Top 10 Must-Visit Historical Places in Delhi – The Ultimate Guide for History Lovers

The Ultimate Guide to Delhi’s 10 Most Iconic Heritage Sites

Delhi, The Capital Of India, is brimming with historical monuments that showcase the city’s diverse past & offering a glimpse of glorious insights. Delhi is steeped in rich history & culture with several remarkable historical monuments that stand as testaments to its rich cultural heritage. From the Mughal Empire to the British colonial era these historical monuments, including 3 UNESCO recognized World Heritage sites, showcasing architectural styles and artistic achievements. 

From ancient ruins to magnificent Mughal structures and British colonial-era, Delhi is indeed a city having a rich tapestry of architectural marvels, showcasing it’s diverse historical and cultural styles.

Iconic historical landmarks like Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar, reflecting the diverse influences which has being witnessed over the centuries. Each of these historical site tells a story of India’s past & culture.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about Delhi’s historical sites, here is a handpicked list of 10 best historical monuments in Delhi that you should see. Let’s explore it.

Here’s a detailed guide to 10 best Delhi historical monuments that you should must visit in Delhi with whole details.

Table of content 

Red Fort

Qutub Minar

India gate

Humayun’s Tomb

Lodhi Gardens

Safdarjung Tomb

Agrasen ki Baoli 

Purana Quila

Mehrauli Archaeological Park

Jantar Mantar

1. Red Fort (Lal Qila)

Era: Mughal (1638–1648), built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan

Location: Netaji Subhash Road, Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi

Timings: All days except Monday from 9.30 am – 4.30pm.

Nearest metro station: Chandni Chowk

Entry fees: Rs. 35/- for Indian, Rs. 500/- for foreigners.

History: The Red Fort is one of the most iconic historical places in Delhi & UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Red Fort was the main residence of Mughal emperors for around 200 years. Red fort is also known as Lal Qila.

Key Features: The Red Fort is constructed with vibrant red sandstone walls & grand architecture, including the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), the stunning Shahi Mahal (Royal Palace), museum, garden & imperial apartments

Interesting Fact: The first Independence Day speech by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947 was given in Red Fort. Every year on independence day Prime Minister hoists the Tricolour and addresses the nation from the main gate of Red Fort.

2. Qutub Minar

Era: Delhi Sultanate (1193), built by Qutb-ud-Din Aibak, later completed by Iltutmish

Location: Mehrauli, South Delhi

Timings: 7.00am – 5.00pm all days.

Nearest metro station: Qutub Minar 

Entry fees:  Rs.30/- for Indians and Rs.500/- for foreigners.

History: Qutub Minar is a UNESCO world heritage site & the tallest minaret in the world. It marks the beginning of Muslim rule in India.

Key Features: Qutub Minar is the tallest minaret in the world, standing at 72.5 meters (238 feet) & has inscriptions in Arabic which is adorned with intricate carvings and designs. It has a spiral staircase of 379 steps till the tip of the minar.

Interesting Fact: The Qutub Minar was built by Mughal emperor to celebrate the defeat of the last Hindu ruler in Delhi.

3. India Gate

Era: Modern (1921) built by Sir Edwin Lutyens

Location: Central Delhi

Timings: All day

Nearest metro station: Central Secretariat Metro Station

Entry fees: Free.

History: India Gate is a war memorial built to honor the 70,000 soldiers of the British Indian Army who died during World War I. It is an iconic symbol of India’s independence and the best place to enjoy with friends & family in Delhi.

Key Features: This arch monument is a 42 meters tall & located near the Rajpath. It is surrounded by gardens & well-manicured lawns. The flame of the Amar Jawan Jyoti  burns here day and night, representing the eternal sacrifice of soldiers since 1971.

Interesting Fact: India Gate is the largest war memorials & venue for the Republic Day Parade.

4. Humayun’s Tomb

Era: Mughal (1569–1572) built by Hamida Banu Begum (wife of Humayun)

Location: Nizamuddin East, Delhi

Timings: Sunrise to sunset all days.

Nearest metro station: Jor Bagh or JLN Stadium

Entry fees: Rs.30/- for Indians, Rs.500/- for foreigners.

History: Humayun’s Tomb is a UNESCO World Heritage Site & tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun which is considered as a precursor to the Taj Mahal. Hamida Banu built Humayun’s Tomb in memory of her deceased husband, emperor Humayun.

Key Features: It is surrounded by a large Persian-style garden and water channels with a large central dome & intricate detailing.

Interesting Fact: Humayun’s Tomb is recognized as the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent, influenced by both Persian & Mughal architecture.

5. Lodhi Gardens

Era: (15th century) Built by the Lodhi Dynasty

Location: Near Khan Market, South Delhi

Timings: 6.00am to 8.00pm daily.

Nearest metro station: Jor Bagh

Entry fees: Free.

History: Lodhi Gardens is a peaceful historical park for morning walkers, yoga enthusiasts and joggers. Lodhi Gardens houses the tombs of several Mughal rulers

of the Lodhi Dynasty.

Key Features: The gardens feature beautiful tombs, ruins and mosques surrounded by lush greenery and tranquil pathways. It is one of the best picnic spots to spend time with your loved ones.

Interesting Fact: It is a popular spot for morning walk, yoga, jogging and picnics.

6. Safdarjung Tomb

Era: Mughal Revival (1754) built by Shuja-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Oudh

Location: near the Safdarjung Airport at the T junction of Lodi Road and Aurobindo Marg, Delhi 

Timings: Sunrise to sunset daily.

Nearest metro station: Jor Bagh

Entry fees: Rs15/- for Indians and Rs.200/- for foreigners.

History: Safdarjung tomb is a sandstone and marble mausoleum in Delhi, dedicated to Nawab Safdarjung, the Prime Minister of the Mughal Empire.

Key Features: This elegant mausoleum is made of sandstone and marble, with a decorative carvings, large central dome, and a surrounding garden.

Interesting Fact: Safdarjung tomb is also known as, “Safdarjung Ka Maqbara”. It is known for its Mughal architectural style, which combines Ottoman Turkish, Persian & Indian elements.

7. Agrasen ki Baoli

Era: Medieval (14th century) built by the King Agrasen

Location: Hailey Road, Near Connaught Place

Timings: 7.00am to 6.30pm all days.

Nearest metro station: Mandi House Or Barakhamba Road

Entry fees: Free.

History: Agrasen ki Baoli is an ancient step-well built by legendary Maharaja Agrasen and later renovated by the Agrawal community in the 14th century. It is an “architectural marvel” and has become a popular tourist destination to hangout with friends in Delhi.

Key Features: The step-well is 60 feet deep & has 108 steps, with 3 levels leading to historical water reservoir, which was built to conserve water. The architecture is a mix of Indo-Islamic style.

Interesting Fact: The site is considered to be haunted by spirits, mystique, stories of paranormal activity and that the water possesses supernatural powers.

8. Purana Quila (Old Fort)

Era: Pre-Mughal (1533-1545) built by second Mughal Emperor Humayun & Sher Shah Suri

Location: Mathura Road, near Delhi Zoo

Timings: 7.00am to 5.00pm all days.

Nearest metro station:  Pragati Maidan

Entry fees: Rs. 20/- for Indians and Rs.200/- for foreigners.

History: Purana Quila is one of the most captivating historical place and oldest fort in Delhi which was built by the second Mughal Emperor Humayun & Surid Sultan Sher Shah Suri. It was surrounded by a wide moat, which was connected to the Yamuna River.

Key Features: The old Fort has three impressive & massive gateways: the Humayun Darwaza (South Gate), Bara Darwaza (Big Gate), and Talaqi Darwaza (Forbidden Gate), built with red sandstone & adorned with marble and tilework. It is a unique blend of Afghan, Mughal & Indian architectural styles.

Interesting Fact: Purana Qila is believed to be built on the site of the ancient city of Indraprastha.

9. Mehrauli Archaeological Park

Era: Ancient to Medieval (Multiple Periods) Various structures built over several centuries

Location: Mehrauli, South Delhi

Timings: 8.00am to 6.30pm all days.

Nearest metro station: Qutub Minar

Entry fees: Free.

History: This archaeological site is One of the most well preserved historical relics in Delhi. Mehrauli Archaeological Park is a hidden gem in Delhi, featuring tombs, Jamali-Kamali mosques, and many other monuments from different historical periods, from the 11th century to the Mughal era.

Key Features: The park is home for more than 100 monuments, includes the tomb of Balban, Rajon Ki Baoli & other architectural ruins that reflect medieval Delhi’s grandeur.

Interesting Fact: The archaeological site, is less crowded and offers an insight to  tourists into the evolution of Delhi’s architecture.

10. Jantar Mantar

Era: Mughal and Early Modern (1724) built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur

Location: Connaught Place, Central Delhi

Timings: sunrise to sunset, all days.

Nearest metro station: Patel Chowk, Rajiv Chowk, and Janpath

Entry fees: Rs.5/- for Indians and Rs.100/- for foreigners.

History: Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory & historical monument in Delhi. This observatory has a collection of architectural astronomical instruments used to measure time, track celestial bodies and predict eclipses.

Key Features: The Jantar Mantar is constructed with brick, limestone and plaster to improve the study of time and space. Out of the 13 architectural astronomical instruments, Samrat Yantra (a giant sundial), the Ram Yantra, Misra yantra, Jai Prakash Yantra (an instrument for measuring altitude) are the crowd pullers.

Interesting Fact: Jantar Mantar is one of five such observatories built by Jai Singh II, being the most well preserved heritage site in Delhi.