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The second Mughal Emperor Humayun died just a year after he regained Delhi. His Persian wife, Hamida Begum, supervised the construction of his tomb from 1562-1572. It was designed by the Persian architect, Mirak Mirza Ghiyuath. Situated on the bank of River Yamuna and adjoining the shrine of the famous Sufi saint Nizam al-Din Auliya, this tomb is said to have been a precedent of later Mughal mausoleums in India. The geometrically arranged gardens intersected with numerous water channels present a paradise setting.

The tomb took eight years to build and had a Char Bagh Garden style in its design, the first of its kind in the region. These were later introduced in the Red Fort of Delhi and at the Taj Mahal of Agra. Persian architectural traits are also evident in the building and its main chamber is said to be inspired from the tomb of the Persian Mongol ruler, Oljeytu, at Sultaniyya. The tomb of Timur (Tamerlane) in Samarkand is also said to be the source of inspiration for the Mughal architecture in India.

In the central domed chamber, the sarcophagus of Humayun is found. According to Islamic practice, his head is pointing south, and facing east. The vaulted chambers also contain tombs that were added later. These tombs contain symbols that provide complete information about their occupant. The sarcophagi are not usually inscribed, but these tombs are believed to be containing the remains of the wives of Humayun, along with several later Mughal emperors and princes.

The name of Humayun's tomb is found in the list of UNESCO Heritage buildings and was the first Indian building to use the Persian double dome. Its harmonious proportions are undoubtedly the work of skilled craftsmen. Set upon a platform, it exhibits certain Indian architectural features too, such as the small kiosks or 'chhatris' on the roof. The attractive inlaid tile work is carved intricately using Indian and Persian patterns and elements. Its carved stone screens are praiseworthy for their delicate look.