The Best Things to Do for Free in Delhi
No matter where you travel, unplanned costs come up when you least expect them. From last-minute funfairs to great places you didn’t know about, unbudgeted but fabulous encounters with a new destination should not be compromised. But, there is another way to enjoy Delhi without losing control of your budget. Some unplanned detours come for free in the capital. Here is our list of the best free things you can do in Delhi.
Visit the Bahai (Lotus) Temple
Visit the Bahai (Lotus) Temple
A symbol of peace, this iconic temple in South Delhi is styled as an enormous lotus flower. A serene place to be, the temple is believed to have pin-drop silence and was built to find inner peace. Not constructed on the base of any religious belief, the place was built to bring people from all communities together. Manicured gardens, pools, and its grounds give you the freedom to explore the temple as well as meditate following any religious belief. A peaceful free thing to do in Delhi, a visit to the Bahai Temple is a serene experience.
Where: Lotus Temple Rd, Bahapur, Shambhu Dayal Bagh, Kalkaji, New Delhi, Delhi, India.
Experience: Free meditation spot in Delhi.
Advice: Visit during the week to avoid the local crowd.
Have langar (free meal) at Bangla Sahib Gurudwara
Have langar (free meal) at Bangla Sahib Gurudwara
One of the most satisfying experiences in Delhi, this free meal served with love is a speciality not to be missed. The langar at Bangla Sahib Gurudwara starts at 9 a.m. and goes to about 3–4 p.m, and starts again at 7 p.m. until 10–11 p.m. It is believed the Gurudwara serves around 10–15,000 devotees and visitors every day. This free meal in Delhi is both delicious and heartwarming.
Where: Ashoka Road, Connaught Place, Next to Grand Post Office, New Delhi, Delhi, India.
Experience: Free, heartwarming meal in Delhi.
Advice: Roam around the Gurudwara before or after you have had your meal.
Listen to qawwalis (soulful songs) at Nizamuddin Auliya Dargah
Listen to qawwalis (soulful songs) at Nizamuddin Auliya Dargah
The mausoleum of one of the Sufi saints, Khwaja Nizamuddin Auliya, this dargah is a beautiful experience that comes absolutely free in Delhi. An evening here brings a spiritual elation in the form of beautiful songs that will touch your soul. Even if you don’t understand the words at first, the hymn will take you to a different place.
Experience: Free soulful song session in Delhi.
Advice: The qawwali sessions are generally held on Thursday evenings.
A beautiful glimpse of the dargah and the qawwali can be seen in a portion of Bollywood movie Rockstar. The sight of the soulful place and music are a warm experience in Delhi.
Visit Lodhi Gardens
Visit Lodhi Gardens
An ideal destination for a relaxing stroll right in the heart of New Delhi, the Lodhi Gardens are a lush venue for a much required break from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. A favourite with locals, especially the lovebirds of the city, the gardens have a pond, tomb, cycling tracks, and various small monuments scattered around to explore absolutely free.
Where: Amrita Shergill Marg, Lodhi Garden, Lodhi Gardens, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi, Delhi, India.
Experience: Free monument sights in Delhi.
Advice: Take a break from your plans and explore the gardens when the weather is pleasant.
Go to India Gate
Go to India Gate
The capital’s answer to the Arc de Triomphe, this monument in Delhi is a tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the country. The centre point of surrounding gardens, official government homes and buildings, India Gate is both easy to reach and explore in Delhi. A close look at the monument reveals names of all the soldiers who have lost their lives in various battles for the country. The ignited fire lamp (Amar Jawan Jyoti) at the monument is always lit as a sign of respect to these warriors.
Where: Rajpath Marg, India Gate, New Delhi, Delhi, India.
Experience: Free long drive experience in Delhi.
Advice: The monument looks stunning at night and one can even take a short drive to a restricted point of the beautifully-lit Rashtrapati Bhawan (President’s House) from India Gate.
Visit the art galleries & museums in Delhi
Various museums along with India Habitat Centre and Vadehra Art Gallery are among the places that exhibit some of the finest works of Indian artists and history. You can spend hours in such galleries and museums in Delhi, getting lost in the world of beautiful art and a piece from the past.
Where: India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, Near Airforce Bal Bharati School, Institutional Area, Lodi Colony, New Delhi, Delhi, India.
Experience: Free art galleries in Delhi.
Advice: The place is a well known breakfast spot in Delhi for delicious American breakfast. Do try the All American Diner here.
See free movie screenings
India Habitat Centre, Instituto Cervantes, American Centre and Alliance Francaise in Delhi all screen special showings of classic movies, breathtaking documentaries, blockbuster movies, and Oscar nominated films from around the world. The experience is free and very entertaining.
Where: India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, Near Airforce Bal Bharati School, Institutional Area, Lodi Colony, New Delhi, Delhi, India.
Instituto Cervantes, 48, Hanuman Road, Connaught Place, Hanuman Road Area, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi, India.
Experience: Free movie experience in Delhi.
Advice: The centres open around 9 a.m. and close down around 6 p.m.
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