Best Places to Visit in Delhi by Neighborhood (includes map)

Last Updated: November 14, 2024

Delhi, the capital of India, and its vibrant pulsating heart is a common first stop for visitors. Our India itinerary also began in Delhi, one of the points on India’s Golden Triangle, connecting Agra and Jaipur. We spent 7 days uncovering this multi-faceted city and everything it has to offer.

If you are planning a trip to India, you need to be aware that it’s not going to be your typical vacation. It’s not necessarily a relaxing place. With the population in Delhi alone nearing 33 million people, it is hectic. So, prepare for a sensory journey and to be taken out of your comfort zone when navigating through Delhi.

There are, of course, lavish hotels, exquisite service, and all the luxuries of sultan living. As soon as you cross the doorstep of your accommodation, you get swept away. Hold on to your hats! Five-star India is not dramatically different from other parts of the world. You have to experience the other side of the spectrum to truly appreciate Delhi. So, despite the noise, pollution, and crowds, our visit to Delhi was very memorable.

When planning your Delhi itinerary, we found that it is best to chip away at the city one neighborhood at a time since most of the sights are clustered together. In this article, we organized our recommendations of the best places to visit in Delhi by neighborhood to help you make the most of your trip.

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Best Places in Delhi by Neighborhood

Old Delhi

Old Delhi was once the flourishing center during the Mughal Empire. Today, much of this neighborhood is rather run down outside the iconic landmarks. But exploring it is a must on a Delhi itinerary nonetheless. You will often hear that walking around Delhi is an assault on the senses and nowhere is it more true than in Old Delhi.

Crumbling buildings, street dogs, rickshaws, motorcycles threatening to run you over every few minutes, cows, garbage, street vendors, wafting aromas, pleasant and not, honking and yelling, knotted garlands of powerlines, and even monkeys will all be fighting for your attention at the same time. And that’s just part of the experience. During such chaotic moments, you can try to seek respite among more organized chaos inside Delhi’s popular landmarks. 

Red Fort

At the heart of Old Delhi is the unmissable Red Fort. Once the official residence of a Mughal Emperor, the fort was built when India’s capital was moved from Agra to Delhi. Wonderfully preserved, its 17th century red sandstone grandeur, intricate wall carvings, and breathtaking archways are a striking feature of the cityscape. We suggest going at opening time to avoid getting caught in the crowds flocking to see this impressive Delhi attraction.

Jama Masjid Mosque

Make your way to Jama Masjid Mosque nearby, which is one of the largest mosques in India and was a symbol of Islamic power back in its zenith. This red sandstone behemoth can accommodate 25,000 people and is a sight to behold, especially from above. You can climb up one of the tall minarets, which we definitely recommend doing if it’s not too crowded because otherwise, it’s a tight squeeze with lots of traffic going up and down. But the views you get over Old Delhi are truly incredible. And near to Jama Masjid Mosque is Raj Ghat, the memorial and cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. It’s a simple black marble slab with an eternal flame on the side, but it’s worth paying homage to the leader known as the Father of the Nation. If you are inclined to learn more about his life, visit the National Gandhi Museum nearby.

Chandni Chok

Continue your adventure through Old Delhi to Chandni Chok – a long market street, home to the largest spice market in Asia and a literal feast for the senses. This rather chaotic bazaar is a cat’s cradle of laneways that look almost identical. If you are worried about getting lost, we recommend hopping on a rickshaw and letting the local experts take you around, which might be one of the best things to do in Delhi. To get a bird’s eye view over the market, climb up to the rooftop of Khari Baoli spice market, also known as Gadodia Market. It’s the perfect vantage point to observe the pace of life in Old Delhi. 

Many travelers worry about getting Delhi Belly during their visit, which prevents them from trying the delicious street food. You can minimize the risk by taking extra hygiene precautions like disinfecting everything yourself and avoiding meat, dairy, and fresh fruit and veg. But you must try the local fare! So, to add an extra layer of risk reduction, surrender yourself into the trusty hands of a local guide by joining this Chandni Chowk street food tour.

New Delhi

Humayun’s Tomb

Start your day with what might become your favorite place to visit in Delhi – Humayun’s Tomb. It might look familiar and that is no coincidence – this stunning red sandstone tomb is what the Taj Mahal was modeled after. The building was completed in 1570 and became the first structure to use red sandstone at such a scale, deservedly earning its UNESCO World Heritage status in 1993. It was erected in a significant archaeological setting and is known as the ‘dormitory of the Mughals’ because over 150 of them are buried there.

Ugrasen Ki Baoli

Not far from the upscale shopping spot, Connaught Place, filled with boutiques and hip cafes, there is a hidden ancient landmark. Concealed behind an unassuming wall, Ugrasen Ki Baoli could be easily missed but is one of the most impressive step wells and biggest Delhi attractions. The well, once filled with water, the fullness of which would fluctuate and for that needed stairs, is now empty and apart from its historical value, serves as a unique photo spot for the modern skyscrapers towering over it.

It is also a popular stop for fans of Aamir Khan, one of the most successful and loved Bollywood actors. He starred in the movie “PK” parts of which were filmed in Ugrasen Ki Baoli. We suggest watching the movie before your arrival to understand what the hype is all about, it’s a quirky dramedy about an alien (Aamir Khan) stranded on Earth, searching for a way home.

NGMA & National Museum

You could dedicate an entire day to this museum and gallery cluster, to be honest. It would be a day filled with learning about Indian history and admiring the work of India’s revered artists and sculptors. Delhi is steeped in centuries of fascinating history. At the National Museum, you get the immersive experience of the treasure trove of ancient artifacts from various times. On the way from the National Museum to the National Gallery of Modern Art you will pass the majestic India Gate. It is the Arc de Triomphe-like war memorial dedicated to soldiers who lost their lives during WWI.

Lodhi Garden

Next, make your way to Lodhi Garden, the most picturesque place in Delhi, in our opinion. This is one of the few locations in the city where you can slow down and find peace. Let’s not also forget, it is incredibly beautiful, especially at sunset. And not only is it a lush and manicured garden, but it also houses medieval tombs from the 15th century. Hopefully, that’s plenty of reason for you not to skip it. Then, if you are a fan of street art, continue your tour of New Delhi to the Lodhi Colony. It is where you will find walls on walls of colorful murals.

South Delhi

Lotus Temple

Another architectural masterpiece, located a bit further out of the city, is the temple of Bahai, of which there are only eight in the world. The building is in the form of a giant lotus surrounded by turquoise ponds and gardens. It’s an active place of worship, welcoming all religions, so if you are interested in learning about the Bahai faith, join a service and visit the information center, where you will also learn that all of the Bahai temples are as unique as the Lotus.

Qutub Minar

This amazing tower was built in the 13th century of marble and red sandstone. It is decorated with eloquent carvings. Qutub Minar is still the tallest brick minaret tower in India and the world, reaching 238 feet. From the carvings to its imposing height, Qutub Minar is a work of art and hard labor. It rightfully deserves UNESCO World Heritage Site status. This stunning and rather mysterious complex has withstood the test of time and elements. Although you cannot climb up the stairs to the top of Qutub Minar any longer, you shouldn’t skip this ‘must see’ in India.

Indian Accent Restaurant

Finish your Delhi itinerary with a bang. Indian Accent, located inside The Lodhi Hotel, has created quite a reputation for itself. Among its accolades are titles like The Best Restaurant in India and Top 20 Best Restaurants in Asia. The dining experience at Indian Accent offers inventive cooking. It is presented in a multi-course tasting menu using flavors and traditions from all over India. We hope saving this experience for last will just inspire your return to Delhi, as it did for us. But first, India’s Golden Triangle awaits!

Delhi Attractions Map