the Anglo-Afghan War. Towering at 42 metres, with Subhas Chandra Bose’s statue guarding it, India Gate stands as our nation’s grandest war memorial.

Just nearby, the Amar Jawan Jyoti or “Immortal Soldier’s Flame” pays homage to brave Indian hearts lost in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. The government plans to further honour our heroes by building a National War Memorial and Museum adjoining this iconic site.

But India Gate isn’t just a solemn history. For Delhiites, it’s also a beloved picnic haunt – a place to spread out on the lawns with loved ones, snacking on gol gappas while soaking in old-world grandeur. Early risers flock here for rejuvenating morning strolls along the newly revamped Kartavya Path, the ceremonial boulevard running from Rashtrapati Bhavan.