Old Delhi Calling: Unlock The 15 Best Places To Visit In Old Delhi

Today our search brings us back to Delhi, yes “ Dilwalon ki Dilli”, our very famous Old Delhi. The capital city of India, is a tourist hub for Indians & foreign residents. Delhi is vibrant, bold and it always stays in everyone’s heart. You will be amazed to see the vibrant places to visit in Old Delhi. So, when you make your India tour packages, and head to the capital of India, be sure to check out this revered location.

The nightlife in the clubs here is great but when it comes to visiting the heritage of Delhi, The Old Delhi is unbeatable. So, if you are looking for what to do places to visit in Old Delhi? Then your search ends her. 

What is the history of Old Delhi?

Old Delhi, also known as Shahjahanabad, was founded by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the year 1639. Shah Jahan, is very well known for his love for simplicity, but then he wanted to create a new capital that would reflect the splendor of his empire.

Shah Jahan named this new city Shahjahanabad in his honour, and it quickly became a masterpiece of Mughal urban planning and design. Old Delhi’s streets and bazaars, particularly Chandni Chowk, teemed with life and commerce during the Mughal era. You will encounter so many Must-see attractions in Old Delhi

Today, Old Delhi has a different role in attracting people towards its vibrant history and mouth watering food. 

15 Must Visit Places in Old Delhi, India

1. Red Fort

The Red Fort is standing guard over Old Delhi is one of India’s most treasured sites. This UNESCO world heritage site was built in 1639 by the Indian emperor Shah Jahan, the same ruler who built the Taj Mahal. It is one of the top tourist places to visit in Old Delhi. India Gate is also one of the most amazing historic sites which you can cover during your visit to Delhi. 

The Red Fort was the primary royal palace of all successive Indian rulers until 1857 when the British sent the last Mughal ruler out of the country, and officially took over the rule of India. It is one of the best places to visit in Old Delhi.

Though much of the palaces and buildings were already destroyed by the British army, Red Fort is still a magnificent site with beautiful Mughal architecture. It’s one of the prime attractions for Indian and foreign tourists.

You will love to see the sound and light show Which happens from Tuesday to Friday. 

• Opening Hours & Cost: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm, daily (closed Monday); INR 600 foreigners, children under 15 free.

• Nearest metro station: Lal Quila (Violet line), exit Gate 4 

2. Jama Masjid

Earlier Jama Masjid was the mosque of the royal Mughals. It was built by emperor Shah Jahan in the 1650s. The song “Dilli sheher ka sara meena bazar le k”, is based on the very famous meena bazar near Jama Masjid .

The beauty of Jama Masjid is enhanced with 3 large arched entrances, 3 marble domes, 4 towers and 2 minarets. 

It is one of the largest mosques in India. It is one of the best places to visit in Old Delhi. You can climb one of the towers and see the beauty of Delhi from your own eyes and get some amazing photos of Old Delhi.

This is an active mosque and there is a dress code. Everyone must remove shoes and dress accordingly (knees and shoulders covered – you can borrow a cover up if needed), women must cover their heads. 

Matia Mahal Bazar is near Jama Masjid and trust me if you are a food lover then this place is a heaven for you. There are amazing restaurants which offer mouth – watering food which you can’t avoid. Some of the famous ones are – Al Jawahar, Alsam Chicken and many more.

• Opening Hours & Cost: 7:00 am – 12:00 pm & 1:30 pm – 6:30 pm, daily; free (INR 300 fee for bringing a camera).

• Nearest metro station: Jama Masjid (Violet line), exit Gate 2.

3. Chandni Chowk

It is one of the must-see attractions in Old Delhi which you don’t want to avoid. If you are looking for what to do places to visit in Old Delhi? Then you must visit here.

A walk across Chandni Chowk is considered as a walk through hundreds of years of history. The place will take you back to the time, there are old sculptured houses, havelis and a lot more.  This is Delhi’s most famous street which was built first when Delhi was established in the 1600s and many havelis (mansions), markets and temples from that era still line the street.

Currently motorised traffic is not allowed between 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, which makes it easy to walk the 1.3 km from one end to the other. It is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Old Delhi.

Along the way you will pass historic havelis, Jain, Sikh and Hindu temples, busy street stands, and shops specialising in Indian wedding outfits. Usually most of the Delhi brides come to Chandni Chowk for their wedding shopping.

• Opening Hours & Cost: 24/7 but hours for shops and temples vary, (some shops close on Sunday), free.

• Nearest metro station: Chandni Chowk (Yellow line), exit Gate 1. 

4. Khari Baoli ( The Spice Market)

This vibrant and busy market has been situated here for 400 years. It was established in the Mughal era and is still one of Asia’s largest wholesale spice markets.  There are so many other amazing things to do in Delhi which you can explore. You’ll be amazed by the colours and smells as you walk through Khari Baoli. It is one of the Must-see attractions in Old Delhi

This market is a blessing for home cooks and foodies. You will find a wide range of spices and many unique flavours. The variety of fresh spices, herbs, teas, dried fruits and nuts cannot be matched anywhere else in Delhi. 

It is recommended that you shouldn’t buy at the first shop you see, go and explore the market more. Khari Baoli is one of the most popular things to do in Old Delhi and gets a lot of tourists. 

• Opening Hours & Cost: 11:30 am – 6:00 pm, daily (closed Sunday), free.

• Nearest metro station: Chandni Chowk (Yellow line), exit Gate 5

5. Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib

Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib is one of the most prominent and beautiful Sikh temples in India. There are thousands of devotees visiting every week. Not just the temple an architectural marvel, it is here the ninth Sikh guru was martyred, making this temple one of the most important in the Sikh community. This Gurudwara is one of the best places to visit in Old Delhi. You can also explore other best places to visit in Delhi, if you are planning to.

Often referred to as the good Samaritans of the world, the Sikh community are selfless and welcoming. Everyone can visit the temple, regardless of religion or nationality. I regularly visit Sikh temples in Delhi and often have langar, the free community meal. After paying your respects in the prayer hall, be sure to visit the giant kitchens where volunteers prepare thousands of free meals daily.

Women and men must remove shoes and cover their heads before entering the temple. Bandanas are available to borrow if needed.

• Opening Hours & Cost: 24/7, free.
• Nearest metro station: Chandni Chowk (Yellow line), exit Gate 1.

6. Parathe Wali Gali

It is one of the best places to visit in Old Delhi. Paranthe Wali Gali is one of the most famous lanes in Delhi for street food. Parathas are most loved Indian flatbreads, which sometimes stuffe. People have bought paranthas here since the 1870s.

This Gali has a variety of Parathas. Everything from the traditional such as aloo or gobi (potato or cauliflower) to the different ones like banana or pea is available. And unlike elsewhere in the city, these parathas are served with pickle (chutney) and sabzi (vegetables). They are also fried in ghee, giving them a delicious, rich flavour. You will love the authentic taste and flavour of the parathas at Parathe Wali Gali.

We don’t think it matters which paranthe shop you eat at – every shop here claims to be the best and the original. After you fill your tummy with delicious parathas, explore Kinari Bazaar. The famous wedding market is one of the best places to visit in Old Delhi and it’s located off the lanes of Paranthe Wali Gali. Moreover, you must check out the best restaurants in Delhi for Valentine’s Day if you are travelling with your partner.

• Hours & cost: 9:00 am – 11:00 pm, daily: price varies but generally INR 100-200

• Nearest metro station: Chandni Chowk (Yellow line), exit Gate 1

7. Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir and Bird Hospital

Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir is the oldest and main Jain temple in Delhi. Like other iconic architecture in the area, it was built in the 1650s. There was a large Jain community in the area at that time, and Shah Jahan gifted them this land so they could build a temple. If you are visiting Old Delhi, then consider it as one of the top places to visit in Old Delhi.

Jains believe the path to enlightenment comes through non-violence. They are pure and strict vegetarians who do not even eat root vegetables, as removing the root kills the plant. They too avoid eating after sunset.

Considering the Jain faith, there is a charity bird hospital directly behind the temple. Birds are treated free of charge and then released into the wild. It is possible to tour the bird hospital, but be aware that there are droppings on the floor and you’ll be in your bare feet.

Shoes and all leather items must be removed before entering the temple grounds. Photography is not allowed inside.

• Hours & cost: 3:30 am -11:30 am & 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm daily (summer); 6:00 am – 12:00 pm & 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm daily (winter); free.

• Nearest metro station: Lal Quila (Violet line), exit Gates 1 or 4.

8. Haveli Mirza Ghalib

This is the historic home of who many consider the greatest Mughal poet, Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib. He is one of the artists who is very well known in his era. He loved Old Delhi and lived through the destruction of Shahjahanabad by the British in the 1850s. 

• Hours & cost: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, daily (closed Monday); free.
• Nearest metro station: Chandni Chowk (Yellow line), exit Gate 5.

9. Fatehpuri Masjid

Fatehpuri Masjid is next to Khari Baoli. The famous street of Chandni Chowk starts at the Red Fort and ends here, at Fatehpuri Masjid. This was a royal mosque, built in 1650 for Fatehpuri Begum.

The mosque has a colourful history and is one of the top places to visit in Old Delhi. It was severely looted and damaged by British soldiers in 1857, sold to a prominent Hindu merchant, sold back to the British and finally returned to the Muslim community 20 years later. It’s a very big mosque with a massive courtyard and several graves belonging to past Imams and Islamic scholars.

• Hours & cost: 6:00 am – 8:00 pm, daily; free.
• Nearest metro station: Chandni Chowk (Yellow line), exit Gate 5.

10. Naughara Gali

Near Kinari Bazaar is a group of 9 historic havelis from the 1700s on a lane called Naughara Gali, which means 9 houses in Hindi. The lane is fascinating into the history and architecture of Old Delhi, one of the more unique things you can do and see here. You will love to see the place and it is one of the best places to visit in Old Delhi. You will definitely love the amazing street food of Delhi which is filled with flavour, spice and lots of love. 

These homes belonged to wealthy Jain families and were designed with Mughal and Rajasthani details. These were decorated amazingly with eye-catching designs.

There’s a lovely Jain temple at the end of the Gali. Feel free to take a look but remove shoes and any leather items before entering.

• Hours & cost: 24/7; free.

Nearest metro station: Chandni Chowk (Yellow line), exit Gate 1.

11. Chor Bazaar

Chor Bazaar is one of Delhi’s biggest and cheapest markets. It’s only open on Sundays, when the rest of the Old Delhi markets are closed, so it’s the perfect thing to do if you are here on this day. If you visit Delhi on Sunday, then it is one of the best places to visit in Old Delhi that you don’t want to miss. There are several places to shop in Delhi that can give you everything from fancy clothes to electronic items.

The market has been here since Mughal times and was originally a place for buying and selling stolen goods which means chor’. It still has a reputation for dealing in stolen goods, especially electronics, so be cautious with your purchases. Despite its reputation, you can get some fantastic deals if you bargain and go early in the morning before the best items are gone. 

The market is also infamous for pick pockets. Keep personal belongings close and be cautious while visiting the market. 

• Hours & cost: 5:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sunday only; free.
• Nearest metro station: Jama Masjid (Violet line), exit Gate 2.

12. Partition Museum

This very informative and moving museum is dedicated to remembering and educating the public about the most catastrophic event in recent Indian history, Partition. One of the best places to visit in Old Delhi. It is located outside of the area around Chandni Chowk and Chawri Bazaar, but still in Old Delhi. For anyone wishing to understand India and its people, the museum is an absolute must

• Hours & cost: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, daily (closed Monday); free
• Nearest metro station: Kashmere Gate (Violet line), exit Gate 7.

13. Daryaganj Sunday Book Market

If you are a book lover, you will love Delhi’s most famous book market. Thousands of books are on sale out here, all for reasonable prices. If there is no ‘fixed price’ sign, you are expected to bargain. The best and most interesting part is that some books are even sold by the kilo!

Make sure you bring your own bag, not all vendors have them. This market is open on Sundays only.

• Hours & cost: 9:30 am – 9:00 pm (summer) & 10:30 am – 5:00 pm (winter), Sunday only; free.
• Nearest metro station: Delhi Gate (Violet line), exit Gate 2.

14. Omaxe Chowk

Omaxe Chowk, a gorgeous shopping mall that opened in 2024 in Chandni Chowk. It is a place which you can’t miss when you are in Old Delhi. It is one of the best places to visit in Old Delhi. There was a lot of controversy over this mall, many thinking that it would take away from the charm and essence of Old Delhi, and hurt local businesses.

I’m not sure how it has affected local businesses, but the mall itself is a showpiece of Indian culture. Not to mention it’s an air conditioned haven compared to the bedlam outside. There’s a good food court on the second floor and ample underground parking. 

• Hours & cost: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm, daily; free
• Nearest metro station: Chandni Chowk (Yellow line), exit Gate 1.

15. Raj Ghat

The Raj Ghat in Old Delhi is dedicated to the father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi Ji. This place is good for the people who believe and follow the Gandhian philosophy of Truth, Triumph, and Non-violence. Raj Ghat was built in 1948.

There is a simple black marble stone at the centre which is the exact place where the body of Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. This gives this place more meaning & depth. On the North side of this memorial, you will see a wood area named ‘The Forest of Peace’ which is dedicated to Jawahar Lal Nehru Ji. 

• Hours & cost: 6.30 AM to 6 PM

• Nearest Metro Station: Pragati Maidan Metro Station.

How to Get to Old Delhi ?

There are several options to get into Old Delhi, but the best way is by metro. Traffic is the biggest challenge in this part of Delhi. Motorised vehicles are forbidden on Chandni Chowk between 9:00 am and 9:00 pm daily, so even if you come by car, you can only get so far. Yet, there is parking available,but it’s still tough to manage the parking.

It is quite convenient to visit by metro in Old Delhi. Delhi metro is one of the best ways to visit places in Old Delhi.  The Delhi metro is user friendly and straight-forward. Online booking apps like Uber and Ola are also good options to get to Old Delhi, but once you get there you will have to walk. 

Best Time for Places to Visit in Old Delhi

If you are planning for Top Places to Visit in Old Delhi, then the best time would be from September to January. As the climate is also decent and you can enjoy it to the fullest. 

Visiting Old Delhi during these months allows travellers to fully immerse themselves in the vibrant street life, savouring the flavours of local cuisine, bargaining at the bustling markets, and exploring the iconic landmarks.

Conclusion

Excited? Yes, after reading a lot about various places to visit in Old Delhi, you must be excited to visit here. Old Delhi is a place which always attracts the tourists towards it. Hurry Up! And plan your trip with your friends and family today.