Red Fort
The Red Fort, known locally as Lal Quila, is Delhi's signature attraction, rising high above the clamour of Old Delhi as a reminder of the wealth and power of the Mogul empire. The massive sandstone walls were built in the 17th century to keep out marauding invaders and still dominate the skyline today. Inside are an array of exquisite buildings, which once provided the living quarters for Shah Jehan, his courtiers, family and staff of three thousand. Visitors can marvel at the intricate decoration and only imagine the scenes here at the empire's height when the walls were studded with precious stones and a 'stream of paradise' drove an ingenious air conditioning system. The fort was the scene of the Indian uprising of 1857 and the mighty Lahore Gate, on the west side of the fort, remains a potent symbol in the fight for Independence.
Address: Entrance from Lahore Gate or Chatta Chowk; Opening time: Tuesday to Sunday, dawn to dusk; Admission: Rs. 100
Jama Masjid
Shah Jehan, the architect of the Red Fort and much of Old Delhi, built Jama Masjid between 1644 and 1656. This grand structure is situated on a hill a few hundred yards west of the Red Fort and towers over the mayhem of Old Delhi's sprawling streets. Jama Masjid is India's largest mosque and can hold 25,000 worshipers at one time. Wide red sandstone steps lead to entrances on the North, South and East sides of the mosque. Inside is the massive courtyard dominated by two red and white striped sandstone minarets that cap the main prayer hall on the west side (facing Mecca). There are smaller towers at each corner of the mosque; energetic visitors can climb the 122 narrow steps of the southern one to be rewarded with magnificent views of Old and New Delhi. Those wearing shorts or skirts can hire a lunghi to cover their legs.
Address: Matya Mahal, Bho Jala; Opening time: Daily dawn-dusk; closed during prayer times; Admission: Entry is free but tourists must pay Rs. 100 if carrying a camera. The shoe wallah should be tipped Rs. 10
Qutb Minar
The Qutb Minar is a mammoth tower that was built between 1193 and 1369 to symbolise Islamic rule over Delhi and commemorate the victory by Qutab-ud-din over the city’s last Hindu kingdom. Standing 238ft (72m) tall, the tower is decorated with calligraphy representing verses from the Koran and tapers from a 50ft (15m) diameter at the base to just 8ft (2.5m) at the top. There are five distinct stories each encircled with a balcony, the first three are built of red sandstone, and the upper two are faced with white marble. At the foot of the minhar, stands Quwwat-ul-Islam, India’s oldest mosque, which is built largely from the remains of 27 Hindu and Jain temples that were destroyed by the new Muslim rulers of India. The cloisters that flank the nearby courtyard are supported by pillars unmistakably pilfered from Hindu temples. Faces of the decorative figures have been removed to conform to Islamic law, which strictly forbids iconic worship. Incongruously, in the corner of the mosque, stands an Iron Pillar, bearing fourth-century Sanskrit inscriptions of the Gupta period attributing it to the memory of King Chandragupta II (373–413). It is said that anyone who can encircle it with their hands whilst standing with their back to it will have their wishes fulfilled.
Opening time: Daily dawn to dusk; Admission: Rs. 250
Humayun’s Tomb
Humayun’s Tomb is one of the best-preserved and beautiful examples of Mogul architecture in Delhi and is often seen as a forerunner of the Taj Mahal in Agra. Building started on the tomb in 1564 after the death of Humayun, the second Moghul emperor; it was overseen by Haji Begum, his senior widow and the mother of Akbar. The tomb is an octagonal structure capped by a double dome that soars 125ft (38m) into the sky and is set in a formal Persian garden. In the grounds are some other monuments, including the Tomb of Isa Khan.
Address: Lodhi Road and Mathura Road; Opening time: Daily dawn to dusk; Admission: Rs. 250
Rashtrapati Bhavan
After his visit in 1911 the Emperor of India, King George V of England, decreed that the capital should be moved from Calcutta to Delhi. Edwin Lutyens was commissioned to plan the new government centre, which he focused around Rajpath, the grand, tree-lined boulevard that runs between the Secretariat Buildings and India Arch, the war memorial built in 1921. Rashtrapati Bhavan was built by Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker between 1921 and 1929 on the gentle slope of Raisina Hill, flanked by the Secretariat Buildings. This immense palace, larger than Versailles, was created for the Viceroy and is now the residence of the President of India. With the exception of the central copper dome there are few concessions to Indian architectural style and despite its classical columns the building is unmistakably British and, like most great Indian monuments, is a potent symbol of imperial power. Every Saturday morning between 9.35am and 10.15am, guards parade before the iron grille gates in Delhi's answer to London's Changing of the Guard. The gardens are open to the public every year in February and March.
Address: Rajpath; Opening time: The gardens open 9am to 4pm daily in February and March; Admission: Free
Chandni Chowk
No trip to Delhi would be complete without a visit to one of the bazaars that surround Chandni Chowk (Moonlight Square), in Old Delhi, where shops and stalls display a wonderful array of goods and offer a pungent and colourful insight into Delhi life. Chandni Chowk has a large number of galis (lanes) and each one is different, with their own atmosphere and smells. Naya Bazaar, on Khari Baoli, is the spice market that displays a wonderful selection of foodstuff in neat, colourful piles. The nearby Gadodial Market is the wholesale spice market. Hundreds of spices and condiments can be found including aniseed, ginger, pomegranate, saffron, lotus seeds, pickles and chutneys, to name just a few. Chor Bazaar sits behind the ramparts of the Red Fort and comes to life on Sundays to trade a collection of 'second hand' goods. Chawri Bazaar was once notorious for the ladies who beckoned men from the arched windows and balconies above street. Today, these houses have made way for shops specialising in brass and copper Buddhas, Vishnus and Krishnas. Some of the busiest galis house the poultry and fish markets, east of Kalan Mahal, but they are wisely avoided by most tourists.
Opening time: Most shops are open 10am to 6pm Monday to Saturday