Chandni Chowk, dating back to 700 hundreds years, is one of the oldest and most crowded markets in Delhi. It is simply a landmine of history, culture, and business. While this resplendent location is well known for its many street foods, historical monuments, and shopping lanes, there are equally captivating places to visit near Chandni Chowk. Beyond the chaos of this market, lies a rich tapestry of attractions that bring out the historical and cultural essence of Old Delhi. From ancient temples and magnificent forts to parks, and cultural spots, there is enough to enjoy and absorb yourself in these vibrant places around Chandni Chowk.
Popular Places To Visit Near Chandni Chowk
Here are the ten popular places to visit near Chandni Chowk that will enrich your travel experience.
1. Red Fort
Photo: Alex Furr / Wikimedia Commons
One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Red Fort showcases the excellence of Mughal architecture. Raised in 1648 by Emperor Shah Jahan, it had massive walls made of red sandstone and intricately done carvings, evidencing the greatness of the rule of the Mughals. Within its premises, it houses many other brilliant structures, such as the Diwan-e-aam or Hall of Public Audiences and the Diwan-e-khas or the Hall of Private Audiences. Not to forget, it also has a museum and gardens which are other reasons to visit this monument.
Distance From Chandni Chowk: 1 km
Timings: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (closed on Mondays)
Tickets: ₹35, Indians ₹500
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Chandni Chowk For A Quintessential Delhi Experience
2. Jama Masjid
Photo: Martijn Vonk / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
One of India’s biggest mosques, the Jama Masjid was also commissioned by Shah Jahan and completed in 1656. Its strength of accommodation can accommodate as many as 25,000 worshippers. In its imposing structure, with elegant courtyards, towering minarets, and intricately designed interiors, it speaks of a place of Mughal artistry. Only from this mosque are panoramic views of Old Delhi, specifically from the southern minaret. This proves it to be a great historic and spiritual place rather close to Chandni Chowk.
Distance From Chandni Chowk: 700 meters
Timings: 7 AM – 12 PM, 1:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Entry Fee: N/A
3. Raj Ghat
Photo: Humayunn Niaz Ahmed Peerzaada / Wikipedia
Located on the banks of the Yamuna River, Raj Ghat is a peaceful memorial dedicated to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It is here that the body of Gandhi was cremated in 1948. The memorial, embedded within laid-out gardens, features an inscribed black marble platform that marks the exact location where the cremation took place. It is a serene and quiet area, well suited for reflection on the poignant reminder left by Gandhi. It is one of the top tourist attractions near Chandni Chowk.
Distance From Chandni Chowk: 3 km
Timings: 6:30 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: N/A
Suggested Read: Explore The Must-Visit Places In Old Delhi On Your Idyllic Delhi Tour
4. Shankar’s International Dolls Museum
Photo: Buete / Wikimedia Commons
Unique in its entity, Shankar’s International Dolls Museum comes with a huge collection of dolls from almost every nation. Founded by K. Shankar Pillai, this museum is one of the best places to see near Chandni Chowk. It consists of over 6,000 dolls representing various cultures, traditional attire, and historical times. The dolls that are displayed in this museum will acquaint one with global cultures in a quite fascinating way that’s colourful and diverse. It is a great place to be, full of delight and learning.
Distance From Chandni Chowk: 5 km
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM (closed on Mondays)
Entry Fee: ₹15 (children), ₹35 (adults)
5. Gauri Shankar Temple
Photo: Amohan41 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Gauri Shankar Temple is a very respected and one of the oldest Hindu temples in New Delhi, dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple, built in the 8th century, has undergone several renovations in many subsequent centuries and stands close to Chandni Chowk. The temple is famous for fine carvings and very beautiful idols of Lord Shiva with his consort, Goddess Parvati, along with their sons, Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya. The temple has a spiritual setting, attracting visitors and tourists alike interested in the rich religious heritage of the region. The temple near Chandni Chowk is one of the most important cultural and spiritual centres in the city.
Distance From Chandni Chowk: 500 meters
Timings: 5 AM – 10 PM
Entry Fee: N/A
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Delhi At Night To Experience Its Vibrant Dimensions
6. Fatehpuri Masjid
Photo: Indrajit Das / Wikimedia Commons
Fatehpuri Masjid is one of the architectural splendours of Old Delhi. It was designed in 1650 by Fatehpuri Begum, the wife of Emperor Shah Jahan. The entrance is grand, with an enormous courtyard inside that can hold hundreds of devotees at once. This mosque is simple in its elegance, meaning it shares the aesthetic sensibilities of a wide range of other principles of Mughal architecture. High arches, domes, and very refined stone carvings show how every single detail has been taken care of while designing the mosque. It’s a glorious reminder of Delhi’s Islamic legacy, sumptuously peaceful letting prayers and meditations go by, shopping in and from the bazaar.
Distance From Chandni Chowk: 400 meters
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
Entry Fee: N/A
7. Delhi Haat
Photo: Tamara Malaniy / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
A bazaar crafted truly as a setting to show off the varied arts, crafts, and, most importantly, the foods from every state in India, Delhi Haat gives the closest possible experience to a state fair. This open-air market reflects a continuum of traditional handicrafts, fabrics, and souvenirs available from myriad stalls with products crafted by the artisans themselves. It’s a gastronomic delight too, with visitors being treated to regional foods from all over India. And it’s another level of liveliness with the frequent cultural performances. Delhi Haat is not just shopping; it’s an experience, thus, making it one of the top places to visit near Chandni Chowk Delhi.
Distance From Chandni Chowk: 8 km
Timings: 10:30 AM – 10 PM
Entry Fee: ₹30 (adults), ₹10 (children)
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit Near Delhi By Car For Perfect Weekend Getaways
8. Agrasen ki Baoli
Photo: sk official / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Agrasen ki Baoli is one of the oldest step-wells in the city of Delhi. It was built in the 14th century by King Agrasen. The architectural wonder is covered with a series of steps that go downwards to the reservoir of water. Serenity, peaceful atmosphere, and historical importance make Agrasen ki Baoli worth visiting for those who have a keen interest in the architectural history of Delhi.
Distance From Chandni Chowk: 4 km
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: N/A
9. Lotus Temple
Photo: Swapnil Deshpandey / Unsplash
The Lotus Temple, a Bahá’í House of Worship, is famous for its lotus structure and quiet atmosphere. This recently constructed temple, designed in the late 1980s, stays open to everyone, irrespective of their religion. It provides a cool and silent area for meditation and prayers. This structure follows the adapted design of the lotus flower, which means purity and beauty’s divinity, and that makes it one of the most beautiful and iconic structures in Delhi. The temple is situated 10 km away from the city centre, this place is one of the eminent places for any person with an interest in architecture and a search for peaceful retreats.
Distance From Chandni Chowk: 10 km
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM (closed on Mondays)
Entry Fee: N/A
Suggested Read: Some Must-Visit Places To Visit Near Lotus Temple
10. Humayun’s Tomb
Photo: Jiri Moonen / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Another place to visit is Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered the forerunner of the great Taj Mahal in Agra. The high-grand tomb was built in the 16th century by Humayun’s widow, Empress Bega Begum, and is indeed a great Persian-style garden, representing an important historical site in Delhi. Representing grandeur, the tomb was built with large domes, arches, and intricate detailing, reflecting the Mughal period. Humayun’s Tomb is a veritable paradise for history and architectural lovers, illustrative of the indulgent past of the Mughal Empire.
Distance From Chandni Chowk: 7 km
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹30 (Indian citizens), ₹500 (Foreign tourists)
The places situated in and around Chandni Chowk beautifully reflect Delhi’s rich history, diverse culture, and local variety. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a culture lover, or simply curious about Delhi’s many facets, these places to visit near Chandni Chowk promise to enrich your visit. Exploring these sites through TripXL ensures a well-rounded experience, adding lasting insights to your time in this dynamic city.
Cover Photo: Weiqi Xiong / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only