7 days in Agra, India: What to see, eat and do. Full city guide
Agra, the city of love and architectural marvels, is home to the world-famous Taj Mahal, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. This vibrant Indian city is steeped in history and rich in culture, offering visitors a fascinating blend of the old and new. With magnificent forts like the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri showcasing the power and grandeur of the Mughal Empire, to bustling markets and flavorful street food, Agra promises an unforgettable experience for all.
Things to consider before arriving in Agra
- Affordable: Agra is budget-friendly, making it a great destination for all types of travelers.
- Rich history: History buffs will be in heaven with the numerous historical sites to explore.
- Pollution: Agra is known for its air pollution, so be prepared to deal with poor air quality at times.
- Best for: History enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and fans of Indian culture and cuisine.
What to bring with you
When packing for Agra, don’t forget your:
- Comfortable walking shoes: you’ll want to explore the historical sites on foot.
- Camera: to capture the stunning architecture and vibrant city life.
- Lightweight, conservative clothing: to adhere to local customs and stay comfortable in the warm climate.
- Air pollution mask: to protect yourself from poor air quality.
- Travel adapter: to charge your devices.
Best time of the year to visit
The ideal time to visit Agra is during the winter months, from November to February. The weather is pleasant and perfect for outdoor sightseeing. Avoid visiting during the summer months (April to June) as temperatures can soar above 40°C (104°F).
How to get into the city
1. By train: Agra is well-connected by train to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. Agra has several railway stations, with Agra Cantt being the main station for most long-distance trains.
2. By road: Agra is easily accessible by road from nearby cities like Delhi and Jaipur. There are frequent buses and taxis available to Agra on well-maintained highways.
3. By air: Agra has a small airport, Agra Airport, which handles limited domestic flights. However, the nearest major airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, which is approximately 200 km (124 miles) away. From Delhi, you can take a train or a taxi to Agra.
7 day city guide trip to Agra, India
Day 1: Arrival and Taj Mahal
Welcome to Agra! Start your day by visiting the world-famous Taj Mahal, a white marble mausoleum that was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife. Get there early to witness the stunning sunrise before the crowds arrive. After that, head to the Agra Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage site, which served as the main residence of the Mughal Emperors until they shifted their capital to Delhi.
For lunch, try some local street food at Sadar Bazaar, famous for its pani puris and chaat. For dinner, head to the Pinch of Spice restaurant, which serves delicious North Indian cuisine.
Day 2: Fatehpur Sikri and Jama Masjid
Start your day early by taking a day trip to Fatehpur Sikri, an abandoned city located around 40 km from Agra. The city was built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century but was abandoned due to water shortages. Visit the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, and the Panch Mahal, a five-story palace with a stunning view of the surrounding area.
Once back in Agra, head to the Jama Masjid, a mosque located near the Agra Fort that was built in 1648 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan’s daughter, Princess Jahanara Begum.
Try some Mughlai cuisine at the famous Karim’s restaurant for dinner.
Day 3: Mehtab Bagh and shopping
Grab breakfast and head to Mehtab Bagh, a beautiful garden complex located across the Yamuna River from the Taj Mahal. It’s a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the stunning view of the Taj Mahal from afar.
In the afternoon, go shopping at Kinari Bazaar or Sadar Bazaar. These markets offer a variety of goods, including traditional clothes, jewelry, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Also, visit the Mughal Carpet Emporium to see exquisite handwoven carpets and rugs made from silk, wool, and cotton.
Try some traditional Indian sweets at Panchhi Petha, a famous sweet shop located near the Agra Fort, for dessert.
Day 4: Akbar’s tomb and Ram Bagh
Take a day trip to Sikandra, around 10 km from Agra, to visit Akbar’s Tomb, the mausoleum of Emperor Akbar. The tomb is a mixture of Hindu, Islamic, Buddhist, Jain, and Christian motifs, reflecting Akbar’s secular beliefs.
On the way back to Agra, stop by Ram Bagh, one of the earliest Mughal gardens in India. It’s a paradise for garden lovers, with a variety of plants, flowers, and fountains.
For lunch and dinner, try some local street food at Sadar Bazaar.
Day 5: Agra’s Museum and Kinari Bazaar
Visit the Agra Museum, which houses a vast collection of Mughal-era artifacts, including weapons, miniature paintings, and manuscripts.
In the evening, head to Kinari Bazaar to shop for traditional Indian jewelry and clothes. Don’t forget to try some delicious chaat and samosas from one of the street vendors.
For dinner, try some Indian street food at Mama Chicken Mama Franky.
Day 6: Itmad-ud-Daulah and riverboat ride
Visit the Itmad-ud-Daulah, also known as the Baby Taj, a Mughal mausoleum located on the banks of the Yamuna River. It was built by Nur Jahan, the wife of Jahangir and the mother of Shah Jahan’s wife Mumtaz Mahal.
In the evening, take a riverboat ride on the Yamuna River to see the Taj Mahal from a different perspective.
For dinner, try some Mughlai cuisine at Dasaprakash restaurant.
Day 7: Day trip to Mathura and Vrindavan
Take a day trip to Mathura and Vrindavan, located around 60 km from Agra. Mathura is known as the birthplace of Lord Krishna, and Vrindavan is where he spent his childhood. Visit the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple complex in Mathura and the Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan.
For lunch and dinner, try some local sweets and snacks, such as lassi, peda, and kachori.
How to continue your travel after you have spent 7 days in Agra
If you have more time, take a day trip to the Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its bird sanctuary. Another great option is to visit Jaipur, also known as the Pink City, located around 240 km from Agra. Jaipur is famous for its palaces, forts, and vibrant markets offering jewelry, textiles, and handicrafts.
To get to Jaipur, you can take a train or hire a private car. Make sure to stop at the stunning Chand Baori stepwell in Abhaneri on the way.
Another option is to visit the city of Delhi, located around 230 km from Agra. Delhi has a rich history, with many landmarks and attractions, including the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and India Gate. You can take a train or hire a private car to get there.
