FREE THINGS TO DO IN Delhi

What you need to know:

Known as one of the most peaceful and beautiful gardens in the heart of New Delhi, the Lodhi Gardens are a popular place in the city for both local lovebirds and visitors from afar.

Lodhi Gardens offer a tranquil haven away from the bustling streets of the city and are a great place to spend the afternoon relaxing and unwinding.

Inside the gardens you’ll find numerous free things to see and do such as walking around the pond, enjoying some fitness along the cycle tracks and plenty of lovely monuments to admire too.

While kids are definitely welcome inside Lodhi Gardens, they are more appropriate for couples or groups of friends rather than young children as there’s not too much entertainment for them.

Address: Amrita Shergill Marg, Lodhi Garden, Lodhi Gardens, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi, Delhi, India.

Another one of the greatest free attractions in Delhi is to watch the changing of the guards ceremony at the Indian Presidential Palace.

This ceremony has occurred every Saturday morning for centuries in order to allow new and fresh troops to take over guarding of the palace to ensure that the palace and the Indian President are safe.

The changing of guards at Rashtrapati Bhavan is an elaborate performance whereby the guards display a great deal of pride and discipline in order to show their dedication to the Indian President.

While you’re there, you’ll also be able to see just how truly beautiful Rashtrapati Bhavan is so make sure to bring your camera along so you can photograph the whole experience!

Address: Rashtrapati Bhawan, President's Estate, New Delhi, Delhi 110004, India

Known as one of the most iconic temples in Delhi, the Bahai Lotus Temple is a symbol of peace within the city.

While you certainly won’t be short of seeing temples in Delhi as there are hundreds smattered around the city, your experience at Bahai Temple will be like no other.

You can enjoy a free meditation session at Bahai Temple and as it doesn’t focus on one sole religion, anyone is free to visit and enjoy a few minutes of peaceful meditation.

The grounds of the temple are also donned with beatific pools, gardens and statues and it really is one of the most beautifully peaceful and tranquil places in Delhi if you want to escape the busyness for a while.

Address: Lotus Temple Rd, Bahapur, Shambhu Dayal Bagh, Kalkaji, New Delhi, Delhi, India.

India Gate is known as being the Arc de Triomphe of India and once you see it for yourself in real life, you’ll soon understand why!

The towering gate is a famous and beloved monument in the city of Delhi that’s dedicated to the soldiers who have lost their lives while fighting for India.

You can also actually see all the names of the soldiers who have died while fighting numerous battles for their country.

If you want to pay tribute and your respects to the fallen soldiers, then the India Gate is the perfect place in the city to do so.

You can visit the India Gate 24 hours a day so you don’t have to worry about avoiding crowds at peak times; you can just go whenever suits you.

Address: Rajpath Marg, India Gate, New Delhi, Delhi, India.

Truly one of the most intriguing and amazing free attractions in Delhi is to enjoy delicious langar at Bangla Sahib Gurudwara.

Between 5am and midnight every single day, you can enjoy scrumptious free food at Bangla Sahib Gurudwara!

If you’re looking to try authentic food in India, then you can head to the Sikh temple Gurudwara and sample some of the finest delicacies, all for free!

You’ll also be treated to kadha prasad, a delicious dessert that you can enjoy as a tasty treat after your main meal!

It’s estimated that Gurudwara serves between 10,000 and 15,000 people every single day, so make sure you’re apart of those numbers and try out this incredible experience for yourself!

Address: Ashoka Road, Connaught Place, Next to Grand Post Office, New Delhi, Delhi, India.

For a more tranquil, relaxing and awakening experience away from all the hectic hubbub of Delhi city, head to the Hauz Khas Complex where you’ll be treated to a garden of utter serenity.

The Hauz Khas Complex is one of the best free things to do in Delhi if you want to spend some time exploring the city’s complex history.

Inside Hauz Khas, you’ll find Feroz Shah’s tomb, a mosque and even an Islamic seminary.

While you might not want to delve too deep into the history and tales that Hauz Khas has to offer, you’re still sure to appreciate the loveliness that its grounds offers.

If clubbing and partying aren’t your thing, then you can even spend your evenings reflecting on your day and your experiences at Hauz Khas.

Address: Deer Park, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, Delhi 110016, India

If you happen to be in Delhi on a Thursday evening, then there’s really only one place you should be.

Pay a visit to the Nizamuddin Auliya Dargah where you’ll be treated to a serenading rendition of qawwalis, also known as soulful songs.

Performed under the electrifying night sky, listening to qawwalis is a truly mindful and peaceful experience.

You probably shouldn’t bring children along to this free attraction in Delhi as they’re not likely to understand the immense privilege of being there, but if you’re interested in experiencing some true Indian culture, then this is definitely something for you!

Nizamuddin Auliya Dargah is an amazing place to listen to jovial soulful songs and you’re sure to feel enlightened and peaceful once the performance is over.

Address: Boali Gate Rd, Opp The Lodhi, Nizamuddin, Nizammudin West Slum, Nizamuddin West, New Delhi, Delhi, India.

The Kathputli Colony is essentially a slum part of Delhi but it’s home to a unique charm that you definitely won’t want to miss while in the city.

The mini city comprises over 800 folk artists who are performers in all manners of trades.

You’ll likely see everything from professional acrobats, snake charmers, magicians, dancers, actors and so much more!

While it might be a slum colony, it is in fact full of vibrant life and colourful streets that reflect the beliefs of the people who live here; hope, heritage and nostalgia.

The Kathputli Colony is definitely a more unusual free attraction in Delhi, but one that we feel is an authentic and remarkable eye-opening experience while you’re in the city.

Address: Kathputli Colony, Shadipur Depot

For two great places in Delhi that offers you ample outdoor exploration space, you need to visit Sanjay Van and Tau Devi Lal.

Sanjay Van is a forest plantation near Vasant Kunj with huge rock hills that offer incredible views of Delhi’s city skyline.

Tau Devi Lal is similar in that it’s also a forest plantation but the large focus here is beehives and plenty of fauna.

Both Sanjay Van and Tau Devi Lal are amazing places to enjoy the great outdoors in Delhi and are definitely worth adding to your list of the best free attractions in Delhi.

They’re ideal to visit as a family, for solo travellers, or as a couple if you’re looking for a place to spend the afternoon away from the city.

Address: Sanjay Van, New Delhi, Delhi

Bhardwaj Lake is located within the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary in Delhi and it’s a great place to enjoy numerous water-based activities and free attractions.

The lake is particularly renowned for slacklining whereby you walk on a slack rope and then a tightrope across the water.

There are also numerous other free activities to enjoy here or you could simply enjoy just walking around the lake and enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Bhardwaj Lake makes the perfect place to hang out with the whole family and is a welcome breath of fresh air away from the busy city streets of Delhi.

Pack a picnic, bring some drinks and head out for an adventure-filled day of fun activities.