Best Things to Do & Hidden Gems in Agra (2025)

Are you looking for the best things to do in Agra beyond the Taj Mahal? It is a popular destination on the Golden Triangle Itinerary, so you can’t miss it on your trip to India.

Get off the beaten path, explore the city’s other great attractions, and immerse yourself in India’s rich history.

Wondering what to do in Agra? See the iconic white marble mausoleum, visit the Agra Fort, explore Rural Agra, try authentic Indian cuisine, and enjoy the best viewpoints of the Taj Mahal.

This ultimate guide to visiting Agra includes how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do in Agra, India.

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Where is Agra?

Agra is a city on the banks of the Yamuna River in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is about a 4-hour drive from Delhi and 5 hours from Jaipur.

Best Time to Visit Agra

Although Agra can be visited all year round, the best time is from November to June. However, from May the heat is scorching during the day, so visiting during the off-season is only recommended if you want to avoid the crowds. The hottest months are May and June when temperatures rise above 40°C.

The busiest period in India is from October to March. In high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation, train tickets, and tours in advance!

We visited Agra at the end of March and had fantastic weather.

In summer, especially at midday, the sun can be scorching hot, and there is little shade. We therefore recommend exploring Agra’s attractions in the morning or late afternoon when temperatures are more pleasant.

Here are all your hotel options in Agra.

How to Get from Delhi to Agra

The distance between the two cities is about 245 km, which is 2-5 hours, depending on traffic and mode of transport. You can get to the city by train, bus, taxi, or private transfer.

There are no direct flights from New Delhi to Agra.

Most people arrive in the city by train or private transfer. We have no experience with buses in India as we have only traveled by train, but we think they can be very slow.

TIP
Visit India’s iconic cities (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur) on a 3 or 4-day Private Luxury Golden Triangle Tour.

We also traveled by train from New Delhi to Agra Cantt Railway Station and found it safe. However, if you want to buy train tickets at the New Delhi Railway Station, beware of scammers! Here is the official site where you can buy train tickets in India. But we couldn’t use it even with an Indian phone number.

The cheapest train tickets start from 4 USD, and the journey usually takes 2-3 hours. However, for your convenience and safety, we recommend booking AC first-class or second-class train tickets, which cost around 13-20 USD.

Get your train tickets via 12Go.

Once you arrive at the train station, you can easily find a tuk-tuk driver who will take you to the Taj Mahal or your accommodation.

Where to Stay in Agra

The city has some luxury hotels, but accommodation options are available for all budgets. We stayed at Ekaa Villa for 3 nights, a good base for exploring Agra’s attractions.

But for the best experience, book accommodation with a view of the Taj Mahal. These are our recommendations.

Best Hotels with Taj Mahal View

Luxury: The Oberoi Amarvilas
Mid-Range: Tajview or Taj Hotel & Convention Centre
Budget: Radisson Hotel

more hotels

Recommended post → Best Hotels near Taj Mahal

Things to do in Agra besides the Taj Mahal

1. Take a Rural Agra Tour

Discover the rural part of Agra. Most people only visit the city for the Taj Mahal, but there are many other places to explore. We did this tour with Ekaa Villa and loved this unique program. Our tour included a private tuk-tuk driver and an experienced local guide.

We started the day early to see the magical sunrise. Then we visited a school and the local farming villages and got an insight into how people live in this part of the city. Later in the tour, we adventured to various locations along the Yamuna River, where we saw the Taj Mahal from a different perspective.

We enjoyed this tour as we explored the area at our own pace, and it provided an unforgettable experience on our trip to India.

2. Agra Fort

Looking for the best things to do in Agra? Agra Fort, also known as the Red Fort of Agra, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a popular attraction among locals and tourists alike. After the Taj Mahal, it was the most crowded, so we recommend arriving as early as possible.

The red sandstone fortress was commissioned by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565. It took 8 years to build, with an estimated 4,000 workers a day and was finally completed in 1573.

The fort has four main gates (Khizri Gate, Lahore/Amar Singh Gate, Delhi Gate, and Ghazni Gate). Visitors can only enter through the Amar Singh Gate.

If you want to visit the Agra Fort after visiting the Taj Mahal, take the metro, which stops right in front of the fort. Alternatively, you can book a guided tour that includes transport.

Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan’s son Aurangzeb seized the Mughal throne and imprisoned his father in the Red Fort of Agra. Shah Jahan spent the rest of his life as a prisoner, gazing at the beautiful white marble mausoleum.

Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore this historic fort.

The entrance fee is 650 INR (7,65 USD) for foreigners and 50 INR (0,60 USD) for Indians and citizens of SAARC/BIMSTEC countries. On Fridays, there is a discounted admission fee of 600 INR (7 USD) for foreign tourists and 40 INR (0,50 USD) for Indians. You can visit the fort from sunrise to sunset.

The fort offers a spectacular view of the Taj Mahal.

3. Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visiting the Taj Mahal at sunrise is one of the best things to do in Agra. It’s a magical experience that you won’t want to miss.

The entrance fee to the Taj Mahal with Mausoleum is 1300 INR (15,40 USD) for foreigners, 250 INR (3 USD) for Indians, and 740 INR (8,75 USD) for citizens from SAARC/BIMSTEC countries.

Important note
The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays!

Although you can visit the Taj Mahal independently, a guide will help you with many things during your visit. You can learn more about the history of the mausoleum from the tour guide and even get help taking pictures. Unfortunately, tripods and drones are not allowed at the Taj Mahal!

Book your Taj Mahal sunrise tour via Viator or GetYourGuide.

We also visited the Taj Mahal on a guided tour. Although he didn’t know how to take photos, we easily showed him how to take pictures of us, so he was a great help.

Recommended post → Guide to Visiting the Taj Mahal

4. John Hessing’s Tomb (Red Taj Mahal)

It is a hidden gem in Agra that few people visit, especially tourists. The Red Taj is a little-known mausoleum with a structure very similar to the Taj Mahal. It is Mughal-style, made of red sandstone, and surrounded by many trees and green vegetation.

The tomb was commissioned by Anne Hessing in 1803 in memory of her husband, John Hessing.

The Red Taj is free to visit. It is located on the way to the Akbar’s Tomb, so it is worth combining the two attractions.

TIP
If you’re spending more time in the city, take a relaxing and tranquil stroll along the Taj Nature Walk for a different perspective of the Taj Mahal.

5. Itimad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj)

The Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, also known as the Baby Taj, is an unmissable attraction in Agra. It is the first tomb in India built entirely in white marble. The tomb is a 10-minute drive from Agra Fort and 15 minutes from the Taj Mahal.

The Itimad-ud-Daulah’s entrance fee is 310 INR (3,65 USD) for foreigners and 30 INR (0,35 USD) for Indians and citizens of SAARC/BIMSTEC countries. The tomb is open daily from sunrise to sunset, usually from 6 AM to 6 PM.

As the tomb is located on the northern side of the Yamuna River, we recommend combining your sightseeing tour with a visit to the Taj View Point ADA.

Read the full post → How to Visit Baby Taj

6. Taj View Point ADA near Mehtab Bagh

This is a popular place, especially on Fridays when you can’t visit the Taj Mahal but still want to enjoy the view. Mehtab Bagh is located on the north side of the Yamuna River, opposite the Taj Mahal, and is easily accessible by tuk-tuk driver. Once you arrive, it’s a 10-minute walk to this peaceful, well-maintained garden from the parking lot.

Although the Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden) offers a magical view, we recommend choosing the Taj View Point ADA instead. You’ll get much better pictures as you’ll be directly opposite the Taj Mahal and the entrance fee is much cheaper. There is also a bench where you can sit down and take the best photos of the Taj Mahal with a good zoom lens.

The Taj View Point ADA entry fee is 50 INR (0,60 USD) for foreign tourists and 15 INR (0,20 USD) for Indians. We recommend visiting the Taj Mahal at sunrise and the Taj View Point ADA at sunset.

Looking for more great things to do in Agra? Then, visit the Taj Mahal during the full moon.

7. Akbar’s Tomb, Sikandra

One of the best things to do in Agra is to discover its hidden gems. Akbar’s Tomb is an underrated attraction in the city that offers fantastic photo opportunities.

It is also a must-see for those who want to immerse themselves more in India’s history. We only met a few locals during our visit and loved exploring this peaceful place.

The entrance fee is 310 INR (3,65 USD) for foreigners and 30 INR (0,35 USD) for Indians and citizens of SAARC/BIMSTEC countries. It can be visited from sunrise to sunset.

There is no dress code, but you should wear respectful clothing when visiting the mausoleum. Women must cover their shoulders and knees. You must take off your shoes before entering the mausoleum.

Read the full post → Tomb of Akbar

Things to do in Agra besides the Taj Mahal

8. Fatehpur Sikri

The red sandstone city, built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, is a 1-hour drive from Agra. The emperor had planned this city as his capital, but it was abandoned due to lack of water. Today, it is known only as a “Ghost City”.

Fatehpur Sikri is surrounded by an 11 km long fort wall and contains several important structures with intricate carvings and soaring towers. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is well worth a visit if you have enough time.

The entrance fee to Fatehpur Sikri is 610 INR (7,20 USD) for foreigners and 50 INR (0,60 USD) for Indians and citizens of SAARC/BIMSTEC countries.

Visit the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri on this guided tour.

9. Try Indian Food

Indian food is delicious and spicy, and we loved it. Nowhere else in India did we eat as well as during our stay at Ekaa Villa. Dining in the hotel’s restaurant is a true culinary journey.

For a unique dining experience, try Pattal ki Daawat. Pattal ki Daawat is a 3 course, home-cooked vegetarian meal served in handmade leaf plates and clay pottery bowls. In addition, don’t miss the delicious Lassi (traditional yogurt drink).

If you are brave enough to eat on the street, try Agra’s famous breakfast, Bedai & Jalebi.

Since we mostly ate at our hotel, we only tried a few restaurants in the city. But these are our restaurant recommendations.

Best restaurants in Agra

Pinch of Spice (Popular restaurant in the city)
Shankara Vegis Restaurant (Delicious Indian food with vegan and vegetarian options)
Joney’s Place (Budget-friendly restaurant near the Taj Mahal)
Heart of Taj Café & Kitchen (Perfect place for lunch or dinner)
The Salt Cafe (This is an exceptional dining option close to most hotels)

TIP
Book a hotel where you can enjoy a stunning view of the Taj Mahal during breakfast.

Recommended post → Best Hotels with Taj Mahal View

Photo credit: Tajview, Agra-IHCL SeleQtions

Where can I buy tickets for monuments in Agra?

You can buy your ticket at the entrance or on the official website. Card payments are not always accepted at ticket counters, so bring enough cash!

There is no entry fee for children under 15 (Indian and foreign).

Foreign tourists have to pay the Agra Development Authority (ADA) Toll Tax, which is 50 INR (0,60 USD) for the Agra Fort and 10 INR (0,10 USD) for other monuments. There is no ADA Toll Tax for any monument on Friday.

Online tickets are available 7 days before the date of your visit. You can also buy your ticket on the day. We found buying tickets online safe and easy. We didn’t have to print out our tickets. Just show your ticket on your phone at the entrance.

If you buy tickets online, you will get a discount of INR 50 per foreign ticket or INR 5 per Indian ticket.

Is Agra Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! It was formerly the capital of the Mughal Empire and still boasts masterpieces of Mughal architecture.

Agra is home to the world-famous Taj Mahal, and no trip to India would be complete without a visit to the beautiful ivory-white marble mausoleum. In addition, the city has many hidden gems.

Is it Safe to Travel to Agra?

Yes, it is generally safe for tourists. But small thefts and pickpockets can happen everywhere. So always take care of your valuables!

Around attractions, many scammers pretend to be official guides, so beware of these people and book a guided tour in advance. Solo female travelers are advised to dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention. Do not walk alone at night!

If you don’t want an upset stomach, don’t eat on the street and avoid eating meat in India. In addition, it is not safe to drink from the tap.

Don’t forget to buy travel insurance! We always choose SafetyWing for our travels.

How to Get Around Agra

The easiest way is to book a guided tour via GetYourGuide or Viator, which includes Agra’s best attractions and the Taj Mahal.

Alternatively, you can hire a tuk-tuk driver for a whole day and customize your city tour. We have also been on such a tour, and we do not recommend it, because they will take you to shops that you probably won’t be interested in, but will force you to visit them.

The city has Uber and metro services. Metro fares cost 10 INR for up to one station, 15 INR for two stations, and 20 INR for three to six stations. The Yellow Line metro connecting the main tourist attractions was completed in March 2024. The remaining sections will be completed in 2026.

In our opinion, the best way to get around the city is to book a private driver with a guide at your accommodation and explore the hidden gems.

Agra is the best place to buy colorful sarees, marble handicrafts, jewelry, and spices. But don’t forget to bargain!

How many Days do you Need in Agra?

Most people only take a day trip to the Taj Mahal and regret spending such a short time in this magical city.

So, we recommend you spend at least 2 full days and enjoy the best things to do in Agra. Then, travel to Jaipur, known as the Pink City.

How to Spend One Day in Agra

Are you spending limited time in India? You can easily take a day trip to the Taj Mahal from Delhi, which is only a 4-hour drive away. If you want to take a day tour, we recommend you book this tour. You can even choose your ticket to visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise and explore the Agra Fort and Itimad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj).

This tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, a private air-conditioned car, a driver, a private guide, monument entrance fees, bottled water, and a buffet lunch at a 5-star hotel.

Book this excellent private tour via GetYourGuide or Viator.

We hope our list of the best things to do in Agra will help you plan your next trip to India. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.

Travel Resources

Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
eSIM – Airalo
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Ferry/Transfer – 12Go

Best Things to Do & Hidden Gems in Agra (2025)