Though a lot of travelers end up transiting through it, Delhi doesn’t have all that many attractions – unless you count the usual Indian chaos that’s writ as large as anywhere here.

But good way to spend a few hours is to head to a couple of the city’s principle attractions: the huge Jama Masjid mosque and the sprawling Red Fort. Both touristy, of course, but well worth investigating.

The seventeenth century mosque is the more impressive of the two since it still has a function and so more soul. Be sure to check out the signs at the entrances which tell you specifically what the entrance fee is and what times it’s closed for prayer – don’t buy any of the nonsense of the self-appointed guides that will try to force themselves on you for extortionate fees. And remember to wear long trousers or at least have something to wrap around any bare areas.

Interesting history and inspiring architecture aside, wondering around the courtyard is enjoyable for people watching and views of the surroundings, the best of which are from the top of one of the minarets (extra ticket, modest cost).

The Red Fort is a lifeless sprawling compound beset by souvenir shops and totally missable. That said, the decorative gardens area a good place so chill out though, particularly after a fifteen minute walk between the mosque and fort, which involves a steady stream of offers, demands and hustles – there’s a lively market en route too, which I didn’t investigate; mostly household goods I think.