Top 7 Things You Must Do in Delhi

Delhi – a city of djinns and history, is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. From the glittering Mughal minarets to the orderly structure of colonial New Delhi, the city has been built and rebuilt several times over. This history is evident in every nook and corner, and it’s here where four-lane highways open up to centuries-old ruins. The rich and colourful past, coupled with a new, thriving culture brought in by migrants from all around the world, gives Delhi an identity that is uniquely its own.

Whether you’re a veteran to the city or only visiting for a few days, here are some things to do in Delhi that you shouldn’t miss:  

1. Explore Old Delhi on foot

The winding lanes of Old Delhi (former Shahjahanabad), bear testament to centuries of Mughal rule! Start your walk at the Red Fort, built by Shah Jahan in the 17^th century, and continue towards Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest and busiest of Delhi’s markets. Take a detour through Dariba Kalan – Asia’a largest jewellery market, to shop for silver and curios, before heading to the famous Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. End your walk with a traditional Mughlai meal at Karim’s or Al Jawahar in the Masjid area.

#MMTProTip: If you’re in the area on a Sunday, don’t miss the Sunday Book Market at Daryaganj – a two-kilometre long stretch of pavement that sells old books at incredibly cheap prices. 

2. Go for an early-morning run at Lodhi Gardens

Morning walks at Lodhi Gardens, near Khan Market, will give you a glimpse of Delhi’s social and political elite. The gardens themselves are beautiful: a lush, sprawling stretch of green in the heart of the city. If you’re historically inclined, spend some time at the tombs of Sikander Lodhi or Mohammad Shah, or simply enjoy a lazy picnic on the lawns with friends.

#MMTProTip: When you’re done exploring the Gardens, head over to the Indian Habitat Centre for some breakfast and maybe an exhibition or two.

Read More: Places to Visit in Delhi for the First-Timer

3. Stroll down Rajpath, the country’s seat of power

Central Delhi, often called Lutyens’ Delhi after the British architect who designed it, is the seat of political power in Delhi, and the country! Start with the Rashtrapti Bhawan on Raisina Hill, and walk down the Rajpath. On your way are the Secretariat Building, which houses the PM’s office and various ministries, and the Parliament of India at Vijay Chowk. End your walk at the India Gate, India’s memorial to honour the soldiers who lost their lives at war.

#MMTProTip: The area is best visited in the evening, when the buildings are brilliantly lit and the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate shines bright. Definitely high on our list of things to do in Delhi!

4. Spend a day at Humayun’s Tomb

It’s hard to pick a single monument to visit in Delhi: there are so many to choose from! But if we could recommend only one, it would be the tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun in Nizamuddin East. Built in red sandstone, and with intricate inlay work that reflects Central Asian and Persian influences, this building is an architectural marvel. The 30-acre Char Bagh Gardens that surround the tomb, built in traditional Persian style, are also breathtaking. 

#MMTProTip: While you’re in the area, pay a visit to Purana Qila (Old Fort), around ten minutes away.

Read More: 5 Flavours of Delhi You Simply Cannot Afford to Miss

5. Eat, Drink and Shop at Paharganj

Right in front of the Delhi Railway Station is a stretch of street called the Paharganj Main Market—an assorted medley of budget hotels, souvenir shops and hole-in-the-wall eating joints. Mainly frequented by backpackers from around the world, Paharganj is the perfect place to shop everything – from curios to brightly coloured harem pants and leather bags. When you’re done shopping, stop by for a cheap drink at My Bar; sample some schnitzel and hummus at Diamond Café or try authentic soju at The Shim Tur Korean Café.

#MMTProTip: If you’re looking for something more meaningful, you can take a walking tour of the area, organized by former street kids, in association with the Salaam Balak Trust.

Read More: Top 10 Famous Dishes of Delhi

6. Listen to the qawwali at Nizamuddin Dargah

The Nizamuddin Dargah, the mausoleum of Sheikh Nizamuddin Auliya, might seem a little unprepossessing at first, but you’ll change your mind once you hear the qawwali there. It happens every Thursday from 6 P.M.-7.30 P.M. A mystic, transformative experience, hundreds of believers flock to the Dargah each week to listen to the chanting rhythms of the qawwali and to pay homage to the great Sufi saint Auliya. The tomb of poet Amir Khusro is also located within the complex.

#MMTProTip: Mirza Ghalib’s tomb is also in the vicinity. The famous Ghalib Academy is located near the tomb.

7. Party it up at Hauz Khas Village

Once a tiny village that sprung up around a reservoir built by Allauddin Khilji, Hauz Khas today is a jumbling maze of narrow alleys lined with the trendiest eateries and pubs in South Delhi. By the day, history buffs and canoodling couple roam the ruins (which houses Firoz Shah’s tomb, a madrasa and a mosque), but as night falls, the place lights up to welcome youngsters coming in to drink, dance and party at HKV (as it’s popularly called). Most places have live music nights and you can party the night away at one of the hip pubs and restaurants in the area.

#MMTProTip: If you’re on the lookout to invest in some good art, Hauz Khas has many art galleries; most popular among them is Delhi Art Gallery, which showcases work by upcoming contemporary artists.

History, culture, green parks at every turn: the capital city has a lot to offer! We hope this list will help you move beyond Delhi’s tough, reticent exterior, and delve into the city’s many delights like a local!

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