10 Iconic Places to Visit in Delhi 2023

BY ASHAR KHAN – OCTOBER 23

Connaught Place, New Delhi

By all means, India is a nation of divergence and there are thousands of desired places to visit. From Kashmir’s snow-capped mountains in the north to Kerala’s sun-soaked beaches in the south; From heritage palaces overshadowing crowded cities to luxury shopping malls neighboring bustling century-old bazaars. Henceforth, we will take you to the top 10 iconic places to visit in Delhi.

Hence, nowhere is this more evident than in Delhi, the country’s capital city where old meets new in a literal sense – split into two distinct parts the ‘Old Delhi‘ of Mughal palaces and mosques and the ‘New Delhi‘ of colonial-era architecture. In fact, it’s a unique blend of cultures, religions and modernism whose glimmer can be observed around every corner in the city.

Indeed, this vibrant and chaotic Metropolis is brimming with cosy cafes, artistic walls, cheap bookstores, spellbinding monuments, unique food, and ethnicl spots. There are so many top-notch places in visit in Delhi which can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. Moreover, the centuries-old charm of the city will certainly urge you to go through the remarkable past of India’s treasures which are yet to be explored to their maximum capacity. But once you’ve seen the tried-and-true in India’s capital city, what’s next? So just chill and settle back, we are here for you!! Here are 10 unexplored places to visit in Delhi which will make your vacation even more memorable.

1. Garden of Five Senses

Garden of Five Senses

Markedly, the garden is designed to stimulate our five senses with its beauty and attractions. The cluster of waterfalls, rocks, bamboo courts, murals & sculpture or Herb gardens offer us to touch, smell, hear and feel the nature. Every so often, the garden also serves as one of the prominent cultural venues of the capital. The Garden tourism festival, food festivals, different melas, Dandiya festivals and other cultural programs are held here at different times.

In essence, the prime attractions of the park are the Khas Bagh,, Food and shopping court, Neel Bagh, Color Gardens, amazing sculptures and the interesting Solar Energy Park. Hence, visitors can relax and take a break from the daily routine of their hectic lives, as well as develop a greater sensitivity to the environment.

Location: Saiyad ul Ajaib, Saket.

Timings: 9am – 6pm. All days open.

2. Agrasen ki Baoli

Agrasen ki Baoli

This complex is stablished in the middle of the high structures as well as hustle-bustle of Connaught Area. Agrasen ki Baoli is a historical step well on Hailey Road near Connaught Place in Central Delhi. Markedly, it was discovered by many Delhi-ites and you’ll find quite a significant number of people there these days. Its striking style goes back to the 14th century when it was created to maintain water and also supply a relaxing location for visitors. Henceforth, this amazing architecture is commonly frequented by poets, musicians, and even digital photography lovers. Particularly, folks stroll down its classy edges or discover its particular curved niches as they spend quiet time in this dynamic chunk of the city .

In fact, this offbeat place is ill-famed for being haunted. Legend is that it was once filled with black water which often enticed people to commit suicide in it. Some people still feel it is haunted, and advise visitors not to stay here post sunset. Though it’s a beautiful structure to visit during the daytime. Indeed, it is one of the best places to visit in Delhi.

Location: KG Marg near Cannaught Place, New Delhi.

Timings: 9:00am – 5:30pm. All days open.

3. Mehrauli Archaeological Park

Mehrauli Archeological Park-Places in visit in Delhi

Mehrauli Archaeological Park

Uniquely, this woodland is one of the most overseen and offbeat areas in the city. There would be far less hustle and bustle as compared to other best places to visit in Delhi. Ironically, there are extraordinary riches scattered all around, with more than 440 monuments – from the 10th century to the British era – dotting a forest and the village itself. In the vicinity, most impressive are the time-ravaged tombs of Balban and Quli Khan, his son, and the Jamali Khamali mosque, attached to the tomb of the Sufi poet Jamali. To the west is the 16th-century Rajon ki Baoli, Delhi’s finest step-well.

All these monuments are in the midst of lush green forest enhanced by a lake, a rose garden, in the inhabitance of various flora and fauna. If you want to enjoy some time by yourself in the midst of the history, heritage and natural beauty of Delhi, then this Park is one of the best places to visit in Delhi.

Location: Near Qutub Minar, South Delhi.

Timings: 5am – 6:30pm. All days open.

4. Champa Gali, Saket Delhi

Champa Gali

By all means, Delhi’s hipsters have a new hangout, which they’d probably like to keep to themselves as not many people know about it yet. Surprisingly, Champa Gali is one of the most intriguing concealed lanes which everyone should discover. It is an up-and-coming bohemian street lined with cafes, design studios, and boutiques. Indeed, It has everything beginning with a coffee shop, to handmade art & craft things, reading room & design studio.

The place is situated in Saidulajab, an urban village close to Saket in south Delhi. Up until the 1990s, the neighborhood was populated with cow sheds and furniture shops but is now transforming into a contemporary and creative community, led by the street’s retailers. Impromptu jam sessions and pop-up bazaars take place there. Hence, Champa Gali is a thriving space which is refining gradually among the best places to visit in Delhi. Furthermore, this place is home to some distinct restaurants like Vietnamese cafetaria Pho King Awesome.

Location: Westend Marg, Saidulajab, Saket, South Delhi.

Timing: 11am – 10pm. All days open.

5. Waste to Wonder Park

Waste to Wonder -Places in visit in Delhi

Waste to Wonder Park

Indeed, a wonderful example of tactical urbanism and sustainable development, the Waste to Wonder Theme Park is one of Delhi’s most distinctive attractions. Situated next to the Sunder Nursery and the National Zoological Park, the park consists of seven different sculptures – all created using recycled waste materials such as car bumpers, tyres, pipes, rods, fans, and all kinds of industrial bits and pieces totalling 150 tonnes of scrap. But they’re not your average sculptures – the crafty creations represent seven of the architectural wonders of the world, including the Taj Mahal, Eiffel Tower, Great Pyramid of Giza, Colosseum of Rome, Statue of Liberty and even the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Furthermore, the park is a great spot for a selfie. It is open daily from 11am to 11pm and sells itself as one of the best budget-friendly places to visit in Delhi.

Location: Near Nizammudin Railway station, Sarai Kale Khan, New Delhi.

Timings: 11am – 11pm. Monday closed.

6. Humayun’s Tomb

Humayun’s Tomb

Built in the year 1570, Humayun’s Tomb is one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture in India – and served as an inspiration for the world famous Taj Mahal. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993, Humayun’s Tomb is the first garden tomb of the Indian sub-continent. In fact, it was constructed in the year 1570 on the orders from Hamida Banu Begum, the widow of Humayun as a gesture of affection for her husband.

The tomb is best explored with a guide who can share insights into the emperor’s life as well as the significance of the building itself. Henceforth, It’s one of the must-visit places in Delhi if you love art and history. It is visited by millions of Indian and International tourists every year, The best time to view Humayun’s Tomb would be in the late afternoon. To say nothing of, there are many amazing facts about Humayun’s tomb that will keep you intrigued.

Location: Mathura Road, Nizamuddin East, New Delhi.

Timings: 6am – 6pm. All days open.

7. National Rail Museum

National railway museum-- Places in visit in Delhi

National Rail Museum

The National Rail Museum is one of the museums in Delhi that no railway enthusiast can neglect. During the British rule in India, railways were built to facilitate the transportation of goods. Since then, the Indian Railway has seen numerous improvements and developments. It tells the story of the Indian Railways journey from 1853 to today.

There is an spectacular exhibition of Indian Railways’ history, displaying some of the country’s oldest steam engines and carriages. In contrast to contemporary bogey, heritage passenger carriages are a world apart. The museum houses some of the world’s most exclusive exhibits, including the Fairy Queen, the world’s oldest surviving steam engine. The museum also encloses a 3D simulator, a rail restaurant, and a gift shop, among other tourist attractions. A train ride is also available inside the Museum’s park for visitors. The best time to visit this place is in the late afternoons. The National Rail Museum in Chanakyapuri, is a paradise for history and heritage lovers.

Location: Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.

Timings: 10am – 5pm. Monday closed.

8. Mirza Ghalib ki Haveli

Mirza Ghalib ki Haveli

Ghalib Ki Haveli, a dilapidated yet still charming 200-year-old structure that was once the home of renowned Mirza Asadullah Baig Khan widely known as Mirza Ghalib (19th century Urdu Poet). This heritage site is a reminder of Mughal architecture and provides insight into the poet’s life. It is one of the most unusual things you can do in Delhi.

The poet spent some of the most challenging years of his life. It also holds several of his beautiful compositions even today. Located in Chandni Chowk, there is also an in-house museum present in the Haveli. It contains personal items belonging to the famed poet, as well as letters, manuscripts, and other documents related to his work. But it’s not just about his penmanship – the museum also dives into unexpected themes like his favourite hobbies (kiteflying and chess, for example) and his clothes.

A great glimpse into a life of a bygone era, the Ghalib ki Haveli is one of Delhi’s lesser-known museums but it’s definitely worth a visit if you happen to stumble across it while wandering around the densely populated Chandni Chowk area.

Location: Ballimaran, Chandni Chowk, Delhi.

Timings : 11am – 6pm. Monday closed.

9. Tughlakabad Fort

Tughlakabad Fort

Like taking a step back in time to the Medieval era, a visit to the imposing Tughlaqabad Fort is a must when in Delhi. It was built in the 14th century by then-ruler Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq (of the Tughlaq dynasty). This huge stone complex in south Delhi was one of the grandest forts in all of India. It spans more than six kilometers around its perimeter and contains palaces, courtyards, gardens and red sandstone mausoleum.

Explore its sprawling maze of courtyards, halls, chambers, high fortifications, and mosques, as well as its thirteen spectacular gates. It’s easy to imagine what life would have been like back in Tughluqabad’s heyday – the third city of medieval Delhi. With so much history beyond its walls, a guided tour is essential to get the most out of your visit. Nevertheless, Tughlaqabad Fort is a must during your time in the Indian capital.

Location: Tughlakabad, New Delhi.

Timings : 7am – 5pm. All days open.

10. ISKCON Temple

ISKCON Temple

Dominating the local skyline as one of the largest temple complexes in the entire country, the delightful ISKCON Temple is a place of contentment and serenity in an otherwise fast-paced and hectic Metropolitan.

One of the most recognisable landmarks in Delhi, the ISKCON Temple (which stands for International Society for Krishna Consciousness) is the place of worship of the Hare Krishna movement; however, it’s far more than a religious gather place, comprising of various individual and notable attractions: The Centre for Vedic Studies, The Centre for Vedic Performing Arts, the Temple itself and much more.

Whew! We made it till the end. Nevertheless, there are so many places and experiences in Delhi which are more stunning. So, Just plan your excursion in this break to these less explored places with your friends and family at your earliest convenience!! I bet you will cherish each moment as these places will never stop amusing you!

Note: Make sure that you visit these places without any kind of preconceived notions or any kind of inhibitions.

If you have any tips or suggestions. Please let us know in the comments below! And if you found this post useful, don’t forget to share it with your family and friends.