Delhi Travel Guide | Opening & Closing Timings for Attractions

Delhi, the capital city of India, is a magnificent blend of history, culture, and modernity. From the majestic remnants of the Mughal Empire to colonial landmarks, bustling bazaars to serene temples in Delhi, the city offers a spectrum of experiences for travelers.

But with so many attractions spread across the city, knowing when each site opens and closes can make or break your itinerary.

This complete Delhi travel guide provides accurate opening and closing timings for all major tourist attractions— Forts , museums, temples, gardens, markets, cultural sites and Historical monuments in Delhi—so you can plan your visit effectively and make the most of your time in the city.

In This Blog

1: Historical Monuments and Forts

These iconic landmarks tell the story of Delhi’s rich past—from the Mughal era to colonial times.

1. Red Fort (Lal Qila)

Opening Hours: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Closed On: Mondays
Entry Fee: ₹35 (Indians), ₹500 (Foreigners)
Best Time to Visit: Morning hours to avoid the heat
Tip: Don’t miss the light and sound show in the evening (held in English and Hindi)

2. Humayun’s Tomb

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Open All Days
Entry Fee: ₹30 (Indians), ₹500 (Foreigners)
Best Time to Visit: Early morning for peaceful photography

3. Qutub Minar

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Open All Days
Entry Fee: ₹30 (Indians), ₹500 (Foreigners)
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon to catch sunset views

4. India Gate

Open All Day and Night
No Entry Fee
Best Time to Visit: Evening when it’s beautifully lit
Tip: Combine with a walk at Rajpath and nearby war memorials

5. Purana Qila (Old Fort)

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Open All Days
Entry Fee: ₹30 (Indians), ₹500 (Foreigners)
Special Highlight: Boating available in the lake; evening light and sound show

6. Safdarjung’s Tomb

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Open All Days
Entry Fee: ₹15 (Indians), ₹200 (Foreigners)
Photography: Allowed; good for architecture lovers

7. Tughlaqabad Fort

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Open All Days
Entry Fee: ₹15 (Indians), ₹200 (Foreigners)
Tip: Less crowded, perfect for offbeat explorers

Suggested Delhi Packages:

2: Religious Sites and Temples

Delhi is a spiritual hub, home to shrines of nearly every major religion.

1. Akshardham Temple

Temple Timings: 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Closed On: Mondays
Entry Fee: Free (Temple), Extra charges for exhibitions and water show
Security: No mobile phones, bags, or cameras allowed
Highlight: Cultural exhibitions, musical fountain show in the evening

2. Lotus Temple (Bahá’í House of Worship)

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Winter), till 7:00 PM (Summer)
Closed On: Mondays
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time to Visit: Morning for peaceful meditation; sunset for photography

3. Jama Masjid

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Open All Days
Entry Fee: Free (camera charge ₹300 approx.)
Dress Code: Modest clothing; robes available at entrance
Tip: Climb the minaret (₹50) for a panoramic view of Old Delhi

4. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

Open 24 Hours
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late evening
Tip: Visitors are welcome to enjoy langar (free community meal) in Gurudwara Bangla Sahib in Delhi.

5. ISKCON Temple (East of Kailash)

Opening Hours: 4:30 AM to 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Open All Days
Entry Fee: Free (some activities may have charges)
Highlight: Evening aarti and spiritual bookstore

6. Laxminarayan Temple (Birla Mandir)

Opening Hours: 4:30 AM to 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Open All Days
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time to Visit: Evening prayer time

3: Museums and Galleries

Delhi’s museums provide a rich tapestry of India’s history, culture, art, and independence.

1. National Museum

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Closed On: Mondays and public holidays
Entry Fee: ₹20 (Indians), ₹650 (Foreigners)
Highlights: Harappan relics, Buddhist art, Mughal miniatures

2. National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA)

Opening Hours: 11:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Closed On: Mondays and national holidays
Entry Fee: ₹20 (Indians), ₹500 (Foreigners)
Tip: Don’t miss the sculpture garden and photography exhibits

3. Gandhi Smriti (Birla House)

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed On: Mondays
Entry Fee: Free
Highlight: The exact spot where Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated is preserved here

4. Rail Museum

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed On: Mondays and national holidays
Entry Fee: ₹50 (Indians), ₹200 (Foreigners)
Fun for: Children, railway enthusiasts

5. Nehru Planetarium

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed On: Mondays
Entry Fee: ₹50 for adults; show charges extra
Shows: English and Hindi astronomy shows daily

4: Parks, Gardens, and Nature Spots

These green spaces offer peace amidst the city’s hustle.

1. Lodhi Garden

Open All Day
Best Time to Visit: Early morning for jogs or photography
Entry Fee: Free
Highlights: Tombs, landscaped lawns, and peaceful atmosphere

2. Garden of Five Senses

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (summer), till 6:00 PM (winter)
Open All Days
Entry Fee: ₹30 (Indians), ₹100 (Foreigners)
Special: Venue for food festivals and events

3. Deer Park (Hauz Khas)

Opening Hours: 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Open All Days
Entry Fee: Free
Ideal For: Walks, birdwatching, and nature photography

4. Buddha Jayanti Park

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Open All Days
Entry Fee: Free
Highlight: Large statue of Buddha and serene surroundings

5: Cultural and Performing Arts Centers

Experience India’s classical arts and contemporary cultural scene.

1. India Habitat Centre

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM (exhibitions vary)
Entry Fee: Free (unless ticketed for events)
Highlights: Art galleries, theater performances, literary events

2. Kamani Auditorium

Opening Hours: Depends on events
Best Time: Evening performances (tickets required)
Known For: Classical music, dance, and theater shows

3. Siri Fort Auditorium

Opening Hours: As per event schedule
Check with: Event organizers or Delhi Tourism
Tip: Book in advance for film festivals or cultural programs

4. Dilli Haat (INA and Janakpuri)

Opening Hours: 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Open All Days
Entry Fee: ₹30 (Indians), ₹100 (Foreigners)
What to See: Craft stalls, regional cuisine, folk music and dance

6: Famous Markets & Shopping Areas – Timing and Tips

Delhi is a shopper’s paradise, offering everything from designer fashion to street bargains. But each market has its own rhythm, and knowing the right opening and closing times can help you avoid crowds and closed shutters.

1. Chandni Chowk (Old Delhi)

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Closed On: Sundays (some stores open)
Famous For: Traditional Indian wear, street food, silver jewelry, spices
Best Time to Visit: Morning or early afternoon to avoid traffic jams

Pro Tip: Hire a rickshaw or go on foot; cars struggle in the narrow lanes.

2. Connaught Place (Rajiv Chowk)

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Closed On: Sundays (some shops open)
Famous For: High-street brands, books, cafes, restaurants, and Palika Bazaar (underground market)

Pro Tip: Ideal for evening strolls with coffee shops and colonial architecture as a backdrop.

3. Sarojini Nagar Market

Opening Hours: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Closed On: Monday
Famous For: Branded export-surplus clothes at bargain prices

Pro Tip: Brush up your bargaining skills—it’s part of the fun here.

4. Janpath Market

Opening Hours: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Open All Days
Famous For: Bohemian clothes, Tibetan handicrafts, leather goods

Pro Tip: Combine with a visit to CP or India Gate, as it’s centrally located.

5. Khan Market

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Closed On: Sundays
Famous For: Bookstores, boutique fashion, home decor, gourmet restaurants

Pro Tip: Not budget-friendly, but worth visiting for its chic ambience.

6. Dilli Haat (INA and Janakpuri)

Opening Hours: 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Open All Days
Famous For: Handicrafts, state-specific food stalls, live music

Pro Tip: Entry is ticketed, but it’s worth it for curated shopping and authentic regional dishes.

7: Nightlife & Evening Experiences – Hours & Highlights

Delhi may be steeped in history, but its nightlife has a modern pulse. Here are the most popular areas and their typical timings.

1. Hauz Khas Village

Opening Hours: Most bars open from 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Best For: Rooftop dining, live music, casual nightlife
Closed On: Varies by outlet

Pro Tip: Explore the ancient Hauz Khas Fort and lake before sunset, then unwind at a café nearby.

2. Connaught Place Bars and Lounges

Opening Hours: 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM (some up to 1:00 AM)
Famous Spots: My Bar, Lord of the Drinks, The Imperial’s 1911 Bar

3. India Gate at Night

Open All Night
Activity: Locals and tourists flock here for ice cream, late-night strolls, and photo ops
Security: Police presence throughout; very safe and family-friendly

4. Kingdom of Dreams (Gurgaon)

Show Timings: 1:30 PM to 6:00 PM (day show), 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM (night show)
Closed On: Mondays
Famous For: Bollywood-style musicals, food courts representing India’s diversity

5. Light and Sound Shows

Red Fort: After sunset; English and Hindi versions
Purana Qila: “Ishq-e-Dilli” show at night (check seasonal schedules)

Pro Tip: Arrive 15–20 minutes early for good seats.

8: Seasonal Variations and Special Notes

Some attractions have different hours depending on the time of year or special events.

Summer Months (April to June)

Visit early mornings or late evenings due to extreme heat
Attractions like Lodhi Garden and Deer Park are perfect for morning strolls

Monsoon (July to September)

Outdoor attractions may be affected by heavy rain
Museums and indoor exhibits are better bets

Winter (October to February)

Best time for sightseeing overall
Attractions like India Gate, Qutub Minar, and Humayun’s Tomb are most enjoyable in cool weather
Fog may delay early morning travel or flights

9: Transportation Tips for Attraction Hopping

Metro Timings

Start: 5:30 AM to 6:00 AM (varies by line)
Last train: 11:00 PM approx.
Frequency: Every 3–5 minutes during peak hours

Pro Tip: Most major attractions and Temples are near metro stations (e.g., Chandni Chowk, Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat).

Cab and Auto Tips

Use apps like Uber, Ola, or Rapido for safe travel
Always insist on the meter if taking a local auto

Walking-Friendly Zones

Connaught Place
Lodhi Art District
Dilli Haat
India Gate – Rajpath stretch

Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and carry water, especially during summer months.

10: 3-Day Sample Itinerary with Timings

1st Day – Old Delhi & Heritage Trail

8:30 AM – Jama Masjid
10:00 AM – Breakfast at Karim’s or Paranthe Wali Gali
11:00 AM – Red Fort
1:30 PM – Lunch near Chandni Chowk
3:00 PM – Raj Ghat
5:00 PM – India Gate walk and evening relaxation
7:00 PM – Dinner in Connaught Place

2nd Day – Central Delhi & Museums

9:30 AM – National Museum
12:00 PM – Gandhi Smriti
1:30 PM – Lunch at Khan Market
3:00 PM – Lodhi Garden walk
6:00 PM – Dilli Haat for shopping and dinner
8:30 PM – Cultural show (check schedule at India Habitat Centre)

3rd Day – South Delhi & Modern Culture

9:00 AM – Qutub Minar
11:30 AM – Lotus Temple
1:00 PM – Lunch in Nehru Place or Lajpat Nagar
3:00 PM – ISKCON Temple or Nehru Planetarium
5:00 PM – Sunset at Hauz Khas Fort
7:00 PM onwards – Dinner and drinks at Hauz Khas Village

11: Handy Chart of Major Attractions and Timings

Attraction	Timings	Closed On	Notes
Red Fort	9:30 AM – 4:30 PM	Monday	Light & sound show in evening
Humayun’s Tomb	6:00 AM – 6:00 PM	Open Daily	Best at sunrise
Qutub Minar	7:00 AM – 5:00 PM	Open Daily	Light improves after 3 PM
India Gate	Open 24×7	Never	Visit at night for lights
Akshardham Temple	9:30 AM – 6:30 PM	Monday	Security is strict
Lotus Temple	9:00 AM – 5:00 PM	Monday	Free entry; quiet meditation inside
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib	Open 24×7	Never	Langar served daily
National Museum	10:00 AM – 6:00 PM	Monday	Huge collection; allow 2–3 hrs
Chandni Chowk Market	10:00 AM – 8:00 PM	Sunday	Combine with Red Fort & Jama Masjid
Dilli Haat	10:30 AM – 10:00 PM	Open Daily	Entry ticketed; food stalls are excellent

Conclusion:

Delhi is not just a city—it’s a living museum, a spiritual junction, and a modern metropolis all at once. But to truly experience its diversity, it’s important to plan your days around the opening and closing hours of its attractions.

Whether you’re exploring ancient forts, soaking in devotional serenity, or hopping through colorful bazaars and gardens, this guide ensures you make the most of every hour in Delhi.

Use it to build your custom itinerary, avoid disappointments, and explore this city of stories, soul, and surprises at the right time.

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