Agra, Uttar Pradesh City Guide: Where To Go, Stay, Eat, And shop in India’s best city. [Updated-2025]

Agra, Uttar Pradesh City Guide: Where To Go, Stay, Eat, And shop in India’s best city.

About Agra, Uttar Pradesh – The City of the Taj Mahal

Agra, located in Uttar Pradesh, is one of India’s most famous historical cities, best known as the home of the Taj Mahal. Situated on the banks of the Yamuna River, Agra was once the capital of the Mughal Empire and is filled with architectural wonders, bustling markets, and rich cultural heritage.

It forms part of the Golden Triangle tourist circuit (Delhi-Agra-Jaipur) and attracts millions of visitors from across the world.

📍 Key Highlights of Agra:

✅ Home to the Taj Mahal – One of the Seven Wonders of the World.
✅ Mughal Architecture – Forts, tombs, and palaces.
✅ Part of the Golden Triangle – Along with Delhi & Jaipur.
✅ Famous for Petha & Mughlai Cuisine.
✅ Shopping Hub – Handicrafts, leather goods, and marble souvenirs.

🏰 Top Attractions & Best Places to Visit in Agra

1️⃣ Taj Mahal – The Symbol of Love ❤️

📍 Location: Dharmapuri, Agra
💞 Why Visit?
✅ One of the Seven Wonders of the World.
✅ Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of Mumtaz Mahal.
✅ UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning white marble architecture.
✅ Best time to visit: Sunrise or Full Moon nights.

🎟️ Entry Fees:

• Indians: ₹50
• Foreigners: ₹1100
• SAARC/BIMSTEC: ₹540
• Extra ₹200 to enter the main mausoleum

2️⃣ Agra Fort – A Mughal Masterpiece 🏰

📍 Location: Rakabganj, Agra
💞 Why Visit?
✅ A massive red sandstone fort built by Emperor Akbar.
✅ UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning palaces & mosques.
✅ Has the famous “Musamman Burj” where Shah Jahan was imprisoned.

🎟️ Entry Fees:

• Indians: ₹35
• Foreigners: ₹550

3️⃣ Fatehpur Sikri – The Abandoned Mughal Capital 🕌

📍 Location: 40 km from Agra
💞 Why Visit?
✅ Built by Akbar in the 16th century as his capital.
✅ Includes Buland Darwaza, Jodha Bai’s Palace & Salim Chishti’s Dargah.
✅ A blend of Hindu, Persian & Mughal architecture.

🎟️ Entry Fees:

• Indians: ₹50
• Foreigners: ₹610

4️⃣ Mehtab Bagh – Best View of the Taj Mahal 🌿

📍 Location: Opposite the Taj Mahal, across Yamuna River
💞 Why Visit?
✅ Offers a stunning sunset view of the Taj Mahal.
✅ A perfect place for photography & a peaceful walk.

🎟️ Entry Fee: ₹25 (Indians), ₹300 (Foreigners)

5️⃣ Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb (Baby Taj) 🏛️

📍 Location: Moti Bagh, Agra
💞 Why Visit?
✅ A beautiful white marble tomb built before the Taj Mahal.
✅ Often called the “Baby Taj” for its intricate carvings.

🎟️ Entry Fee: ₹30 (Indians), ₹310 (Foreigners)

6️⃣ Akbar’s Tomb, Sikandra 🏰

📍 Location: Sikandra, Agra
💞 Why Visit?
✅ The grand tomb of Emperor Akbar.
✅ A unique mix of Hindu, Jain, Buddhist & Islamic architecture.

🎟️ Entry Fee: ₹30 (Indians), ₹310 (Foreigners)

7️⃣ Jama Masjid – A Grand Mughal Mosque 🕌

📍 Location: Near Agra Fort
💞 Why Visit?
✅ One of the largest mosques built by the Mughals.
✅ Famous for its impressive architecture & peaceful ambiance.

🎟️ Entry Fee: Free

🛍️ Shopping in Agra – Best Markets

• 👜 Sadar Bazaar – Leather goods, handicrafts & petha.
• 🏺 Kinari Bazaar – Jewelry, carpets & marble souvenirs.
• 🏬 Subhash Bazaar – Silk sarees & textiles.
• 🖼️ Shahganj Bazaar – Wooden handicrafts & brassware.

🍽️ Food & Drink in Agra – Must-Try Dishes

1️⃣ Petha (Agra’s Iconic Sweet) 🍬

• Where to Try? Panchhi Petha, Deviram Sweets

2️⃣ Bedai Kachori & Jalebi 🍛

• Where to Try? Deviram Sweets, Sadar Bazaar

3️⃣ Mughlai Cuisine (Butter Chicken, Kebabs, Biryani) 🍗

• Where to Try? Pinch of Spice, Jahanpanah

4️⃣ Dalmoth (Spicy Namkeen) 🥜

• Where to Try? Panchi Petha, Sadar Bazaar

🎭 Fairs & Festivals in Agra

• Taj Mahotsav (February-March) – 10-day cultural fair near the Taj Mahal.
• Ram Barat (September-October) – A grand procession celebrating Lord Rama.
• Urs of Salim Chishti (June-July) – Held at Fatehpur Sikri Dargah.

🌙 Nightlife in Agra – Best Places to Hang Out

🍹 The Salt Café – Rooftop restaurant with Taj Mahal views.
🎶 Club Rush – Best nightclub for parties.
🍸 Sky Grill – Bar & lounge with live music.
🎤 Chapter 1 Café – Live performances & cozy ambiance.

🚗 How to Reach Agra?

• ✈️ By Air: Nearest airport is Agra Airport (Kheria), 13 km from city center.
• 🚆 By Train: Agra has 3 major railway stations – Agra Cantt, Agra Fort, Raja Ki Mandi.
• 🚗 By Road: Well-connected via Yamuna Expressway (Delhi to Agra in 3 hours).