Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid is the great congregational mosque of Old Delhi, one of the largest mosques in India and a masterpiece of Mughal architecture, commissioned by Shah Jahan (builder of the Taj Mahal). Its vast red-sandstone-and-white-marble courtyard can hold tens of thousands of worshippers, framed by two towering minarets, three great gateways, and a bulbous-domed prayer hall. Climbing the southern minaret rewards you with a sweeping view over the chaotic rooftops of Old Delhi.

It sits at the heart of the old city, a short walk from the Red Fort and the frenetic lanes of Chandni Chowk, with their legendary street food. It's an active mosque, so dress modestly, remove shoes, and avoid prayer times for sightseeing. The scale, the atmosphere, and the surrounding old-city energy make it one of Delhi's essential experiences.

Don't miss

• The vast courtyard and red-sandstone-and-marble architecture
• Climbing the southern minaret for Old Delhi views
• The towering gateways and domed prayer hall
• Its setting near the Red Fort and Chandni Chowk
• Mughal craftsmanship under Shah Jahan

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Jama Masjid

Cheapest way inFull Day Old and New Delhi City tour5★ · 43 travelers5–6 hoursFree cancellationFrom$5 per personSee dates →Best full dayDelhi: Old and New Delhi Guided Full or Half-Day Tour4.9★ · 1,062 travelers4–8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$20 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleFull Day Old and New Delhi City Tour5★ · 16 travelers7–8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$80 per personSee dates →

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How travelers rate it

Know before you go

• Dress modestly (robes are provided/required for some) and remove shoes; avoid prayer times for sightseeing.
• Climb the southern minaret for a great view over Old Delhi (small fee).
• Combine it with the Red Fort and Chandni Chowk's famous street food nearby.
• There may be small charges for cameras and shoe-minding.

A bit of history

Built between 1644 and 1656 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, the Masjid-i-Jahan-Numa ('mosque commanding a view of the world') was the largest mosque in India at the time and the principal mosque of the Mughal capital. It remains a major centre of worship.