18 Things You Can Do For Free In Delhi Without Any Moolah

Bangla Sahib serves approximately 10,000 meals a day, all of which end with the incomparable Kara Prashad. If you can’t make it to central Delhi, there are gurudwaras throughout the city that offer a similar experience. The closest metro station is Rajiv Chowk, gate number one (on the yellow line).

Timings: 5 AM to 12 PM

The American Centre (closest metro station: Barakhamba), Italian Cultural Centre (closest metro station: Race Course on the yellow line), Japan Foundation (near Moolchand metro station), India Habitat Centre (near Jor Bagh metro station), and Instituto Cervantes (nearest metro station: Rajiv Chowk) regularly host film screenings, talks, and seminars that are often free for all. Since entry is on a first-come, first-served basis, all you need to do is arrive on time.

Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM for The American Centre, 8 AM to 10 PM for India Habitat Centre and 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM for Instituto Cervantes

Working to make Delhi a cycle-friendly city, all you need is a bicycle and the desire to join in. With over 10,000 members, you can simply contact Delhi Cyclists through their social media and start riding. Delhi Cyclists is not just a group of enthusiasts; they also operate a cycling merchandise shop offering a variety of bicycles at different price points. The closest metro station to their shop is Green Park.

Timings: 11 AM to 9 PM

The ceremony was inaugurated at Rashtrapati Bhavan in 2012 and is now accessible to the public. It takes place every weekend, and all you need is a photo ID. National pride isn’t just for national holidays, you know? The closest metro station to Rashtrapati Bhavan is Central Secretariat (on the yellow line).

Timings: 9:40 AM to 10:40 AM on Saturdays and 4:10 PM to 5:10 PM on Sundays

Check out India Habitat Centre, Espace Delhi Art Gallery (nearest metro station: Mandi House), or Vadehra Art Gallery (closest metro station: Lajpat Nagar on the pink line) for collections featuring some of the finest artists, exhibitions, and installations.

Timings: 8 AM to 10 PM for India Habitat Centre, 11 AM to 7 PM for Espace Delhi Art Gallery, 11 AM to 7 PM for Vadehra Art Gallery

LBB Pro-Tip: Delhi has numerous art galleries, and here's a list of all of them! 

Explore the birds and bees, along with plenty of flora and fauna, at Sector 52, Gurgaon. Entry is free in the mornings and evenings, making it the perfect time for a walk in the park. The closest metro station to this botanical garden is Huda City Center on the yellow line, and it takes about 25 minutes by auto or cab from there.

Timings: 5 AM to 8 PM

You’ll be pleased to know that the NDMC has open-air gyms in and around the city that you can use for free. Some locations include Lodhi Garden (closest metro station: Jor Bagh) and Nehru Park (nearest to Lok Kalyan Marg metro station on the yellow line).

Timings: 6 AM to 7:30 PM for Lodhi Garden and 5 AM to 9 PM for Nehru Park

Most of the city's museums are government-funded, so you can often walk in and explore, though some may have nominal ticket charges. However, entry to Gandhi Smriti, the National Police Museum (closest metro station: Central Secretariat), the Philatelic Museum (nearest metro station: Patel Chowk), and the Air Force Museum (Sadar Bazaar Cantonment Metro Station on the Magenta line) is free.

Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM for Gandhi Smriti, National Police Museum and 10 AM to 5 PM for Airforce Museum

If you want access to books and materials, the Delhi Public Library and the Archaeological Survey of India offer free entry (closest metro station: Central Secretariat for the library and Rajiv Chowk for the Archaeological Survey). For more information, check out our library guide here. Membership for these libraries starts at around INR 20.

Timings: 8 AM to 8 PM for The Delhi Public Library and 9:30 AM to 6 PM for Archaeological Survey of India (closed on the weekend)

If you enjoy a blend of stunning architecture and the opportunity to visit a spiritual site, the Lotus Temple is a great choice. It resembles a lotus flower and is a beautiful place to marvel at and explore. The closest metro station to the temple is Kalkaji Mandir.

Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM 

If you haven’t explored the city to marvel at Rajon ki Baoli, Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb, and the other monuments spread over 200 acres of Delhi, do you really know the city well enough? The closest metro station is Qutub Minar.

Timings: 5 AM to 6:30 PM

You can head to Nizamuddin Aulia for a goosebump-inducing Qawwali session. Every day (except Thursdays), you can catch the performances at 8:15 PM, which is the most ideal time. The closest metro station to Dargah Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia is JLN metro station.

Timings: 5 PM to 9:30 PM

Another great place to visit, where you’re sure to have a wonderful time, is Jama Masjid. It’s one of the best spots to witness the beauty of Mughal architecture throughout the city. The closest metro station is Chawri Bazar. While entry is free, there is a fee of INR 250 if you wish to bring your camera.

Timings: 7 AM to 12 PM and 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM

One place you’ll want to take a walk is the Lodhi Art District. The streets in this area are adorned with wall murals on countless buildings, featuring large-scale paintings by artists such as Sameer Kulavoo, Hanif Kureshi, Sajid Wajid, and Shilo Shiv Suleman. A stroll here on a brisk winter morning sounds like a dream! The closest metro station to the Lodhi Art District is Jor Bagh.

Timings: Open 24 hours

Relive some childhood nostalgia and enjoy a picnic with friends and family at India Gate. The landscaping around the connecting underpass has recently been updated for easier access. Head to Pandara Road right across the way to indulge in delicious North Indian food at Havemore or Gulatis, and don’t forget to have a kulfi to round off your meal—an authentic Delhi experience you won’t want to miss!

Timings: Open 24 hours

If you’re actively seeking a reading community or just want to enjoy reading with a group in nature, the Lodhi Reads community is as wholesome as it gets. This group meets weekly to read for a few hours in peace. All you need to bring is your favorite book, a mat, and maybe a snack. If you live in Gurgaon, you can also check out Gurgaon Reads.

Timings: 4.30 PM to 7.30 PM every Saturday

Just ahead of the Indian Habitat Centre, Kamani Auditorium frequently hosts culturally rich performances and showcases artists representing the finest crafts of India. Most of their shows are free to attend, and you’ll often see families enjoying the arts. Check out their website for the schedule, and if you love classical Indian dancing, this venue should definitely be on your radar, as it regularly features icons from the field.

Timings: 9 AM to 9 PM

Agrasen Ki Baoli is a popular hangout for many—a historical stepwell that captivates visitors. Located on Hailey Road near Connaught Place, this protected monument is frequented by college students, locals, and tourists alike. It’s a fascinating site and a truly iconic spot in Delhi that you must check out, with entry costing you nothing.

Timings: 9 AM to 5:30 PM

LBB Pro-Tip: If you love to explore historical sites and monuments, we've got your ultimate Delhi darshan list!