It is safely assumed that one is never bored in Delhi. The city has so much to offer on every front, whether it’s history, architecture, restaurants and cafes, art galleries, markets or shopping malls. It also hosts different events throughout the year, from music and food festivals to book fairs and concerts. With so much going on, you might even find yourself short on time!
Are you going to be in Delhi for a day? Here are the 10 best places to visit in Delhi in one day to help you plan your next trip to the national capital.
Here are the best spots to visit in Delhi in a day:
Red Fort
The Red Fort is more popularly known by its Hindi name, Lal Qila . It is one of the main attractions in Delhi. It is located in Old Delhi, and has an extensive compound, easily taking 2-3 hours to explore. While the exterior fortification is made of red sandstone, within lies several architectural marvels like the Diwan-i-Aaam and Diwan-i-Khaas. There are also many museums with Mughal and colonial-era artefacts. You can also visit the Red Fort in the evening for the hour-long light & sound show.
Chandni Chowk – Must Add In Your Delhi In A Day Itinerary
Another place to visit in Delhi in one day is Chandni Chowk. It is right outside the Lahori Gate of Red Fort and extends right up to Fatehpuri Masjid. Once serving as the main bazaar and thoroughfare during Mughal rule, Chandni Chowk is now a car-free zone (rickshaws and two-wheelers are allowed). It is especially known for being a haven for wedding shopping. What’s more attractive in Chandni Chowk is the food. From scrumptious paranthas at Paranthe Wale Gali, to dahi bhalle and aloo tikki at Natraj, followed by some super-sweet jalebi with rabri.
India Gate
Located in Lutyens Delhi, the administrative heart of the city is India Gate, an iconic monument of the capital. India Gate is a war memorial, located on Kartavya Path, and is famous for hosting the annual Republic Day parade. There are several ponds and lawns around it, which make for a great picnic spot. A staple Delhi activity is to get ice cream at India Gate on warm summer evenings when the monument lights up. A crowd-favourite, India Gate is definitely one of the 10 best places to visit in Delhi in one day.
National Gallery of Modern Arts (NGMA)
If you are an art enthusiast or simply enjoy visiting museums and galleries, you need to head to NGMA. Located at Jaipur House, close to India Gate, the Gallery exhibits over 14,000 artworks and sculptures, some of which date back to the 1850s. You can witness the genius of India’s famous artists like Amrita Sher-Gil, Nandalal Bose, Raja Ravi Verma and Abanindranath Tagore among others.
Humayun’s Tomb
Humayun’s Tomb in Nizamuddin East is hands down one of Delhi’s most beautiful monuments and among the 10 best places to visit in Delhi in one day. Built in the typical Mughal architectural style, a predecessor to the Taj Mahal, the tomb is massive in size and lies on an elevated platform in the middle of a large garden. The complex is quite large and takes a while to explore. Also, check out Isa Khan’s Tomb, a small structure that lies within the same compound.
Lodi Garden
People in Delhi flock to Lodi Gardens at all times of the day, throughout the year. However, it is the best spot in the city to enjoy a picnic on one of those rare warm winter afternoons. The garden is spread over a very large area so it never feels too crowded. It is sprinkled with flower beds, monuments, walking tracks, large lawns, benches, and even a fountain. Lodi Garden is one of the best places to visit in Delhi in one day. Here, you can take a step back from the craziness of the city, take a walk, or read a book.
Khan Market
Khan Market is one of the most expensive markets in India. But you don’t necessarily need to spend a fortune on your visit here. You can walk around the market, pop into a cafe for a cup of coffee, or enjoy a good meal at one of the many restaurants here. Khan Market is home to some of the most iconic Delhi institutions. Explore Faqir Chand Bookstore, Bahrisons Booksellers, The Big Chill Cafe, and Soda Bottle Opener Wala, to name a few.
Qutub Minar
Qutub Minar in Mehrauli no doubt deserves a spot on the list of 10 best places to visit in Delhi in one day. The site of the monument is where one of Delhi’s first settlements was established almost 900 years ago. The minaret stands unblemished even after all these centuries. As you explore the area, you will come across the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque. Unfinished Alai Minar, and a lot of open space for you to relax in. The Qutub Minar looks even prettier at night when it is lit up.
Safdarjung Tomb
Safdarjung Tomb does not make it to most Delhi itinerary for one day, but it deserves some of your time. Located close to both Lodi Garden and Khan Market, Safdarjung Tomb is a quiet and elegant mausoleum of a Mughal Prime Minister. Made out of marble and sandstone, it is similar in design to the Taj Mahal and the Humayun’s Tomb, though lacking both minarets and size. There is a beautiful garden surrounding the tomb which makes for an ideal spot to relax in.
Hauz Khas Fort and Lake
Finally, the last recommendation we have for the 10 best places to visit in Delhi in one day is Hauz Khas Fort. You can skip the clubs and restaurants of the neighbouring Hauz Khas Village. Make your way to the fort to explore the ruins of the 13th-century fort. The best time to visit Hauz Khas Fort is in the evening from where you can watch the sunset over the lake.
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These were the 10 best places to visit in Delhi in one day. From ancient forts to beautiful tombs, modern art galleries and glitzy markets, there’s so much you can do in Delhi in one day. We hope we have made your next trip to the capital easier with this guide.
