In Delhi as they say "Dilwalo ki Dilli", here is how I explored it as a complete Delhite. Since last 2 years, I have had the opportunity to be around Delhi NCR because of my job and as I unraveled more and more, it lead me to divide all the places into 2 vast categories as they say Touristic and the local gems.
Major Tourist Attractions
1. The Red Fort
Time: Long 6-7 hours (Best: October-March)
Rating: 3 out of 5
Experience: Crowded, Very Vast, Lot of small museums and history which will engulf your historic minds, Foreigners being thugged, Really tiring, Best part is the Indian Tricolor flag on top, Overall one time visit if you are interested in history and wanna see the essence of real Delhi. Recommended!!
2. Qutub Minar
Time: Good 2-3 hours (Best: September - April)
Rating: 4 out of 5
Experience: Peaceful, Away from hustle & Bustle of city, Green grasses, Very well maintained, Red Sandstones all around, Can spend a day reading books and listening music that tranquilize your mind. Overall a great place to chill with friends and family. Highly Recommended!!
3. Chandni Chowk
Time: Good 3-4 hours (Best: Anytime)
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Experience: Old delhi at its best, Congested, Great street food, Cheap shopping, Will experience Riksha walas driving with crazy skills, Small lanes, Parathe wali gali is famous but not upto expectations, Overall a good place to shop and to take your taste buds for a ride. Recommended!!
4. India Gate
Time: Good 2-3 hours (Best: Anyday after 6PM)
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Experience: Great ambience, If in Delhi try busting in nights and awe Inspiring Evenings, the place is as live as any other republic place, War memorial is around where you can experience the act of gallantry of a martyr in presence of their family. Overall a great place to experience patriotism and chill with friends especially nightouts. Highly Recommended!!
5. Lotus Temple
Time: Good 2-3 hours (Best: September - April)
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Experience: Peaceful, Neat & Clean, Greenery all around, Experience a very lesser known religion Baha'i which follows a whole different philosophy about life, Architecture at its best, Overall the whole ambience is an excellent atmosphere for searching the self and meditation. Recommended!!
6. Humayun's Tomb
Time: Good 4-5 hours (Best: October - March)
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Experience: Mughal architecture at its best, Greenery all around, Very Vast, Photographers can have a perfect shot, Mini Taj Mahal, Experience a dose of the wildlife, deer, monkeys and birds, Just bring your camera and click some great pics while chilling with your friends and family. Recommended!!
7. Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple
Time: Good 4-5 hours (Best: Anyday)
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Experience: One of the finest hindu temples, The Garden of India, sprawling 60 acres of thematic gardens adorned with bronze statues representing heroes, warriors, and great personalities from India, Gorgeous Musical Fountain or Water Show, Dive into divine peace of this religious place with your friends and family. Recommended!!