Free self-guided walk · New Delhi

Old Delhi, from the Red Fort to Jama Masjid

A free self-guided walk through Old Delhi from the Red Fort along Chandni Chowk, past the Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib, to the Jama Masjid.

Distance
2.3 km
Walking time
30 min
Allow
About 1.5 hours with stops
Stops
4

Open the route in Google MapsNew Delhi city guide

About this walk

Shah Jahan, who built the Taj Mahal, laid out Old Delhi in the 17th century. Its main street, Chandni Chowk, runs from his fort, and his great mosque stands just to the south.

Old Delhi is crowded and loud. Keep your bag in front of you and go with the flow.

  • Terrain: Flat, but very crowded, with rickshaws and handcarts. Chandni Chowk's main street has been partly pedestrianised.
  • Best time: Morning, before the lanes fill. Avoid Friday midday prayers at the mosque.

Route map

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Route and stop positions © OpenStreetMap contributors. North is up.

The stops

  1. Red Fort

    Start at the red sandstone walls of the Mughal fort (ticket needed to go inside).

  2. Chandni Chowk

    Old Delhi's main street runs west from the fort, with lanes of markets and food stalls leading off it.

  3. Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib

    A Sikh temple on Chandni Chowk; visitors are welcome with heads covered and shoes removed.

  4. Jama Masjid

    Finish at one of India's largest mosques. Dress modestly and remove shoes at the entrance; it is closed to visitors at prayer times.

Tips

  • Chandni Chowk metro station (Yellow Line) is in the middle of the walk.
  • Cycle rickshaws are the easiest way through the lanes; agree a fare first.
  • The Red Fort is closed on Mondays.

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Sources and review date

This walk was last reviewed on 2026-10-28. Distance and walking time come from OpenStreetMap's walking router and don't include time at stops. Opening hours and access change; please check before you go.