India Gate and Rajpath

Location: Central Delhi
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Open 24 hours

India Gate, one of the most iconic landmarks of Delhi, is a must-visit for anyone exploring the city. This war memorial, built in honor of Indian soldiers who died during World War I, stands majestically at the heart of the capital. The wide lawns around India Gate are perfect for picnics, especially during the evening when the monument is beautifully lit. Rajpath, the ceremonial boulevard leading up to Rashtrapati Bhavan, is an ideal place for a leisurely stroll.

Budget Tip: Pack a homemade meal or some snacks and enjoy a picnic on the lawns. The area is perfect for people-watching, photography, and soaking in the historic ambiance of the city.

Qutub Minar Complex

Location: Mehrauli, South Delhi
Entry Fee: ₹40 (Indians), ₹600 (Foreigners)
Timings: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Delhi’s most famous historical monuments. Standing at 73 meters tall, it is the tallest brick minaret in the world. The complex also houses other historical structures like the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque and the Iron Pillar, known for its rust-resistant composition. The lush green gardens surrounding the monuments make it a peaceful spot to explore and relax.

Budget Tip: Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds. The entry fee is minimal, and you can easily spend a couple of hours exploring the rich history of this site.

Lotus Temple

Location: Bahapur, Kalkaji
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)

The Lotus Temple, with its unique lotus-flower shape, is one of Delhi’s most visited landmarks. This Bahá’í House of Worship is open to people of all faiths and offers a serene environment for meditation and reflection. The temple’s architecture is a sight to behold, with 27 white-marble petals forming its distinctive shape, surrounded by tranquil gardens and reflecting pools.

Budget Tip: Since there’s no entry fee, the Lotus Temple is a great place to visit if you’re traveling on a budget. Spend some quiet time inside the temple or enjoy a peaceful walk around the beautifully maintained gardens.

Humayun’s Tomb

Location: Nizamuddin East, Delhi
Entry Fee: ₹40 (Indians), ₹600 (Foreigners)
Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Humayun’s Tomb, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a stunning example of Mughal architecture and is considered a precursor to the Taj Mahal. The tomb is surrounded by lush gardens in the Persian charbagh style, making it a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. The site also includes smaller monuments, such as the Isa Khan Niazi Tomb, adding to the historical significance of the area.

Budget Tip: The ticket is very affordable, and the sprawling gardens make it worth spending a few hours here. Visit in the early morning for a more serene experience and better photography opportunities.

Chandni Chowk and Red Fort

Location: Old Delhi
Entry Fee: Free to explore Chandni Chowk; ₹35 (Indians), ₹500 (Foreigners) for Red Fort
Timings: Chandni Chowk: All day; Red Fort: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)

Chandni Chowk, one of Delhi’s oldest and busiest markets, offers a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. From street food stalls to shops selling everything from spices to jewelry, exploring Chandni Chowk is an adventure in itself. A short walk from the market is the Red Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was the main residence of the Mughal emperors for nearly 200 years. The fort’s massive red sandstone walls, intricate carvings, and beautiful gardens make it a must-visit.

Budget Tip: Wander through Chandni Chowk at no cost and sample some of Delhi’s famous street food, like parathas, jalebis, and chaat. If you choose to visit the Red Fort, the entry fee is minimal, and you can easily spend a few hours exploring the historic site.

Lodhi Gardens

Location: Lodhi Road, Central Delhi
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 6:00 AM – 7:30 PM

Lodhi Gardens is a serene, green oasis in the heart of Delhi, perfect for a leisurely stroll, a morning jog, or a peaceful picnic. The park is dotted with historical tombs from the Lodhi dynasty, making it not just a place of natural beauty but also of historical significance. The well-maintained gardens are a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike, offering a break from the urban chaos.

Budget Tip: Bring a book or some snacks and spend a relaxing afternoon here. The gardens are free to enter, and you can enjoy both the natural beauty and historical structures at no cost.

National Museum

Location: Janpath, New Delhi
Entry Fee: ₹20 (Indians), ₹650 (Foreigners)
Timings: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)

For history buffs, the National Museum in Delhi is a treasure trove of India’s cultural and historical artifacts. The museum’s extensive collection includes everything from ancient sculptures and manuscripts to artworks and weapons. Exhibits cover various periods of Indian history, providing a comprehensive overview of the country’s rich heritage.

Budget Tip: The entry fee is very affordable, and the museum is a great place to spend a few hours learning about India’s history. Audio guides are available at a low cost, enhancing your experience.

Dilli Haat

Location: INA, South Delhi
Entry Fee: ₹30 (Adults), ₹10 (Children)
Timings: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Dilli Haat is an open-air market that showcases handicrafts and cuisines from different states of India. The vibrant atmosphere, with stalls selling everything from handmade jewelry to traditional textiles, makes it a great place to shop for souvenirs. The food stalls offer a taste of India’s diverse culinary traditions, making it a must-visit for food lovers.

Budget Tip: Entry is inexpensive, and you can sample a variety of regional dishes without spending much. It’s also a great place to pick up affordable, unique souvenirs.

Bangla Sahib Gurudwara

Location: Connaught Place
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Open 24 hours

Bangla Sahib Gurudwara is one of the most prominent Sikh temples in Delhi, known for its beautiful golden dome and peaceful atmosphere. The gurudwara is open to people of all faiths, offering free meals (langar) to visitors throughout the day. The large pond, or Sarovar, inside the complex adds to the serene environment, making it a perfect place for meditation and reflection.

Budget Tip: Visiting the gurudwara is free, and you can participate in the langar, which offers simple, nourishing food at no cost. It’s a spiritual and cultural experience that shouldn’t be missed.

Tughlaqabad Fort

Location: Tughlaqabad, South Delhi
Entry Fee: ₹25 (Indians), ₹300 (Foreigners)
Timings: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Tughlaqabad Fort, built in the 14th century by Sultan Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, is a massive fortress that once served as the capital of the Tughlaq dynasty. Although much of the fort is in ruins today, it still offers a fascinating glimpse into medieval Delhi. The fort’s vast expanse, with its crumbling walls, bastions, and gateways, is a great place for exploration, photography, and understanding Delhi’s historical landscape.

Budget Tip: The entry fee is minimal, and the fort is a great place to explore at your own pace. Bring some snacks and water, as the fort area is expansive, and you might spend a few hours here.