Things to Do in Delhi — Complete Guide by Season & Interest

Delhi is a city of extremes — ancient and modern, overwhelming and rewarding. Here's what to see and do, organized by interest and season.

Must-Do Experiences

These define a Delhi visit. Miss these and you've missed the city.

Walk Through Old Delhi

What: Navigate the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, Delhi's 17th-century market district

Why: This is Delhi at its most intense — street food, spice markets, humanity, chaos, and history in every lane

How long: 3-4 hours minimum

Include:

Jama Masjid (India's largest mosque)
Paranthe Wali Gali (paratha street)
Khari Baoli (spice market)
Red Fort entrance

See our neighbourhoods guide for detailed Old Delhi coverage.

Explore Mughal Monuments

Must-see:

Humayun's Tomb — Prototype for the Taj Mahal, stunning gardens
Red Fort — Mughal imperial residence, massive walls
Qutub Minar — 73-metre tower, 800 years old

Allow: 1.5-2 hours each

Entry: ₹550 per site for foreigners

See our heritage guide for complete monument information.

Eat Street Food

Where: Chandni Chowk for the full experience

What to try:

Parathas at Paranthe Wali Gali
Kebabs at Karim's
Chaat at Natraj Dahi Bhalle
Jalebis at Old Famous Jalebi Wala

See our food guide for complete recommendations.

Free Things to Do

Parks and Gardens

Lodhi Gardens

15th-century tombs scattered across manicured lawns
Best at sunrise or sunset
Free entry, dawn to dusk
Perfect for morning walks, picnics, photography

Deer Park (Hauz Khas)

Actual deer and peacocks roam free
Adjacent to Hauz Khas ruins
Morning joggers, evening walkers
Free entry, 5 AM to 8 PM

Monuments

Agrasen ki Baoli

14th-century stepped well
103 steps descending into the earth
Atmospheric, photogenic
Free entry, near Connaught Place

Mehrauli Archaeological Park

100+ monuments from 1,000 years of history
Adjacent to Qutub Minar (which costs ₹550)
Ruins, tombs, step-wells
Free entry, sunrise to sunset

Religious Sites

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

Golden-domed Sikh temple
Free langar (community meal) served to all visitors
Reflective pool, peaceful atmosphere
Near Connaught Place

Nizamuddin Dargah

700-year-old Sufi shrine
Thursday evening qawwali (free)
Spiritual atmosphere
Walking distance from Humayun's Tomb

Other Free Experiences

India Gate

War memorial, pleasant evening walk
Illuminated at night
Street food vendors nearby

Walking Chandni Chowk

The experience is free; the food costs
Best morning hours

Things to Do by Season

Summer (April-June)

Delhi hits 40-45°C. Adapt accordingly.

Do:

Indoor museums (National Museum, National Gallery of Modern Art)
Mall hopping (Select Citywalk, DLF Promenade)
Early morning monument visits (arrive 6 AM)
Evening activities after 6 PM
Swimming pools at upscale hotels

Avoid:

Midday outdoor sightseeing
Walking tours
Long Old Delhi sessions

Tip: Carry water, sunscreen, and a hat. AC breaks between activities are essential.

Monsoon (July-September)

Rain, humidity, but also relief from heat.

Do:

Museums and indoor attractions
Monsoon-green Lodhi Gardens (between showers)
Coffee and cafe culture
Food focus — restaurants over street food

Avoid:

Old Delhi (lanes flood)
Step-wells (slippery)
Outdoor evening activities (mosquitoes)

Tip: Carry umbrella, waterproof bag for electronics. Check weather before heading out.

Winter (October-February)

Delhi's best season. Cool, dry, perfect for sightseeing.

Do:

Everything — this is prime visiting time
Morning heritage walks
Street food (no sweating)
Diwali (Oct/Nov), Republic Day (Jan 26)
Rooftop bars and restaurants

Watch out for:

December-January fog (flight delays, cold mornings)
Pollution spikes in November

Things to Do with Kids

Interactive Attractions

National Science Centre

Hands-on exhibits, fun for ages 5-15
Pragati Maidan area
Entry: ₹80

National Rail Museum

Old trains, toy train rides
Chanakyapuri
Entry: ₹50

Shankar's International Dolls Museum

6,000+ dolls from 85 countries
Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
Entry: ₹15

Outdoor Options

Deer Park

Deer, peacocks, ducks
Kids love the animals
Free, open morning to evening

Lodhi Gardens

Running space, picnic areas
Squirrels and birds
Free

Adventure Island (Rohini)

Amusement park
Better for older kids (rides)
Entry: ₹600-800

Food Kids Will Eat

Pizza at Big Chill
Ice cream at Giani's
South Indian at Saravana Bhavan (dosa, idli)
Pancakes at Elma's Bakery

Romantic Things to Do

Sunset Spots

Lodhi Gardens — Walk among 15th-century tombs as the light turns golden

Humayun's Tomb — The gardens at sunset are striking, less crowded than midday

Garden of Five Senses — Landscaped gardens in Mehrauli, quieter than parks

Dinner Spots

Olive Bar & Kitchen — Mediterranean food in a beautiful Mehrauli courtyard

Qla — Rooftop with Qutub Minar views, contemporary Indian

Indian Accent — If budget allows, Delhi's best restaurant

Lodi - The Garden Restaurant — Dining in Lodhi Gardens

Experiences

High Tea at The Imperial — Colonial elegance,₹2,500+ per person

Spa Day — Hotels like The Leela, ITC Maurya have excellent spas

Rooftop Drinks — Hauz Khas Village has multiple options

Off-the-Beaten-Path

Beyond Tourist Delhi

Majnu ka Tilla — Tibetan refugee colony. Momos, thukpa, monastery. North Delhi.

Feroz Shah Kotla — Ruined 14th-century city. Thursday djinn gatherings (yes, really).

Coronation Park — Where British staged coronations. Relocated colonial statues.

Jahaz Mahal — "Ship palace" ruins in Mehrauli. Less visited, atmospheric.

Chor Bizarre — Antique and junk market. Sunday mornings, Daryaganj.

Alternative Experiences

Street Art in Lodhi Colony — India's first open-air art district. Murals on buildings.

Champa Gali — Tiny alley of cafes and boutiques. Saket. Worth finding.

Sunder Nursery — Restored Mughal garden, recently opened. Adjacent to Humayun's Tomb.

Day Trips from Delhi

Agra (Taj Mahal)

Distance: 230 km (4-5 hours by car, 2 hours by Gatimaan Express)

What to see: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, optional Fatehpur Sikri

Plan: Full day trip, leave early

See our getting around guide for transport options.

Jaipur

Distance: 280 km (4-5 hours by car, 4 hours by train)

What to see: Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal

Plan: Overnight minimum, ideally 2 days

Neemrana Fort

Distance: 122 km (2-3 hours by car)

What: 15th-century fort converted to heritage hotel

Plan: Lunch trip or overnight stay

Quick Reference

Interest	Top Pick
History	Old Delhi + Humayun's Tomb
Food	Chandni Chowk food walk
Free day	Lodhi Gardens + Nizamuddin + India Gate
Photography	Humayun's Tomb at sunrise
Shopping	Dilli Haat + Khan Market
Nightlife	Hauz Khas Village
Family	National Rail Museum + Deer Park
Romance	Lodhi Gardens sunset + Olive dinner

For detailed itineraries, see our planning guide.