One corner of India’s Golden Triangle, which also includes Agra and Jaipur, Delhi is a pulsing urban sprawl of attractions new and old, where visitors find vestiges of ancient kingdoms and colonial-era buildings coexisting with signs of modern development. India’s capital is home to the country’s largest mosque, Jama Masjid, as well as the vermillion Red Fort, the remarkable Baha’i Lotus Temple, and the colorful Chandi Chowk market. Besides eating like a local, haggling at the bazaars, or visiting the spiritual sights in New and Old Delhi, you can use the city as a perfect jumping-off point for a day trip to the Taj Mahal or Rajasthan.
Delhi’s summers are oppressively hot, and the winters are short but cold and foggy. The best time to visit is between these periods, especially after the monsoon when the air is clear and rain is unlikely, October–November. Major Hindu festivals can be a lively and interesting time to visit, especially Dussehra (October), Diwali (November), and Holi (March), although avoid these times if you dislike crowds.
The Delhi Metro makes getting around the city very easy. The underground and aboveground trains are regular, affordable, air-conditioned, and reach most sites of interest to tourists. There are also separate carriages for women, which can be more comfortable than traveling in mixed carriages. Tuk-tuks (auto-rickshaws) and taxis are also widely available and fill the gaps where the metro doesn’t reach. Buses are usually crowded and are subject to heavy traffic delays.
Delhi is a huge city with many different neighborhoods (or “colonies,” as they’re often called here). While many travelers stay in or around Paharganj or Karol Bagh, there are more appealing places with fewer tourist-focused scams. You can find independent guesthouses and homestays in quieter, more atmospheric neighborhoods such as Hauz Khas, Nizamuddin East, Defence Colony, Lajpat Nagar, or Greater Kailash.
Local Currency Indian Rupee (₹) | Time Zone IST (UTC +5) | Country Code +91 | Language(s) Hindi | Attractions 62 | Tours 5,972 | Reviews 59,851 |
Elen studied Hindi in Delhi and has been told (on more than one occasion) that she speaks Hindi with a Delhi accent. It’s her favourite city in India, and she returns at every opportunity.
visit Humayun’s Tomb. The formal Persian gardens are so peaceful, and the beautiful tomb is a stunning precursor to the more famous Taj Mahal.
Spend the day in Hauz Khas Village, eating in the fantastic restaurants, browsing the boutiques, and wandering amid the ruins and deer park.
Old Delhi. The main artery, Chandni Chowk, is congested and a bit overwhelming, but if you take a walking tour, you’ll discover all the best local spots down back alleys.
Instead of staying in Paharganj, find accommodation in upmarket Defence Colony, Nizamuddin West, or Hauz Khas Village.
climb to the top of one of the minarets at the Jama Masjid in Old Delhi.
is leaving Delhi as soon as they arrive. Many people transit through without stopping on the way to Rajasthan or Agra, but there’s thousands of years of magnificent history and culture to explore here too.
New Delhi is one of 11 districts that make up the megacity of Delhi; many of its buildings and landmarks were constructed under the British just over a century ago. Notable sights include colonial-era houses in Lutyens’ Delhi, India Gate memorial, Indira Gandhi house, and the presidential residence, Rashtrapati Bhavan.
...MoreMost tourists in Delhi explore the Mughal-era district of Old Delhi and other heritage sites scattered throughout the bustling capital. Old Delhi is home to two blockbuster attractions: the Red Fort and Jama Masjid. Many visit Humayun’s Tomb and the colonnaded shops of Connaught Place (or CP), and sample restaurants.
...MoreTake the metro to Chandni Chowk station and explore Old Delhi by foot or rickshaw. Try a food-related tour to sample the district’s street food offerings, from sticky fried jalebi sweets to Mughal-inspired kebabs. Browse pedestrian districts such as Hauz Khas or Khan Market, and stroll through ruin-dotted Lodhi Gardens.
...MoreDelhi attractions span nearly 1,000 years. Star with the ruins of Tughlaqabad Fort or Qutub Minar. Then, visit later landmarks: Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Humayun’s Tomb, Hauz Khas complex, and Lodhi Gardens. Add British-built sites, from Connaught Place to India Gate, and the Akshardham temple, a 21st-century icon.
...MoreYes. Delhi is a historically rich and culturally significant Indian city. It's the capital and a major hub for museums, heritage sites, food, and shopping. Some use it as a hub for the classic “Golden Triangle” itinerary to Agra and Jaipur, but Delhi offers plenty to do on its own.
...MoreYes and no. Delhi is a sprawling megacity of almost 20 million people. It can feel safe—in part because of tight-knit neighborhoods, many of which are gated nightly. Still, exercise caution and be on the lookout for pickpockets and scammers. Take trusted transportation and communicate with your hotel directly.
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