Agra…where love is carved in marble, history walks the streets, and your diet goes out the window (thanks, petha). If you're looking for the best places to see in Agra, this guide will show you what lies beyond the iconic Taj Mahal.

A weekend getaway for Delhi-NCR folks, a part of the Golden Triangle trifecta, and a bucket-list spot for the rest of the globe, that’s Agra for you. Sure, the Taj Mahal is stunning (and yes, it is worth every hype), but if you think Agra’s only claim to fame is being the backdrop for the world’s fanciest love letter, you’re in for a surprise. This city’s got more layers than an average Indian saree. We're talking Mughal-era forts, mouth-watering street food, bustling bazaars, and a whole lot of history with attitude, and a soundtrack to match.

So, whether you’re here for the culture, history, or street food, this guide will help you explore Agra beyond the Taj Mahal.

Aerial view of the Agra City and the Taj Mahal

Best Time to Visit Agra

• April to June: Temperatures soar during this time, making sightseeing a challenge. On the plus side, though, you can expect to see fewer crowds during this time. 
• July to September: Monsoon’s arrival brings the necessary relief from the heat. This is the second-best time to visit Agra. Mind you, high humidity closely follows the rainfall here.
• October to March: This is the best time to visit Agra, as the weather is perfect for exploring the city's charm. This is also the busiest time of the year, with the largest crowds of tourists. 

How to Reach Agra

By Bus: Buses depart from Delhi to Agra on a regular basis, with fares starting from 400 INR.

By Train: Trains from Delhi to Agra, including the Taj Express, run every day. And Zostel Agra is just a short 25-min drive away. 

By Road: From Delhi, just hit the Yamuna Expressway, also known as the Taj Expressway, and you’ll arrive in 3-4 hours. 

First, Meet the Taj: One of the 7 Wonders of the World

You would think, what’s so special about the Taj Mahal? Trust us, no description or picture will ever capture its beauty. But here’s all the info about Taj Mahal you need. 

This breathtaking marvel is renowned as a love letter crafted by Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Once you step through the grand red-sandstone archway, you'll be greeted by gorgeous Mughal gardens, laid out in the classic charbagh style with lovely water features. The Taj itself stands majestically on a raised marble platform, with its elegant minarets leaning ever so slightly outwards. The central structure is pure magic, semi-translucent white marble adorned with intricate flower carvings and thousands of sparkling semi-precious stones. (You’ll also find some of them chiselled out by the British invaders who stole them during their rule.)

"Teardrop on the cheek of eternity" is how Rabindranath Tagore described one of the 7 wonders of the world

And directly beneath the main dome, inside of Taj Mahal, you'll find the elaborate false tombs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan, surrounded by delicate marble screens. The real tombs are actually tucked away in a basement room below.

Bonus: As you wander around, you'll see four identical faces of the Taj Mahal on all four sides!

Taj Mahal Tickets: 50 INR for entry + 200 INR (Entry to the main mausoleum) 

You can book your tickets on the official website.

Taj Mahal Timings: The Taj Mahal opens 30 mins before sunrise and closes 30 mins before sunset. (Closed on all Fridays.)

Pro tip: Photography isn’t allowed inside of Taj Mahal. Big bags aren’t permitted inside. 

Taj Mahotsav

Beyond the iconic Taj Mahal, Agra comes alive every February with the iconic Taj Mahotsav! Imagine a grand carnival, bursting with energy, showcasing India's vibrant arts, crafts, and culture. This 10-day extravaganza at Shilpgram, located near the eastern gate of the Taj Mahal, is a feast for the senses, bringing together artisans, dancers, and musicians from across the nation. You can discover incredible handmade treasures, savour delicious local treats, and witness captivating performances that make for one of the best things to do in Agra. 

Oh, and in case you’re looking for a hotel near Taj Mahal? We have just the thing. 

Places to See in Agra Beyond the Taj Mahal 

When the entire city is a work of art, where do you even begin sightseeing? Well, if it’s about the best places to see in Agra, you can start right here: 

Agra Fort: A colossal UNESCO World Heritage site, this magnificent fort is also known as the "Red Fort of Agra.” This vibrant heart of the Mughal Empire is home to grand palaces, like the Jahangir Palace and Khas Mahal, along with centuries of history that you can explore through its mighty walls.

Tickets: 50 INR per person

Built in the 17th century, the Agra Fort is made of red sandstone

Taj Museum: Nestled right within the Taj Mahal complex, this tiny museum is packed with fascinating Mughal-era artefacts, original miniature paintings, and royal items. It’ll give you a wonderful insight into the story and creation of the Taj. Oh, and by the way, Zostel Agra is just a 15-min walk from the Taj Mahal.

Jama Masjid: This 17th-century mosque is one of the largest built by the Mughals. Active to this day, it was built by Shah Jahan's daughter, Jahanara, and stands proudly facing the Agra Fort, to which it was once connected. Its vibrant atmosphere and beautiful red sandstone and marble details make for a fascinating visit.

Mariam’s Tomb: This serene red sandstone tomb is the resting place of Mariam Zamani, the Rajput princess of Amer and wife of Mughal emperor Akbar. It's a quiet, historically significant spot reflecting a blend of cultures. It is one of the most underrated places to see in Agra. 

Tickets: 15 INR per person

Chini ki Rauza: Tucked away by the Yamuna, discover Afzal Khan's (a poet and Shah Jahan’s chief minister) rarely visited, Persian-style tomb (1628-1639). It's a hidden gem boasting a stunning exterior of colourful tiles and a beautifully painted alabaster inside!

Sikandra Fort: Visit the impressive mausoleum of Mughal emperor Akbar at Sikandra, a striking blend of architectural styles that features a beautifully carved, red-ochre sandstone tomb with deer, rabbits and langurs, set amidst a lush garden.

Tickets: 30 INR per person

Itmad-ud-Daula: Often referred to as the "Baby Taj," this exquisite tomb was built by Mughal Queen Nur Jahan for her father Itimad-Ud-Daula and is one of the lesser-known places to see in Agra. It is a breathtaking structure built in pure marble, featuring delicate latticework and stunning pietra dura inlay. This tomb is a smaller, utterly charming precursor to the grandeur of the Taj Mahal, as some of its features were incorporated into the design of the Taj later.

Tickets: 30 INR per person

This tomb is the jewel box of Mughal architecture in Agra

Things to Do in Agra 

While there’s a whole lot to see in Agra, there are many things to do in Agra that you cannot miss.

Go for the Taj Nature Walk: Fancy a peaceful stroll with an epic backdrop? The Taj Nature Walk offers lovely walking trails through a green, serene forest area just opposite the Taj Mahal. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy nature and get some truly unique views of the monument from a distance.

Mehtab Bagh Walk: Built by Emperor Babur, Mehtab Bagh, also known as the Moonlight Garden, is one of the best places to view the Taj Mahal. But beyond just viewing, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll, soaking in the perfectly symmetrical garden layouts and vistas of the Taj.

Bonus: Many Bollywood movies like Mere Brother ki Dulhan were shot right here!

The view of Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh

Chill beside the Ghats: For a truly local and relaxed experience, head to the Poiya and Dussehra ghats and simply chill beside the Yamuna River, which is hands down one of the best things to do in Agra! It’s a fantastic spot to watch the local life unfold, enjoy the gentle river breeze, and catch a breathtaking sunset over the waters.

Bonus: Poiya Ghat is also considered one of the haunted places in Agra due to its functioning crematorium.

Take the Agra Heritage Walk: Dive deep into Agra's charming old city with a Taj Heritage Walk, which guides you through bustling bazaars and hidden lanes around the Taj. Discover local life, traditional crafts, and lesser-known historical spots. It’s a wonderfully authentic way to experience the city's rich culture beyond the main monuments.

Shopping in Agra

From leather goods to local crafts, shopping in Agra is a colourful dive into culture, charm, and craftsmanship.

Kinari Bazaar: Spread across the narrow lanes right behind the Jama Masjid, Kinari Bazaar is made up of multiple smaller markets. This is Agra's dazzling hub for wedding and festive shopping, packed with shimmering fabrics and intricate jewellery. You can also find shoes, jewellery, spices, marblework, snack stalls, and so much more!

Sadar Bazaar: Located near Agra Cantt, head to this market for a modern shopping experience, packed with a wide range of items, including leather goods, handicrafts, clothing, delicious street food, and more. And the best part, it’s only 20-mins from Zostel Agra.

Raja ki Mandi: Dive into the lively chaos of Raja ki Mandi, a bustling and authentic local market! You'll find fresh produce, spices, clothes, street food, and household goods here, all at budget-friendly rates.

Places to Visit Near Agra

Done with the Taj? Discover these stunning places to visit near Agra, which combine history, nature, and charm to make your getaway truly exceptional.

Explore Fatehpur Sikri: About an hour’s drive from Agra, you can explore this incredible 'ghost city', a UNESCO World Heritage site entirely built by Mughal emperor Akbar and later abandoned. Its stunning red sandstone architecture, including the massive Buland Darwaza, is absolutely captivating.

Timings: Open from Sunrise to Sunset

Entry Ticket: 50 INR per person

The iconic Hawa Mahal and diwan-khana-i-khaas inside Fatehpur Sikri 

Take a day trip to Bateshwar: Just 1.5 hrs from Agra, Bateshwar is a wonderfully spiritual ancient temple town situated on the banks of the Yamuna River. It was once home to 101 Shiva temples, making it a peaceful and fascinating destination for a day trip into history and devotion.

Visit Shilpgram: Situated just near the eastern gate of the Taj Mahal, 8 km from Agra, Shilpgram is a vibrant crafts village and cultural centre. It is one of the most popular places to visit near Agra, especially during the Taj Mahotsav, which showcases traditional arts and crafts, a real treat for culture enthusiasts. 

Enjoy a river safari at National Chambal Sanctuary: Just a 3-hr drive from Agra lies the National Chambal Sanctuary, a wild wonderland along the serene Chambal River. Enjoy an unforgettable boat safari here, where you can spot fascinating gharials, crocodiles, the rare Gangetic dolphins, and an incredible array of birds in their natural habitat. 

Go birdwatching in Keoladeo National Park: Known as the birdwatcher’s paradise, Keoladeo National Park sits about an hour’s drive from Agra. It is considered among the most important bird feeding and breeding grounds. You can hit the well-defined trails and catch sight of some rare and elusive birds.  

Best Food in Agra

Looking for the best food in Agra? Here’s where the city serves up its most iconic bites and unforgettable flavours!

• Chai at Dilli Gate: Enjoy a comforting cup of chai at Dilli Gate.
• Bedai Sabji at Devi Ram: Savour the delicious Bedai Sabji at Devi Ram.
• Chaat at Bhagat Halwai: Relish the famous Bhagat Halwai ki Chaat and the Bedai & Lassi breakfast combo.
• Sadar Chaat Gali: Explore the vibrant flavours of Agra’s street food at Sadar Chaat Gali.
• Petha at Panchi Petha: Take home Agra’s iconic sweet treat from the legendary Panchi Petha.
• Brijrasayanam Mishthan Bhandar: Indulge in traditional sweets and mithai at Brijrasayanam Mishthan Bhandar.

Not many people know, but Petha is actually made of Ash gourd or white pumpkin

About Zostel Agra

Looking for a hotel near Taj Mahal that’s just as iconic? We’ll do you one better. Say hello to Zostel Agra! Just 15 mins from the Taj Mahal, this hostel blends heritage vibes with modern comfort in the most terrific way possible. The rooftop restaurant? It’s got front-row views of the Taj, one of the 7 wonders of the world, whether you’re grabbing chai at sunrise or vibing with dinner under the stars. Inside, Mughal-inspired art lines the corridors, making every corner a moment to capture on Instagram. From buzzing dorms where stories fly to cosy private rooms perfect for post-exploration chill, Zostel Agra turns your trip into way more than just a sightseeing stop.

Colourful facade, rooptop restaurant, and the view of the Taj Mahal from Zostel Agra

Vibrant murals and traditional decor awaits you at Zostel Agra

That’s all about the places to see in Agra, folks! Now’s the time to plan your Agra sojourn and tick that bucket list in style.

FAQs

What are the best places to see in Agra?

The best places to see in Agra include the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Mehtab Bagh, and Fatehpur Sikri.

What’s the best time to visit Agra?

The best time to visit Agra is from October to March, when the weather is cool and pleasant.

How far is Agra from Delhi?

Agra is approximately 230 km from Delhi and takes around 3–4 hours by road or train.

What is the Golden Triangle of India?

The Golden Triangle of India is a popular tourist circuit connecting Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.

What are the best hotels near Taj Mahal?

While there are many great hotels near Taj Mahal, Zostel Agra provides a more social stay just a ~15-min walk from the Taj Mahal.

What are the 7 wonders of the world?

The 7 wonders of the world include the Great Wall of China, Chichén Itzá in Mexico, the Ancient City of Petra in Jordan, Machu Picchu in Peru, Christ the Redeemer in Brazil, the Colosseum in Italy, and the Taj Mahal in India.