Agra, the most popular city of the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, opens the gates to the history of Indian Mughal Era. With the perfect blend of History, Cuisine, and Culture, Agra is one of the most popular tourist destination of the country and was part of the most famous Golden Triangle Tour Packages along with Jaipur and Delhi.
Agra is renowned in the world because of the Mughal Heritage Wonder “Taj Mahal“. But apart from catching sight of this historic mausoleum, there are an abundance of things to do in Agra. The intriguing tombs and mosques with exclusive and illustrious craftsmanship, the captivating wildlife sanctuary, sprawling gardens, lively markets, hospitable people, and many more things that’ll keep you bewildered throughout the day.
If you’ve finished gazing at the ancient Islamic monuments, then don’t worry; it’s not over yet Agra has much more to offer to its visitors.
There are many offbeat things to do such as – enjoy the Taj Nature Walk, boat ride in river Yamuna, bird watching at Bharatpur bird sanctuary and take back with you some souvenirs from Shilpgram.
The Agra city also happens to be the destination to find good and variety of leather shoes, rugs, and carpets of all kinds. And at last, don’t miss out on the lip-smacking delicacies of Agra, mouthwatering Petha, Dalmoth, and Mughlai Kebabs and curries, leaving some indelible imprints on your mind.
This article will further list the top things to do in Agra during a stay for either one day or a week also if you are planning to explore Golden Triangle Tour. Our Golden Triangle Guide will provide Information on the most famous places of the region.
Best Places to Visit in Agra
1. Visit Taj Mahal
Reviews of Taj Mahal – 4.6 Rating by 1,60,041 Reviewers
The ‘Symbol of Love’ Taj Mahal is on the topmost position of every list containing places to visit in Agra. Crafted with perfection, it took almost 21 years and over 20,000 laborers working day and night. Catching a sight of this architectural marvel is the best thing to do in Agra.
The Mughal Emperor Shahjahan built it after the demise of his beloved wife, Mumtaj Mahal. The best time to experience the mesmerizing beauty of Taj is on a full moon night when the white marble glows the most. On a regular day, sunrise and sunset are the best time to adore this spectacular monument.
The serene beauty of white marble is losing its sheen; hence, for its prevention, a lot of restrictions and care has been taken while visiting the Taj Mahal.
Visiting Hours
- Opening Time: 6:00 am (Sunrise)
- Closing Time: 6:00 pm (Sunset)
- Remains closed on Friday except for Muslims in the afternoon to offer prayer
Entrance Fees
| Citizens and Children | Fee per person (in INR) |
| Indians | 50 |
| Foreigners | 1100 |
| Children below the age of 15 | Free |
| Citizens of SAARC & BIMSTEC countries | 540 |
2. Visit Agra Fort
Visiting Agra Fort is a complete guide to the architect of the Mughal era. The big corridors surrounded by the different section which exhibits the royal and elegant lifestyles of Mughal rulers is a full day trip in itself. Diwan-i am, Diwan -e -Khas, Sheesh Mahal, Jahangir Palace, a huge bathtub of Jahangir, The rampart of Agra fort, and many other attractions inside the massive Red stone fort is what will keep you engaged throughout the day.
Visiting Hours
- Opening Time: 6:00 am
- Closing Time: 6:00 pm
- Remains open on all days of the week
Entrance Fees
| Citizens and Children | Fee per person (in INR) |
| Indians | 20 |
| Foreigners | 300 |
| Children below the age of 15 | Free |
| Citizens of SAARC & BIMSTEC countries | 90 |
3. The tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daula
Reviews of Tomb of Itmad -Ud- Daula – 4.3 Rating by 4584 Reviewers
Nur Jahan, the wife of Jahangir, built the tomb for her father, Mirza Ghyas Beg, in the 16th century. The perfectly carved marble jalis with latticework and pietra dura is the first complete marble structure of the Mughal era. The tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daula is believed to be the inspiration behind the mighty Taj Mahal and is also known as Baby Taj. It’s a beautiful place to visit in Agra in 2019.
Visiting Hours
- Opening Time: 6:00 am
- Closing Time: 6:00 pm
- Remains open on all days of the week
Entrance Fees
| Citizens and Children | Fee per person (in INR) |
| Indians | 20 |
| Foreigners | 200 |
| Children below the age of 15 | Free |
| Citizens of SAARC & BIMSTEC countries | 30 |
4. Tomb of Akbar the Great
Reviews of Tomb of Akbar – 4.4 Rating by 3867 Reviewers
Located in the outskirts of Agra and spread over 119 acres of land, it is the place where the most renowned emperor of the Mughal kingdom rests in peace. The tomb was built in the 16th century, and the splendid Mughal Gardens surround the Tomb.
It was built with a combination of marble and sandstone with intricate floral designs and calligraphy. Akbar’s tomb was constructed under his own supervision.
Visiting Hours
- Opening Time: 6:00 am
- Closing Time: 6:00 pm
- Remains Closed on Friday
Entrance Fees
| Citizens and Children | Fee per person (in INR) |
| Indians | 15 |
| Foreigners | 110 |
| Children below the age of 15 | Free |
| Citizens of SAARC & BIMSTEC countries | 15 |
5. Mehtab Bagh
Reviews of Mehtab Bagh – 4.2 Rating by 3694 Reviewers
One of the most visited tourist gardens in Agra, Mehtab Bagh, is a tranquil park which should be on your bucket list while planning a visit to Agra. Mehtab Bagh offers the most outstanding views of the grand mausoleum and is the best spot to click that perfect picture you can show off. It is the most crowded place at sunset.
On full moon nights, the reflection of the Taj Mahal in the waters of the park is beyond imagination.
Visiting Hours
- Opening Time: 6:00 am
- Closing Time: 6:00 pm
- Remains open on all days of the week
Entrance Fees
| Citizens and Children | Fee per person (in INR) |
| Indians | 30 |
| Foreigners | 200 |
| Children below the age of 15 | Free |
| For SAARC members | 30 |
6. Jama Masjid
Reviews of Jama Masjid – 4.3 Rating by 687 Reviewers
Mughal Emperor Shahjahan built Jama Masjid during his reign and dedicated it to his favorite daughter Jahan Ara Begum. The mosque is built of red sandstone and white marble, the popular form of architecture during the Mughal era.
There is a fountain in the center of the mosque, and the inner walls have scriptures written in Persian style.
On Friday, when most of the monuments in Agra are closed for the public, Jama Masjid is the ideal place to visit. Special Prayers are conducted over here on Friday.
Visiting Hours
- Opening Time: 7:00 am
- Closing Time: 6:30 am
- Entry prohibited: From 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
- Remains open on all days of the week
Entrance Fees: No fee
7. Tomb of Mariam-Uz-Zamani
Reviews of Mariam- Uz- Zamani Tomb – 3.9 Rating by 466 Reviewers
Jahangir built the tomb of Mariam-Uz-Zamani in memory of his mother. Her tomb is the most closest to the tomb of Akbar and is believed to be the most beloved wife of Akbar.
Mariam-Uz-Zamani, also known as Jodha Bai, was a Rajputi princess who married to Akbar in 1562 CE. Visiting this ancient tomb is a delightful thing to do in Agra besides the Taj Mahal.
The tomb is at the center of the Mughal Gardens with two corridors. It is built of brick and mortar with the exteriors reconstructed with red sandstone.
Visiting Hours
- Opening Time: Sunrise
- Closing Time: Sunset
- Remains open on all days of the week
Entrance Fees
| Citizens and Children | Fee per person (in INR) |
| Indians | 25 |
| Foreigners | 300 |
| Children below the age of 15 | Free |
| Citizens of SAARC or BIMSTEC countries | 25 |
8. Savor the Flavours of Mughlai Cuisine
The Mughal empire has not only contributed towards the monuments, but the authentic food of this dynasty is also one of the most famous cuisines in the world. Enjoying the delicious flavors of Agra is one of the best things to do. Creamy Flavoured curries enriched with dry fruits, roasted meat, crispy kebabs all stuffed with mixed spices with Persian flavors, and vibrant style of cooking makes the Mughlai cuisine of Agra world famous.
The best places to enjoy the Mughlai Food in Agra –
| ITC Mughal – Peshawri | The Oberoi Amervillas – Esphahan | Pinch of Spice |
| Address: Taj Ganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, 282001 Contact Number: +91 562 4021700 Opening hours: 12:30 pm-3 pm, 7 pm-midnight | Address: Taj East Gate Road, Fatehabad Road, Tajganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001 Contact Number: +91 562 2231515 Opening hours: 7 pm – 9 pm, 9:30pm- 11pm | Address: 1076/2, Fatehabad Road, Tajganj, Vibhav Nagar, Tajganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001 Contact Number: +91 93805 06688 Opening hours: Afternoon (12 pm) – to midnight (12 am) |
Shopping in Agra
1. Sadar Bazar
After sightseeing, shopping is the most fun thing to do in Agra. Located near Agra Cantt railway station, Sadar Bazar is one of the most popular spots in Agra for the shopaholics. Leather bags, Handicrafts, Garments you can shop for everything here.
Best Things to Buy
It’s the best place to shop for leather products. There are various shops here selling good quality leather products at the best prices.
Always do bargaining before buying the product here.
Timings
- Opening Time: 11:30 am
- Closing Time: 6:00 pm
- Remains closed on Tuesday
2. Kinari Bazar
Kinari Bazar is the wholesale market of the city located behind the Jama Masjid. The narrow streets are always crowded with people. Walking through the streets will help you in experiencing the true colors of the city.
Best Things to Buy
Handicrafts, glassware, rugs, carpets, and marble products are the best things to shop from here.
Timings
- Opening Time: 11:oo am
- Closing Time: 9:00 pm
- Remains closed on Tuesday
3. Raja ki Mandi
The market is near the Raja ki Mandi railway station. The narrow streets of the market are always crowded with people. If you’ve got good negotiating skills, then you’re going to grab some right products at great prices.
Best Things to buy
You may buy garments, jewelry, sweets, and various other items of regular needs from here.
Timings
- Opening Time: 11:oo am
- Closing Time: 10:00 pm
4. Subhash Bazar
The market is situated near to the Agra Fort and is the best place to shop for garments in Agra.
Best thing to buy
Silk garments and sarees.
Timings
- Opening Time: 11:oo am
- Closing Time: 9:00 pm
- Remains closed on Tuesday
Things to do at Night in Agra
1. Mohabbat The Taj Show
Go back to the Mughal Era with the Kalakriti Dance Drama Show, Mohabbat the Taj. It is the most entertaining thing to do in Agra in the evening. The show lasts about 1hour and 20 minutes taking you through a journey of dance, drama, and music depicting the stories of the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan and his beloved wife, Mumtaj Mahal.
The show is in Hindi, for English, you can opt for headphones.
Show Charges: There are various seat options, silver, gold, and platinum, ranging from INR 1200 to INR 4000 per person.
Timings
There are two shows –
- 1st Show: 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
- 2nd Show: 8:30 pm to 10:00 pm
2. Light and Sound Show at Agra Fort
Every night around 7:30 pm, the light and sound show takes place in front of the Diwan-i-Aam in Agra Fort. The show takes you through a journey of the Mughal era with light falling on various parts of the fort, making it one of the most amusing things to do at Night in agra.
Show Charges
- Indians: INR 70 per person
- Foreigners: INR 200 per person
Timings
- Hindi Show: 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
- English Show: 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm
3. Bars and Clubs in Agra
The glittering bars and clubs of Agra will twink your eyes. There are many places with good ambiance and great food to enjoy your evening with friends and loved ones. The young couples enjoy their evening, dancing on some great music and munching on delicious food.
Some of the great clubs of Agra are-
| Club Rush | Color bar | Liquid Lounge Bar | Amarvilas Bar |
| Best Visited with: Solo, Group and Couples Cost for 2: INR 1100 Address: 4,5,6 LEVEL 3, TDI MALL, FATEHABAD ROAD (1.2 km) Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001 T: 97588 88880 | Best Visited with: Solo, Group and Couples Cost for 2: INR 3000 approx Address: Radisson BLU, Taj East Gate Tajganj, East Agra 282001 T: 0562-3055555, 08650002611 | Best Visited with: Solo, Group and Couples Cost for 2: INR 2500 Address: UGF 1-2 TDI MALL FATEHABAD ROAD, AGRA (1.2 km) Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001 T: 073020 75555 | Best Visited with: Solo, Group and Couples Cost for 2: INR 3000 Address: The Oberoi Amarvilas, Taj East Gate Road, Agra 282001, India T : +91 562 223 1515 |
Offbeat Things to Do
1. Taj Nature Walk
Located at a distance of half a kilometer away from the Taj Mahal, the Taj Nature Walk is the green belt located on the shores of river Yamuna. The 9 km long trail is a less explored spot and is one of the unique things to do in Agra. The area is rich in a variety of flora and fauna; you can spot hyena, blue bulls, jackals, kingfishers, and various butterflies and birds. Do visit the Taj Nature Walk in the winters of 2019 and adore its scenic beauty with chilly mornings.
Timings
- Opening Time: 6:00 am
- Closing Time: 6:00 pm
- Remains open on all days of the week
Entrance Fees
- For Indians: INR 20 per person
- For Foreigners: INR 100 per person
2. Cooking Session with Local
Learn to cook authentic Mughlai meal with the local families in their kitchen. It is amongst the most fun and unusual things in Agra. Shop for some spices and dry fruits from the local markets. Understand the ingredients and the cooking procedure carefully and enjoy the mouth-watering meal. The strong aroma of mixed spices and rich dry fruits will leave an indelible imprint on your mind.
3. Visit to Keoladeo Ghana National Park
Listed as the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Keoladeo Ghana National Park is the ideal place for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts. It is also known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and is home to more than 370 species of birds and animals. You can spot basking python, painted storks, nilgai, deer, and if you’re lucky, you may also get a glimpse of the rare Siberian crane. It is located at a distance of 56 km from Agra and is one of the best offbeat things to do once you’ve finished sightseeing in Agra.
Opening and Closing Time: Everday from Sunrise to Sunset
Entrance Fees
- Indians: INR 25
- Foreigners: INR 200
- Vehicle Charges: INR 50 per vehicle
- Video camera: INR 200
4. Visit Sheroes Hangout
Located on the Faridabad road is the must-visit cafe in Agra. Sheroes (She+Heroes) Hangout is run by women who are the survivors of dreadful acid attacks in India. Found by Stop Acid Attacks, a Delhi based NGO. If you’re looking for things to do near Agra, then it is the best place to go.
5. Boating in river Yamuna at Sunset
Adore the mesmerizing beauty of the grand mausoleum Taj Mahal while you boat through the waters of Yamuna. You will be left awestruck while noticing the beautiful sunset through the waters of Yamuna while having the Taj Mahal in the background. The romantic boat ride is among the most ideal things to do in Agra for couples.
Timings: Everyday from Sunrise to Sunset
Charges: Starts from INR 100
6. Taste the scrumptious Street Food of Agra
Agra offers some mouthwatering chaats to the street food lovers. Petha, Dalmoth, Bhalla are some of the most popular street foods of Agra. Some of the famous street food shops in Agra are Panchi Petha, Agra Chaat House, and Mama Chicken Mama Franky.
Check Out Some More Street Food Outlets in Agra with Ratings and Location…
| Other Popular Sight Things | ||
|---|---|---|
| Chini Ka Rauza | Nagina Masjid | Mehmaan Khana |
| Musamman Burj | Taj Museum | Kanch Mahal |
| Gurudwara Guru Ka Tal | Keetham Lake | Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary |
| Anguri Bagh | Samadh Soamiji Maharaj – Soami Bagh | Dolphin Water Park |
| Moti Masjid | Paliwal Park | The Red Taj |
If you are visiting Agra, you should look into over packages. LIH offers the best Rajasthan Tour Packages for traveling in Agra and all over Rajasthan for fun with family and friends. “There are many things to do in Agra during night and day, Plan a trip to Agra with the Luxury North India Tour Operators LIH and step on a magnificent gateway to the Mughal era of Indian history.”
Check Leisure India Holidays packages, it provides a Luxury Golden Triangle tour from the USA, UK, Australia, Germany, and all over the world to see the heritage of the Golden Triangle of India. Our Golden Triangle Guide will help to provide information on the most famous places in the region.
FAQs
1. What are the top 10 things to do in Agra?
The first and foremost reason behind the visit to Agra is the architectural wonder Taj Mahal, but other than the Taj Mahal there are many other things to do in Agra. The top 10 things to do in Agra are, visit Agra Fort, the tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daula, tomb of Akbar the Great, tomb of Mariam-Uz-Zamani, Jama Masjid and Mehtab Bagh. Visit Sadar Bazar and Kinari Bazar for shopping in the local markets.
And also don’t forget to taste the delicious Mughlai Cuisine of Agra.
2. What are the things to do in Agra in a day?
If you’re visiting Agra for a day, visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise when it is less crowded and looks adorable. After breakfast visit the Agra Fort, Tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daula and the tomb of Akbar, have lunch at some of the famous street food shops of Agra, Mama Chicken Mama Franky or Agra Chaat House. Enjoy some shopping at the local markets of Agra, Kinari Bazar, and Sadar bazar. Watch the spectacular sunset at Mehtab Bagh. In the evening enjoy the Kalakriti Dance and Drama Show ‘Mohabbat the Taj’ and for dinner go for the royal Mughlai Cuisine of Agra.
3. What are the things to do in Agra in 2 days?
On your first day, visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, after that visit Agra Fort, Jama Masjid, Tomb of Akbar, Tomb of Mariam-Uz-Zamani and Mehtab Bagh. Go shopping at Kinari Bazar, Sadar Bazar, and Subhash Bazar and in dinner enjoy the world-famous Mughlai Food.
On your second day, visit the Keoladeo Ghana National Park and Sheroes Hangout ( a cafe run by acid attack survivors), savour the street food of Agra at Panchi Petha and Agra Chat House enjoy a boat ride in river Yamuna at sunset and be amused by the dance and drama show ‘Mohabbat the Taj’ in the evening.
4. What to do in Agra besides Taj Mahal?
There are many things to do in Agra besides Taj Mahal. Visit the Agra Fort, tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daula, Jama Masjid, Tomb of Akbar, Tomb of Mariam-Uz-Zamani and Mehtab Bagh.
Apart from these monuments, visit the Taj Nature Walk, Keoladeo Ghana National Park, enjoy a cooking session with local and visit Sheroes Hangout (the cafe run by acid attack survivors).
Also, go for shopping in the local markets and savour the scrumptious Mughlai Cuisine of Agra.
In the evening enjoy the Kalakriti Dance and Drama Show, ‘Mohabbat The Taj’.
