Broke But Still Want To Enjoy The Suhana Mausam? Here Are 12 FREE Things To Do In Delhi NCR!

Museum hopping, working out, frolicking in the numerous parks of Delhi – these are just some of the glorious, free things to do in the city during the monsoons! For all the times your wallet’s feeling lighter than your Netflix binge sessions, Delhi’s got your back with a slew of activities that won’t cost you a dime. Whether you're broke but still want to squeeze in a hangout sesh with besties, a savvy saver or just love a good bargain, these adventures are perfect for soaking up the city’s vibes without splurging. Ready to explore Delhi on a budget? Let’s dive into the ultimate list of 13 free things to do in Delhi NCR during the monsoon season that’ll keep your spirits high and your pockets happy!

1. Seek Blessings at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

Step into serenity at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, where peace meets grandeur in the heart of Delhi. This iconic Sikh temple is not just a spiritual haven but also an architectural marvel that will make your Instagram feed pop! It’s pure #ZenMode! Plus, don’t miss paying the community kitchen a visit to either do sewa or indulge in the soul-soothing langar. If you’re seeking solace then this is the place for you. 

Where | Bangla Sahib - Hanuman Road Area, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001

2. Free Movie Screening

Calling all movie buffs! If you’re into parallel films and foreign arthouse cinema, Delhi’s got the ultimate treat for you: free movie screenings. Yep, we’re not joking! Dive into the world of film clubs and auditoriums where you can mingle with fellow cinephiles and indulge in cinematic masterpieces. How is this even possible? The Indian Habitat Centre, Alliance Francaise, Max Mueller Bhawan and India International Centre host movie screenings very frequently. The best part? Most of them are for free, yes you don’t pay a dime! This is perfect for when you're ballin' on a budget but still want that high-culture fix. So grab your popcorn and check out the screening schedules – your next film awaits! 

3. Explore Lodhi Art District  

Picture Credits: Shubh Deswal

Lodhi Art District, Delhi's very own open-air gallery that’s bursting with colour and creativity is where the city’s walls come alive with stunning murals and street art by artists from across the globe. As you wander through the streets you'll encounter thought-provoking pieces that tackle everything from climate change to caste and women’s rights. Amazing right! Plus, the vibrant wall murals will have you saying, "Wah, kya baat hai!" as you snap away.

4. Sharpen your Sketching Skills

Picture Credits: vrvandy

Is your inner Majnu Bhai dying to come out? Then Pencil Jammers is your ultimate playground! This open club is a haven for all you budding artists out there, regularly hosting workshops, classes, and events all across Delhi. Whether you’re a doodling newbie or a sketching pro, Pencil Jammers offers the perfect opportunity to sharpen those skills, meet fellow art enthusiasts, and unleash your creativity. It’s the perfect blend of learning and fun – and totally Insta-worthy! 

5. Join a Book or Poetry Club

Picture Credits: delhipoetryslam

Calling all bibliophiles and poetry lovers! Delhi's literary scene is buzzing with creativity, so whether you're into spoken word or Instagram poetry, there's a stage for every kind of wordsmith. Dive into the vibrant world of Delhi Poetry Slam and National Patriotic Poetry, where you can catch live readings, slam battles, and literary events that’ll make your heart skip a beat. Perfect for those lazy rainy days when you want to swap Netflix for some poetic feels. So, grab your chai, bring your favourite book, and join the lit squad in Delhi’s thriving reading clubs.
 

6. Dig Some History at Museums with Free Entry

Delhi has a score of museums that won’t cost you a paisa to feast your eyes upon historical treasures. Take the Museum of Folk and Tribal Art in Sector 4, Gurgaon for example, it's one of the most noteworthy museums founded by historian, painter and scholar Shri K.C Aryan. This museum has a vast collection of masks, terracotta art pieces, paintings, textiles with motifs, metal vessels, idols of Gods, lamps that light up the place (pun intended).

7. Partake in Activities with Khoj Studios

Don't be surprised to see speakers hanging from the tree in their courtyard - they're part of the art installations at Khoj studios. Despite its humble location within the gullies of Khirkee Extension, Khoj is a key place to experience contemporary / experimental art and a visit could just be the launch pad to bringing out the artist in you. Talk to the painters, indulge more in art and sculpture and bring out the latent creativity lurking inside you.

8. Get Fit For Free At  Open-Air Gyms

Picture Credits: Mukesh Kumar

No, we kid you not and this is not a dream! You don’t have to shell out a fortune to get your dream body as free gyms are really a thing in Delhi. Built over an area of 1,000 square metres, free gyms have been opened in 30 parks, including the famous Talkatora Garden, Lodhi Garden and Nehru Park by the NDMC under its 'Go Green, Open Gym' project. They have proper equipment and brilliant trainers and all of this for free!

9.  Get Lost in Music at Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah

Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah, the resting place of one of the world's most famous Sufi saints, Nizamuddin Auliya, attracts Sufi devotees from across the world. On Thursday evenings, its courtyard erupts with the soulful sound of live qawwalis (sufi devotional songs) accompanied by traditional Indian instruments, which lulls the audience into a trance. This is one of the most enthralling experiences you are ever gonna have. You can find it sitting in the Nizamuddin West area of Delhi.

10. Watch Theatrical Plays at Safdar Studio

Jana Natya Manch - one of India’s most famous theatre groups, founded Safdar Studio in 2012. It's an independent, non-funded arena for art and activism that is located at Shadi Khampur. Their plays are much more intimate and relatable, stir up emotions, create awareness on various social and political issues and are humorous enough to keep you entertained. Give it a shot and you're gonna come back a better person.

11. Watch Changing of the Guard at Rashtrapati Bhawan

This ceremony is held every Saturday since 2012, at Rashtrapati Bhavan. This you can see free of cost, but you'll need to show your ID before entering. The day's ceremony ends with an equestrian display by the PBG before they ride away towards the Rashtrapati Bhavan amidst playing of the National Anthem. Pop culture and basking in our country’s tradition go hand in hand here!

12. Take a Tranquil Walk Amidst Flora & Fauna at Delhi Parks

Delhi’s parks are the ultimate chill zones! Start your day with a jog in Nehru Park, where you’ll find folks from all around catching those morning vibes. It’s not just a park, it’s a paradise for joggers and a top-notch spot for picnics with your crew. Next up, Lodi Gardens; a lush oasis in the heart of the city. Stroll through ancient tombs, bloom-filled gardens, and scenic vistas that scream relaxation. And for a bit of wildlife and fun with your best buds, head to Hauz Khas Deer Park. Watch the deer roam as you soak in the sunset vibes. Afterward, hit up Hauz Khas Village for a dose of funky cafes and buzzing nightlife. Whether you’re chilling with the gang or on a solo exploration, these parks will tick your monsoon bucket list.

 With all these unexplored places to visit in Delhi, you can just go bananas (empty wallet notwithstanding!).