Delhi is one amazing city. While it is fast paced and populous, I was extremely surprised to find the city extremely green! As a tourist, it is an incredible place to visit because of the sheer number of famous historical monuments in Delhi.
I’m not kidding. Scattered all around the city are monuments which have been preserved and restored. Many of which are the central focus of parks with widespread gardens and lawns.
Growing up, I’ve heard so much about how dirty and bustling the city is. In retrospect, I wish people had also told me that there is a beautiful side to Delhi.
That it is a place where you can admire architecture that has spanned not just decades but centuries.
I wish I had been told about the museums that are all around the capital city and about how inclusive it is.
Don’t get me wrong though. Delhi has its drawbacks too. It can be incredibly unsafe especially for women. Certain areas are very crowded and being pickpocketed is a rite of passage. So be street smart when you visit!
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Where To Stay In Delhi
ITC Maurya Delhi (Luxury)
⭐️ Rating: 8/10 (1,263 Reviews) Price: $225 per night 📍Location: Diplomatic Enclave, Sardar Patel Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi Details: Read more on booking.com now!
We spent three days in the ITC Maurya and it was absolute luxury. The rooms are large and have uber comfortable. I loooved the beds. They were supersized so when the kids decided to join us in bed, we still had more than enough room for everyone.
Since we were travelling with kids, we chose the suite. It was what was available since we booked at the last minute. It came with an amazing bathroom and an luxurious bathroom.
“Very comfortable and huge rooms. Luxurious bathrooms. Great inhouse restaurant – Bukhara. Good location and fitness centre”
Jack (read more reviews now!)
Suffice to say that after spending the day wandering around the dusty streets of Delhi, lounging in the tub was so relaxing.
Plus it is pretty well located. You can catch an Uber easily.
Four Points By Sheraton, New Delhi (Mid Range)
⭐️ Rating: 7.8/10 (373 Reviews) Price: $73 per night 📍Location: Plot # 9, Samalka, National Highway- 8, New Delhi Details: Read more on booking.com now!
The Four Points By Sheraton is located a bit away from the city and believe it or not, this makes it really ideal for a frequent traveler. This is because it is just a stone’s throw away from the airport.
Getting to the city isn’t all too bad. Catch an Uber and get all your work done at once.
It also has Gurgaon right next door! So there is that!
Oh and as far as the facilities are concerned, the rooms are great. Not uber spacious but definitely good enough.
Where the hotel really shines is at their in house restaurant. They have just one option when it comes to restaurants but the staff are all very happy to accommodate any request and the Chef is brilliant.
The staff was very friendly. Arvind ji at the gate was very helpful and even the reception staff and everyone who assisted me with bookings and my requests and queries were very polite and supportive despite the heavy rush.
They took the time to help.me out with my queries without making it seem like any hassle. Would rate 10/10 for the staff!
Sonakshi (read more reviews now!)
Speaking about staff, we were a bit late to check out and catch our flight. The staff had our checking out done and us loaded in a cab in less than 5 minutes. I have never ever seen such efficiency before!
Mind you we had two toddlers and luggage with us too!
Famous Historical Monuments In Delhi: Table Of Contents
- Qutub Minar
- Iron Pillar
- Humayun’s Tomb
- Isa Khan’s Tomb
- Red Fort
- Jama Masjid
- Safdarjung Tomb
- Sikandar Lodi Tomb
- Bada Gumbad
- India Gate
1. Qutub Minar
Visiting the Quub Minar has always been a dream of mine. I first learnt about this amazing monument when I was in school.
It was just a short footnote in a history textbook but even back then on our blurry images, the Qutub Minar stood out as one of the famous monuments of Delhi.
One thing I can say with utmost confidence. The Qutub Minar is one of the famous historical monuments in Delhi that you just cannot miss. It is still the tallest Minar in the country.
The engravings etched into the stone are beautiful.
Some people say that Qutub Minar looks like a fully extended telescopic lens. The tower really soars above you at 240 ft which is incredible if you consider when the structure was built!
Pro Tip: Visit the Qutub Minar before dusk. That way you get to see the monument in natural light as well as lit up in the dark.
Address: Seth Sarai, Mehrauli, New Delhi, Delhi 110016
Timings: 6am – 6pm, 7pm – 10 pm
2. Iron Pillar
The Iron Pillar is in the Qutub Minar complex so you can catch sight of this while you are there to gaze at the tallest minaret of India. At 7.21 meters, this pillar is incredibly famous. Why? Well normally when exposed to air, Iron starts to rust.
The Iron pillar was erected by Chandragupta I. This was way back during his rule between 375-415 AD. Back then, they managed to actually figure out the perfect mix of metals such that the Iron pillar would not rust.
Fun fact about the Iron pillar: 1.12 meters of the pillar is actually underground!
Address: Seth Sarai, Mehrauli, New Delhi, Delhi 110016
Timings: 6am – 6pm, 7pm – 10 pm
3. Humayun’s Tomb
If you are looking for a breathtaking famous historical monuments in Delhi, look no further than Humayun’s Tomb!
One of the most impressive and famous historical monuments in Delhi is Humayun’s tomb. It is so incredibly pretty that many would call it their top pick when it comes to visiting the city.
You’ve probably already seen this monument before even if you have not heard its name. The iconic red and white structure is impressive in size, detail and architecture.
The Humayun’s Tomb was built was 1570 for Humayun who was the second ruling Mughal emperor in North India. In fact, this garden based tomb was what inspired the plans for the Taj Mahal.
The Humayun Tomb has two levels to it. The actual tomb is on the higher level. I loved the arches on the lower level too. From the upper level you can catch great views of the gardens that surround it.
Speaking of gardens, the gardens around Humayun’s tomb are well maintained. People sit around here under the shade of the trees, talking and taking in the sights. It is peaceful and if you have time I highly recommend it!
Address: Nizamuddin, Nizamuddin East, New Delhi, Delhi 110013
Timings: 6am – 6pm
4. Isa Khan’s Tomb
Humayun’s Tomb is beautiful by all means but did you know that within the sprawling campus, there is another gorgeous tomb that is definitely worth visiting. This is none other than Isa Khan’s Tomb.
Isa Khan’s Tomb is different from many of the other tombs. For one it has an octagonal structure.
Most of the other tombs are located in the center with a mosque and another structure on either side. This gives it a symmetry that is not obtained otherwise. Isa Khan’s tomb on the other hand has just a mosque opposite it.
One of the interesting facts about Isa Khan’s tomb is the inscription written on it. The inscription reads, ‘Asylum of Paradise.’ which I think is a beautiful sentiment.
Address: Nizamuddin, Nizamuddin East, New Delhi, Delhi 110013
Timings: 6am – 6pm
5. Red Fort
When people talk about the famous historical monuments in Delhi, they immediately think about the Red Fort. Originally commissioned by Shah Jahan this amazing structure was the main residence of many of the Mughal Emperors.
Did you know that initially, the Red fort was actually red and white? The British painted it red in order to preserve it better.
One of the first things that you will notice when you enter the fort is the sheer thickness of the walls. You could literally fit an entire apartment complex into the wall alone! That’s how thick it is.
The Red fort is huge so make sure you pack your walking shoes. There is a lot to explore and most of the buildings are situated a distance apart from each other.
Pro Tip: There is no internet coverage inside the Red fort. I’m not sure why this is but Shawn said it could be because of the thickness of the walls.
Oddly enough, we struggled with the internet even outside the fort. So booking cabs and paying via any electronic means becomes hard. Carry cash and download your maps before you head here.
Address: Netaji Subhash Marg, Lal Qila, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi 110006
Timings: 9:30am – 4:30pm
6. Jama Masjid
One of the most talked about famous historical monuments in Delhi is the Jama Masjid!
Jama Masjid is situated bang next to Chandni Chowk. This gorgeous mosque is easily one of the most famous historical monuments in Delhi. It helps that it is located close to the Red fort and the iconic market.
Honestly, by the time we visited the Jama Masjid, we were extremely tired.
After carrying two tired toddlers all across the Red fort and through the markets, it was a relief to sit down in the calm quiet of the mosque. In fact, my younger daughter actually drifted off to sleep here.
The Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India and it is by far one of the most beautiful. Like the Red Fort, the Jama Masjid was commissioned and built by Shah Jahan.
I love the translation of ‘Jama Masjid’. It means congregational mosque or a mosque where people can gather. It somehow describes this mosque perfectly. There are people bustling all over.
Address: Jama Masjid Rd, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi 110006
Timings: 7am – 12pm, 1:30pm – 6:30pm
7. Safdarjung Tomb
As I started writing this article on the famous historical monuments in Delhi, I realized that I was writing about a lot of tombs. It does seem like some epic structures were constructed to commemorate the death of important people in the past.
The Safdarjung Tomb is one of these structures. Unlike many of the other structures, there aren’t huge gardens around. It is situated close to the Lodi gardens so one does have to wonder if it was part of the garden complex at one point of time.
This building was constructed in 1754 for the Nawab Safdarjung. Its huge dome is very characteristic of the late Mughal style. The Safdarjung Tomb is made with a combination of red, brown and white stone. This gives it a rather pretty design.
I highly recommend stopping by here if you visit Lodi Gardens. It won’t take much of your time.
Address: Airforce Golf Course, Delhi Race Club, New Delhi, Delhi 110021
Timings: 7am – 5pm
8. Sikandar Lodi Tomb
Sikandar Lodi Tomb is one of the famous historical monuments in Delhi.
The Lodi gardens is a beautiful spot which people head to just to enjoy the green lung of the city. What makes this garden even more spectacular is the fact that there are some lovely old and famous historical monuments situated inside it.
The Sikandar Lodi tomb is one of them. Sikandar Lodi was the second ruler of the Lodi dynasty. Built by his son, this tomb now houses his remains.
The Sikandar Lodi tomb is a simple structure. It has a dome that rises high above the mortal remains of Sikandar Lodi. The passageway around it has lovely arches that form a scallop right around the structure.
Address: Lodhi Gardens, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi, Delhi 110003
Timings: 6am – 8pm
9. Bada Gumbad
If you are in the Lodi gardens, you can visit another one of the famous monuments of Delhi, namely the Bada Gumbad. This structure was constructed way back in 1490. It is pretty impressive and you will spot it immediately as you walk in the gardens.
The Bada Gumbad is a haven for photographers. Usually this is one of the lesser visited famous historical monuments in Delhi.
It does however make a gorgeous backdrop for photographs. You don’t have to jostle people around either.
The best time to visit the Bada Gumbad is either early morning or late in the evening. On winter days it does not matter much but during the scorching Delhi summer, you would want to avoid the afternoon hours.
Address: Lodhi Gardens, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi, Delhi 110003
Timings: 6am – 8pm
10. India Gate
India Gate is one of the most visited famous historical monuments in Delhi.
One of the famous historical monuments in Delhi is the India Gate. You will usually find a picture of it in almost every article that talks about the city. This war memorial was completed ten years after the foundation stone was laid in February 1921.
India Gate is a tribute to the 84,000 soldiers of the British Indian army that laid down their lives in the First World War.
An interesting fact about the India Gate is that it was constructed in the memorial arch style. This is similar to the Arch of Constantine that you can find in Rome.
Address: Kartavya Path, India Gate, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
There are so many famous historical monuments in Delhi that it is impossible to see them all in a short duration. These however are the top ones that you should put on your list!
Are there any other monuments that you would put on this list? Let us know in the comments below.