Home > > > What to Do in Agra After Visiting the Taj Mahal

What to Do in Agra After Visiting the Taj Mahal

Author : Indiabeyond travel | Published On : 10 Oct 2026

If you're wondering what to do in Agra after visiting the Taj Mahal, the best next stops are Agra Fort, the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah and the gardens at Mehtab Bagh. Add a relaxed meal of local specialties and some time in the city's craft markets, and you have a full day.

The Taj Mahal is the highlight of Agra, but it's only one chapter. The city also has a river-facing imperial fort, intricate marble tombs, Mughal gardens, sweets Agra is known for, and craftspeople who still work in stone.

What suits you best depends on how much time you have left, the weather, your interests, and whether you're heading back to Delhi tonight or staying over.

Quick Answer: What Can You Do in Agra After the Taj Mahal?

After the Taj Mahal, visit Agra Fort for Mughal history, Itmad-ud-Daulah for fine marble inlay, or Mehtab Bagh for quiet river views. Add Mughlai-inspired food, petha sweets, a marble handicraft workshop or a traditional market. Choose based on your available time rather than trying to fit everything into one day.

1. Explore the Historic Agra Fort

Agra Fort is the natural companion to the Taj Mahal. The Taj is a monument to remembrance. The fort is where Mughal power was actually exercised. This red sandstone complex served as an imperial residence, and its courtyards, audience halls and palaces show how emperors lived and ruled.

Look out for the public and private audience halls, the palace buildings and the Anguri Bagh garden. Shah Jahan has a personal connection here too: he commissioned the Taj Mahal, and the fort is closely tied to the later chapters of his life. From the Musamman Burj, an octagonal tower near his private hall, you can see the Taj Mahal across the Yamuna.

It rewards history lovers most, but it also suits families, since there is plenty of open space to walk through. Allow at least two hours, longer if you enjoy reading the details or taking photos. Travelers who want to combine major Agra attractions without arranging transport between them can consider a private sightseeing experience such as the Taj Mahal Tour By Luxury Car.

2. Discover the Details of Itmad-ud-Daulah, Also Known as the Baby Taj

Itmad-ud-Daulah is a much smaller monument, and that's its charm. Built by Nur Jahan for her father, the tomb is a jewel box of white marble covered in delicate stone inlay and patterned surfaces. You can take in its details up close without the crowds of the Taj.

It suits travelers who enjoy art, craftsmanship and photography, and anyone who wants a calmer, shorter stop. Many visitors spend an hour or so here, including time in the surrounding gardens.

If time is tight, this is often the easiest add-on after the Taj. It doesn't need the long commitment the fort does. If you're choosing between the two, pick the fort for scale and history, and Itmad-ud-Daulah for fine detail.

3. Enjoy a Different View of the Taj Mahal at Mehtab Bagh

Mehtab Bagh is a Mughal-style garden on the opposite bank of the Yamuna, facing the Taj Mahal. Instead of walking toward the monument, you see it from a distance, framed by open sky and the river.

It suits people who want a quieter outdoor stop, plus photographers and couples looking for a slower pace. It's also a good choice if you're tired of queues and security lines.

Whether it's worth the trip depends on weather, haze and daylight. On a clear day with a couple of hours to spare, it's a pleasant way to wind down. In poor visibility or very hot weather, one of the indoor-friendly or shaded options may serve you better.

4. Taste Agra's Local Food

Sightseeing is easier when you've eaten well, so build in a proper meal instead of snacking between stops.

Agra is best known for petha, a translucent sweet made from ash gourd, sold in many flavors across the city. Many visitors also look for Mughlai-inspired dishes such as rich curries, kebabs and breads. Vegetarian travelers will find plenty of options too.

A few practical tips:

  • Choose a busy, clean restaurant with a menu you can read easily.

  • Ask about ingredients, spice levels and preparation if you have dietary needs or allergies.

  • Buy packaged sweets from established shops, and check freshness.

  • Take your time. A relaxed lunch also gives you a break from the heat and walking.

5. Explore Agra's Traditional Markets and Handicrafts

Agra's markets reflect its craft traditions. You'll typically find marble inlay souvenirs, decorative boxes and coasters, leather goods, textiles and other handicrafts. Older market areas such as Kinari Bazaar give a good sense of everyday city life, even if you don't buy anything.

To shop with confidence:

  • Compare quality and prices across several shops before deciding.

  • Ask what each piece is made of, how it was made and where it came from.

  • Don't assume every item is handmade. Many are machine-assisted or mass-produced, which isn't necessarily bad, but you should know what you're paying for.

  • Keep expectations realistic about bargaining and time.

Leave room to browse without rushing. A hurried shopping stop is rarely satisfying.

6. Watch Local Artisans at Work

Marble inlay is one of the crafts most closely associated with Agra. At a workshop, you can see how stone is cut, shaped and fitted into marble, often with simple hand tools and a great deal of patience. Seeing a flower motif take form piece by piece makes the monuments you've just visited easier to appreciate.

Be respectful. Ask before photographing people at work, and let artisans explain their process at their own pace.

Be transparent with yourself, too. If you're on a guided itinerary, confirm in advance whether a workshop visit is included and whether buying anything is optional. A good workshop welcomes your interest whether or not you purchase.

7. Spend Time Exploring Agra's Local Culture

Not every good experience is a ticketed attraction. You can learn a lot simply by slowing down:

  • Walk through an established local market and watch how it runs.

  • Ask artisans and guides about Agra's craft traditions.

  • Notice how Mughal-era heritage still shapes the city, from old neighborhoods to the food on your plate.

  • Choose a guide or experience that matches your interests, whether that's history, food or photography.

This works well as a short, flexible addition when you'd rather not add another major monument.

8. How to Spend the Rest of Your Day in Agra

If You Have 2–3 Hours

Pick one thing. Either visit a nearby historical attraction such as Itmad-ud-Daulah, or enjoy an unhurried meal and a bit of market browsing. Factor in where you are, traffic and your departure time.

If You Have 4–6 Hours

Combine Agra Fort with lunch and one more stop, such as Itmad-ud-Daulah, Mehtab Bagh or a workshop visit. Queues, security checks and travel between sites can eat into your time, so allow a buffer.

If You Have a Full Day

Mix a few major sights with a food or craft experience, and schedule breaks. A good rhythm is one historical site, a long lunch, then something lighter in the afternoon. Travelers planning a longer sightseeing day may prefer an itinerary that combines the monument with additional stops, such as the Sunrise Taj Mahal And Agra Tour By Car.

9. Practical Tips for Exploring Agra After the Taj Mahal

  • Check opening days and hours for each attraction before you set out. Closing days differ between monuments, and the Taj Mahal itself is closed on Fridays, which may affect how you plan.

  • Allow for security checks and walking time. Both are bigger factors than most people expect.

  • Wear comfortable footwear. You'll be on stone, uneven paths and steps.

  • Stay hydrated, especially in warm months, and take shade breaks.

  • Protect your return journey. Decide your latest departure time and work backward.

  • Confirm local transport before moving between attractions, including pickup points and waiting arrangements.

  • Don't overpack the itinerary. Two or three well-chosen stops beat six rushed ones.

  • Respect local customs. Dress modestly at heritage and religious sites, follow site rules and ask before photographing people.

For travelers who want to see more of Agra and still get back to Delhi comfortably, coordinated transportation removes much of the logistical stress. A service such as the Taj Mahal Tour From Delhi By Car can handle the driving, so you can focus on the sights.

10. Should You Return to Delhi or Stay Overnight in Agra?

Several factors decide this:

  • Remaining sightseeing time. If you want both Agra Fort and a second stop, you'll likely need more than the late afternoon.

  • Departure schedule and road travel. Returning to Delhi after a full day is tiring. Consider how late you'll arrive and what's planned for the next day.

  • Interest in Agra beyond the monuments. If food, crafts and gardens appeal, an overnight stay lets you enjoy them at a slower pace.

  • Weather and energy levels. Heat and long days affect everyone, especially families with children.

If your schedule is tight, returning to Delhi after one or two well-chosen stops works well. If you'd like to see the fort, taste the local food and visit a workshop without watching the clock, staying overnight is usually the more comfortable choice.

Make the Most of Your Time in Agra

The Taj Mahal is the reason most people come, but it doesn't have to be the only reason you remember. Choose one or two experiences that match your interests, leave room to breathe, and let Agra surprise you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best thing to do in Agra after the Taj Mahal?

For most first-time visitors, Agra Fort is the best follow-up. It adds Mughal history and a different view of the Taj Mahal. If you prefer something shorter or quieter, Itmad-ud-Daulah or Mehtab Bagh are good alternatives.

How many hours do you need to see Agra Fort after the Taj Mahal?

Plan for at least two hours, more if you like to explore in detail. Add time for queues, security and travel from the Taj Mahal.

Is Mehtab Bagh worth visiting after the Taj Mahal?

It's worth it if you want a quieter outdoor stop with open views. It's less rewarding in poor visibility or extreme heat, so check conditions first.

Can you see Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-Daulah in one day with the Taj Mahal?

Yes, many visitors do, especially with private transport. Start early, keep a realistic pace, and build in a meal break.

What should I eat in Agra?

Try petha, the city's signature sweet, and Mughlai-inspired dishes at a clean, well-reviewed restaurant. Tell staff about dietary needs or allergies.