Things to Do at Red Fort
Complete Guide to Red Fort in New Delhi
About Red Fort
Standing as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007, Delhi's Red Fort encompasses 254 acres of Mughal architecture where Emperor Shah Jahan held court from 1648 to 1658, surrounded by red sandstone walls that rise 18 meters above the busy streets of Old Delhi. Entry costs ₹35 for Indian citizens and ₹500 for foreign visitors, with audio guides available in eight languages for an additional ₹118 that provide fascinating details about the intricate pietra dura inlay work and the emperor's daily routines within these historic walls. The fort's Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audiences) features 60 red sandstone pillars supporting a marble throne alcove where petitioners once sought royal justice, while the adjacent Mumtaz Mahal now houses a museum displaying Mughal artifacts including jewel-encrusted daggers and silk textiles that shimmer under museum lighting. Visit during early morning hours (9:30-11:00 AM) when softer light filters through the fort's arched corridors, and the air still carries a hint of coolness before Delhi's intense sun makes the red sandstone walls almost too hot to touch.
What to See & Do
Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience)
A massive open-sided hall with 60 red sandstone columns where the emperor held court for the general public. The marble throne alcove at the back once held the Peacock Throne. The scale of the space - designed to hold hundreds of petitioners - communicates power more effectively than any single artifact
Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience)
The emperor's private audience hall with marble pillars, floral inlay work, and the famous Persian inscription: 'If there is paradise on earth, it is this, it is this, it is this.' The silver ceiling was stripped by invaders. The intimate scale contrasts sharply with the Diwan-i-Aam - this was where real power operated
Rang Mahal (Palace of Colors)
The emperor's private quarters, once decorated floor-to-ceiling with mirrors, jewels, and colored glass that gave it its name. Most of the decoration was looted, but the marble lotus fountain at the center survives and the architectural bones are stunning. Imagine every surface covered in reflected light and you'll understand why the Mughals built it
Mumtaz Mahal Museum
Inside the fort, housing Mughal miniature paintings, textiles, calligraphy, and weapons. INR 5 extra. The miniature paintings are the highlight - detailed court scenes, hunting expeditions, and portraits that give faces to the emperors whose buildings you're standing in. Usually empty because most visitors don't know it exists
Lahori Gate
The main entrance gate - a massive arched gateway that opens into Chatta Chowk bazaar. This is where the Prime Minister raises the Indian flag on Independence Day (August 15). The gate's scale is designed to humble visitors before they even enter the fort. The Naubat Khana (drum house) above the second gate once announced arrivals with music
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Open daily except Mondays, 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Last entry is at 4:00 PM. The fort stays open later during winter months, but it's worth checking current timings as they tend to adjust seasonally.
Tickets & Pricing
₹35 for Indian citizens, ₹500 for foreign tourists. You can buy tickets at the gate or online through the ASI website. Audio guides are available for an additional ₹118 and are actually quite good - they add context you might miss otherwise.
Best Time to Visit
October to March is ideal weather-wise. Early morning (right when it opens) or late afternoon visits work best - you'll avoid the worst crowds and heat. Fridays tend to be busier with domestic tourists.
Suggested Duration
Plan for 2-3 hours minimum if you want to see the main attractions properly. You could easily spend half a day here if you're into history and architecture, especially if you include the museum and take your time with the audio guide.
Getting There
Things to Do Nearby
One of Delhi's oldest markets, just a few minutes' walk away. The chaos is part of the charm - narrow lanes packed with everything from spices to jewelry. The street food here is legendary, though stick to busy stalls if you're concerned about hygiene.
India's largest mosque, also built by Shah Jahan. The courtyard can hold 25,000 people, and climbing the minaret gives you great views over Old Delhi. It's about a 15-minute walk from the Red Fort through the old city streets.
Mahatma Gandhi's memorial, a simple black marble platform marking where he was cremated. It's a peaceful spot that contrasts nicely with the grandeur of the Red Fort, about 2 km away along the Yamuna River.
A Bahai house of worship famous for its flower-like architecture. It's about 30 minutes away by metro, but worth the trip if you're interested in modern Indian architecture. The meditation hall is surprisingly serene.