Before we start off with the list of the most exciting and free things to do in Delhi, I thought it will be great if I give you a brief introduction about this magnificent city. The capital city of India, Delhi or Dilli, as most Indians call it, has something magical about it. Delhi has a prodigious amount of history, culture and tradition attached to it and has something for everyone. The city, bustling with people, automobiles, monuments and famous street food stalls, is the most populous city in India. The world famous poet Mirza Galib once stated, “The world is a body, and Delhi is its soul”. The city’s rich history, its accommodating nature and its cosmopolitan outlook, truly justifies his phrase.

Firstly, when it comes to what Delhi has to offer to the average tourist or to the local sightseer, the list is never-ending. From the colossal Red Fort to the beautiful Akshardham Temple, from the narrow and busy streets of Chandni Chowk to the skyscrapers of Gurgaon, Delhi has a broad spectrum of places to visit. In addition to the magnificent historical sites in the city, Delhi is also home to some of the most entertaining places to visit. Moreover, these places are very popular, exciting and are free of cost. Here is a list of some of the most popular sites in the city and some really fun things to do in Delhi that will surely let you make the most of your visit, without spending a single rupee!

1. Reclaim the streets with ‘Raahgiri’ day

This is the most ‘healthy’ of all the free things to do in Delhi. A perfect blend of fun, fitness and entertainment, ‘Raahgiri’ is the best way to spend your Sunday morning. An initiative by ‘The Times of India’, the popularity of the day has grown exponentially since its inception in 2013. Conducted every Sunday morning in multiple locations of the city, Raahgiri has become one of the most cherished things among the ‘Delhiites’. From fun-filled activities like Zumba and Aerobics to a game of volleyball or badminton, Raahgiri has a unique mix of fun and fitness. With help from the local government, all traffic is diverted and roads are made car-free. Raahgiri happens to be one of the most popular things to do in Delhi for free over a weekend. Rather than spending the Sunday morning sleeping, you can join the crowd and have a thrilling morning.

2. Join a cycling club and explore the city

This is one of the most exciting free things to do in Delhi. An email request and a few more clicks is what you need to be a part of ‘The Delhi Cycling Club’ or the “Pedal Yatri’ club. These are just a couple of the many cycling clubs that function throughout the city. Aimed to make Delhi a cycle-friendly city, these cycling clubs conduct excursions and fun rides every weekend. These clubs are trying to promote the culture of cycling which is both healthy for us and the environment. For the fitness enthusiasts who want to experience the joy of cycling as well as explore the city, these free cycling clubs provide the perfect answer to them.

3. Be spellbound by the magic of ‘Qawwali’

Are you a music lover? A fan of Sufi music? Then this one will be amongst your favorite free things to do in Delhi. A form of Sufi devotional music, the musical tradition of Qawwali dates back to more than seven centuries. With live performance every Thursday evening at the Hazrat Nizam-ud-din Dargah in Old Delhi, the musical genius of the singers or Qawwals and their mesmerizing musical performances is surely going to make you visit the shrine more than once. With a captivating ambiance all around, this cultural experience is easily one of the most fascinating experiences you would have. Moreover, instead of shelling out an awful amount of money on concert tickets, you can let the magical performances of the Qawwals hold you spellbound, free of charge.

4. Experience solitude at the Lotus Temple

If you happen to be a peace-lover, this will be one of your favorite free things to do in Delhi. If you have the notion that finding a place that offers peace and isolation in this cosmopolitan and busy city would not be possible, then let me introduce you to the Lotus Temple of Delhi. This temple is known as the Bahá’í house of worship and is devoted to the people of Bahá’í faith. With more than 8,000 visitors every day, this edifice is buzzing with people from all over the country. The marvelous architecture and the striking white marble, add to the charm and majestic ambiance of the place. One can enter the premise and sit for hours on a stretch and find absolute peace and tranquility. Due to the enchanting aura of the place, it is one of the most interesting things to do in Delhi.

5. Witness the grandeur of the Delhi’s Jama Masjid

One of the best examples of Mughal architecture, the grand old Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in the country. Originally named ‘Masjid-i-Jahan-Numa’, the mosque got the name ‘Jama Masjid’ from the word Jumma, meaning Friday. Built around 350 years ago, the mosque is built on an elevated platform and is accessible from three sides. In addition to the beautiful architecture, the three black and white striped domes that cap the roof of the mosque are something that impress at the first glimpse. Moreover,this captivating edifice made of red stone and white marble is one of the most visited places in Delhi and also one of the most interesting amongst the free things to do in Delhi.

6. Taste the appetizing ‘Langar’ at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

Happen to be a foodie? This is the most amazing of the free things to do in Delhi. The tradition of Langar or ‘free kitchen’ started during the time of Guru Nanak. Food is prepared for thousands of people and is served to all its visitors on all days. What makes Langar at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib special is the sheer amount of food that is prepared. Around 10,000 meals are prepared in one single day. Moreover, One can experience the joy of helping others by offering help in preparing and serving the food to the visitors. To taste the free and delicious food of the Langar and to experience the enchanting ambiance of the shrine, people from all around the country visit this beautiful place of worship.

PS: Just that don’t forget to offer some “Seva” for free there.

7. Experience a blend of history and modernity at Hauz Khas

In the middle of the opulent south Delhi neighborhood, lays the historical site of Hauz Khas. It is a place which brings together the old and the new. Hauz Khas meaning the ‘Royal tank’ is an ancient water reservoir built in the 12^th century by Allauddin Khilji. The Hauz Khas complex offers a mix of both, the rusty rural ambiance along with affluent urban markets of Delhi. Today the place is home to extravagant hotels and pubs in addition to the serene open spaces with historical ruins. One can sit and relax inside the complex or try something more thrilling like ‘slack-lining’. Performed by adventure enthusiasts, Slack-lining takes place every weekend inside the premises of Hauz Khas.

8. Behold the architectural marvel of Akshardham Temple

Built in the year 2005, the Akshardham Temple is a fairly new temple in the city. But in terms of its magnificence and architectural beauty, it definitely overshadows other edifices. Instead of using a modern approach, the temple is built using ancient carving techniques which takes years to master and the amount of labour put in is clearly visible. Furthermore, the intricate interior designs and elaborately detailed walls are definitely going to leave you awe-struck. As you enter the premises of the temple, you are overwhelmed with the amount of detail that has been put into making the temple. The temple also has a cultural boat ride that takes you through the glorious past of India via a short movie. Therefore, to witness the splendid craftsmanship and to revisit the ancient Indian past, one must visit this beautiful temple for sure.

9. Watch the royal pageantry of the ‘Change of Guards’

Most royal of all the free things to do in Delhi is this ceremony. Similar to the one held at the Buckingham Palace, the ceremonial ‘Change of Guards’ at Rashtrapati Bhawan offers a spectacular display of valor and discipline by the smartly dressed soldiers of the Indian Army. Performed by the oldest regiment of the Indian Army, the ceremony is one of the most popular attractions in Delhi. An amazing display of synchronization in addition to the extravagant band performance, the ceremony is an audio-visual delight. The ‘Change of Guard’ ceremony, performed every Saturday, is free for everyone and surely something you don’t want to miss.

10. Walk the lively streets of Chandni Chowk

This one is probably the most enjoyable of all the free things to do in Delhi. The city of Delhi has its share of serene and beautiful places but it also has an element of chaos. Chandni Chowk, located in old Delhi, is one such place. Amidst a chaotic environment, it’s a place where you can find amazing street food and some really interesting shopping lanes. Furthermore, walking through the narrow lanes, you feel the pulsating vibe of the chowk filled with hustling and bustling of people. Considered to be India’s biggest wholesale market, Chandni Chowk is certainly a shopper’s and food lover’s paradise. Even if you plan on roaming cash-free, the aura of this place is something that you must experience. A lazy stroll on these streets is one of the most popular things to do in Delhi for free.

Delhi is the epitome of a place that has rich historic roots as well as the touch of modern cosmopolitan diversity. A city filled with interesting and entertaining places, Delhi is on every traveler’s wish list.

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