Located on the banks of Yamuna, Agra is best known for the iconic Taj Mahal. However, the appeal of this historic city is not limited to this magnificent monument alone. There’s a lot to explore and experience, from parks and bazaars to mausoleums and monuments in India. Make sure to book your stay in one of the best budget-friendly hotels in Agra and get ready for a tour through the city. To help you out, here’s a list of things to do in Agra.
Things to Do in Agra:
1. Soak in the Beauty of the Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal | #1 of 18 Best Things to Do in Agra
The majestic Taj Mahal is the most fascinating ode to love the world has ever seen. Thanks to its exquisite architecture, a visit to this white marble mausoleum built by Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal is one of the best things to do in Agra for couples as well as for everybody else. Plan an early morning visit to this monument to experience its ethereal beauty against the rising sun, minus the rush of tourists.
- Entry Fee*:
₹ 50 for Indians
₹ 1100 for foreign nationals
₹ 200 for mausoleum entry for all
*Free entry for children below 15 years - Timings: 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes before sunset; closed on Fridays
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2. Watch the Light and Sound Show at Agra Fort
Agra Fort | #2 of 18 Best Thing to Do in Agra
The Agra Fort, which was once the lavish residence of the Mughal Emperors of India, showcases immaculate architectural grandeur. Walk through this historic fort and explore its impressive buildings and structures, including the Moti Masjid, Musamman Burj, Diwan-i-Khas, Shahjahani Mahal, and Jahangiri Mahal. In the evenings, you can enjoy one of the best light and sound shows from across India held inside this fort. The show takes you on an expedition into the fort’s past, heightened by impressive visuals and music.
- Show Charges:
₹ 70 for Indians
₹ 200 for foreign nationals
₹ 40 for students - Light and Sound Show Timings: 30 minutes after sunset; every day (Show in Hindi followed by English)
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3. Enjoy the Beauty of Mehtab Bagh
Mehtab Bagh | #3 of 18 Best Thing to Do in Agra
Mehtab Bagh is a Persian-style garden complex built by Emperor Babar. Replete with airy pavilions, plastered walkways, fountains, and pools, the enticing garden is a green haven where you can spend some time away from the touristy crowd and still enjoy stunning views of the Taj Mahal. If you are a shutterbug, it is one of the best spots from where you can capture some amazing shots of the Taj.
- Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Entry Fee:
15 for Indians
₹ 200 for foreign nationals
4. Take a Trip to Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri | #4 of 18 Best Thing to Do in Agra
Fatehpur Sikri, which once served as the much-famed capital city of Akbar, carries a grand heritage legacy. It boasts of impressive edifices like the Buland Darwaza, Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Aam, Jama Masjid, Mariam-uz-Zamani’s Palace, Panch Mahal, the tomb of Salim Chishti, and many more. You can spend a day discovering the beauty of this heritage city that is an integral part of almost every 5-day Golden Triangle Tour covering Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.
- Distance from Agra: 36 km (approx.)
- Timings: 6:00 am to 6:30 pm; closed on Fridays
- Entry Fee*:
₹ 40 for Indians
₹ 550 for foreign nationals
*Free entry for children below 15 years
5. Go on a Shopping Spree
Shopping | #5 of 18 Best Thing to Do in Agra
The bustling markets and emporiums in Agra are a shopaholic’s paradise. Pay a visit to these places to relish the vibe of the city like a local, but remember to bargain well when making a deal. Here are our suggestions:
Kinari Bazaar
This wholesale market in Agra is where you can shop for a wide range of textiles, handicrafts, leather items, glassware, spices, marble works, and more, all at reasonable rates.
- Timings: 11:00 am to 9:00 pm; closed on Tuesdays
Sadar Bazaar
This famous shopping spot entices shoppers with its range of ethnic garments, accessories, handicrafts, footwear, leather products, and mouth-watering sweets, among other things.
- Timings: 11:30 am to 6:00 pm; closed on Tuesdays
Subhash Bazaar
Another famous shopping center in Agra, Subhash Bazaar is best known for an amazing variety of silk products, especially silk sarees.
- Timings: 11:00 am to 9:00 pm; closed on Tuesdays
Subhash Emporium:
This famous emporium established in 1962 offers some of the finest items carved out of Agra marble such as lamps, plates and trays, coaster sets, and others.
- Location: Shahzadi Mandi
- Timings: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
TDI Mall:
Counted among the top shopping malls in Agra, the TDI Mall is where you can shop for both branded and non-branded apparels and other items.
- Location: Fatehabad Road
- Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Raja Ki Mandi
This ancient marketplace deals in numerous things, including fancy garments, household goods, shoes, books, jewelry, etc.
- Location: Professors Colony, Civil Lines
- Timings: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
6. Discover the Beauty of Jahangir Mahal
Jahangir Mahal | #6 of 18 Best Thing to Do in Agra
A splendid Mughal-era monument built by Akbar, Jahangir Mahal once served as the main palace of his Rajput wives and later as the residence of Nur Jahan, Jahangir’s wife. The palace nestled inside the Agra Fort is a fine example of the grandeur of Mughal architecture. One of the key attractions here is the monolithic stone-carved bowl, which was once used for storing aromatic rose water.
- Location: Agra Fort
- Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
- Entry Fee:
20 for Indians₹ 300 for foreign nationals
7. Enjoy Some Tranquil Moments at Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid | #7 of 18 Best Thing to Do in Agra
Located in a busy neighborhood and surrounded by the lively Kinari Bazaar, Jama Masjid (also known as Friday Mosque) presents one of the most enticing sights in Agra. This imposing edifice built in the 17th century by Jahanara Begum, the daughter of Shah Jahan, counts among the largest mosques in the country.
- Timings: 7:00 am to 12:00 noon and 1:30 pm to 6:30 pm
8. Watch a Kalakriti Dance Drama Show
Kalakriti Dance Drama Show | #8 of 18 Best Thing to Do in Agra
Interested in celebrating India’s cultural heritage? Then one of the interesting things to do in Agra is to go for a dance drama show at the Kalakriti Cultural and Conventional Centre. Every evening, the center hosts Mohabbat-the-Taj: The Saga of Love, a 90-minutes long musical drama. While here, you can also shop for handicrafts made of marble, metal, and wood.
- Location: Fatehabad Road
- Show Timings: 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm (first show); 8:30 pm to 10:00 pm (second show)
- Tickets: ₹ 1200 to ₹ 4000 approx. (based on the category of seat you choose)
9. Explore the Tombs in Agra
Explore the Tombs in Agra | #9 of 18 Best Thing to Do in Agra
If not in Agra, where else can you see marvelous final resting places of kings, queens, and emperors that speak of excellent craftsmanship? While on a 2-day excursion to the Taj Nagri, you can explore some of the historical tombs in Agra. Our suggestions include:
Akbar’s Mausoleum
- Location: Sikandra
- Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Entry Fee: ₹ 15 for Indians; ₹ 110 for foreign nationals
Itmad-Ud-Daulah or the Baby Taj
- Location: Moti Bagh
- Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Entry Fee: ₹ 30 for Indians; ₹ 310 for foreign nationals
Chini-ka-Rauza
- Location: Etmadpur
- Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Entry Fee: Free
10. Taste the Authentic Flavors of Mughlai Cuisine
Mughlai Cuisine | #10 of 18 Best Thing to Do in Agra
How can you leave the city without tasting some oh-so-heavenly Mughlai dishes? There are several popular restaurants in Agra that serve the finest of Mughlai delicacies, including:
Turko Mughal
- Location: Fatehabad Road
- Timings: 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm
- Cost for two: ₹ 2500 (approx.)
Peshawri
- Location: ITC Mughal, Fatehabad Road
- Timings: 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm, 7:00 pm to 12:00 midnight
- Cost for two: ₹ 6000 (approx.)
Pinch of Spice
- Location: Wazipura Road, Civil Lines
- Timings: 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm, 7:00 pm to 11:30 pm
- Cost for two: ₹ 1600 (approx.)
Pind Balluchi
- Location: Fatehabad Road, Tajganj
- Timings: 12:00 noon to 12:00 midnight
- Cost for two: ₹ 1000 (approx.)
11. Chill Out at Dolphin – The Water World
The Water World | #11 of 18 Best Thing to Do in Agra
If you are looking for fun-filled things to do in Agra with kids and family, plan to spend a day at Dolphin – The Water World. One of the two waterparks in Agra, this fun destination also houses an amusement park with special attractions for the kids. So, whether your heart longs for some aqua fun or a variety of thrilling rides, you can enjoy it all here and more.
- Location: Runkuta, Mathura Road
- Timings: 12:00 noon to 06:00 pm
- Entry Fee:
₹ 550 for adults (Above 4 feet)
₹ 400 for children (below 4 feet)
12. Go on A Gastronomic Tour through Agra’s Streets
Agra’s Streets | #12 of 18 Best Thing to Do in Agra
No trip to the Taj Nagri can be deemed complete without savoring the taste of its famous street foods. If a gastronomic tour through the streets is on your list of fun things to do in Agra, here is a quick list of what to taste and where to taste them:
- Petha (Panchi Petha, Hari Parwat Crossing)
- Parathas (Ram Babu Parantha Bhandar, Gopal Bazar)
- Chicken Kebab Wraps (Mama Chicken Mama Franky, Sadar Bazar)
- Gol-Gappa and Chaat (Agra Chat House, Chaat Gali, Sadar Bazar)
- Bedai and Jalebi (Deviram Sweets, Pratap Pura)
13. Mughal History at the Taj Museum
Taj Museum | #13 of 18 Best Thing to Do in Agra
Head off to the Taj Museum to glimpse through a wide variety of displays and artefacts that portray the rich Mughal history. You will be able to see captivating collections of original Mughal miniature paintings, ancient gold and silver coins, architectural sketches of the Taj, and rare celadon plates, which are believed to change color or crack if the food served on them is laced with poison.
- Location: The Taj Mahal Complex
- Timings: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm; closed on Fridays
- Entry Fee:
₹ 20 for Indians
₹ 750 for foreign nationals
14. Indulge in a Boat Ride on the Yamuna River
Boat Ride | #14 of 18 Best Thing to Do in Agra
Won’t it be simply mesmerizing to enjoy a sunset boat ride with your buddies on the serene waters of the River Yamuna while overlooking the dazzling Taj Mahal? This is what makes a boat ride on the Yamuna one of the most amazing things to do in Agra with friends.
- Duration: 30 minutes (approx.)
- Cost: Varies based on duration, type of boat, and tour operator
15. Take a Walking Tour of Agra
Walkin Tour | #15 of 18 Best Thing to Do in Agra
A walking tour allows you to discover the beauty of Agra beyond the Taj Mahal. These tours have a guide who takes you around several interesting destinations and tells you about the historical significance of each. Such tours, ranging from food tours and heritage walks to photography tours, are among the top things to do in Agra alone or as a group.
- Duration: 3 hours (approx.)
- Cost: Varies from agency to agency
16. Visit the Shilpgram
Shilpgram | #16 of 18 Best Thing to Do in Agra
Shilpgram is a crafts village where you can witness the exceptional works of talented craftsmen who specialize in ethnic handicrafts. It is a great place to discover and buy unique works of art which you may not get in the regular markets of Agra. The place is a haven for foodies, where you can relish traditional cuisines.
- Location: Telipara, Tajganj
- Timings: 6:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Entry Fee: Free
17. Immerse Yourself in the Beauty of Khas Mahal and Anguri Bagh
Khas Mahal and Anguri Bagh | #17 of 18 Best Thing to Do in Agra
Khas Mahal is a resplendent palace built by Shah Jahan for his two favorite daughters, Roshanara and Jahanara. Adorned with white marble pavilions, fountains, open courts, and water tanks, the palace echoes a picture of lavishness. One of the highlights of this palace is the Anguri Bagh, which is a one-of-its-kind garden boasting of spectacular beauty.
- Location: Agra Fort
- Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
18. Enjoy Some Moments at the Taj Nature Walk
Taj Nature Walk | #18 of 18 Best Thing to Do in Agra
Located in the vicinity of the eastern gate of Taj Mahal, the Taj Nature Walk is a lovely green belt spreading across 70 hectares. The highlight of the park is that you can get an exceptional view of the Taj Mahal from its different parts. Rich in flora and fauna, it is a lovely place to sit back and relax for a while in the company of nature.
- Location: Near Taj Mahal Eastern Gate
- Timings: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm (summer); 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (winter)
- Entry Fee:
₹ 40 for Indians
₹ 100 for foreign nationals
Surprised at what all you can do in Agra? So why wait any further? Plan your trip, explore the city, enjoy the many cultural and historical gems it has in store for you, and take back rich memories.
This post was last modified on 02-May-2024