15 Places To Visit Near Red Fort For A Kaleidoscope Of Adventures

Red Fort in Old Delhi is a historic fort commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It served as a residence for the Mughal rulers and is one of the city’s most visited attractions. Also called Lal Qila, it attracts hundreds of visitors everyday owing to its impressive architecture. There are also several places to visit near Red Fort which are in both Old Delhi or New Delhi. There are a number of great attractions near this fort that you must not miss out on to be able to experience the most of what Delhi has to offer.

Table of Contents

15 Amazing Places To Visit Near Red Fort, Delhi

Whether you’re looking for attractions in Old Delhi or New Delhi, here is a list of places to visit near Red Fort to help you plan your visit:

1. Chandni Chowk

A food shop in Chandni Chowk is a delight to behold with several goods and food items

Photo: Bahnfrend / Wikimedia Commons

Chandni Chowk is a bustling marketplace in Old Delhi and also one of the city’s oldest markets that makes you feel as though you are in a mediaeval bazaar! Full of vendors selling all kinds of goods and food items, this historic market was established in the 17th century under Emperor Shah Jahan. It is one of the most visited places to visit near Red Fort Delhi, infact, just opposite the Red Fort. You can find a myriad of products here including ethnic jewellery, handicrafts, fabrics, idols of deities, incense sticks, fragrances and more. Don’t forget to try out the delicious street food here.

Timings: 9:30 AM – 8 PM (Closed on Sundays)
Distance From Red Fort: 1 km
Nearest Metro Station: Kashmere Gate

Suggested Read: Popular Places To Visit Near Chandni Chowk

2. Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid is the oldest mosque in Delhi that is one of the places to visit near Red Fort

Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons

Only a kilometre from Red Fort, Jama Masjid is the oldest mosque in India that was constructed under the reign of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the mid 17th century. It is big enough to accommodate about 25,000 people in its courtyard and welcomes large crowds on special occasions like Eid. The edifice features a massive dome, three entryways, two minarets as well as four towers and is spread out over an area of about 1,200 square metres.

Timings: 7 AM – 12 PM, 1:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Distance From Red Fort: 800 m
Nearest Metro Station: Jama Masjid Metro Station

3. Fatehpur Masjid

Fatehpur Masjid is a historic mosque and is one of the attractions near Red Fort

Photo: Indrajit Das / Wikimedia Commons

Fatehpur Masjid is another mosque located near Red Fort and one that you must visit when in Old Delhi. It is situated on the oldest road in Chandni Chowk, opposite the fort. It was constructed on the orders of Fatehpuri Begum who was one of Emperor Shah Jahan’s wives. Built using red sandstone, this mosque features a fluted dome with a kalash and mahapadma on top. Its prayer hall has seven-arched openings and within its courtyard lies the grave of Maulana Abdul Qadir Ludhianvi’s wife. Next to the mosque is Khari Baoli which is the biggest spice market in Asia. Fatehpur Masjid is one of the spiritual tourist attractions near Red Fort.

Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
Distance From Red Fort: 1 km
Nearest Metro Station: Chandni Chowk Metro Station

Suggested Read: Mosques In Delhi

4. Raj Ghat

Raj Ghat is one of the top places to see near Red Fort with a memorial of Mahatma Gandhi

Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons

Raj Ghat in Delhi is a memorial complex, with its first memorial being dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. His grave is marked by an elevated black marble platform with an eternal flame on one end; it is within a walled enclosure. Raj Ghat translates to “Royal Steps” and is also home to other memorials dedicated to prominent figures from Indian history including Lal Bahadur Shastri, Jawaharlal Nehru, Charan Singh and Indira Gandhi. Besides visiting these memorials, you can also attend the special prayer meet that is organised here every Friday evening.

Timings: 6:30 AM – 6 PM
Distance From Red Fort: 3 km
Nearest Metro Station: Delhi Gate Metro Station

5. Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar is a UNESCO world heritage site in Delhi with Islamic style

Photo: Puneet Kumar / Wikimedia Commons

A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Delhi’s Mehrauli locality, Qutub Minar is one of the top places to visit near Red Fort. It is situated within the Qutub complex and was built between the 12th and 13th centuries under the Delhi Sultanate. It’s known for its architecture which is a mix of the Islamic and southwestern Asian styles. This towering minaret features about 399 steps but owing to limited room inside, visitors are not allowed to enter the structure. There are other historical edifices around the tower including a 12th century mosque.

Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
Distance From Red Fort: 17 km
Nearest Metro Station: Qutub Minar Metro Station

6. Connaught Place

Connaught Place is a mega shopping arena with several shops and eateries in Delhi

Photo: Vladislav Bezrukov / Wikimedia Commons

Whether you want to go shopping or grab a bite to eat, Connaught Place is where you should go! It happens to be one of the city’s financial and commercial centres and is known for its countless shops and eateries. A massive marketplace of sorts, Connaught Place was built in the 18th century in the Georgian architectural style. Moreover, it is one of the most bustling places to see near Red Fort if you want to spend a fun night out.

Timings: 24*7 ( most shops 10 AM – 9 PM)
Distance From Red Fort: 6 km
Nearest Metro Station: Rajiv Chowk Metro Station

7. Gurudwara Shri Bangla Sahib

Gurudwara Shri Bangla Sahib is one of the top tourist attractions near Red Fort

Photo: KomalParmar1108 / Wikimedia Commons

Gurudwara Shri Bangla Sahib, one of the major attractions near Red Fort, is one of the most prominent gurudwaras in Delhi. It was initially built in the 18th century and then renovated in the 20th century. It is associated with Guru Har Krishan who was the 8th Sikh Guru. The gurudwara has golden domes and its complex also features a holy pond known as the Sarovar, a kitchen, an art gallery and a school. Don’t forget to sit for the langar in the kitchen hall since it is a major component of Sikhism.

Timings: 24*7
Distance From Red Fort: 7 km
Nearest Metro Station: Rajiv Chowk Metro Station

8. Humayun’s Tomb

Humayun’s tomb is a Mughal edifice in Delhi that is one of the top places to visit near Red Fort

Photo: Ravi Pahwa / Wikimedia Commons

One of Delhi’s most frequented monuments, Humayun’s Tomb is a Mughal edifice that houses Emperor Humayun’s tomb. It was commissioned by his first wife Bega Begum. The complex is India’s first garden-tomb and was built sometime in the 16th century. It is predominantly made using red sandstone and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many visitors flock to Humayun’s Tomb not only for its beautiful Mughal architecture but also to see the many other tombs and houses besides that of Emperor Humayun. This monument is one of the best places to visit in Delhi near Red Fort.

Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Distance From Red Fort: 8 km
Nearest Metro Station: Jor Bagh Metro Station

9. Janpath Market

Pick up a plethora of goods at the Janpath Market in Delhi near the Red Fort

Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons

Janpath Market is the perfect place to visit in Delhi if you wish to buy unique local souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones. This marketplace is renowned for its plethora of vendors selling all kinds of goods. These include jewellery, clothes, electronics, paintings, artefacts and handicrafts, furniture, leather goods, spices and much more. You would also find a number of sellers selling export rejects for well-known global brands at highly discounted rates. And of course, don’t forget to stop at one of its eateries to try out some delicious street food.

Timings: 11 AM – 9 PM
Distance From Red Fort: 6 km
Nearest Metro Station: Janpath Metro Station

10. Agrasen Ki Baoli

Agrasen ki Baoli is a classic stepwell near Red Fort that is a protected monument

Photo: Supreet Sethi / Wikipedia

Agrasen ki Baoli, a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India, is a historical stepwell. Many believe that it was built during the 14th century under king Agrasen, during the Lodi or Tughlaq periods. It has 108 steps and only 3 levels of the stepwell are visible, with each level featuring arched niches on two sides. The stepwell is associated with numerous urban legends, with the most well-known one being that it is haunted.

Timings: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
Distance From Red Fort: 6 km
Nearest Metro Station: Barakhamba Road Metro Station

11. India Gate

A grand war memorial illuminated at night, honoring Indian soldiers, one of the best places to visit near Red Fort.

Photo: Vinitsharma98 / Wikimedia Commons

India Gate, a spectacular monument to India’s martyred soldiers, is located in the centre of New Delhi. This 42 meter tall military memorial was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. It pays tribute to the 74,187 soldiers who lost their lives in the First World military and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. Its walls are adorned with the names of 13,300 troops, adding to its grieving glory. The monument is a captivating sight at night when it is perfectly illuminated. The India Gate is still one of Delhi’s most recognisable monuments, radiating history, patriotism or a leisurely evening walk.

Timings: 24*7
Distance From Red Fort: 7.7 km
Nearest Metro Station: Central Secretariat Metro Station

12. Akshardham Temple

A stunning Hindu temple with intricate carvings and a golden idol.

Photo: Daniel Echeverri / Wikimedia Commons

The stunning Hindu temple complex of Swaminarayan Akshardham is a work of spiritual and architectural art. It was constructed by BAPS and features elaborate sculptures, imposing domes and tranquil gardens, highlighting the Hindu tradition. A must-see is the temple’s musical fountain show, which tells the story of life’s cycle. You can admire the golden idol of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and take a tranquil boat trip through India’s ancient wisdom here. Visitors can study displays on Indian heritage. Akshardham is an experience that combines devotion, history, and creativity.

Timings: 10 AM – 6:30 PM (closed on Mondays)
Distance From Red Fort: 8.1 km
Nearest Metro Station: Akshardham Metro Station

13. Jantar Mantar

An ancient astronomical observatory with large sundials and geometric structures.

Photo: Subeesh Balan സുഭീഷ് ബാലൻ / Wikimedia Commons

Near Red Fort, tourist places are multiple in number and one such is Jantar Mantar. Maharaja Jai Singh II constructed this observatory known as Jantar Mantar, a wonder of ancient astronomy. It contains 13 architectural instruments, such as the Samrat Yantra, a massive sundial that accurately calculates time. This is designed to monitor celestial movements. Originally utilised for astronomical calculations, the observatory now serves as a reminder of India’s scientific progress. Jantar Mantar’s geometric accuracy and historical significance continue to captivate tourists. A trip here is an exploration of India’s astronomy history.

Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Distance From Red Fort: 4.4 km
Nearest Metro Station: Patel Chowk Metro Station

14. Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir

A red sandstone Jain temple with golden idols and a bird hospital and an alluring architecture.

Photo: Pratyk321 / Wikimedia Commons

Located opposite to the Red Fort is the impressive red sandstone building or Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir, Delhi’s oldest Jain temple. Constructed in 1656 and devoted to Tirthankara Parshvanatha, it is well-known for its Jain Birds Hospital. It serves as a refuge for injured birds. The temple’s interior offers a tranquil haven from the busy streets of Chandni Chowk. It has elaborate sculptures, golden idols and a quiet prayer area. This temple offers an intriguing fusion of devotion and history for spiritual comfort, one of the places near Red Fort to visit.

Timings: 5:30 AM – 11:30 AM, 6 PM – 9:30 PM
Distance From Red Fort: 950 m
Nearest Metro Station: Lal Quila Metro Station

15. Lodhi Gardens

A lush green park with historic tombs and lotus-filled pond, one of the best places to visit near Red Fort.

Photo: Amaninder / Wikimedia Commons

Lodhi Gardens, a 90-acre park that expertly combines history and environment, is a lush paradise in the centre of Delhi. The gardens are home to graves from the 15th and 16th centuries, including those of Mohammed Shah and Sikandar Lodi. It is a popular location for morning walks and photography. Visitors can roam amid properly maintained lawns, historic ruins and ponds filled with lotuses. Lodhi Gardens attracts both history buffs and nature lovers, one of the tranquil places to visit in Delhi near Red Fort.

Timings: 5 AM – 8 PM (April – September), 6 AM – 8 PM (October – March)
Distance From Red Fort: 9.7 km
Nearest Metro Station: Jor Bagh Metro Station

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Delhi

There is plenty for you to discover in Delhi, no matter which part of the city you are in, and you are sure to have the trip of a lifetime! When it comes to places to visit near Red Fort, there are many in both Old and New Delhi. Visiting them is made quite easy with the city’s excellent metro system. So whether you are a local or a tourist, TripXL will surely be of great help in curating your itinerary.

Cover Photo: Hemant banswal / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

How important was the Red Fort for the Mughals?

The Red Fort was of very high importance during the rule of Shah Jahan and was made the capital of the Mughal kingdom during the Mughal Rule until 1857.

What kind of a design does the Red Fort follow?

The Red fort is a kind of a mix between traditional Persian architecture as well as Indian tradition. The construction of the Red Fort signifies the pinnacle of the creativity of the Mughals under Shah Jahan. The Fort is well-known for its large sandstone walls that are red in colour. The Diwan-i-Am has a total of 60 red sandstone pillars while the Diwan-i-Khas has a unique white marble pavilion.

When was the Red Fort built and who built it?

Construction of the Red Fort began during the sacred Islamic month of Muharram. The exact date when the construction started is 13 May 1638. The construction was supervised by Shah Jahan, who commissioned the building to be built, and all work on the Fort was completed by 6 April 1648.

15 Places To Visit Near Red Fort To Experience The Architectural Wonders