Located on the banks of the Yamuna River in the very north of the country, Delhi is a whirlwind of a capital city that manages to squeeze in some 13 million people along with a huge number of tourists. For many, this is the gateway to the subcontinent, a daunting destination for the first-time visitor to Asia but a place in which there are always numerous highlights to go with the traffic jams, scams and smog.
What it is: The capital of India and one of its largest cities, where ancient forts, Mughal tombs, colonial boulevards, and modern chaos all coexist.
Affordability: Very budget-friendly, with cheap transport, street food, and accommodations, though luxury options are also available.
Safety: Mixed; tourist areas are generally safe, but scams, petty theft, and harassment can occur, especially for solo travelers.
Popularity: One of India’s most-visited cities, often the entry point for travelers exploring the Golden Triangle.
Tourist Infrastructure: Well-developed, with a metro system, abundant transport options, and a full range of hotels and guesthouses.
Accommodation Options: Budget guesthouses, heritage hotels, mid-range stays, backpacker hostels, and luxury chains.
Dining Scene: Incredible street food, North Indian curries, Mughlai specialties, and international cuisine across all price points.
Nightlife: Patchy but growing, with upscale bars, speakeasies, clubs, and live music venues mostly in South and Central Delhi.
Weather: Extreme, scorching summers, chilly winters, a short monsoon season, and high pollution in cooler months.
Best Time to Go: October to March, when the weather is cooler and festivals are in full swing.
Known For: Red Fort, street food, bazaars, Mughal architecture, chaos, spirituality, colonial landmarks, political power.
Top Attractions: Red Fort • Humayun’s Tomb • Qutub Minar • India Gate • Lotus Temple • Jama Masjid • Chandni Chowk • Lodhi Gardens.
- Population: Approximately 19 million in the city and metropolitan area.
- Emergency Numbers: 112 for police, fire, and medical emergencies.
- Time Zone: India Standard Time (IST), UTC +5:30 (no daylight saving time).
- Currency: Indian Rupee (₹ INR); ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted in many places.
- Language: Hindi and English are official languages; many other regional languages are also spoken.
- Electricity: Standard voltage is 230V; plugs are type C, D, and M (Indian and European-style plugs).
- Internet: Good coverage; free Wi-Fi is available in many hotels, cafes, and some public spaces.
- Convenience stores: Found across the city, 24SEVEN, Easyday, and local kirana (small neighborhood) shops are common.
- Nearest International Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport (about 10 miles / 16 km southwest of the city center).
- Trivia: Delhi has been the capital of several empires, and its Red Fort and Qutub Minar are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Iconic Local Foods: Must-try dishes include chaat, butter chicken, kebabs, and parathas.
- Fun Fact: Delhi’s metro system is one of the largest in the world and includes a museum dedicated to its history inside Patel Chowk station.
Delhi, India’s sprawling capital, is a city of striking contrasts, where ancient Mughal monuments sit alongside modern skyscrapers and vibrant bazaars. Most tourists come to explore landmarks like the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, India Gate, and Humayun’s Tomb, as well as to visit the bustling markets and sample the city’s incredible street food. Beyond the historic sights, Delhi offers museums, gardens, and a fascinating blend of cultures and traditions.
What makes Delhi unique is its sheer depth of history combined with its role as the political and cultural heart of India. It’s a city that has been built and rebuilt by successive empires, leaving layers of architecture, cuisine, and customs.
Top attractions include the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, Lotus Temple, and Akshardham Temple. Chandni Chowk is a must for market lovers, and a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi’s maze-like streets offers a memorable experience.
The Indian capital is a huge expanse of a city, loosely split up into two main sections - the new and old cities - and numerous districts. Backpackers head to the guesthouse mecca Paharganj, close to the New Delhi Railway Station, with areas like Chanakyapuri and Connaught Place offering more upscale lodgings.
Delhi is a city featuring a bewildering array of religious temples, monasteries and shrines. Hindu temples are unsurprisingly abundant, but there are also a huge number of impressive mosques alongside places of worship of lesser-known religions like the Lotus Temple of the Bahai faith. Delhi features two impressive UNESCO World Heritage sites, the most popular being Humayun’s tomb, the second emperor of the Mughals. South Delhi’s Qutb Complex is also UNESCO-protected, featuring picturesque gardens, a 73-meter high minaret dating back more than 800 years and the ruins of the city’s first mosque, among other attractions.
For lodging, Connaught Place is central and convenient for sightseeing, while South Delhi (like Hauz Khas and Greater Kailash) offers a more upscale, quieter stay. Paharganj is popular for budget travelers. Accommodations range from luxury hotels and heritage properties to hostels and guesthouses.
Getting around can be hectic but manageable with the extensive Delhi Metro, auto-rickshaws, and taxis (ride-hailing apps like Ola and Uber work well). Traffic is heavy, so allow extra time for road travel.
Dining is a highlight, try Delhi’s famous street food like chaat, butter chicken, parathas, and kebabs, or enjoy fine dining at upscale Indian restaurants. Nightlife is scattered but growing, with rooftop bars, lounges, and live music venues. Shopping ranges from bustling street markets (like Sarojini Nagar) to modern malls and artisan craft shops.
Delhi is generally safe in tourist areas, but petty theft and scams can happen, stay alert, especially in crowded places. Air quality is a major concern, especially in winter months, and visitors should be prepared for hot summers and cool winters.
Why Go to Delhi?
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Historic Monuments: Explore landmarks from the Mughal and British eras.
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Incredible Food: Savor some of India’s best street food and classic dishes.
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Rich Culture: Experience a mix of Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, and colonial influences.
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Bustling Markets: Shop in vibrant bazaars and artisan craft markets.
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Gateway to North India: Start your journey to the Taj Mahal, Jaipur, and other iconic spots.
Who Might Not Enjoy Delhi?
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Travelers Sensitive to Pollution: Air quality can be poor, especially in winter.
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Those Averse to Crowds & Noise: Delhi is busy, chaotic, and overwhelming at times.
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Visitors Expecting Spotless Cleanliness: The city’s infrastructure is improving, but sanitation varies by area.
What’s Cool
Red Fort and Jama Masjid, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, India Gate and Rajpath, Lotus Temple, bustling Chandni Chowk market, street food (chaat, kebabs), vibrant Connaught Place, museums (National Museum, Gandhi Smriti), Lodhi Gardens, film spots (Slumdog Millionaire, The Lunchbox), rich mix of ancient and modern culture.
What’s Not
Heavy traffic and congestion, high air pollution, hot and humid summers, chaotic streets, language barriers outside tourist areas, persistent touts and scams, crowded public transport, water and food safety concerns, noisy environment, complex metro system for newcomers, long security lines at landmarks, winter smog.
Delhi is located in northern India, straddling the banks of the Yamuna River, about 220 km (137 miles) south of Chandigarh. It’s the capital city and a major political, cultural, and commercial hub. Indira Gandhi International Airport is the primary entry point, and the city has an extensive metro, bus, and rickshaw network.
Covering around 1,484 km² (573 mi²), Delhi consists of Old Delhi, New Delhi, and sprawling residential and commercial districts. Key areas include Connaught Place, Karol Bagh, Paharganj, South Delhi, and Old Delhi.
Most tourists stay around Connaught Place, Paharganj, or South Delhi for central access to landmarks, shopping, and transport.
Connaught Place
Connaught Place (CP) is Delhi’s commercial heart, known for its colonial architecture, central location, and mix of business and leisure activities.
- Accommodations: (Mid-Range to High-End) – Chain hotels and boutique stays.
- Nearby Attractions: Jantar Mantar • India Gate • National Museum
- Dining: (Varied) – Indian and international restaurants.
- Nightlife: (Moderate) – Pubs, lounges, and cafés.
- Shopping: (Excellent) – Malls, markets, and branded stores.
Paharganj
Paharganj, near New Delhi Railway Station, is known for its backpacker vibe, cheap stays, and vibrant street life.
- Accommodations: (Budget) – Hostels and budget hotels.
- Nearby Attractions: Ajmeri Gate • Ramakrishna Mission
- Dining: (Casual) – Street food and budget cafés.
- Nightlife: (Low-Key) – Bars and rooftop cafés.
- Shopping: (Cheap) – Markets and souvenir shops.
Karol Bagh
Karol Bagh is a bustling shopping district popular for budget stays and large markets, offering a mix of local life and commerce.
- Accommodations: (Budget to Mid-Range) – Guesthouses and hotels.
- Nearby Attractions: Ajmal Khan Road Market • Hanuman Temple
- Dining: (Local) – Indian eateries and food stalls.
- Nightlife: (Minimal) – Local bars.
- Shopping: (Top-Tier) – Clothing, jewelry, and electronics markets.
South Delhi
South Delhi is a leafy, upscale area home to embassies, shopping malls, and cultural landmarks. It’s preferred for a quieter, more polished environment.
- Accommodations: (Mid-Range to High-End) – Luxury hotels and boutique stays.
- Nearby Attractions: Qutub Minar • Lotus Temple • Hauz Khas Village
- Dining: (Upscale) – Fine dining and global cuisine.
- Nightlife: (Lively) – Trendy bars and clubs.
- Shopping: (Luxury) – Malls and designer boutiques.
Old Delhi
Old Delhi is a densely packed historic area famous for its narrow lanes, markets, and Mughal-era landmarks, attracting cultural enthusiasts.
- Accommodations: (Budget to Mid-Range) – Guesthouses and small hotels.
- Nearby Attractions: Red Fort • Jama Masjid • Chandni Chowk
- Dining: (Authentic) – Mughlai cuisine and street food.
- Nightlife: (Minimal) – Mostly quiet after dark.
- Shopping: (Bustling) – Traditional markets and spice shops.
Aerocity
Aerocity is a modern, well-planned district near the airport, popular with business travelers and transit passengers.
- Accommodations: (High-End) – Luxury hotels and business stays.
- Nearby Attractions: Worldmark Complex
- Dining: (Upscale) – Global cuisine and fine dining.
- Nightlife: (Chic) – Hotel bars and lounges.
- Shopping: (Modern) – Duty-free and branded stores.