Delhi will never fail to amaze you. There are three UNESCO heritage sites within the boundaries of this unique city. There is no dearth of famous places to visit here. When you visit the historically famous Red Fort and other places, don’t forget to check out the things you can do in Delhi for free. Money can’t buy the world, and we’re back to prove it with our freshly crafted dope on free things to do in Delhi.
1. Soulful Qawwali at Nizamuddin Dargah
Every Thursday evening, this dargah of Nizam-ud-din Auliya embarks on a mesmerizing journey of soulful qawwali performances under the night sky. Having been home to some very famous artists including Wadali and Sabri brothers, the atmosphere here is electrically mesmerizing these days.
2. Delicious langar food at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
10,000 meals a day – it’s a matter of pride! Not that we are trying to take advantage of this, but right in the heart of the city, you get free food and sinfully edible kadha prasad in the form of sweets at the Sikh shrine
3. Meditation at the Lotus Temple
Although there is no dearth of religious monuments in Delhi, this incredible structure of the Bahá’í Faith offers planned and well-designed moments of meditation and solitude. The beauty and charm of this monument are an added complement to one’s senses!
4. Changing of Guards at Rashtrapati Bhavan
Since ancient times, guards and sentries in palaces, forts and defence establishments changed from time to time to allow a new body of soldiers to take charge. And why should the Indian President’s Palace remain an exception? So, ladies and gentlemen, every Saturday morning, the oldest regiment of the Indian Army, which guards the President of India, exchanges its duty in a splendid display of pride, valour and discipline.
5. Go to India Gate
Visiting India Gate is one of the best free things to do in Delhi. It is great for a free long drive experience as the monuments look stunning at night. The famous memorial is a tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the country. A lit fire lamp is always lit as a mark of respect to these warriors.
6. Hauz Khas Complex
Visiting the Hauz Khas complex is one of the fun things to do in Delhi. It is the perfect place to spend your day exploring the historical past of the city. The complex houses a mosque, Firoz Shah’s tomb and an Islamic seminary. You can also enjoy a quiet evening away from the clubs while sitting on the quiet ruins of the complex.
7. Open Air Gyms at Lodhi Garden and Nehru Park
Infamous for the PDA in the second half of the day, these gardens have a lot to offer to keep you entertained, fit and healthy. The open-air gym, although recently established, is a major attraction for the locals. With Roman chairs, adjustable abdominal benches, cable woods and crossovers set out in the open, park gyms give any other city gym a run for the money.
8. Raahgiri
Already gaining a lot of popularity, Raahgiri in Delhi is all about a rebellion to take over the roads with motor vehicles. The event is organized at three locations in the NCR – Connaught Place, Gurgaon and the suburbs of Dwarka.
Roads are car-free, people are encouraged to ride bicycles, cycles are rented free of charge, children indulge in a lot of physical activities, and organize fitness group sessions and Band shows.
9. Sanjay van and Tau Devi Lal – Free access to some wind life
Amidst all the chaos and crowd, some forests and developed parks are a great relief. Tau Devi Lal is a huge plantation near Gurgaon Sector 22 with lots of creatures and beehives. Sanjay Van is another forest plantation near Vasant Kunj which has a water tank and rock hills to complement the city line.
10. Slacking at Hauz Khas Village and Asola Lake
For starters, slacklining refers to the use of tensioned webbing between two anchor points for balance and running – so basically it’s slack rope walking and tight running as the line is held tight.
Now, a much-renowned photographer, Enrico Fabian, has started this slack-enthusiast to bring fellow adventurers in the city on the same ropes – irrespective of age, gender and fitness.
11. Professional cycling with Pedal Yatri and DCC
Having recently caught on to the hobby clubbing trend, cycling has rapidly turned into a favourite popular adventure in the city. A bike, riding gear and the excitement of cycling on a less travelled path – all you need to be a part of it are groups of pedal travellers who go on excursions in the city.
Delhi Cycling Club aims to develop Delhi as a bicycle-friendly city. All they need is a circle and your willingness to join the task and the 800-member team always welcomes new participants.
12. Cultural Fests Across The Capital
Every year famous bands from Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and other countries perform their music amidst the grand backstage of the Old Fort. With the likes of Kailash, Indian Ocean, Mrigya and The Scavengers, this band fest organized by Sehar is a great chance to explore, understand and appreciate the music of South Asian countries.
Another fascinating festival that is equally mesmerizing is the jazz festival that welcomes artists and musicians from Italy and other countries. Spend a wonderful evening and enjoy the music in the park, wouldn’t you if it was completely free of charge.