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These places to visit in Old Delhi is the historic centre, located at the centre of India’s capital. The area was founded in the 17th century by Shah Jahan. The Tamurid-Gurkhani period is narrated through its narrow streets, busy markets, and architecture that chronicle the painstaking effort put into making old Delhi. If you are fascinated with history, love food or are an adventurous spirit, Old Delhi will always be waiting for you to see its ageless beauty which has attracted millions of people over the years.
Top 15 Places To Visit In Old Delhi
Here is a top-picked list of the most popular places in Old Delhi to make your trip memorable.
1. Chandni Chowk
Photo: Slyronit / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Chandni Chowk, known to be among the oldest as well as busiest places in Delhi, is referred to as the trade and culture’s bustling centre. The market was founded back in the 17th century during Shah Jahan’s reign; it is renowned for its streets where you can find everything from textiles, and jewellery to electronics, and spices. This place also serves as a paradise for food lovers.
Major Attractions: Paranthe Wali Gali, Khari Baoli, Sis Ganj Gurudwara
Best Time To Visit: Weekdays
Entry Fee: N/A
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Metro Station: Chandni Chowk (Yellow Line)
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Chandni Chowk For A Quintessential Delhi Experience
2. Red Fort
Photo: A.Savin / Wikimedia Commons
The Red Fort is a UNESCO world heritage site, symbolizing the rich heritage and glory of India. Emperor Shah Jahan built it in 1638 using red sandstone. The fort served as the main residence of Mughal emperors, and its importance makes it one of the tourist attractions in Old Delhi. The fort contains beautiful pavilions, a museum with Mughal artefacts, and also Diwan-i-Aam and Diwan-i-Khas which were places where emperors held court. The fort has a vast historical and architectural area enveloped by towering walls that measure 2 kilometres around the perimeter.
Major Attractions: Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Rang Mahal, Archaeological Museum
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: ₹50 for Indians and ₹600 for foreign nationals
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Metro Station: Chandni Chowk (Yellow Line)
3. Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib
Photo: Satpal Dandiwal/ Wikimedia Commons
Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib is of utmost significance for Sikhs because it is where Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru was martyred in 1675. This Gurudwara is situated in Chandni Chowk, which is a busy area of life and provides a sanctuary for prayers. In addition, a tree below which he was beheaded has been saved as a memorial. The structure embodies both antiquity and reverence, making it an attraction.
Major Attractions: Memorial Tree, Langar Hall, Sacred Tank
Best Time To Visit: Early morning or evening
Entry Fee: N/A
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Metro Station: Chandni Chowk (Yellow Line)
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Chandni Chowk
4. Raj Ghat
Photo: Deeptiman Mallick / Wikimedia Commons
The Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial, Raj Ghat, is situated on the banks of the river Yamuna. A black marble platform was erected to mark the spot where he was cremated on the thirty-first day of January in the year 1948. This memorial’s simplicity is a reflection of Gandhi’s life and thinking. It has green gardens all around making it an oasis away from city noise, so people can reflect and pay respects. People visit it every day to participate in prayer sessions at this place.
Major Attractions: Eternal Flame, Gandhi Museum, Adjacent Memorials
Best Time To Visit: Morning or evening
Entry Fee: N/A
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Metro Station: Delhi Gate (Violet Line)
5. Jama Masjid
Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons
The Jama Masjid of Delhi was contructed by Shah Jahan in 1650. It is the largest mosque in India, with a capacity to hold 25,000 worshippers. The mosque has three magnificent gateways, four towers and two 40-metre-high minarets built from red sandstone and white marble. One can climb the southern minaret to witness the breathtaking view of Old Delhi from there. It is a tranquil place situated among the hustle-bustle of the city where you can get an insight into its spiritual essence.
Major Attractions: Southern Minaret View, Courtyard, Central Tank
Best Time To Visit: Early morning or late afternoon
Entry Fee: N/A (₹300 for photography, ₹100 for climbing the minaret)
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Metro Station: Chawri Bazaar (Yellow Line)
Suggested Read: Mosques In Delhi
6. Fatehpuri Masjid
Photo: Indrajit Das / Wikimedia Commons
Fatehpuri Masjid is located at the western end of Chandni Chowk and was built by Fatehpuri Begum, one of Shah Jahan’s wives, in 1650. The mosque represents an example of Mughal architecture, including a big prayer hall, a dome, and minarets. Being located within its precincts makes it accessible for those who want to explore other places in Chandni Chowk.
Major Attractions: Main Prayer Hall, Courtyard, Nearby Markets
Best Time To Visit: Early morning or evening
Entry Fee: N/A
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 hour
Nearest Metro Station: Chandni Chowk (Yellow Line)
7. Khari Baoli
Photo: nativeart / Shutterstock
The largest spice market in Asia, Khari Baoli, can be found close to Fatehpuri Masjid in Old Delhi. This lively marketplace was first opened in the 17th century is now an overwhelming sensation with its bright colors, strong smells and traders’ chorus of bargaining noises. Spices are only a small section among many others like herbs, nuts and dried fruits that are sold here.
Major Attractions: Spice Shops, Dry Fruits, Traditional Herbs
Best Time To Visit: Early morning to avoid crowds
Entry Fee: N/A
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Metro Station: Chandni Chowk (Yellow Line)
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Delhi On Sunday To Explore The Capital City
8. The Haveli Of Mirza Ghalib
Photo: Indrajit Das / Wikimedia Commons
The Haveli of Mirza Ghalib located in Gali Qasim Jan, Ballimaran is Mirza Ghalib’s former residence, the eminent Urdu poet. Now transformed into a museum, it displays Ghalib’s life and works with his personal possessions, letters and manuscripts. The restored haveli represents Mughal architectural style with its arched doors and fine carvings of wood. It is a literary pilgrimage where lovers of literature can come to experience Ghalib’s everlasting legacy.
Major Attractions: Ghalib’s Personal Artifacts, Poetry Readings, Architectural Details
Best Time To Visit: Morning or late afternoon
Entry Fee: N/A
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 hour
Nearest Metro Station: Chawri Bazaar (Yellow Line)
9. Chunnamal Haveli
Photo: Digrajsingh / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Chunnamal Haveli is situated in Chandni Chowk and stands among few remaining havelis (traditional mansions) in Old Delhi. It was built during the year of 1848 by Lala Chunnamal, a rich trader cosmopolitan. Constructed in the Mughal-style architecture, it has three floors that represent one of the greatest opulence periods within Indian art history. Although visiting it publicly is limited, certain areas are available with prior consent from its representatives.
Major Attractions: Courtyard, Antique Furnishings, Historical Architecture
Best Time To Visit: Morning
Entry Fee: ₹1,600 – 2,000
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 hour
Nearest Metro Station: Chandni Chowk (Yellow Line)
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Delhi At Night To Experience Its Vibrant Dimensions
10. Sri Digambar Jain Naya Mandir
Photo: Art Poskanzer / Wikimedia Commons
The Sri Digambar Jain Naya Mandir, found in Dharampura, is one more important Jain place of worship in Old Delhi that dates from the late 19th century. This site is famous for its fine marble work finished with intricate carvings that illustrate teachings of Jainism. Its serene environment and spirit-filled atmosphere make it suitable for measures of meditation as well as deep thinking.
Major Attractions: Marble Idol of Lord Mahavira, Intricate Carvings, Prayer Hall
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or evening
Entry Fee: N/A
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 hour
Nearest Metro Station: Chawri Bazaar (Yellow Line)
11. Meena Bazaar
Photo: Huy Phan / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Another best places to visit in Old Delhi is Meena Bazaar, also known as Chatta Chowk. It is among the historic markets inside the Red Fort, which was originally established in the 17th century for Mughal royal women. You can explore traditional textiles, stunning jewellery, authentic handicrafts, and unique souvenirs here, reflecting Delhi’s rich heritage. If you are looking for a lively atmosphere, colourful shops, and local street food, then this market in Old Delhi is a must-visit for shoppers and history buffs.
Major Attractions: Handicrafts, textiles, jewellery, traditional souvenirs, local street food
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: ₹35 for Indians and ₹500 for foreigners (Included with Red Fort entry)
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Metro Station: Lal Qila (Violet Line)
12. St. James’ Church
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
One of the oldest churches in Delhi is St. James’ Church, which was built in 1836 near Kashmiri Gate. The church is known for its colonial design, which comprises a cruciform shape, a centre dome, and lovely stained-glass windows. The church is surrounded by a quiet cemetery. It is interesting historically because it dates back to the British era, making it one of the best tourist places in Old Delhi for history enthusiasts.
Major Attractions: Colonial architecture, dome, stained glass, historic graveyard
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: N/A
Ideal Trip Duration: 30 – 45 minutes
Nearest Metro Station: Kashmere Gate (Red, Yellow, Violet Lines)
13. Mumtaz Mahal
Photo: Jeswin Thomas / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The famous Mumtaz Mahal is part of the Red Fort complex. It was once a palace for Mughal empresses and is now home to the Archaeological Museum. You can explore a range of textiles, Mughal artefacts, and royal memorabilia, which are on display, thus adding it to the Old Delhi tourist places list. Inside the mahal, the royal decorations and historical displays give a glimpse into the luxurious lives of the Mughal emperors.
Major Attractions: Archaeological Museum, Mughal artefacts, palace interiors
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: ₹35 for Indians and ₹500 for foreigners (Included with Red Fort entry)
Ideal Trip Duration: 30 – 45 minutes
Nearest Metro Station: Lal Qila (Violet Line)
14. Gauri Shankar Temple
Photo: Chandan Parihar / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Located in Chandni Chowk, the sacred Gauri Shankar Temple is a holy Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple has a lingam that is 800 years old and is decorated inside and out with impressive art. It is close to the busy streets of Old Delhi and has a spiritual atmosphere that makes it one of the peaceful places for Old Delhi trip. If you are looking for a spiritual site, then this is a perfect option for both followers and tourists.
Major Attractions: Ancient Shiva lingam, ornate interiors, religious rituals
Best Time To Visit: Maha Shivaratri festival, October to March
Entry Fee: N/A
Ideal Trip Duration: 20 – 30 minutes
Nearest Metro Station: Chandni Chowk (Yellow Line)
15. Sunehri Masjid
Photo: Masjid MABA / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Sunehri Masjid, whose name means “Golden Mosque,” is a Mughal mosque in Chandni Chowk. The mosque was built by Roshan-ud-Daula in the 18th century. It is famous for having three golden domes and a beautiful Mughal design. The mosque has seen important events in history, like Nadir Shah’s attack, and it is still used for worship and learning, which makes it one of the best Old Delhi tourist places.
Major Attractions: Gilded domes, Mughal architecture, historical significance
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: N/A
Ideal Trip Duration: 20 – 30 minutes
Nearest Metro Station: Chandni Chowk (Yellow Line)
Plan your visit to Delhi today and learn about the rich history and beautiful architecture. If you are a history aficionado, nature enthusiast or just looking for a calm holiday then places in Old Delhi have something for everyone. Plan your trip with TripXL for a memorable experience and an idyllic tour of these places to visit in Old Delhi town.
Cover Photo: Anish Sethi / Wikimedia Commons
