Agra Travel Guide

If Delhi feels like history in motion, Agra feels like history standing still. Every lane, every monument whispers of Mughal times. This Agra Travel Guide, curated by the team of Footloose Holidays, is for anyone planning their first Agra trip or looking for a quick weekend getaway.

Agra tours are often about the Taj Mahal. But the city is more than one wonder. There are forts, tombs, gardens, and markets. Each stop adds another layer to the story. Embark on Agra sightseeing tours! You will see both grandeur and quiet corners. One moment you’ll be standing in front of the Taj Mahal’s marble domes, the next you’ll be haggling in a busy bazaar.

An Agra tip is unique because of how compact it feels. Most popular tourist attractions in Agra are close to each other. You don’t waste time on long rides. Instead, you spend your hours walking through history. A sunrise at the Taj, an evening at Mehtab Bagh, food breaks in between—that is Agra at its best.

If you are not familiar with Agra’s top attractions, except for the famous Taj Mahal, don’t worry. Our Agra travel guide lists the top attractions, including the world-famous ones and ones that are still waiting to be noticed. If you love Mughal architecture, art, and history, Agra sightseeing tours won’t disappoint you.

Top Tourist Attraction in Agra

Taj Mahal: Iconic Love Monument

When writing about Agra, no writer fails to include the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is one of the most iconic structures. Not only in Agra! Not only in India! But in the world. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Words fall short in describing this spectacular masterpiece. This is why it is India’s star attraction. Every first-time tourist visiting India prefers to see the Taj Mahal.

Located on the banks of the Yamuna River, the Taj Mahal (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) truly stands out as the crown jewel of Agra. And it is one of the city’s most beloved attractions for solid reasons. The Taj Mahal is essentially a white marble mausoleum built in memory of Mumtaz Mahal, the beloved wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The emperor built this monument after her death. This is why this stunning architecture is also called the Love Monument or considered the Symbol of Love.

The Taj Mahal draws millions of visitors every year from around the world. A sunrise visit to the Taj is magical. The white marble changes color with the light, making every Agra tour memorable. You can spend hours here and still find new details.

Agra Fort: Mughal Architectural Masterpiece

Agra Fort stands as a stunning symbol of Mughal architecture and history in India. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a reason to visit Agra apart from the Taj Mahal. Once, this impressive red sandstone fortress was the seat of the Mughal emperors before the capital shifted to Delhi. Enter the complex, and you will come across many elegant palaces, grand halls, and beautiful courtyards. All these are soaked in history and provide you with a real sense of the Mughal empire’s glory. You can also see the distant view of the famous Taj Mahal from Agra Fort’s ramparts. Your Agra tour is incomplete if you don’t visit this iconic monument, built by the greatest Mughal emperor, Akbar.

Top attractions to see in the Agra Fort Complex include:

Jahangir Hauz (Tank)
Shahjahani Mahal
Khas Mahal
Jahangiri Mahal
Jahangir’s Chain of Justice
Ghaznin Gate
Shah Burj and Jharokha
Shish Mahal
Diwan-I-Aam
Diwan-I-Khas

Itmad-Ud-Daulah Tomb: Baby Taj

The tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daulah is another Mughal mausoleum and architecturally beautiful monument in Agra. Its interiors are extraordinary and considered even more beautiful than those of the Taj Mahal. This is why it is often described as a “Jewel Box” and sometimes called the “Baby Taj”. It’s basically the draft of the Taj Mahal.

Mughal empress Nur Jahan built this monument in memory of her father, Mirza Ghiyas Beg. Mirza Ghiyas Beg was also the grandfather of Mumtaz Mahal. Enter the complex, and you will be surprised by its beautiful interiors. Intricate works make it special for visitors. And the Riverside location adds to its charm. So, don’t forget to make a visit to the Tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daulah when on Agra tours.

Fatehpur Sikri: Abandoned Mughal City

Take a short drive away from Agra, and you will reach Fatehpur Sikri. If you love history and architecture, there is no reason to miss this historical place. Located just outside Agra, Fatehpur Sikri was established by Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century as his capital. Unfortunately, he had to abandon this capital due to the scarcity of drinking water. This is why this city is often called the Abandoned Mughal City or Ghost City of Akbar.

Of course, Akbar abandoned this capital but left behind so many historical sites and attractions. Tourists coming to Agra are also visiting this place to explore history and architecture. Well-preserved monuments, less crowded than Agra, and a glimpse into the golden era of the Mughal Empire are what make Fatehpur Sikri special.

The top attractions to see in Fatehpur Sikri include:

Buland Darwaza
Jama Masjid
Diwan-i-Khas
Panch Mahal
Tomb of Salim Chishti
Jodha Bai’s Palace
Birbal’s House
Sikri Fort
Diwan-i-Aam
Sunnat Khan’s Tomb

Mehtab Bagh: Best Taj View Spot

Mehtab Bagh is a garden across the Yamuna River. It is one of the top attractions in Agra for those who want the best Taj view. Many Agra sightseeing tours bring visitors here for sunset. The reflection of the monument in the water is stunning. If your Agra trip is short, this is the place to end your day.

Sikandra Akbar’s Tomb: Majestic Mughal Tomb

Sikandra is the final resting place of Emperor Akbar. It is one of the popular tourist attractions in Agra. The tomb combines Hindu, Islamic, and Persian styles. For Agra sightseeing tours, it is a peaceful stop with fewer crowds. On your Agra trip, this spot gives you both history and calm in one visit.

Chini Ka Rauza: Persian Style Tomb

Chini Ka Rauza is often missed but deserves attention. It is one of the top attractions in Agra for its Persian-style design. The glazed tile work is rare and beautiful. Agra sightseeing tours that include it feel more complete. If you want to see something beyond the usual, add this to your Agra trip.

Jama Masjid: Grand Mughal Mosque

The Jama Masjid in Agra is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Agra. Built during Shah Jahan’s reign, it remains a place of prayer and history. Agra sightseeing tours often pause here because of its scale and detail. On your Agra trip, visiting this mosque helps you see the city’s living heritage.

Dayal Bagh: Serene Garden and Temple

Dayal Bagh is a spiritual site and one of the top attractions in Agra. Its white marble temple is still under construction, even after more than a century. Agra sightseeing tours bring visitors here for its calm gardens and unique story. On an Agra trip, it gives you a different side of the city, away from Mughal monuments.

Kinari Bazaar: Bustling Local Market

Kinari Bazaar is where Agra comes alive. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Agra for shopping and food. Narrow lanes are filled with textiles, jewelry, and sweets. Agra sightseeing tours often end here, letting travelers taste local life. On your Agra trip, a walk through this market shows you the city beyond monuments.

Shopping in Agra

Famous markets

Sadar Bazaar: Popular for leather goods and textiles.
Kinari Bazaar: Known for jewelry, fabrics, and handicrafts.
Taj Mahal Bazaar: Souvenirs, marble artifacts, and petha.
Shah Market: Great for traditional clothing and accessories.
Balkeshwar Bazaar: Famous for local food and sweets.
Hathi Gate Market: Traditional crafts and brassware.
Moti Bazaar: Antique jewelry and embroidered textiles.

What to Shop

Petha: Traditional sweet made from ash gourd.
Leather Goods: Bags, shoes, and wallets.
Marble Handicrafts: Intricate Taj-inspired carvings.
Zari Work: Embroidered textiles and clothing.
Jewelry: Precious stones and silver pieces.
Brassware: Decorative items and utensils.
Miniature Paintings: Mughal-style artwork.
Agra Rugs: Handwoven carpets and mats.
Wooden Craft: Carved items, furniture.
Saris and Dupattas: Traditional Indian textiles.

How to Reach Agra

By Air: The nearest airport to reach Agra is Agra Airport. It is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. You can also fly to Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi and then take a 3–4-hour drive to reach Agra.

By Train: Agra Cantt Railway stations connect Agra with cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Lucknow. Shatabdi Express and Gatimaan Express are popular fast trains from Delhi.

By Road: Agra is well-connected via National Highway 2 (NH2), Yamuna Expressway, and National Highway 44 (NH44). It is located at the distance of 230 km from Delhi, 240 km from Jaipur, and 330 km from Lucknow. Private taxis, buses, or self-driving options are available.

Enquire Now