15 Things To Do In Delhi In One Day For A Memorable Trip

Fast, culturally modern, historically rich, and alive-as capital of India should be, right? Of course, if you are looking for things to do in Delhi in one day, you do have to be a little choosy. Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Lotus Temple, you quite name it, Delhi has it. Stroll through ancient gardens, get amazed by rich architectural masterpieces, and come and dine on local cuisine. Whether it is heritage monuments, lively markets, or peaceful getaways, every spot gives you the feel of this animated city.

15 Things To Do In Delhi In One Day

Experience these things to do in Delhi in one day from Red Fort to the lively Chandni Chowk, each holding a different feel and a glimpse of the capital of India.

1. Visit The Red Fort

Visiting the Red Fort is one of the most amazing things to do in Delhi in one day.

Photo: Jayanth Muppaneni / Unsplash

The magnificence of the Mughals can be felt in a place declared among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Red Fort, was placed as a real icon of the Mughal reign. This one is 17th-century Red Sandstone architecture, an integer part of their reign, which was unbelievably mighty, a token of Kush at the epitome of lavishness, of that age. An intriguing light and sound show in the evening tells of the vivid history of Delhi, all ready to complete the grand design of long-time kings.

Entry Fee: ₹35 for Indians, ₹500 for foreigners
Distance From City Centre: 4.5 km

2. Jama Masjid

 A breathtaking view of Jama Masjid with red and white architecture during the daytime.

Photo: Martijn Vonk / Unsplash

Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India built as one of the beautiful architectural marvels in the 17th century by Shah Jahan, the Mughal Empire. This huge structure can accommodate more than 25,000 during the prayer and is a principal historical place. The brown sandstone and white marble construction have a noticeable engraving. The southern minaret in Old Delhi City provides a pan slowdown view, so it becomes important for visitors not only from a spiritual but also from a marvellous architectural structure point of view.

Entry Fee: Free, ₹100 for photography
Distance From City Centre: 2.7 km

3. Walk Through Chandni Chowk

Walking through Chandni Chowk is one of the best things to do in Delhi in one day.

Photo: Martijn Vonk / Unsplash

Chandni Chowk is Delhi’s oldest bazaar, an edifice etched into the mind by Shah Jahan, filled with life and accounts of history. His heavily populated alleys are strangely stuffed full of overflowing spices and garments. Amongst such a lively area, one comes across quite a bit of street food and gets an actual taste of what Delhi’s cultural-cum-gastronomic legacy might be like. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Delhi in one day for every traveller.

Entry Fee: Free
Distance From City Centre: 3 km

4. Visit Raj Ghat

Raj Ghat is one of the best places for every traveller looking to learn about the past.

Photo: Nandhinikandhasamy / Wikimedia Commons

It is now a place of homage, the spot of his last breath marked by nothing but a simple black marble platform. The site, abutting the Yamuna River, fenced in with gardens, is naturally serene and perfectly befitting the mood. Other great Indian leaders, like Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, have memorials apart from those of Gandhi. Raj Ghat is an island of silence in the buzz of Delhi where the nation’s leaders seek remembrance of their struggles.

Entry Fee: Free
Distance From City Centre: 4 km

5.Visit Humayun’s Tomb

Raj Ghat is one of the best places for every traveller looking to learn about the past.

Photo: Sneha Sivarajan / Unsplash

Humayun’s Tomb is one of UNESCO’s finest pieces of architecture in the world, as rich as the Taj Mahal. Expected to carry Persian-design elements from the middle of the 16th century, which includes a char bagh at its core, this imposing mausoleum does its part. To speak historically, the grandiosity of the elaborate stonework and the spaciousness of the layout give one a wonderful idea of the sort of artistic pursuit that prevailed when the Mughals were reigning.

Entry Fee: ₹30 for Indians, ₹500 for foreigners
Distance From City Centre: 8 km

6. Walk Inside The Lodhi Gardens

Lodhi Gardens is one of the most historical and marvellous places to visit for all.

Photo: Akshat Jhingran / Unsplash

Casual with 90 acres of verdant, Lodhi Gardens are historical tombs dating back to the 15th century. Sayyid and Lodi dynasty tombs lie in these serene gardens, which have become the favourite haunt for morning walks and picnics not just for their natural beauty but also because of the historical charm that seeps into their atmosphere.

Entry Fee: Free
Distance From City Centre: 5.5 km

7. India Gate

 Exploring India Gate is one of the best things to do in Delhi in one day for travellers.

Photo: Martijn Vonk / Unsplash

One of these war memorials is India Gate which mentions the names of the Indian soldiers killed during World War I. India Gate was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and has a height of 42 meters combining beauty and pride for the nation. At night the area is even more beautiful as several street vendors and several people are travelling to enjoy this open space. You can enjoy a casual picnic with your friends and family or just take hand-in-hand walks with your partner.

Entry Fee: Free
Distance From City Centre: 3 km

8. Visit Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar is one of the most amazing places for every traveller to visit and explore.

Photo: Daniel Dara / Unsplash

Qutub Minar the world’s tallest brick minaret at 73 meters represents the Indo-Islamic type of architecture. Being a part of the Qutub complex, it also contains the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, which consists of intricate carvings on the minaret itself and makes it a prominent place in world heritage and a UNESCO site. The monument becomes stunning at night as it is covered under different colourful lights, making it a sight to behold.

Entry Fee: ₹30 for Indians, ₹500 for foreigners
Distance From City Centre: 16 km

9. Get To Visit The Lotus Temple

Getting to witness the Lotus Temple is one of the best things to do in Delhi in one day.

Photo: Jayanth Muppaneni / Unsplash

The Lotus Temple is a House of Worship for the Bahais, famous for its lotus shapes and serendipity. This structure is built from white marble and is bound with green gardens. It is an open house for public meditation and prayers from people belonging to any denomination. It offers a very serene space for thought and a path to spiritual solace. This monumental structure stands as a figure of mankind, humanity and peace, making it a must-visit for all.

Entry Fee: Free
Distance From City Centre: 12 km

10. Visit To Akshardham Temple

Akshardham Temple is one of the most sought after places to visit for every traveller.

Photo: NANNE9 / Wikimedia Commons

Akshardham Temple is a modern marvel of traditional Hindu architecture. It has picturesque sprawling green gardens, cultural exhibitions, and intricate stone carvings. Akshardham binds history with boat rides and light shows to understand the rich heritage of India’s past and its artistic splendour. You can visit this place to enjoy the serene ambience, purity and the spirit of devotion.

Entry Fee: Free, ₹170 for exhibitions
Distance From City Centre: 10 km

11. Explore The National Museum

Exploring the National Museum is one of the most amazing things to do in Delhi in one day.

Photo: Miya.m / Wikimedia Commons

The National Museum in Delhi is one of the largest museums in India and exhibits more than 200,000 pieces, representing 5,000 years of history. The museum, from ancient sculptures to modern art, portrays the development of India’s culture special exhibitions and workshops are given to visitors for further reach. Whether you are looking to learn about the glorious history of the nation or just want to soak in the peaceful atmosphere, this is the place to be.

Entry Fee: ₹20 for Indians, ₹650 for foreigners
Distance From City Centre: 4 km

12. Explore Connaught Place

 Connaught Place is one of the most amazing places to explore for every traveller.

Photo: Subham Sharma / Unsplash

One can shop, eat, and office around it, but instead of that, the commercial centre is one of the biggest centres of colonial architecture and is generally round, thus found agog with locale activities and professionals, to be influenced all the more by the street performers and food of every conceivable option found in them all, thus making it one of the essential shopping and amusement centres.

Entry Fee: Free
Distance From City Centre: 2 km

13. President’s House

Visiting the President’s house is one of the best things to do in Delhi in one day.

Photo: Abhishek Sagar / Unsplash

One of the largest presidential palaces in the world is the President’s House or Rashtrapati Bhavan. This architectural grandeur was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and depicts a mix of British and Indian styles. Within it lies the Mughal Gardens, during certain months of the year exhibit a kaleidoscope of floral colours, thereby lending colour to the allure of the residence.

Entry Fee: ₹50 for the museum circuit, ₹80 for the garden circuit
Distance From City Centre: 5 km

14. Experience Dilli Haat

Dilli Haat is one of the most amazing places to visit and explore for every tourist.

Photo: Varun Phull / Unsplash

Dilli Haat, on the other hand, being an open bazaar, showcases the diversity of Indian culture along with crafts, handlooms, and regional cuisines. It offers diverse crafts and handlooms from different artisans, along with food stalls of regional culinary dishes. An encounter with the atmosphere evokes Indian tradition and crafts. The traditional and cultural shows taking place here will also give you memories of a lifetime making it a must-visit place.

Entry Fee: ₹30 for Indians, ₹100 for foreigners
Distance From City Centre: 10 km

15. Hauz Khas Village

Exploring the Hauz Khas Village is one of the best things to do in Delhi in one day.

Photo: Ravi Bhardwaj / Unsplash

Hauz Khas Village is an interesting mix of medieval history and modern liveliness. At this place, an ancient ruin shares the same place with hoarded contemporary boutiques, art galleries, and café shops. Sure, the liveliness of Hauz Khas Village is actually in front of these options, in the trendy bars and restaurants. It has a bit more to offer in scenic views with a view of the picturesque reservoir and dynamism in the cultural experience itself.

Entry Fee: Free
Distance From City Centre: 14 km

There are so many things to do in Delhi in a day including a tapestry of history, culture, and Modernism. From Red Fort and the Jama Masjid to the tranquillity of the Lotus Temple and the crawling crowds of Chandni Chowk, each place bequeaths different features to India’s capital. Embrace this heritage and energy of the city in an unforgettable whirlwind tour with TripXL.

Cover Photo: AXP Photography / Unsplash

Frequently Asked Questions

Early morning or late afternoon so one can avoid the crowds and be there for the evening light and sound show.
Around 1 to 1.5 hours or more, depending on how long you take to climb the minaret for the views.
Hauz Khasis is about 12 km away from the New Delhi Railway station. It will take you about 40 minutes to drive to the railway station by car from Hauz Khas.
Yes, they are close to one another and can easily be done in a single day.
Yes, they are providing the proper information regarding the temple, history details, and construction details.

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