7 Best Places in Delhi to Visit in a Day

Delhi extends up to the National Capital Region, is the capital of India, situated at the bank of the river Yamuna and connected with three sides with Haryana and Gate, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and Jama Masjid are among them.
The beauty of the Lotus Temple is truly admirable. Delhi is full of different religions and cultures. It has a full life for the rich and the poor. It is full of all kinds of living styles and therefore suitable for all types of tourists.
Where should I go for a day in Delhi with my family?
1. Red Fort
The main reason for its construction was the shifting of its capital from Agra to Delhi. The architect of the Red Fort and the Taj Mahal is the same, legendary Ustad Ahmad Lahori.
This is one of the great constructions of the Mughal rulers. The main attractions to it steps well, are the Peacock Throne, Moti Masjid, Imperial Bath, and Hira Mahal. The Red Fort was constructed in ten years (May 1638 to April 1648)
In the year 1760, the valuable silver ceiling of the Diwani-i-Khas was removed and melted by the Marathas to raise funds for defence against the battle with Ahmed Shah Durrani.
In 1783, the Red Fort was conquered by Sikh Misi Karor Singhania. It was well renovated by the British under the command of Lord Curzon, who ordered the reconstruction of its walls and equipped the gardens with a complete watering system.
This fort was made from several prestigious gems, gold, and silver, which were looted by Nadir Shah in 1747 and again in 1857 by the Indian rebellion. Now, since the independence of India, the Red Fort is the public property under the supervision and control of the government of India.
It is one of the most popular tourist places. Since independence in 1947, the Indian flag is raised on 15th August every year by the Prime Minister of India.
International Airport near Red Fort: Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Railway Station near Red Fort: Old Delhi Railway Station, New Delhi Railway Station.
The Ideal Time to Visit Red Fort: October to Mid-April.
2.India Gate
India Gate is the best war memorial in India, engraved with the names of 70,000 soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the First World War. The Amar Jawan Jyoti limited with always burning with flames, is the main pride of India Gate.
The map of it is designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, who also designed the Lutyens Zone, the most prestigious area of Delhi, where all the President of India’s residences are situated along with all the central ministries.
This is the outcome of the Imperial War Graves Commission (IWGA) established by the British for the construction of war memorials for the soldiers who were killed in the First World War. It was inaugurated by Lord Irwin in 1931.
Amar Jawan Jyoti, also known as the flame of the immortal soldiers, is capped by a war helmet, with four urns that are well-equipped with permanent light from compressed natural gas flames. After independence, it was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister, Smt. Indira Gandhi on 26 January 1972.
This day is celebrated in India by way of the huge march of defence and state cultural demonstrations at India Gate. The Prime Minister announced to construction a National War Memorial and a National War Museum near it.
Airport Near India Gate: Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Railway Station near India Gate: New Delhi Railway Station, Old Delhi Railway Station.
The Ideal Time to Visit India Gate: October to Mid-April.
3. Qutab Minar
4. Dilli Haat
5. Purana Qila
Purana Qila, whose real name was Shergarh or Sher Ford, is located near Pragati Maidan (the exhibition ground) and is one of the oldest forts in Delhi.
Its construction was started by the Mughal king Sher Shah Suri. It is supposed to have been inhabited about 2500 years ago, and its excavations are evidence that its material belongs to pre-Mauryan times.
Its area is about 1.5 kilometres and comprises three gateways – Bara Darwaza, Humayun Gate, and Talaqqi Gate, and all these gates are double-storied. Its design is a combination of Rajasthani and Islamic architecture of the Mughal era, which made it a heritage site.
6. The Lotus Temple
7. The nightlife
- Lodhi Garden
- Humayun’s Tomb
- Rashtrapati Bhawan
- Mugal Garden
- Lotus Temple
- Janter Manter
- Jama Masjid
- Cannaught Place
- Chandni Chowk
- Lodhi Garden
- Humayun’s Tomb
- Rashtrapati Bhawan
- Mugal Garden
- Lotus Temple
- Janter Manter
- Jama Masjid
- Cannaught Place
- Chandni Chowk
FAQ on Places in Delhi to Visit in a Day
1. What are the best places to visit in Delhi in just one day?
Some top picks include:
- India Gate
- Rashtrapati Bhavan (outside view)
- Qutub Minar
- Humayun’s Tomb
- Lotus Temple
- Akshardham Temple
- Red Fort
- Raj Ghat
Choose 4–5 depending on how much time you want to spend at each.
2. Can I cover both Old Delhi and New Delhi in one day?
Yes, but only the highlights.
A good plan is: Red Fort → Jama Masjid → Chandni Chowk in the morning, then India Gate → Qutub Minar → Lotus Temple in the afternoon.
3. What is the best time to start my trip?
Start around 8 AM to avoid crowds and traffic. Morning is ideal for Old Delhi, evenings for India Gate and Connaught Place.
4. Which place is best for photography in a one-day trip?
- Humayun’s Tomb (mughal architecture)
- Qutub Minar (heritage shots)
- India Gate at evening (beautiful lighting)
5. Is public transport good for one-day sightseeing?
Yes. The Delhi Metro is fast and covers most tourist spots. For the remaining places, autos or cabs are easily available.
6. Is Akshardham Temple worth including?
Absolutely, but it takes 2–3 hours. If you want a relaxed day, include it; if not, skip it to fit more places.
7. What is the best one-day itinerary for first-time visitors?
Morning: Red Fort → Jama Masjid → Raj Ghat
Afternoon: Humayun’s Tomb → Qutub Minar
Evening: India Gate → Connaught Place (dinner & shopping)
8. Are there any free places to visit in Delhi?
Yes—India Gate, Lodhi Garden, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, and Lotus Temple (entry free).
9. What are the best food stops on a one-day Delhi tour?
- Old Delhi: Paranthe Wali Gali, Karim’s
- New Delhi: Saravana Bhavan (CP), Khan Market cafés
10. Is Delhi safe for solo travellers in one day?
Yes, during the daytime. Use metro/cabs, avoid isolated lanes, and keep essentials secure.
11. Which heritage sites are must-visit in a short trip?
Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb — both UNESCO sites with beautiful architecture.
12. Can I explore museums in a day trip?
If you’re interested, the National Museum and National Gallery of Modern Art are great, but visiting them may reduce your time for outdoor monuments.


