New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) is not just one of India’s busiest transit hubs—it’s a strategically perfect base for smart tourists.
Here’s the honest truth: If you’re staying nearby or arriving with a tight schedule, you can experience the essence of Delhi without spending half your day in traffic.
This guide is not a random list. It’s a curated, time-saving plan built for walkability, efficient transit, and smart sightseeing. Every attraction listed is within a 10 to 25-minute commute by metro, auto, or car.
If you’re planning to explore beyond nearby attractions, this detailed guide on best tourist places in Delhi covers the city’s most iconic landmarks with smart sightseeing tips.
| Place | Distance from NDLS | Time Needed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connaught Place | ~1.5 km | 1–2 hrs | Cafes, shopping, evening walk |
| Gurudwara Bangla Sahib | ~2 km | 30–45 mins | Peace, spiritual experience |
| Jantar Mantar | ~2 km | 30–40 mins | History, quick visit |
| Agrasen ki Baoli | ~2.5 km | 20–30 mins | Photography, offbeat spot |
| Janpath Market | ~2 km | 1 hr | Budget shopping |
| Chandni Chowk | ~3 km | 1–2 hrs | Street food, Old Delhi |
| Jama Masjid | ~3 km | 45–60 mins | Architecture, culture |
| India Gate | ~4 km | 30–45 mins | Evening walk |
| Rashtrapati Bhavan | ~4 km | 20–30 mins | Iconic photos |
| National Museum | ~4 km | 2–3 hrs | Deep history |
Most first-timers overlook this area—a big mistake. NDLS sits at the core of Delhi’s transport web, placing history, culture, and modern life within easy reach.
Unbeatable Connectivity: Direct access to the Yellow Line and Airport Express Metro.
Proximity to Hotspots: A short ride from Connaught Place, Central Delhi, and the chaos of Old Delhi.
All Budgets Covered: Hotels and lodgings range from budget to luxury.
Traffic Avoidance: Explore major landmarks without epic cross-city commutes.
Pro Tip: For the smoothest experience, use the Delhi Metro for most trips. Auto-rickshaws are ideal for short hops (always agree on the fare or insist on the meter before starting). Taxis/app-cabs work best for groups or full-day tours.
Here are the highlights, sorted by proximity:
Distance: ~1.5 km | Time: 5–7 mins by auto | Nearest Metro: Rajiv Chowk (Yellow & Blue Lines)
The Beat of Modern Delhi: This iconic circular colonial plaza is the city's commercial and social heart. Endless cafes, restaurants, shops, and historic architecture.
Best For: First-time visitors, solo travelers, foodies, evening strolls.
Don't Miss: A walk through the Inner & Outer Circles, and a side trip to Janpath Market for souvenirs.
Distance: ~2 km | Time: 6–8 mins | Nearest Metro: Rajiv Chowk
An Oasis of Peace: Delhi's most prominent Sikh temple, renowned for its golden dome, serene sarovar (pond), and the profound community kitchen (langar) that serves thousands free meals daily.
Best For: Spiritual experience, finding calm, families.
Etiquette: Cover your head (scarves provided) and remove shoes.
Distance: ~2 km | Time: 7 mins | Nearest Metro: Rajiv Chowk
A Celestial Observatory: A collection of fascinating 18th-century astronomical instruments built from stone. It’s a unique blend of science, history, and architecture.
Best For: History buffs, photographers, a quick (30-min) educational stop.
Vibe: Surprisingly quiet and less crowded.
Distance: ~2.5 km | Time: 10 mins | Nearest Metro: Rajiv Chowk / Barakhamba Road
The Hidden Stepwell: An ancient, atmospheric stepwell hidden amidst modern high-rises. Its geometric symmetry and haunting allure make it a photographer’s dream.
Best For: Photography, offbeat history, a short but memorable visit.
Note: Free entry. Can be explored in 20-30 minutes.
Distance: ~2 km | Time: 7 mins | Nearest Metro: Rajiv Chowk
Budget Shopping Haven: A bustling, colorful lane market perfect for affordable souvenirs, handicrafts, clothes, jewelry, and trinkets.
Best For: Casual shopping, bargain hunters.
Pro Tip: Haggling is expected. Start at about 40-50% of the quoted price.
Distance: ~3 km | Time: 10–15 mins (Traffic can extend this) | Nearest Metro: Chandni Chowk (Yellow Line)
Sensory Overload in the Best Way: Dive into the chaotic, vibrant, and unforgettable heart of Old Delhi. A labyrinth of lanes bursting with history, street food, and markets.
Best For: Food lovers, cultural immersion, adventurous travelers.
Key Anchors: Leads directly to the Jama Masjid and Red Fort.
Distance: ~3 km | Time: 15 mins | Nearest Metro: Jama Masjid (Violet Line) / Chandni Chowk
Architectural Majesty: India’s largest mosque, built by Shah Jahan. Its vast courtyard and towering minarets offer a profound sense of scale and a stunning view of Old Delhi.
Best For: Architecture, culture, photography.
Etiquette: Modest dress required (robes available for rent). Small camera fee may apply.
Distance: ~4 km | Time: 15 mins | Nearest Metro: Central Secretariat (Yellow Line)
The Iconic Memorial: The majestic war memorial arch set on a sprawling lawn. The atmosphere is especially magical at sunset and after dark, when it’s lit up and filled with families.
Best For: Evening walks, picnics, iconic photo-ops, feeling the pulse of the city.
Distance: ~4 km | Time: 15 mins | Nearest Metro: Central Secretariat
Imperial Grandeur: The official residence of the President of India, an astounding example of British-era architecture. The view down Kartavya Path to India Gate is iconic.
Best For: Architecture photography, evening strolls. (Note: To tour the interior and Mughal Gardens, you must book online well in advance).
Distance: ~4 km | Time: 15 mins | Nearest Metro: Central Secretariat / Udyog Bhawan
A Journey Through Time: Houses an incredible collection of artifacts spanning 5,000 years of Indian history—from Harappan relics to exquisite art.
Best For: History enthusiasts, rainy days, educational deep dives.
Tip: Allocate 2-3 hours if you wish to explore in detail.
Start at Connaught Place (grab coffee, soak in the vibe).
Walk to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib for a spiritual respite.
Take a short auto to Jantar Mantar.
End with the hidden gem, Agrasen ki Baoli.
Morning (Old Delhi Immersion): Metro to Chandni Chowk. Explore the lanes, have a famous street-food breakfast, visit Jama Masjid.
Afternoon (Central Delhi): Metro to Rajiv Chowk. Explore Connaught Place and Janpath Market for lunch and shopping. Visit Jantar Mantar.
Evening (Monuments & Vibes): Metro to Central Secretariat. See Rashtrapati Bhavan, walk down Kartavya Path to India Gate as the lights come on.
✔ Tourists staying in hotels near NDLS.
✔ Travelers with a long layover or short stay in Delhi.
✔ First-time visitors who want to maximize proximity.
✔ Anyone wanting to avoid exhaustive cross-city travel.
New Delhi Railway Station is more than a transit point—it’s a strategic launchpad. With this plan, you can authentically experience Delhi’s layers of history, culture, food, and chaos, all with remarkable efficiency. Start here, and you’ll leave feeling you’ve truly seen the city.
Want to explore beyond this zone?
For a complete guide to Delhi’s top attractions across the city—from Qutub Minar to Hauz Khas—check out our comprehensive Delhi sightseeing guide.
Yes. Most nearby attractions are easily accessible via the Delhi Metro or short auto-rickshaw rides. Connaught Place, Bangla Sahib, and Jantar Mantar are especially convenient.
You can cover 3–4 attractions comfortably in half a day. With a full day, you can explore Old Delhi, Central Delhi landmarks, and nearby markets without rushing.
Yes, the area is generally safe, especially around hotels and metro-connected zones. Like any busy city area, staying alert in crowded places is recommended.
Mornings are best for Old Delhi areas like Chandni Chowk and Jama Masjid. Evenings are ideal for India Gate, Connaught Place, and Rashtrapati Bhavan surroundings.
Absolutely. These attractions offer a balanced mix of history, culture, markets, and modern city life—ideal for first-time visitors to Delhi.
Yes. Thanks to metro connectivity, you can visit Chandni Chowk and Jama Masjid in the morning, then move to Connaught Place and India Gate by afternoon or evening.
