Things to Do in Old Delhi: Red Fort, Bazaars, Havelis & Street Food

Explore the Red Fort

Enter through Lahori Gate and walk through Chhatta Chowk, a covered Mughal bazaar, to the Diwan-i-Aam, where the emperor gave public audience, and the marble Diwan-i-Khas, once home to the Peacock Throne. The fort also has museums on the freedom struggle and on Indian art. It is closed on Mondays.

The sound and light show in the evening tells the fort's history. On Independence Day, 15 August, the Prime Minister addresses the nation from its ramparts.

Time needed

2–3 hours

Good to know

Closed on Mondays

Good for

Everyone

Climb the Jama Masjid minaret

Jama Masjid, completed in 1656, is one of India's largest mosques. After exploring the courtyard, pay the small fee to climb the narrow spiral stairs of the southern minaret for a view over the domes, the Red Fort and the rooftops of Old Delhi. Dress modestly; robes are provided at the gate if needed. The mosque is closed to visitors during prayers.

Time needed

1 hour

Best time

Morning or late afternoon

Walk through Khari Baoli

Khari Baoli, at the western end of Chandni Chowk, is one of the largest wholesale spice markets in Asia. Sacks of chillies, turmeric, dried fruit and nuts line the street, porters carry loads on their heads and the air is thick with spice. Some guides take visitors up to the rooftop of Gadodia Market for a view of the courtyard; ask locally.

Best time

Late morning

Good for

Photographers, food lovers

Shop in Kinari Bazaar and Dariba Kalan

Kinari Bazaar is a narrow lane of shops selling ribbons, gota lace, sequins and everything needed for weddings. Dariba Kalan, nearby, has been the street of silver and jewellery for centuries; Gulab Singh Johri Mal's attar shop here has been selling traditional perfumes since the 19th century. Chawri Bazaar sells paper and brassware.

Good for

Shoppers

Take a cycle-rickshaw ride

The easiest way to see the lanes around Chandni Chowk is by cycle rickshaw. Agree on a route and price before starting, and let the rickshaw-wallah take you through the side streets to the havelis and markets.

Time needed

1 hour

Visit Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib

Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib, on Chandni Chowk, marks the place where the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur, was executed in 1675. Visitors are welcome; cover your head, remove your shoes and join the langar if you wish.

Time needed

45 minutes

See the Jain Lal Mandir and bird hospital

The Digambar Jain Lal Mandir, opposite the Red Fort, is the oldest Jain temple in Delhi. Its charity bird hospital, run on the Jain principle of non-violence, treats injured birds. Leather items are not allowed inside.

Visit Fatehpuri Masjid

Fatehpuri Masjid, at the western end of Chandni Chowk, was built in 1650 by Fatehpuri Begum, one of Shah Jahan's wives. It is quieter than Jama Masjid, with a large courtyard and red sandstone façade.

See the Gauri Shankar Temple and St James Church

The Gauri Shankar Temple, near the Red Fort, is an old Shiva temple popular with locals. At the northern edge of the old city, St James Church, consecrated in 1836, is one of Delhi's oldest churches, near the historic Kashmere Gate.

Kashmere Gate guide

Eat your way through Chandni Chowk

Paranthe Wali Gali has served deep-fried stuffed parathas for generations. Nearby are famous jalebi and kachori shops, and around Jama Masjid are kebab, nihari and korma restaurants. In winter, look for daulat ki chaat, a cloud-like milk dessert sold only in the cold months. Kulfi, rabri and falooda are everywhere.

Best time

Late morning to evening

Good for

Food lovers

See Ghalib's haveli

The poet Mirza Ghalib lived in a haveli in Gali Qasim Jaan, Ballimaran, in the 19th century. Part of it has been restored as a small memorial with his verses and personal items.

Time needed

30 minutes

Explore the havelis

Old Delhi's lanes hide many havelis, the courtyard homes of merchants and nobles. Some are crumbling, while others, such as Haveli Dharampura, have been restored as heritage hotels and restaurants. Naughara, a lane of nine carved Jain havelis off Kinari Bazaar, is one of the prettiest corners of the old city.

Good for

Architecture lovers

What are the best things to do in Old Delhi?

Explore the Red Fort, climb the Jama Masjid minaret, eat in Paranthe Wali Gali, walk Khari Baoli and Kinari Bazaar, visit Sis Ganj Sahib and the Jain Lal Mandir, and take a rickshaw ride.

Is Old Delhi safe for tourists?

Yes, generally. It is crowded, so watch your belongings, use registered rickshaws and avoid very late nights in quiet lanes.

How much time do I need for Old Delhi?

A half day for the highlights; a full day to include food, bazaars and havelis at a slower pace.

What is the best time to visit Chandni Chowk?

Mid-morning, once shops open but before the busiest hours. Evenings are atmospheric but very crowded.