Red Fort (Lal Qila) is a 17th-century Mughal citadel of red sandstone in Old Delhi, built by Emperor Shah Jahan (1639–1648) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007. It served as the imperial Mughal residence for nearly 200 years and remains India's premier symbol of independence, where the Prime Minister hoists the national flag every August 15.
Key facts
| Hours | Tue–Sun 09:30–16:30 |
|---|---|
| Price | $ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Lal Qila Metro Station (Violet Line), ~0.5 km / ~5-min walk to Lahori Gate; Chandni Chowk Metro Station (Yellow Line), ~1.2 km, also walkable |
| Time needed | 2–3 hours for a thorough visit; allow extra time for the evening Light & Sound Show |
| Best time to go | October to March (cool season, 10–25°C); arrive at opening (9:30 AM) to beat crowds and heat |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Locals Score
- Value7.0
- Freshness5.9
- Crowd level6.0
- Authenticity7.5
- Accessibility7.5
Frequently asked questions
- Is there a Light & Sound Show at Red Fort, and how do I get tickets?
- Yes, a nightly Light & Sound Show runs Tuesday through Sunday. The Hindi show runs first, followed by an English show; timings shift seasonally (e.g., 7:00–8:00 PM Hindi and 8:30–9:30 PM English in Sep–Oct). Adult tickets range from ₹60 on weekdays to ₹80–₹120 on weekends; children's tickets are ₹20–₹30.
- Can I buy Red Fort tickets online?
- Yes, tickets are available online through the Archaeological Survey of India's official portal (asi.payumoney.com), which helps avoid queues at the gate. Physical tickets are also sold at the entrance.
- What are Red Fort's opening hours and which day is it closed?
- Red Fort is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. It is closed every Monday. The last entry is at 4:30 PM.
- Which metro station is closest to Red Fort?
- Lal Qila Metro Station on the Violet Line is the closest, approximately 0.5 km (about a 5-minute walk) from the Lahori Gate entrance. Chandni Chowk Metro Station (Yellow Line) is about 1.2 km away and is another popular option.
- How much does it cost to enter Red Fort?
- Entry is ₹35 for Indian citizens and SAARC/BIMSTEC nationals, and ₹500–₹550 for international tourists. Children under 15 years of age enter free of charge.
- Why is Red Fort a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
- Red Fort was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 for its outstanding fusion of Islamic, Persian, Timurid, and Hindu architectural traditions, its influence on later Mughal buildings across northern India, and its role as the setting for pivotal events in Indian history—from Mughal rule through British occupation to independence.
- Is photography allowed inside Red Fort?
- Photography is permitted in most areas of the fort. Restrictions may apply inside certain museums and during special events. Video cameras may require a separate fee.
- What are the key structures to see inside Red Fort?
- The fort's 255-acre complex contains dozens of notable structures, including the Lahori Gate (main entrance), Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), Naqqar Khana (drum house), Chatta Chowk (covered bazaar), marble pavilions, and a mosque. The adjacent Salimgarh Fort, built in 1546, is also part of the complex.
Nearby in Ask Delhi
- Red Fort (Lal Qila)Attraction0 km · 0 min walk
- Jama MasjidAttraction0.96 km · 12 min walk
- An Old Delhi Food WalkAttraction0.98 km · 12 min walk
- Chandni ChowkNeighborhood0.98 km · 12 min walk
- Karim'sRestaurant1.01 km · 13 min walk
Where to stay near Red Fort
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