5 Great Things To Do In Agra If You’re Visiting For The First Time
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So you’re visiting Agra for the first time? How exciting! Agra is the most visited tourist destination in India well known for housing the UNESCO World Heritage Sites notably the Taj Mahal, Red Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri.
These glorifying monuments of the Mughal have magnificent architecture and are rich with historical significance. I completely understand all of this sounds overwhelming, but let me tell you that visiting these monuments is an enriching experience.
The Taj Mahal, one of the wonders of the world, is the major reason for attracting millions of tourists from around the world to travel to Agra.
While you are visiting this city to witness the grandeur of the Taj Mahal, I will introduce you to many other gems the city has to offer.
1. Taj Mahal
Yes, I know, it’s one of the main things to do. The Taj Mahal being one of the Seven Wonders of the World is a must-visit tourist attraction in this city. This majestic monument was built by Shah Jahan as a symbol of love and tribute for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It took about 20,000 people & 22 years to complete.
As you pass the grand entrance gate you will feel mesmerized by the beauty of this white marble mausoleum and its perfectly fine layout.
Stroll on the pathways and capture perfect and memorable moments with this picturesque castle. The artwork done on the marble is amazingly crafted with beautiful patterns & floral designs.
The Taj Mahal is always jam-packed with visitors throughout the year. To avoid the crowds, visit it during the early sunrise hours and witness this marvelous mausoleum unfold its beauty before you.
Opening Hours
Daytime: Sunrise to Sunset every day except Fridays (when it’s closed for prayer).
Night Time: 8:30 pm to 12:30 am.
Entrance fees
For foreign nationals, the ticket is priced at 1100 rupees (15 USD) which includes a bottle of water, shoe covers & a tourist map of Agra.
For Indian nationals, the ticket is priced at 50 rupees. You will need to purchase shoe covers separately.
During your visit, you will be allowed to carry your camera & mobile phone with you. Edibles, torches & sharp objects are not allowed inside.
Here are some more useful tips and information for a visit to the Taj Mahal.
2. Agra Fort
The Agra Fort is an impressive historically significant monument in Agra built by Mughal emperor Akbar in the year 1573 within eight years.
Constructed of red sandstone, this monument has remarkable architecture comprising many palaces, gardens, lawns, courtyards, corridors, mosques, audience halls, and chambers.
The Agra Fort used to be the main residence of the Mughal emperors before they moved to the Red Fort in Delhi. The gardens and palaces are very pleasing. You can also enjoy the cool breezy views of the Taj Mahal from the windows from the top of this monument.
This place is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Agra. I would recommend you to take a guided walking tour. It will be very informative to understand all the historic elements of this monument.
Opening Hours
Agra Fort is open 6 AM to 6 PM daily for visitors. They also have a light and sound show after sunset from 6:30 PM onwards (the exact timings may vary).
Entrance fees
For foreign nationals, the ticket for Agra Fort is priced at 650 rupees (8 USD) while for Indian nationals the ticket is priced at 40 rupees.
3. Fatehpur Sikri
The Fatehpur Sikri is a palace city located about 40 km from Agra and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was designated as the capital city of the Mughal empire by the emperor Akbar during the years 1571-1585.
This amazing tourist attraction is built of red sandstone and is a perfect example of Indo-Islamic architecture. It is constructed on a 40m high ridge and is surrounded by walls on the three sides while the fourth side has a lake view.
You may have a tour of Fatehpur Sikri starting from the entrance also known as the Bulandh Darwaza which is a majestic gate having beautiful carvings and inscriptions.
Within the enormous layout of this palace city, there are many popular structures such as the tomb of Sufi saint Salim Chishti, Jama Masjid, Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of public audience), Birbal’s home, Hiran Minar (Elephant tower) and Paanch Mahal (five-storied pyramidal palace).
Opening Hours
Fatehpur Sikri is open from 6 AM to 6:30 PM daily for visitors except on Fridays.
Entrance fees
For foreign nationals, the ticket for Fatehpur Sikri is priced at 600 rupees (8 USD) while for Indian nationals the ticket is priced at 50 rupees.
4. I’timad-ud-Daulah
I’timad-Ud-Daulah is famously known as the Baby Taj Mahal in Agra and is located on the river bank of Yamuna. This monument was built by the most influential Mughal empress Noor Jahan for her father.
The delicate layout of this monument is surrounded by beautiful Persian-styled gardens. The walls of the monuments are built of white marble covered with intricate carvings and geometric patterns.
Opening Hours
I’timad-Ud-Daulah is open from 8 AM to 12 AM daily for visitors.
Entrance fees
For foreign nationals, the ticket for I’timad-Ud-Daulah is priced at 310 rupees (5 USD) while for Indian nationals the ticket is priced at 30 rupees.
5. Mehtab Bagh
The Mehtab Bagh located at the banks of the Yamuna river is another perfect and picturesque garden with a backdrop of the stunning Taj Mahal.
This garden is also called the Moonlight Garden and is the last of the eleven gardens built by the Mughal emperors in the early 1500s. Here you will find a wide variety of trees and plants divided into many scenic sections.
The Mehtab Bagh is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Agra.
Opening Hours
The Mehtab Bagh is open from 6 AM to 6 PM daily for visitors.
Entrance fees
For foreign nationals, the ticket for Mehtab Bagh is priced at 200 rupees (4 USD) while for Indian nationals the ticket is priced at 15 rupees.
Best Time To Visit Agra
The best time to visit Agra is during winters which fall between October to March. Since your visit will include exploring the monuments in the city these months are very pleasant and apt for sightseeing.
Still, if you are planning to go during the summer, I would suggest you visit the monuments early mornings or in the evenings. Avoid the afternoon time as it can be unbearably hot & humid.
Those were the best places to visit in Agra! This is very rich in heritage, and architecture and has a lot of exploration sites with historical significance of the Mughal era. There are many interesting stories and sagas residing within the magnificence of these sites.
So, if you are planning a visit to Agra for the Taj Mahal, add a day or two to your itinerary and visit the above-mentioned places in this beautiful city of Taj.
You May Also Like Reading:
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- Best Tips for Visiting the Taj Mahal, India in 2025 (From a Local!): Everything to Know Before You Go
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Lovely
Wow This is definitely on my bucket list of places to travel too. How is it when you are traveling with children? I would love to go here! Great post!
Thank you! Children love visiting Taj Mahal, it’s a very delightful place for them😊
All these spots look wonderful! I would love to visit there one day!
I love this post and the beautiful pictures. These bring back great memories of my visit to all these places in the summer of 2009. Well done.
Thank you so much☺️
Visited Agra bwrobe but missed out a few places. Enjoyed reading yr detailed post.
It was always a dream to see Taj Mahal in person. Hope I can visit it one day. Great photos you have there. Keep it up
FEEBLEFEET – https://feeblefeet.me
Thank you so much for your kind words ☺️ I hope you make a visit to Agra soon!
I haven’t been to India yet but it’s definitely on my list. All of these places look amazing!!
So many things to do there! I have only heard of the Taj Mahal, but the Agra Fort looks equally as beautiful!
I have wanted to go to the Taj Mahal ever since I was a little one and I still haven’t gotten there! Thanks for this great resource. I feel like their isn’t a ton of reliable information out there about visiting it.
Thank you! I am glad you found it resourceful.
Great info. I’ve always wanted to visit India. And I’m pretty sure that if I ever do get the chance, I will make sure to get to all of these sites. Thank you!
I’ve always only read about the Taj in Agra, and I’ve heard of the Agra Fort. I did not realize there were other beautiful attraction to see too – I would love to visit Fatehpur Sikri and Mehtab Bagh.
Your photos are gorgeous! I am so excited to make my way to India to see the Taj Mahal – one of the world wonders!
Thank you!
My country absolutely stunning!! I am going to write a blog on India sometime next month
That’s great!
Great piece on Agra as most tourists just go there to see the Taj mahal and leave little time for other sights. Hopefully you will change their minds! Also, love the dramatic photo of you under the tree in Mehtab bagh 🙂
Thank you so much♥️
That’s so true, Agra has become synonymous to the Taj Mahal. I hope visitors become aware of other historic places too.
Fantastic photos and you have done a great job of highlighting other nearby attractions such as I’timad-ud-daulah (it’s difficult to pronounce LOL!).
Beautiful post on beautiful city of Taj. I recall my visit to all these places in Agra. And first and foremost the Taj. Unforgettable.
Great post! I’m visiting India in February and found this extremely useful. Have any suggestions on where to eat and drink in the evenings in Agra?
That’s a wonderful plan! Yes there are many restaurants that offer a variety of cuisines! If you are staying near the locality of Taj that is the Fatehabad road, then you will find a chain of restaurants there. My favorite picks are the Pinch of spice, mocha, hichkee and costa coffee.
This is a very interesting read. India is most definitely somewhere that I would like to visit sometime soon.
Thank you!
Mehtab Bagh looks amazing during the sunset. I have visited Agra almost 10 times but now I avoid Taj Mahal and go to Fort instead.
That’s a great choice too! The Agra Fort has much more than the Taj for sure!
India has been on my bucket list for so long! This article is amazingly structured and it will definitely save it for when the time comes to visit India 🙂
Sure, I hope you visit India soon😀
This is a great list of places to visit in Agra. I’ve been to Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Taj Mahal is sheer beauty and Agra Fort is magnificence personified. Fatehpur Sikri is still on my bucket list. I didn’t know about I’timad-ud-Daulah and Mehtab Bagh – looks like cool places. I’ll make sure to visit them on my next trip to Agra. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
You are welcome! I am sure you will enjoy exploring the other places too.
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I am glad you have mentioned Itmad-ud-daulah in your places of recommendation. It’s a beautiful architectural marvel that is less talked about and often overshadowed by Taj Mahal.
So true, it’s not as much visited too! You won’t find any crowds there!
I must admit that I loved how many wonderful places Agra has to show to travelers. I went there pretty sure that I will only get impressed by the Taj, but I am still dreaming about the amazing Fatehpur Sikri. Indeed, Agra should not be missed and more people should also visit the other attractions as well
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Would love to visit Agra again. I have only done the Taj Mahal. Would live to visit the city and spend some more time there. Great post.
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There is so much to see in Agra apart from Taj Mahal. Thanks for sharing the list. Great work
Thank you for the excellent advice and tips! I would love to visit, it looks so beautiful!
The Taj Mahal is just one of the world’s most renown attractions and something I really want to see. My partner has visited it as well as the Agra Fort when he stayed at the Jaypee Palace Hotel close by and he can’t say enough about how impressive both attractions are.
On so many travellers bucket list. Once glimspe then its a dream come true.
Nice list, never knew there are so many places to visit besides the Taj Mahal in Agra. Thanks for sharing.
It’s great to read about all the highlights of Agra other than the (amazing!) Taj Mahal. I visited the Taj and Agra Fort a couple of years ago, and now I’m gonna need to go back for Fatehpur Sikri and the other places!
I feel bad for not knowing how many cool places there are to see in India! Of course I’ve heard of the Taj Mahal, but I really enjoyed reading about all these other places. Thanks for all the insider tips and details.
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