The Ultimate Agra Travel Guide: Best Places To Visit, Eat, And Stay At

Taj Mahal is synonymous to Agra. The city's called 'the city of love' because of the picturesque white mausoleum and the beautiful love story the monument stands as a testament to. Taj Mahal is undeniably that one monument that leaves you awe-struck no matter how many times you revisit it; the masterful craftsmanship, the Mughal times' essence, and the romantic charisma the place holds, always hits the right cords. You have to walk down a kilometre long cobbled path called the 'Taj Nature Walk' to reach the monument after which you can buy your tickets (or completely ditch the que by buying them online beforehand). The best time to visit the Taj Mahal is at the time of sunset or sunrise if you want to catch the sunlight contrast against the white marbled wonder in all its glory.

The Agra Fort or the Red Fort of Agra lies two kilometres from the Taj Mahal. It is a symbol of Agra and is so massive that it is often referred to as a walled city. It is the perfect example of Mughal art and architecture, built purely out of red sandstone that lends it that old-world charm, similar to the Red Fort in Delhi. Within the premises of Agra Fort lie the most exquisite structures like the Pearl Mosque, Diwan-i I Khas, Diwan-i I Aam, Moti Masjid and Jahangiri Mahal which should definitely not be missed. Some part of the Agra Fort is used by the Indian Army is off-limit to public access but apart from that, the place is absolutely worth the visit, especially for the view of the Yamuna and the Taj Mahal from here.

The Mughal Emperor Jalal-ud-din Mohammad Akbar constructed this mostly red sandstone city thirty-seven kilometres from Agra as a tribute to the revered Sufi saint Sheikh Salim Chisti. The city's magnificence and singularity provide a superb illustration of the emperor's architectural skill. Because of Akbar's liberal religious beliefs and passion for literature, fine arts, and architecture, the buildings at Fatehpur Sikri have a captivating blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural elements. Buland Darwaza gate is the entrance to Jama Masjid mosque. Nearby is the marble Tomb of Salim Chishti. Diwan-E-Khas hall has a carved central pillar. Jodha Bais Palace is a mix of Hindu and Mughal styles, next to the 5-story Panch Mahal that overlooks the site.

Located on the outskirts of Agra City is this mausoleum. The Mughal emperor, Akbar, who finished the tomb and designed a lovely garden during his own lifetime, is buried there. On the other hand, his son Jahangir built the marble mausoleum's summit. This tomb has five stories and a pyramidal shape. The false cenotaph is located on the top floor, while the actual cenotaph is situated below ground level. With the exception of the top story, which is made of white marble, the entire tomb is built of red sandstone.

Itimad-ud-daulah's tomb is a Mughal mausoleum and is sometimes called the 'baby Taj Mahal' because it is thought to be a replica of the Taj Mahal. This is the country's first marble-only tomb. For her father Mir Gheyas Beg (later known as Itimad-ud-daulah), a minister in Shah Jahan's court, Nur Jahan, the wife of Jahangir, commissioned the tomb that's made from pietra dura and the first to be built on the banks of the Yamuna River. Due to the use of arched entrances and octagonal shaped towers, the tomb resonates a jewel box in a garden.

Kinari Bazaar is located near Jama Masjid of Agra. It is the wholesale market of the city with a great history which makes it one of the top places for shopping handicrafts along with marble, glassware, rugs, leather and textiles at reasonable prices (and even cheaper if your bargaining skills are spot-on). 

One of the most well-known marketplaces in Agra for shopping is Sadar Bazaar, which is located close to the Agra Cantt railway station. Everything is available here, including leather bags, confections, clothing, and handicrafts. There are some excellent vegetarian and non-vegetarian restaurants close to the market, as well as cafes like Café Coffee Day.

Agra is known for their quality leather shoes and other leathers goods so don't miss on them if you want to buy cheap wallets, shoes, bags and much more at great deals. Their famous shoe market is located in the area called Hing Ki Mandi.

Imagine entering a street lined with chaat shops lining from the beginning till the end. From yummy gol gappas, aloo tikki, aloo chaat, pav bhaji to delicious tandoori momos, there's everything to satiate your food cravings. Some of the famous shops that should be on your radar for amazing chaat are Agra Chaat House, and the momos stall right opposite to it along with Shri Agrawal Chat House and Panditji's rabdi kulfi.

Mama Franky house has a loyal fan-following among the Agra folks. Having introduced saucy chicken kebab wraps that are succulent and instantly melt in your mouth, their frankies are a must try if you don't mind your rolls being a tad bit over seasoned and saucy.

Deviram in Pratap Pura is extremely famous for their bedai (or kachori). The reason for the hype among resident? The delicious aloo subzi you can't help but keep wanting more of. Their jalebi seals the deal for the meal with its perfectly balanced sweetness that is more than welcome after that memorable bedai and aloo subzi meal. Do make a note that the place is always crowded in the morning so reach as soon as you can.

From Jiggs Klara to Chef Kunal Kapoor, the leading names in the Indian food industry have raved about the mind-blowing parathas from Ram Babu Paratha Bhandar in Belanganj. Their mixed parathas leave your tastebuds shocked with surprise (not exaggerating at all) and do justice to their tag of 'Agra Ke Mashoor Parathe'. Their fan-following is such that they have opened an outlet in Manesar also but nothing beats the taste of the OG.

Excellent food, ambience and service make you want to revisit The Nawaabs over and over again. The food boasts exceptional taste but runs slightly low on spices (maybe to help tourists who don't enjoy spicy food). The menu consists of your usual North Indian and Mughali dishes like various kebabs, curries, biryani and Indian breads like naans, parathas and lots more.

The sole reason for including this restaurant on the list is one word, 'carbonara'. Their pastas and pizzas give you the most authentic Italian food experience in Agra. Overlooking the pool, their outside seating al fresco area is a sight to behold during the evenings when it turns dark and candles are lit up on each of the tables for a whimsical dinner seating. The same restaurant is their all-day dining buffet restaurant, but the Italian food served for dinners is the cherry on top for us.

The Oberoi, Amarvilas is the most exquisite and opulent property you can stay at in Agra. This luxurious property is located just 600 metres from the Taj Mahal and has all its rooms facing the Taj Mahal i.e. you get a view of the monument from every single room. Imagine waking up to the picturesque view of the Taj, having long leisurely baths, and enjoying your coffee while watching the sunset over the marbled wonder. If you can spare the buck, this once-in-a-lifetime experience is totally worth your time.

This hotel is an iconic property located in the heart of Agra and is a perfect blend of old-world charm and contemporary luxury. The red sandstone and white marble architecture bears an ode to the Taj Mahal. This is probably the most widespread property in Agra with 341 rooms. Do make the most out of your stay at this property by indulging in all the fun activities they offer such as swimming, air hockey, foosball, and bowling. Also, your furball can accompany you on your Taj getaway as this property is pet-friendly.  

Holiday Inn Agra MG Road is situated in Agra’s commercial hub at Sanjay Place which is quite close to the Taj Mahal. If you are looking for a staycation wrapped in a green cause, then Holiday Inn should be your go-to place. Under the IHG Green Engage Hotel initiative, the hotel follows the eco-friendly approach of reducing plastic waste and you get the chance to participate in a worldwide sustainability effort. Also, their indoor pool is a boon for when you want to take a dip in the hot summer nights.

Pro-tip: Check out our complete list of the best hotels to stay at near the Taj Mahal here.