Attractions
Red Fort
The huge sandstone walls of The Red Fort, Delhi’s most famous attraction, rise high out of the city’s hustle and bustle. The fortress was built in the 17th century and housed Shah Jehan, his family and courtiers, and 3,000 staff members. The impressive structure is covered with intricate decoration, and used to have precious stones in the walls and an ancient air-conditioning system called a “stream of paradise.” The western Lahore Gate is a symbol for independence after the Indian uprising of 1857.
Address: Entrance from Lahore Gate or Chatta Chowk
Opening time: Tuesday to Sunday, dawn to dusk
Admission: 150 Rs, Free on Fridays
Jama Masjid
This enormous mosque is India’s largest and was designed by Shah Jehan, the architect of the Red Fort, and built in 1656. It towers over Old Delhi from a hill west of the Red Fort. Red sandstone steps will bring you to entrances on the north, south and east sides of the mosque, and where you can join 25,000 worshippers. Climb 122 steps in one of the small towers for great views of the city. Dress modestly, but if you’re wearing shorts or a skirt, you can hire a lunghi to cover your legs.
Address: Matya Mahal, Bho Jala
Opening time: Daily dawn-dusk; closed during prayer times
Admission: Free, but there is a 100 Rs fee for carrying a camera. Tip the shoe wallah 10 Rs.
Qutb Minar
The huge calligraphy-decorated tower that is the Qutb Minar stands 238 feet tall to symbolize Islamic rule in Delhi as well as honor the Qutab-ud-Din’s victory over the last Hindu kingdom in Delhi. Verses from the Koran cover the tower, which has five stories – three red sandstone and two white marble – and balconies. Ruins of a mosque, the Quwwat-ul-Islam, rest at the base of the tower. The mosque’s building materials and decorative materials came largely from the Hindu and Jain temples destroyed in the Muslim takeover. Also worth a visit is the Iron Pillar, the fourth-century Sanskrit-inscribed tribute to King Chandragupta II standing in the corner of the mosque. According to legend, anyone who can wrap their arms around the pillar, while facing away from it, will have their wishes fulfilled.
Opening time: Daily, dawn to dusk
Admission: 250 Rs
Humayun's Tomb
Humayun’s Tomb is a double-domed octagonal structure reaching 125 feet high. It is worth a visit to see some of the best-preserved Moghul architecture in Delhi. Humayan was the second Moghul emperor, and construction began after his death in 1564. Sitting in a Persian garden, the grounds also include the Tomb of Isa Khan.
Address: Lodhi Road and Mathura Road
Opening time: Daily dawn to dusk
Admission: : 250 Rs
Rashtrapati Bhavan
This enormous British-style palace is currently the home of India’s president, but was commissioned by King George V, the Emperor of India, after his visit to the country in 1911. The king decided the Indian capital should be moved from Calcutta to Delhi, and a new government center was to be built around the Raipath, the boulevard between the Secretariat Buildings and India Arch. The palace is very British, with few nods to Indian style, such as the central copper dome, making it a formidable symbol of Britain’s imperial presence. Every Saturday morning guards parade before the gates, much like London’s changing of the guard. If you’re visiting in February, you can take a stroll through the gardens.
Address: Rajpath
Opening time: Gardens – Daily in February, 9am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Chandni Chowk
Known as Moonlight Square, Old Delhi’s Chandni Chowk is surrounded by bazaars providing a colorful look at Delhi life. Each lane is different, known by the products you can find there. Walk through Gadodial Market, where spices are sold wholesale, to find every spice imaginable, including aniseed, ginger, saffron, lotus seeds, pickles and chutneys. Chor Bazaar, behind the Red Fort, is best visited on Sundays, when secondhand goods are sold. Chawri Bazaar was one known as a place where ladies called to men from their windows and balconies. Now these houses of ill repute have become shops specializing in brass and copper religious figurines. East of Kalan Mahal, poultry and fish markets bring huge crowds, which are best avoided by tourists.
Opening time: Most shops are open 10am to 6pm Monday to Saturday. Closed Sundays.
