Hotels near Jama Masjid

Shah Jahan finished the Masjid-i-Jahan-Numa in 1656 after six years of work by around 5,000 labourers, and the courtyard still holds 25,000 worshippers. Three marble domes crown a red sandstone prayer hall flanked by two minarets of 40 metres. The mosque faces the Red Fort across Netaji Subhash Marg, which makes the pairing obvious on any Old Delhi morning.

Entry to the mosque is free. Climbing the southern minaret costs INR 100 and delivers the finest rooftop view in Old Delhi, with the Red Fort on one side and the roofs of Chandni Chowk on the other. A camera fee of INR 300 applies. Shoulders and knees must be covered and robes are lent at the gate. The mosque shuts to visitors during the five daily prayers, and the Friday midday closure runs longer.

Pro Tip: Use Gate 3 on the eastern side for the shortest route to the minaret stair, and climb between 3 pm and 4:30 pm when the light hits the Red Fort face-on. Leave your shoes with the attendant for INR 20 rather than carrying them around the courtyard.