When in Delhi, you come across monuments that withhold matchless beauty and there are many things to do in New Delhi. Majestic forts are included here and so are divine mosques. They have a significance that is cultural and historical. In most cases, the construction of these monuments took place in the long-gone Mughal era and that of similar dynasties.

In case you are visiting Delhi for the very first time, you’ll be surprised to note how different New Delhi is from Old Delhi or Purani Dilli. While New Delhi is ultra-urbanized, Old Delhi is characterized by congestion.

But, Old Delhi has a charm of its own that few other things can match. Historic sites, indeed, are one of the important places to visit in Delhi. But their shopping bazaars are also buzzing Delhi tourist places while street-food joints cater to all fantasies of die-hard foodies. Tourists from across the world flock to Old Delhi to indulge in their foodie pursuits each year.

Across the world, Delhi has a reputation for being a melting pot of languages and cultures. And the true spirit of Delhi, one experiences in Old Delhi. Just one of the divine experiences in Old Delhi is taking a walk through the spice market and experiencing the aroma. Binge eating sessions at restaurants and side street stalls of Old Delhi is an experience like none other this is one of the important things to do in Delhi India. In essence, in Old Delhi, there’s always a lot to do. Let us consider the top 6 things to do in Old Delhi:

1. Food walk at Chandni Chowk –

   For scrumptious Bhallas you can visit 'Natraj BhalleWaala' and for tasty crispy paranthas, you can visit 'Paranthe Waali Gully' which offers more than 30 different types of paranthas. 'Old Jalebi Waala' for traditional Jalebis and the authentic 'Giani Di Hatti' located in Fatehpuri for their all-time famous Kulfi Faluda for satiating your sweet cravings.

   If you are a true nonveg lover then you can visit Karim's adjacent to Jama Masjid. The yummiest Mutton stew, Nihari, and chicken korma are available here. One can also visit some other nearby joints for a local cuisine experience.

2. Red Fort (Lal Qila) –

   People who haven't been to the Red Fort will remember it for being the majestic fort from which India's Prime Minister delivers his address to the nation on the occasion of Republic Day. When on your visit to Delhi, you must make it a point to visit Red Fort because this will be your date with history.

   Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi in 1639 and got Red Fort constructed. Since then, Red Fort became the primary residence of each of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty. But, Red Fort was also the ceremonial and political center of the Mughal Empire.

   The architecture of Red Fort is imposing and there are several museums here where one finds an assortment of precious artefacts. The majestic structure lies right along the banks of river Yamuna and was historically called Quila-e-Mubarak, which translates to Blessed Fort. It is easy to see that Red Fort is a representation of the brilliance and creativity of Mughal architecture.

3. Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib –

   A visit to Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib is a pious pilgrimage that you should not miss on your visit to Old Delhi. The majestic structure of the temple never fails to leave one in awe.

   When you enter the sanctum, both men and women will be required to cover their heads and remove their shoes. Washing your hands is a custom and so is washing your feet by walking through water. Now, you can walk and worship or be a part of the service.

   When you exit the temple, you will come across a large pool of water that is over 400 years old. This is the site where the ninth Guru of Sikhs was executed. At the time of exiting, you receive a blessing in the form of food. This would be rice with butter, fat, and sugar. Food is served to all visitors and devotees without discrimination. People of all nationalities and religions consume meals here.

4. Darya Ganj Sunday Book Market –

   Let us start with an interesting fact regarding the Darya Ganj Sunday Book Market. Here, books are sold in kilos. If you are a bibliophile, it goes without saying that your greatest joy lies in the written word. A book, old or new will lift your spirits. But we have no intention of making reading an expensive hobby. Did you know that you need not be too discretionary when it comes to buying books? Just make sure that you source your books from the Sunday Book Market at Daryaganj. The marketplace is like none other, the type that you generally do not come across in Delhi. You will come across new and old books lined up on pavements here so you can easily go through all titles. The thousands of books available for sale will be dirt cheap and will be on just about any subject under the sun. You are sure to strike some brilliant deals that work for you.

5. Kinari Bazaar –

   Kinari Bazaar is famous for embroidery, laces, artificial jewelry, borders, and more, all of which are available at wholesale rates. Whether for women's sarees or suits or men’s Sherwani or Achkan, Kinari Bazaar is the destination you would want to visit.

   As we can assume by the name, Kinari Bazaar is a wholesale market where one comes across tassels, borders, and fancy laces. Besides, you'll also find different types of beadwork items and beads here. For Fancy paper items, Kinari Bazaar is the destination to be at. You will come across envelopes here that you can use for gifting purposes. Adornments for festival decorations and idols are also available here. This just goes to show that Kinari Bazaar is nothing short of a designer's paradise. Design professionals and students are regulars here, and so are visitors from abroad who have a taste for funky jewelry. Ghungaroo-laden payals and jhumkees are always easy to find here. During festival seasons, sales at Kinari Bazaar peak.

6. Raj Ghat –

   Raj Ghat is a memorial built in Old Delhi that immortalizes Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. He was one of the greatest freedom fighters in the country.

   The appearance of Raj Ghat bears simplicity and it is a black marble platform. This is the exact spot where the cremation of Gandhiji took place on 31st January 1948. Right next to the platform, an eternal flame burns. Via a stone platform, one gets to the enclosure where the memorial is housed.

   Memorials of several great leaders of India, including Lal Bahadur Shastri, Rajiv Gandhi, Sanjay Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, and Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first prime minister is also at Raj Ghat. Further, one comes across beautiful lawns with fountains here. Upon arriving here, a visitor will have a chance to sit here to enjoy the calm environment and serene surroundings.

   On each Friday, the day Gandhiji died, a commemorative ceremony is held at Raj Ghat. Similarly, on Gandhiji's birth and death anniversaries, prayer sessions are held. Visitors to Raj Ghat, one of the important places to visit in Delhi with family are required to remove their shoes as a mark of respect.

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