Delhi — The Complete City Guide 2026

Delhi is not one city but many, stacked on top of each other like the layers of an archaeological dig. There are seven historic cities buried beneath its streets, and you can feel every one of them. In Old Delhi, the Mughal empire still breathes in the red sandstone of the Red Fort, in the marble domes of Jama Masjid, in the labyrinthine lanes of Chandni Chowk where spice merchants and silver smiths have traded since the 17th century. In New Delhi, Lutyens’ imperial boulevards radiate from India Gate with a geometry that feels almost Roman. In south Delhi, the ruins of the Sultanate-era Qutub Minar complex sit surrounded by modern malls and co-working spaces. And everywhere — everywhere — there is food. Delhi’s street food is arguably the greatest in India, and India’s street food is arguably the greatest on Earth.

Last verified: April 2026. Every price, opening hour, and practical detail in this guide has been checked against official sources. All prices are in Indian rupees (₹/INR); €1 ≈ ₹95 / $1 ≈ ₹85 at time of writing. Most nationalities need an e-Visa ($10–25 for 30 days, $40 for 1 year). Verify at the listed URLs before travelling.

Why Delhi? An Editor’s Note

Delhi is not a city that makes a good first impression. The airport is chaotic, the taxi touts are relentless, the air quality can be genuinely alarming in winter, and the first autorickshaw ride through the traffic will feel like a near-death experience. Give it 48 hours. By day two, you’ll have eaten the best chole bhature of your life at a street stall that doesn’t have a sign, watched the sun set behind Humayun’s Tomb in light so golden it looks digital, and navigated Old Delhi’s lanes with a confidence you didn’t know you had. By day three, you’ll understand why people fall in love with this city.

Delhi rewards patience, curiosity, and an empty stomach. The Mughal monuments are among the finest Islamic architecture on Earth. The food scene spans 400 years of culinary history — from the kebab shops of Jama Masjid to the paranthe wali gali (the lane of stuffed parathas) to the butter chicken that was literally invented here. The bazaars are sensory overload in the best possible way. And the modern city — with its craft cocktail bars in Hauz Khas, its art galleries in Lodhi Colony, its metro system that actually works — sits alongside the ancient without contradiction.

This guide covers everything: the monuments, the food, the neighbourhoods, the transport, and the day trips to Agra and Jaipur. For other Asian cities, see our Bangkok guide, Hong Kong guide, or Tokyo guide.

Table of Contents

1. Top Attractions in Delhi
2. Delhi Street Food — India’s Greatest Food City
3. Old Delhi — Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid & the Mughal Quarter
4. Mughal Architecture — A World Heritage Trail
5. Restaurants, Cafes & Fine Dining
6. Delhi’s Neighbourhoods
7. Bazaars, Markets & Shopping
8. Art, Museums & Culture
9. Where to Stay — By Budget & Style
10. Getting Around Delhi
11. Best Time to Visit & Weather
12. The Air Quality Question
13. Day Trips from Delhi
14. Budget Tips & Money
15. Safety, Scams & Practical Information
16. Hidden Gems & Insider Tips
17. 2026 Travel Notes & Changes
18. Frequently Asked Questions

Top Attractions in Delhi

Note on ASI monument pricing: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) manages most major monuments. Indian citizens pay ₹35–40, foreigners ₹550–600 at major sites. Students with valid ISIC cards get 50% off. Check current prices at asi.payumoney.com.

1. Red Fort (Lal Qila)

The Red Fort is Delhi’s most iconic monument — a massive 17th-century fortress built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1638 when he moved his capital from Agra to Delhi. The fort’s red sandstone walls stretch 2.5 kilometres around a complex that includes the Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience), the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience — where the legendary Peacock Throne once stood), the Rang Mahal (Palace of Colours), and several museums. Every year on Independence Day (15 August), the Prime Minister hoists the national flag here and addresses the nation.

Price: ₹35 Indians / ₹600 foreigners. Light & Sound Show: ₹60–80 (Hindi/English, evenings). Hours: Tue–Sun 9:30–16:30 (closed Mondays). Getting there: Metro to Chandni Chowk (Yellow Line) or Lal Qila (Violet Line). Time needed: 1.5–2 hours.

2. Qutub Minar

The Qutub Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world — a 72.5-metre tower of red sandstone and marble, built in 1193 to mark the beginning of Muslim rule in India. The five-storey tower is exquisitely carved with Quranic verses and geometric patterns, and the surrounding Qutub Complex includes the ruined Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque (India’s first mosque, built from the pillars of 27 demolished Hindu and Jain temples), the mysterious iron pillar that has resisted rust for 1,600 years, and the unfinished Alai Minar — which was intended to be twice the height but was abandoned when Sultan Alauddin Khilji died.

Price: ₹35 Indians / ₹550 foreigners. Hours: Daily 7:00–17:00. Getting there: Metro to Qutub Minar (Yellow Line). Time needed: 1–1.5 hours.

3. Humayun’s Tomb

If you see one monument in Delhi, make it this one. Humayun’s Tomb, built in 1570, is the prototype for the Taj Mahal — a garden tomb set in geometrically perfect charbagh (four-part) gardens, with a central dome of white marble rising above red sandstone arches. It was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent, and its influence on Mughal architecture is impossible to overstate. The Aga Khan Trust has spent over ₹100 crore restoring the gardens to their Mughal splendour — the result is one of the most beautiful spaces in India.

Price: ₹35 Indians / ₹550 foreigners. Hours: Daily sunrise to sunset. Getting there: Metro to JLN Stadium (Violet Line), then 10-minute walk. Time needed: 1–1.5 hours.

4. Jama Masjid

India’s largest mosque, built by Shah Jahan between 1644 and 1656, can hold 25,000 worshippers. The courtyard is vast — a football field of red sandstone flanked by three great gates, two 40-metre minarets, and three onion domes of white marble striped with black. You can climb the southern minaret for a panoramic view of Old Delhi: a sea of rooftops, power lines, kites, and the distant silhouette of the Red Fort.

Price: Free entry. Minaret climb ₹100. Camera ₹200. Hours: Daily 7:00–12:00 & 13:30–sunset (closed during prayer times). Dress code: Cover shoulders and knees; free robes available. Getting there: Walk from Chandni Chowk metro or Chawri Bazaar metro (Yellow Line).

5. India Gate & Kartavya Path

India Gate is a 42-metre war memorial modelled on the Arc de Triomphe, commemorating 82,000 Indian soldiers who died in World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. The surrounding Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath) is a grand ceremonial boulevard stretching from Rashtrapati Bhavan (the President’s residence) to India Gate — the stage for the Republic Day parade every 26 January. In 2022, the entire area was redesigned with new gardens, water features, and the reinstallation of the historic canopy as an eternal flame memorial.

Price: Free. Hours: 24/7 (illuminated at night). Getting there: Metro to Central Secretariat (Yellow/Violet Line), 15-minute walk. Best time: Evening when the monument is lit up and families gather for ice cream and snacks.

6. Lotus Temple (Bahá’í House of Worship)

This stunning lotus-shaped temple, completed in 1986, is one of Delhi’s most visited buildings — and one of the most striking pieces of modern architecture in India. The 27 free-standing marble “petals” arranged in clusters of three create a nine-sided structure that’s open to people of all faiths. The interior is a vast, silent prayer hall with no images, statues, or sermons — just natural light filtering through the marble. It has won numerous architectural awards.

Price: Free. Hours: Tue–Sun 9:00–17:30 (Apr–Sep until 19:00). Closed Mondays. Getting there: Metro to Kalkaji Mandir (Violet Line). Time needed: 30–45 minutes.

7. Akshardham Temple

Swaminarayan Akshardham is a sprawling modern Hindu temple complex opened in 2005, built entirely in pink sandstone and white marble without structural steel. The central monument is 43 metres tall, adorned with 20,000 carved figures of gods, saints, and wildlife. The complex includes a boat ride through 10,000 years of Indian culture, a musical fountain show (evenings), and beautifully manicured gardens. No phones, cameras, bags, or electronic devices are allowed inside — free lockers are provided.

Price: Free (exhibitions: ₹260 adults / ₹210 seniors / ₹160 children; musical fountain: ₹90). No online booking — tickets at premises only. Hours: Tue–Sun 9:30–18:30 (fountain show at 19:15, varies seasonally). Closed Mondays. Getting there: Metro to Akshardham (Blue Line). Time needed: 2–3 hours.

8. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

Delhi’s most prominent Sikh temple is both a place of worship and a lesson in radical generosity. The golden-domed gurudwara feeds up to 40,000 people every day through its langar (community kitchen) — free meals served to anyone regardless of religion, caste, or background. You can visit the kitchen (volunteers are always welcome), sit cross-legged on the floor for a vegetarian meal of dal, roti, and kheer, and experience one of the most moving expressions of communal faith you’ll find anywhere.

Price: Free. Hours: 24/7. Getting there: Near Connaught Place, walk from Patel Chowk metro (Yellow Line). Dress code: Cover your head (free scarves provided). Remove shoes. Time needed: 45 minutes–1 hour.

9. Lodhi Garden

A 90-acre park containing the 15th-century tombs of Sayyid and Lodi dynasty rulers, set among manicured lawns, palm-lined walkways, and a lake. Lodhi Garden is Delhi’s most pleasant green space — perfect for a morning jog, a picnic, or simply sitting on the grass watching parakeets and egrets. The tombs of Muhammad Shah and Sikandar Lodi are architecturally significant, and the garden has been sensitively restored.

Price: Free. Hours: Daily 6:00–20:00 (Apr–Sep), 6:00–19:30 (Oct–Mar). Getting there: Metro to Jor Bagh (Yellow Line). Best time: Early morning or late afternoon for the best light and bird activity.

10. Hauz Khas Complex

A 13th-century Islamic seminary and royal water tank (hauz) surrounded by the ruins of a madrasa, a mosque, and royal pavilions, all overlooking a lake full of egrets and turtles. The complex was built by Sultan Alauddin Khilji and expanded by Firoz Shah Tughlaq. Today, the ruins sit at the edge of Hauz Khas Village — a gentrified neighbourhood of boutiques, bars, restaurants, and art galleries. The contrast between 700-year-old Islamic architecture and craft cocktail bars is peak Delhi.

Price: Free. Hours: Daily sunrise to sunset. Getting there: Metro to Hauz Khas (Yellow/Magenta Line). Time needed: 1 hour (ruins) + 2–3 hours (village).

11. Nizamuddin Dargah

The shrine of Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya (1238–1325) is the spiritual heart of Delhi. Every Thursday evening, qawwali singers perform devotional music in the courtyard — voices soaring over harmonium and tabla, the crowd swaying, the air thick with incense and roses. It is one of the most intense and beautiful cultural experiences in India, and it is completely free. The surrounding basti (neighbourhood) is a labyrinth of narrow lanes, tombs (including the poet Amir Khusrau’s), and food stalls.

Price: Free. Hours: Daily; qawwali Thursdays from ~18:00–19:00 after evening prayers. Getting there: Walk from JLN Stadium metro (Violet Line) or Nizamuddin Railway Station. Dress code: Cover shoulders and knees. Women cover heads (scarves available).

12. Agrasen ki Baoli

A stunning 14th-century stepwell hidden in the middle of modern Delhi, Agrasen ki Baoli is 60 metres long and 15 metres wide, with 103 steps descending into darkness. The effect is dramatic and slightly eerie — the well was used as a filming location for the Bollywood horror film PK and has become an Instagram favourite. The acoustics are extraordinary: stand at the bottom and whisper, and your voice carries up the walls.

Price: Free. Hours: Daily 9:00–17:30. Getting there: Walk from Janpath metro (Violet Line) or Barakhamba Road metro (Blue Line). Time needed: 20–30 minutes.

Delhi Street Food — India’s Greatest Food City

Delhi’s street food is not a side attraction — it is the main event. The city has been a culinary capital for 400 years, ever since the Mughal emperors brought their court kitchens to the Red Fort. Today, the lanes of Old Delhi serve the same recipes that fed emperors, and the pavement stalls of New Delhi serve innovations that no restaurant can replicate. Eating in Delhi is an act of faith, and the faith is always rewarded.

The Butter Chicken Wars

Delhi is the birthplace of butter chicken, and two restaurants have been in a legal battle over who invented it. Moti Mahal (est. 1947 in Daryaganj) claims the dish was created by Kundan Lal Gujral, who recycled leftover tandoori chicken in a tomato-butter gravy. Daryaganj restaurant (est. 2019 in Connaught Place, run by Gujral’s descendants) claims the same lineage. A Delhi High Court case was filed in 2023, and as of 2026 the dispute remains unresolved. The truth? Both serve excellent butter chicken. Try both and judge for yourself. Moti Mahal is the original location and has the history; Daryaganj is modern, air-conditioned, and arguably more consistent. Expect ₹400–600 per portion at either.

Old Delhi Food Walk: The Essential Route

Start at Chandni Chowk metro and walk east along the main road:

1. Old Famous Jalebi Wala (Dariba Kalan corner) — crispy fresh jalebis from a stall that’s been here since 1884 (₹50/plate)
2. Paranthe Wali Gali — the famous lane of stuffed parathas. Try the rabri (sweet cream) parantha at Pt. Baburam (₹60–150)
3. Karim’s (off Matia Mahal lane behind Jama Masjid) — Delhi’s most famous Mughlai restaurant since 1913. Seekh kebabs, mutton burra, and nihari (₹200–500)
4. Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi (Kucha Pati Ram) — legendary kulfi-maker since 1906. Try the seasonal fruit kulfis: mango, sitaphal, paan (₹60–100)
5. Natraj Dahi Bhalla Corner (Chandni Chowk) — the city’s best dahi bhalla and aloo tikki (₹60–80)
6. Daulat ki Chaat vendors (winter mornings only, Chandni Chowk) — ethereal milk foam topped with saffron and pistachios (₹50–80)

Old Delhi — Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid & the Mughal Quarter

Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad) is a 17th-century walled city that still functions as one of the densest, most chaotic, and most fascinating urban environments on Earth. The main artery is Chandni Chowk — a broad boulevard built by Shah Jahan’s daughter in 1650, now reduced to a narrow lane clogged with cycle rickshaws, handcarts, pedestrians, motorcycles, cows, and occasionally an elephant. The lane was pedestrianised and redesigned in 2021 with heritage lampposts and cobblestones, but the chaos remains authentically intact.

Chandni Chowk Walking Route

From the metro station, walk east toward the Red Fort. Along the way:

• Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib — a major Sikh temple marking the spot where the ninth Sikh Guru was executed by Aurangzeb (free, remove shoes)
• Paranthe Wali Gali — turn right into the famous paratha lane
• Khari Baoli — Asia’s largest spice market. The air is thick with turmeric, chilli, and dried ginger. Stunning for photography. The wholesale dealers have been here for 400 years.
• Kinari Bazaar — wedding accessories, tinsel, sequins, embroidered fabrics
• Dariba Kalan — the silver and jewellery market, one of the oldest in Asia

Mughal Architecture — A World Heritage Trail

Delhi has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Red Fort (2007), Qutub Minar (1993), and Humayun’s Tomb (1993) — and dozens more monuments that would qualify in any other country. You could spend a week visiting only the Mughal and Sultanate-era ruins and still not see everything.

The Mughal Circuit (One Day)

1. Morning: Humayun’s Tomb + Nizamuddin Dargah (2–2.5 hours)
2. Midday: Red Fort + Chandni Chowk food walk (3 hours)
3. Afternoon: Jama Masjid minaret climb (1 hour)
4. Sunset: Back to Humayun’s Tomb for golden hour photos (if time permits)

The Sultanate Circuit (Half Day)

1. Morning: Qutub Minar complex (1.5 hours)
2. Walk: Mehrauli Archaeological Park — 200+ ruins in a forest setting (1 hour)
3. Lunch: Olive Bar & Kitchen or Qla at Mehrauli (splurge) or street stalls (budget)
4. Afternoon: Hauz Khas complex + village (1.5 hours)

Safdarjung’s Tomb

A lesser-known Mughal garden tomb (1754), often called the “last flicker of Mughal architecture.” It’s architecturally similar to Humayun’s Tomb but far less crowded. The garden is peaceful, the dome is elegant, and you’ll often have it almost to yourself. Price: ₹25 Indians / ₹300 foreigners. Metro: Jor Bagh (Yellow Line).

Restaurants, Cafés & Fine Dining

Delhi’s Best Restaurants

India does not yet have a Michelin Guide, but Delhi’s dining scene needs no external validation. The city regularly appears on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants and has some of the finest kitchens in Asia:

• Indian Accent — Chef Manish Mehrotra’s inventive modern Indian cuisine at The Lodhi hotel. Widely considered the best restaurant in India. Tasting menu ₹5,000–8,000 per person. Book weeks in advance.
• Bukhara (ITC Maurya) — North-western frontier grill, same menu for 40+ years. No cutlery, no plates — eat with your hands from copper trays. The dal bukhara (black lentils, 18 hours) is legendary. ₹5,500 for two. Obama, Clinton, and Putin have all eaten here.
• Dum Pukht (ITC Maurya) — Legendary slow-cooked Awadhi cuisine. The dum pukht biryani (sealed in dough and slow-cooked) is extraordinary. ₹4,000–6,000 for two.
• Karim’s — The Old Delhi institution since 1913. Mughlai kebabs and curries at street-food prices. ~₹850–900 for two. Open 9:00–00:30.
• Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra — Molecular Indian cuisine at DLF Place. ₹3,000–5,000 for two.

Best Restaurants by Cuisine

• Mughlai/North Indian: Karim’s (Old Delhi, ₹300–600 for two), Moti Mahal (Daryaganj, ₹600–900), Dum Pukht (ITC Maurya, splurge)
• Modern Indian: Indian Accent (The Lodhi, ₹7,500+ tasting), Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra (DLF Place, ₹3,000–5,000)
• South Indian: Saravana Bhavan (Connaught Place, ₹200–400), Naivedyam (Hauz Khas, ₹250–450)
• Chinese: Yauatcha (Ambience Mall, dim sum, ₹2,000–4,000), Chilli Duck (Greater Kailash, ₹1,200–2,000)
• Cafés: Blue Tokai (multiple locations — India’s best specialty coffee), Perch (Khan Market), The Piano Man Jazz Supper Club (Safdarjung Enclave)
• Craft Cocktails: PCO (Mehrauli, speakeasy behind a phone booth), Sidecar (The Oberoi), Cocktails & Dreams (Gurugram)

Delhi’s Neighbourhoods

Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad)

The Mughal walled city: Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, the great bazaars. Sensory overload. The best street food in India. Come in the morning, eat everything, leave overwhelmed and happy.

New Delhi / Lutyens’ Delhi

The imperial capital designed by Edwin Lutyens in the 1920s: India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament House, the grand boulevards. Wide roads, bougainvillea, diplomatic enclaves. Connaught Place (CP) is the commercial heart — a Georgian-style circular market with restaurants, shops, and the Palika Bazaar underground market.

Hauz Khas

South Delhi’s trendiest neighbourhood. Medieval Islamic ruins beside craft cocktail bars. Hauz Khas Village is the nexus: boutiques, cafes, art galleries, rooftop restaurants. The Deer Park next door is peaceful for morning walks.

Mehrauli

Home to Qutub Minar and the Mehrauli Archaeological Park (200+ ruins). The One Style Mile complex houses some of Delhi’s best restaurants (Olive, Magique, Qla). Mehrauli is also where you’ll find Sufi music nights and the Phool Walon ki Sair (flower sellers’ festival) in October.

Lodhi Colony

A quiet residential area transformed into Delhi’s outdoor street art gallery. Over 50 murals by international artists cover entire buildings. Free to explore on foot. Combine with Lodhi Garden next door.

Paharganj

The classic backpacker quarter, directly opposite New Delhi Railway Station. Budget hotels, travel agents, fabric shops, and the legendary Sita Ram Diwan Chand chole bhature. Gritty, chaotic, and authentic. Not for everyone, but the food alone makes it worth a visit.

Khan Market

Delhi’s poshest shopping street: independent bookshops (Bahrisons, Faqir Chand), designer boutiques, quality restaurants, and excellent cafes (Perch, Big Chill). Consistently rated one of the most expensive retail streets in the world (by rent per square foot).

Saket / Select Citywalk

Modern south Delhi: Select Citywalk mall (Delhi’s best), the Garden of Five Senses (landscaped park, ₹35), and the Saket metro hub. If you need air conditioning, Western brands, and a multiplex cinema, this is where Delhi’s middle class shops.

Bazaars, Markets & Shopping

Historic Bazaars (Old Delhi)

• Chandni Chowk — the main artery. Everything from electronics to wedding clothes.
• Khari Baoli — Asia’s largest spice market. Buy whole spices by weight at wholesale prices. The sensory experience is overwhelming.
• Kinari Bazaar — wedding accessories, decorations, sequins, tinsel. Incredibly photogenic.
• Dariba Kalan — silver jewellery since the Mughal era. The oldest market street in Delhi.
• Meena Bazaar — near Jama Masjid. Embroidered fabrics, attar (natural perfume), traditional shoes (mojari).

Modern Markets

• Dilli Haat — a government-run open-air craft market at INA (₹30 Indians / ₹100 foreigners). Handicrafts from all Indian states, plus regional food stalls. Excellent for souvenirs.
• Sarojini Nagar Market — Delhi’s factory-reject paradise. Export-surplus Western brands at 80–90% off. Chaotic, crowded, and addictive. Negotiate aggressively.
• Khan Market — upscale boutiques, books, homewares.
• Select Citywalk (Saket) — Delhi’s best mall. Zara, H&M, Apple, plus excellent food court.
• Janpath Market — tourist-oriented market near Connaught Place. Tibetan jewellery, textiles, leather goods. Heavy bargaining required.

Art, Museums & Culture

National Museum

India’s largest museum, housed on Janpath since 1949. The collection spans 5,000 years: Harappan artefacts, Mughal miniature paintings, Buddhist sculptures from Gandhara, royal textiles, and decorative arts. Important 2026 note: The museum was scheduled to relocate as part of the Central Vista redevelopment, but as of April 2026 it remains open at its current location. Check before visiting. Price: ₹20 Indians / ₹650 foreigners. Hours: Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00.

National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA)

India’s premier modern art museum, near India Gate. Works by Raja Ravi Varma, Amrita Sher-Gil, MF Husain, and contemporary Indian artists. The building (a former maharaja’s residence) is architecturally interesting. Price: ₹20 Indians / ₹500 foreigners. Hours: Tue–Sun 11:00–18:00.

Lodhi Art District

India’s first public art district: over 50 large-scale murals on residential buildings, painted by Indian and international street artists since 2016. Free, open-air, and best explored on foot or by rickshaw. Start at the Lodhi Colony metro and walk through the residential lanes.

Dastkar Nature Bazaar

A seasonal craft fair at Andheria Modh (near Qutub Minar) showcasing traditional Indian textiles, pottery, jewellery, and handloom from artisan cooperatives. Held periodically — check dates. Far more authentic than tourist markets.

Where to Stay — By Budget & Style

Aerocity — The Airport Hotel District

If you have an early flight or late arrival, Aerocity is a purpose-built hotel district 5 minutes from Terminal 3. JW Marriott, Pullman, ibis, Holiday Inn, Lemon Tree — all connected to the Airport Express metro. Clean, modern, and convenient but soulless. Good for a transit night, not for exploring the city.

Getting Around Delhi

Delhi Metro

Delhi’s metro is the best way to get around — clean, air-conditioned, efficient, and cheap. The network covers 393 km with 12 lines and 288+ stations (as of 2026, including the new Ring Metro). A single journey costs ₹11–64 depending on distance (fares revised August 2025). Smart card users get 10% off, plus an additional 10% during off-peak hours. Get a National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) or a stored-value token at any station. The Airport Express Line connects Terminal 3 to New Delhi Station in 20 minutes (₹60).

Key Metro Lines for Tourists

• Yellow Line: Most useful — connects HUDA City Centre to Vishwavidyalaya via Qutub Minar, Hauz Khas, AIIMS, Rajiv Chowk (Connaught Place), Chandni Chowk
• Violet Line: Kashmere Gate to Ballabhgarh via JLN Stadium (Humayun’s Tomb), Lal Qila (Red Fort), Sarai Kale Khan
• Blue Line: Dwarka to Vaishali/Noida via Rajiv Chowk (interchange), Akshardham, Mandi House (theatres)
• Airport Express: New Delhi Station → Terminal 3 in 20 min (₹60)
• Magenta Line: Janakpuri West to Botanical Garden via Hauz Khas (interchange), Terminal 1 domestic airport

From the Airport

• Airport Express metro: T3 to New Delhi Station, 20 min, ₹60. Best option.
• Delhi Metro Magenta Line: T1 domestic to Hauz Khas and south Delhi.
• Prepaid taxi: Booths inside the arrivals hall. ₹400–800 to most locations. Fixed price, no scams.
• Uber/Ola: ₹350–600 to central Delhi. Use the app pickup point outside arrivals. Surge pricing applies at peak times (morning, late evening).

Auto-Rickshaws & Taxis

• Auto-rickshaws: Flag fall ₹30 (first 1.5 km), then ₹11/km. Night surcharge 25% (11 PM–5 AM). Always demand the meter or use the Delhi Traffic Police fare chart. Most drivers will quote a flat fare 2–3x the meter rate — negotiate or walk to the next one.
• Uber/Ola: ₹10–12/km for Mini, ₹14–17/km for Sedan. Surge multiplier 1.2–2.5x during rush hours (8–10 AM, 6–9 PM). Use for anything beyond walking distance from a metro station.
• Cycle rickshaws: Old Delhi and Chandni Chowk only. ₹30–100 per ride (negotiate). The only sane way to navigate the narrow lanes.

Best Time to Visit & Weather

Best months: October–November (post-monsoon, warm, clear skies, Diwali) and February–March (spring, Holi, ideal temperatures). December–January is pleasant but fog can delay flights and reduce visibility. April onwards is punishingly hot.

The Air Quality Question

Let’s be honest: Delhi has some of the worst air pollution in the world, and from November to February it can be genuinely harmful. The AQI (Air Quality Index) regularly exceeds 300 (hazardous) in November–December, when crop burning in neighbouring Punjab and Haryana combines with cold, still air to create a toxic smog that reduces visibility, irritates lungs, and makes outdoor sightseeing unpleasant.

How to Manage It

• Check the AQI daily: Use the IQAir app or aqicn.org. Below 100 is acceptable. Above 200, limit outdoor time. Above 300, wear an N95 mask outdoors.
• Pack N95/KN95 masks: They make a real difference on bad days.
• Indoor alternatives: Museums (National Museum, NGMA), malls (Select Citywalk), restaurants, Akshardham (indoors), temple interiors.
• Best air quality months: March–October. March–April is ideal: warm, clear, pre-monsoon.
• Worst months: November (Diwali fireworks + crop burning) and December–January (winter inversion).

Day Trips from Delhi

1. Agra & the Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is 230 km from Delhi — doable as a day trip but exhausting. The Gatimaan Express (India’s fastest train, 160 km/h) runs Delhi–Agra in 1 hour 40 minutes (₹750–1,500). Alternatively, the Shatabdi Express takes 2 hours (₹550–1,000). By car/taxi: 3–4 hours each way via the Yamuna Expressway.

Taj Mahal entry: ₹50 Indians / ₹1,100 foreigners (includes mausoleum). Hours: Sat–Thu sunrise–sunset, closed Fridays. Agra Fort: ₹50 / ₹550. Combined tip: Visit the Taj at sunrise (least crowded, best light), Agra Fort midmorning, and catch the afternoon Shatabdi back to Delhi.

2. Jaipur (The Pink City)

Jaipur is 280 km from Delhi — a long day trip (5 hours by car) or better as an overnight. The Vande Bharat Express runs Delhi–Jaipur in about 2 hours (₹1,000–2,000). Key sights: Amber Fort (₹200 Indians / ₹1,000 foreigners), Hawa Mahal (₹50 / ₹200), City Palace (₹200 / ₹700), Jantar Mantar (₹50 / ₹200). A composite ticket (₹600 Indians / ₹1,500 foreigners) covers 7 monuments over 2 days.

3. Mathura & Vrindavan

The birthplace of Lord Krishna, 180 km from Delhi. Mathura has the Krishna Janmasthan Temple (free) and the excellent Government Museum (₹20). Vrindavan, 15 km further, has over 5,000 temples. Best visited during Holi (March) when the celebrations are legendary. Train from Delhi: 2.5 hours on the Taj Express.

4. Neemrana Fort Palace

A stunning 15th-century hillfort converted into a heritage hotel, 122 km from Delhi on the Jaipur highway. Day visits include entry and lunch buffet (weekdays ₹1,700, weekends ₹2,000). Activities include zip-lining across the ramparts, vintage car rides, and Ayurvedic spa treatments. The views of the Aravalli hills from the fort are spectacular.

5. Rishikesh & Haridwar

The yoga capital of India, 230 km north in the Himalayan foothills. A long day trip (5–7 hours each way by road) — better as an overnight. Key experiences: Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat (Haridwar, free), river rafting, Beatles Ashram, Lakshman Jhula (note: the original bridge is closed, a new one is nearby). The Vande Bharat Express from Delhi to Haridwar runs in about 4.5 hours.

Budget Tips & Money

Money Tips

• Cash is king: Street food vendors, auto-rickshaws, and bazaars are cash-only. ATMs are everywhere (SBI, HDFC, ICICI). Withdraw in larger amounts to minimise ATM fees.
• UPI payments: India’s Unified Payments Interface (PhonePe, Google Pay) is accepted almost everywhere in formal shops and restaurants. Some tourists can set up UPI with an Indian bank account — but cash is simpler.
• Tipping: ₹20–50 for auto-rickshaws (rounding up), 10% at restaurants (if no service charge), ₹50–100 for guides, ₹20–30 for porters.
• Avoid airport money changers: Poor rates. Use ATMs or carry USD/EUR and change at authorised dealers in Connaught Place (RBI-licensed).

Safety, Scams & Practical Information

Common Scams

• “The monument is closed today” — a tout near the Red Fort or Jama Masjid will tell you it’s closed and offer to take you shopping instead. It is not closed. Walk to the gate and check yourself.
• Auto-rickshaw detour: The driver takes you to a “government tourism office” (it’s a travel agent who will sell you an overpriced tour). Insist on your destination. Use Uber/Ola if in doubt.
• Gem export scam: A friendly man near Connaught Place offers to sell you gemstones that you can resell at home for profit. The gems are worthless glass.
• New Delhi Railway Station confusion: The station area is thick with touts. Walk directly to the official IRCTC office inside the station. Ignore anyone who approaches you outside.
• “Free” shoe-minding at temples: A man offers to watch your shoes (which you must remove). He demands ₹200 when you return. Use the official shoe deposit or carry a plastic bag.

Safety Tips

• Delhi is generally safe for tourists but petty theft and scams are common at tourist sites. Use common sense.
• Women travellers: Dress conservatively (shoulders and knees covered). Avoid isolated areas after dark. Use Uber/Ola rather than auto-rickshaws at night. The metro has a women-only coach (first coach) on every train.
• Water: Never drink tap water. Bottled water everywhere (₹20). Check the seal is intact.
• Food safety: Eat at busy stalls. Avoid pre-cut fruit, ice from street vendors, and uncooked vegetables at budget restaurants.
• Emergency: Police 100, Ambulance 102, Tourist Helpline 1800-111-363 (free).

Visa

Most nationalities can apply for an e-Visa online (indianvisaonline.gov.in). The 30-day tourist e-Visa costs $10–25 depending on nationality and season. A 1-year multiple-entry e-Visa is $40, and 5-year options are available for some nationalities. Apply at least 4 days before travel (up to 120 days in advance). Passport must be valid for 6+ months with 2 blank pages. On arrival, the e-Visa queue at Delhi airport is separate and usually faster.

Hidden Gems & Insider Tips

• Mehrauli Archaeological Park: 200+ ruins from the 10th to 19th century, spread through a forest next to Qutub Minar. Free, rarely crowded, extraordinarily atmospheric. The Jamali Kamali tomb and mosque are Mughal architecture at its most intimate.
• Sunder Nursery: A restored Mughal-era garden next to Humayun’s Tomb, opened in 2018. ₹35 entry. Stunning landscaping, rare trees, and six restored 16th-century tombs. One of the best-kept secrets in Delhi.
• Chor Bazaar (Thieves’ Market): Sunday morning at Daryaganj. Old books, vintage electronics, Bollywood posters, colonial-era curios. Arrive by 8:00 AM for the best finds.
• Majnu ka Tila: A Tibetan colony near Delhi University with excellent Tibetan food (momos, thukpa, tingmo) at rock-bottom prices. The narrow lanes feel like a mini Dharamsala. Lhasa Restaurant is the standout.
• Daulat ki Chaat: Only available November–February, only in the morning, only from street vendors in Chandni Chowk. Whisked milk foam collected before dawn, topped with saffron and pistachios. One of the most ephemeral and beautiful foods in India.
• Agrasen ki Baoli at dusk: The stepwell is officially closed at 17:30, but visit just before closing when the shadows create an extraordinary geometric pattern down the steps. Barely anyone around.

2026 Travel Notes & Changes

• Noida International Airport (Jewar): India’s newest mega-airport, 72 km south of Delhi, was inaugurated on 28 March 2026 by PM Modi. As of April 2026, commercial flights have not yet started (expected May–June 2026). Initial routes will include Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and others, with IndiGo and Akasa Air confirmed. International flights expected September 2026.
• IGI Terminal 1: Fully reopened 15 April 2025 after the June 2024 canopy collapse. Terminal 2 remains closed for renovation.
• India’s First Ring Metro: Inaugurated 8 March 2026 — the Pink Line now forms a complete circle (~71.5 km). Magenta Line extended to 49 km with 7 new stations.
• Central Vista redevelopment: The massive government redevelopment project continues. The new Parliament Building (Sansad Bhavan) opened in 2023. The National Museum may relocate but remains open as of April 2026.
• Delhi Metro Phase IV: Several new corridor extensions are under construction, including Janakpuri West–RK Ashram Marg (Silver Line) and Aerocity–Tughlakabad. Some stations may be under construction.
• E-Visa updates: India expanded the e-Visa to more nationalities in 2024. The 30-day, 1-year, and 5-year tourist e-Visa categories are available. Processing time is typically 3–4 business days.
• 2026 Festival dates: Republic Day: 26 January. Holi: 4 March. Dussehra: 20 October. Diwali: 8 November (book hotels early, air quality deteriorates sharply). Christmas markets at Select Citywalk and Khan Market.
• Heat records: Delhi recorded its highest-ever temperature of 52.9°C in May 2024. Summer 2025 was also extreme. If visiting April–June, stay indoors 11:00–16:00 and carry water everywhere.
• Kartavya Path: The redesigned central boulevard (formerly Rajpath) is now fully open with new gardens, water features, and public spaces. India Gate area is pleasant for evening walks.

Frequently Asked Questions