The city of Agra, India is most widely known for the iconic Taj Mahal, and is known as the "city of love" because of it. But are there are other reasons for visiting?
In our opinion, Agra has so much more to offer than simply the Taj Mahal. It's where ancient meets modern and where chaos meets peace. We absolutely loved it, and are so happy we decided to go for more than just a day trip from Delhi.
Our complete travel guide is here to show you all of the cool things to do in the city of Agra, India, as well as all the logistics for having an incredible stay.
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Where is the City of Agra in India?
The city of Agra is located in the north of India, in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
How to Get to the City of Agra, India
While Agra does have its own airport, it is very small and only has some domestic flights. The places that fly to the city of Agra, India include Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Jaipur, Lucknow, and Mumbai.
The best international airport to fly to for Agra is Delhi, which is the capital city, and just 3 1/2- 4 hours away. You can find direct flights from the US, as well as many cities around the world.
Another option is to fly to Mumbai, and then from there you can fly direct to Agra.
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How to Go to Agra from Delhi
In order to go to Agra from Delhi you can either take a train, bus, or a private taxi/Uber.
The train from Delhi takes around 4 hours, while the bus from Delhi to Agra takes approximately 3 1/2- 4 hours depending on traffic. The train is a tad more comfortable, but the bus is definitely the most affordable option.
How Much is a Taxi from Delhi to Agra?
If you want to get to the city of Agra the quickest way from Delhi, then you could opt for taking a taxi or a private transfer. This is more common than you'd think, and while it's definitely not the cheapest option, it's not ridiculously expensive either.
We found prices on Uber ranging from 3,000-5,000 IDR which equals about $35-$60 USD. You could also arrangea transfer with local drivers, which we'd recommend doing through your hotel in Delhi.
Entry Requirements for India
Before planning your trip to the city of Agra, you'll want to make sure you know what the requirements are for entering India.
Visa Entry Requirements for India
India requires a visa to visit, and you can purchase your visa online for $25.
Nationals of Japan, South Korea, and the UAE can get their visa upon arrival, and those from Bhutan and Nepal are visa-exempt.
Can US Citizens Travel to India Without a Visa?
US citizens also need a visa, which can be purchased online for $25.
Every hotel asks for your visa, so keep it handy when you are arriving to your hotel and checking in.
Do You Need to Be Vaccinated to Go to India?
As an American or European, you don't need to be vaccinated to go to India. However, there are other countries that need vaccines.
Also, it is recommended to get a rabies vaccine, as there are a lot of stray animals (mostly dogs and monkeys), and it is quite common for tourists to get bitten.
Countries Who Need Vaccines for India
Those coming from a country where yellow fever may be prevalent must present proof of a yellow fever vaccine before visiting India.
African counties that need a yellow fever vaccine for India include Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Cote d’ Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritiana, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sudan, South Sudan, Togo, and Uganda.
American countries that need a yellow fever vaccine for India include Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad (Trinidad only), Venezuela, Panama, Paraguay, and Peru.
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Local Adjustments for the City of Agra, India
If you're traveling to a new country, there are a lot of things that may change from where you come from such as the language, currency, or tipping culture.
As India is such a big country, these things can even change from state to state!
Here are some of the local adjustments to keep in mind when you travel to the city of Agra in India.
What Language is Spoken in Agra?
The official language Agra is Hindi.
Being such a touristic city, it's pretty common that people also speak English who are working in restaurants, shops, or hotels.
What Currency is Used in Agra?
The currency used in Agra is the Indian Rupee (INR). Currently (April 2024) each 1 USD is equal to about 84 INR.
It's important to note that there are a lot of things in Agra that can only be paid with cash, including the mausoleum in the Taj Mahal, and the entry tickets for practically every attraction in the city. For that reason, we highly suggest taking out quite a bit of cash from an ATM.
Electrical Outlets in Agra
India uses the same electrical outlets as Europe, and accommodates plug types C, D, & M. Plug type C is the one which has two round pins, plug type D is the one which has three round pins in a triangular pattern, and plug type M also has three round pins.
India operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
Is Agra Water Safe to Drink?
The water is not safe to drink in Agra, so you'll have to stick to bottled water. We suggest buying large jugs from the supermarket, and buying an insulated water bottle to refill during your travels around the country.
Is Tipping Expected in India?
The tipping culture in India is typically 10%, and sometimes is even included in the bill. Make sure to look for a service charge, and if it's not included you can leave cash on the table for the server.
We'll be honest, Agra was probably the only city in India that we recieved really good service! The rest of our trip we had pretty awful and unattentive servers.
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Things to Do in the City of Agra, India
Now that you know the basics, let's dive into all of the fun things to do in the city of Agra, India!
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1. Experience the Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is hands down the number one reason to visit the city of Agra in India. As one of the seven wonders of the world, you'll want to set apart quite a few hours of your day to visit.
We wrote a Taj Mahal travel guide, so that you can know all of the details of visiting.
2. Take a Boat Ride Outside the Taj Mahal
Right next to the East Gate of the Taj Mahal you can find a street leading down to the river behind the Taj. Here you can find a couple of locals who offer boat rides, and a truly serene time to experience this is during sunset.
Some people say that the boat ride is "illegal", but the boats actually make sure to stay within legal boundaries, and have you wear life jackets, so it is pretty legitimate.
We honestly got lucky when we were there, as we only found one boat during sunset and the guy allowed us to join last minute with another couple. Make sure to arrive early, and to bring cash with you! We paid 1,000 INR each, and although it was just a half hour ride, we felt that it was truly worth overpaying for this unique experience.
3. Explore Agra Fort
In our opinion, the second most impressive site in Agra is the fort. Similar to the fort in Delhi, it is mostly red in color, and has very impressive architecture.
It open right after sunrise, but we definitely recommend getting there a bit before to see if they'll let you in so you can actually see the sunrise, which you'll get to witness coming up right behind the Taj Mahal in the distance!
4. Check Out Itmad-ud-Daula
This is another incredible tomb in Agra, and is sometimes even referred to as the "Baby Taj". Despite some local not agreeing with this, we did find the tomb really beautiful and worth visiting while in the city of Agra, India.
The complex is much smaller than the Taj Mahal. In fact, it simply has one large mausoleum in the middle, with a few other buildings surrounding it. We spent just a half hour here, but you could spend up to an hour if you explore it very slowly.
Itmad-ud-Daula is another beautiful tomb in the city of Agra, India.
5. Visit the Tomb of Akbar
It's wild that most of the top things to do in city of Agra, India are in fact revolved around death. The tombs are really some of the most stunning locations to visit in the city, and the Tomb of Akbar is another great one to visit. (We suggest visiting right after the red fort in the morning).
6. Enjoy the Gardens of Mehtab Bagh
Looking for one of the best views of the Taj Mahal? Well, the Taj Viewpoint ADA has stunning views across the river from the Taj.
The viewpoint is actually located inside the Mehtab Bagh, which is a set of beautiful gardens facing the Taj.
It's really the perfect place to enjoy a quiet morning or relaxing afternoon when it's a bit cooler out.
7. Browse the Spice Market
India is known for its spices, and being able to learn about the variety that they have is a unique experience. You'll get to immerse yourself in a colorful bazaar, and shop for some incredible flavors to take back home with you.
8. Take a Street Food Tour
India has a lot of really cool street food! But it's not a great idea to experiment without knowing which ones to go to, as it can be a recipe for disaster for your gut.
Take this street food tour and you'll be taken by a local who will bring you to the best street food stalls around the city of Agra, India.
9. Do a Cooking Class
Want to experience more of the cuisine of Agra? Well, the best way to do so is to join a cooking class. In this cooking class you'll get to learn the cooking skills of an Indian mom, and try delicious home cooking with her. You'll be picked up with a tuk tuk from your hotel, and have a full 2 hour culinary experience.
10. Discover Fatehpur Sikri
One of the best things to do outside the city of Agra is visiting the town of Fatehpur Sikri. Also called the ghost city, this abandoned city was founded by a 16th-century Mughal emperor, and now has become a large tourist attraction.
This can either be a great day trip from Agra, or you can get a tour that includes a stop here on the way to Jaipur if that's next on your itinerary.
11. Watch the Mohabbat The Taj Show
Enjoy an hour an a half show that depicts the love story of Emperor Shah Jahan and his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. 80 talented artists put on a live show about why the Taj Mahal exists today, and the moving story behind it.
What is Famous in Agra to Eat?
When we were first planning our trip to India, we honestly thought that everything would curry and butter chicken. Boy were we wrong!
Actually, all states of India have their own cuisine, and there are a variety of dishes and flavors in each place.
Here are some of the famous foods to try while visiting the city of Agra, India:
- Paratha: pan fried bread, often stuffed with different ingredients such as potatoes, veggies, or cheese
- Bhallas: fried potato and chick pea patties
- Petha: a soft and chewy candy typically made from a white pumpkin
- Dalmouth: a crispy and spicy snack made with nuts, spice, lentils, & oil
- Bedhai & Jalebi: a sweet and spicy breakfast combo which is very common on the streets of Agra
Our Favorite Restaurants in Agra
Here are a few of the restaurants we ate at that we loved:
- Hotel Sai Palace: an incredible rooftop restaurant with great views of the Taj Mahal
- Bellevue: fine dining restaurant inside the Oberoi Amarvilas hotel with an international menu - We suggest the handmade pastas, the orange basaltic sorbet, and the mushroom cappuccino (soup).
- Pinch of Spice: one of the best restaurants in Agra - don't miss out on the chicken lollipops and garlic naan!
The Oberoi has an incredible restaurant with both Indian and international dishes.
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How Do You Travel Around Agra?
Agra is rapidly growing, and actually has many ways for getting around.
The Different Ways to Get Around Agra
Metro
As of this year, the city of Agra, India has a recently build metro! With a few stations around the most touristic points, this is the most affordable and convenient way to travel around the city.
Rickshaw/Tuk Tuk
The most fun way to get around is by rickshaw, and rides typically range from around 100-200 INR around the city. They only take cash, and you'll need to bargain a bit.
Does Agra Have Uber?
The city of Agra, India does have Uber, but we had a lot of issues with it while in India.
There are many drivers that will cancel the trip, or ask for more money in order to take you. Another thing to keep in mind is that the road to the east gate is often closed, so while Uber will accept your trip there, the drivers won't be able to drop you or pick you up on that particular road.
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Where to Stay in the City of Agra
Our suggestion for wear to stay in Agra is to be as close to the Taj Mahal as possible. As this is the main highlight of the city, being close makes it much easier if you'd like to visit in the morning, and better to walk back after the sunset boat ride.
The Best Hotels in Agra
Here are a few great options for places to stay in Agra, for a variety of budgets:
- The Hosteller Agra: a hostel with multi level rooftop and restaurant
- Joey's Hostel Agra: a hostel with just minutes from the Taj Mahal with rooftop views
- Hotel Atulyaa Taj: a nice mid-range option with private rooms, AC, and a rooftop pool
- ITC Mughal: a luxury hotel with 2 pools and 5 upscale dining options
- The Oberoi Amarvilas: This is the most luxury hotel in Agra, with a gorgeous property, facing the Taj Mahal.
The Oberoi is the most luxury hotel in the city of Agra, India.
Is Agra Safe?
The city of Agra is overly pretty safe. We do suggest being aware of common scams in India that happen, such as Ubers trying to get more money than the app says, or children scheming for money.
Is Agra Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
India in general isn't a country we'd highly recommend to solo female travelers. That being said, we did feel that of all cities we visited Agra is probably one of the safer ones sue to the size and the amount of tourists.
If you are a solo female traveller, we suggest you to stay at hostel and travel with friends you meet from there.
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Other Things to Know About Visiting the City of Agra, India
Now you know all of the great things to do in city of Agra, India, and all of the details for visiting. But we have a few more things for you to know!
Weather in Agra
The city of Agra, India experiences hot and humid summers, and cool, mild winters. The dry season is from October to March, and it starts to get very hot by the end of March/early April. Monsoon season starts in July, and goes until September.
Which Month is Best for Agra?
The best time to visit Agra for perfect weather is October or March, which are also the start and end of the tourist season in northern India.
How to Dress in Agra
Most of the sites in Agra don't actually require any kind of dress code. We suggest wearing loose dresses so that you can be comfortable and also take cute pictures.
Packing For a Trip to the City of Agra, India
Here are a few of the things we suggest bringing on a trip to the city of Agra in India:
- Comfortable sandals for walking around
- Bag/ Backpack that zips (check out our list of favorite backpacks for travelers!)
- Action Camera (we use the Insta 360 X3 because you can use it with an extra long selfie stick to mimic a drone)
- Sunscreen
- Chapstick
- Reusable Water Bottle (we use this water bottle from Cafago because it holds the temperature)
- Power Bank (we use Anker power banks as they are super long lasting and durable)
- Cash
- Telephoto lens for epic pictures
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Is Agra India Worth Visiting?
The city of Agra, India is absolutely worth seeing. Not only is the Taj Mahal itself enough of a reason, but there are several other beautiful sites and fun activities to enjoy in the area.
Is it Worth Staying Overnight in Agra?
It is absolutely worth spending a night in Agra! We suggest at least two nights, so that you can enjoy the sunrise at the Taj Mahal and at the Red Fort.
How Long Do You Need in Agra?
Two full days is enough to see the highlights of the city of Agra, and 3-4 days is perfect if you'd like a more relaxed stay, or want to experience the city a little deeper.
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Final Tips for Visiting the City of Agra, India
Here are a few final tips and things to know before traveling to Agra:
- Get Tickets in Advance: Tickets can either be paid by cash at the ticket office, or online if you have an Indian phone number
- No Tripods or Drones Allowed: There wasn't a single tourist site you could bring a tripod or drone, so just leave them at your hotel.
- Carry Plenty of Cash: Not many places accept credit cards.
- Start Exploring Early: The tourist attractions are much more enjoyable when there are fewer crowds, so try to avoid doing the major sites in the middle of the day.
Most of the sites in the city of Agra prohibit many items.
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So are you ready for your trip to the city of Agra, India? We're sure you're going to have an incredible time in the city of love, just like we did.
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