Overview
New Delhi is the capital of India and the administrative heart of the world's most populous democracy. It sits within the larger National Capital Territory of Delhi, a sprawling metropolitan region of roughly 30 million people on the banks of the Yamuna River in northern India.
The city layers thousands of years of history. Old Delhi — the walled city established by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century — sits alongside the planned colonial capital designed by Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker in the early 20th century, which in turn is surrounded by rapidly modernising commercial and residential districts. Visitors can move between these worlds within a single day.
Beyond the monuments, Delhi rewards travellers who slow down: the scent of spices in Khari Baoli market, a chai at a pavement stall in Nizamuddin, debates overheard in a Connaught Place café. It is a city that is simultaneously ancient, colonial, modern, and perpetually under construction.
Before You Go
Visas
Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter India. Requirements vary by nationality and can change. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official website of India's Bureau of Immigration for current rules before booking.
Health
- Consult a travel medicine professional at least 4–6 weeks before departure regarding recommended vaccinations and prophylactics.
- Tap water is not considered safe to drink; stick to sealed bottled water or a reliable filtration method.
- Air quality in Delhi can be poor, particularly from October through January when crop-burning smoke combines with urban pollution. Travellers with respiratory conditions should monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) and carry any necessary medication.
- Travel health insurance that covers hospitalisation and medical evacuation is strongly recommended.
What to Pack
- Modest clothing is appropriate for religious sites; both men and women should carry a scarf or shawl that can cover shoulders and head.
- Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are useful on uneven surfaces in Old Delhi.
- A good quality face mask can help on high-pollution days.
Getting There
By Air
Indira Gandhi International Airport (IATA: DEL) is one of South Asia's busiest hubs, with direct connections to destinations across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. The airport has three passenger terminals; international flights typically use Terminal 3. Verify your terminal when booking.
Airport to City
The Delhi Metro Airport Express Line connects Terminal 3 to New Delhi Railway Station in roughly 20 minutes and is widely regarded as the most reliable way to reach the city centre. Pre-paid taxis and app-based ride services (Ola, Uber) are available from designated bays outside the arrivals hall. Verify current fares at the prepaid counter or within the app before boarding.
By Train
Delhi is the hub of India's extensive rail network. New Delhi Railway Station, Old Delhi Railway Station, and Hazrat Nizamuddin are the three main terminals serving long-distance trains. Booking in advance through the Indian Railways IRCTC platform is strongly recommended, especially during major festivals and school holidays.
By Road
Interstate bus services connect Delhi to Agra, Jaipur, Chandigarh, and many other cities. Services range from basic state buses to private air-conditioned coaches; quality varies considerably, so research operators before booking.
Getting Around
Delhi Metro
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) network covers most parts of the city and is the fastest, most predictable way to travel between major sights. Tokens are available at station counters, and stored-value smart cards reduce per-journey costs. The metro runs from approximately 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.; verify current hours on the DMRC website.
Auto-Rickshaws and Cycle Rickshaws
Auto-rickshaws are ubiquitous and useful for short journeys, particularly in Old Delhi where streets are narrow. Insist on the meter or agree a price before boarding. Cycle rickshaws remain practical in the lanes of Chandni Chowk.
App-Based Ride Services
Ola and Uber operate throughout Delhi and typically offer fixed fares visible before booking, which removes haggling. Surge pricing applies at peak times.
On Foot
Walking is practical in specific zones — Connaught Place, Lodi Garden, and parts of New Delhi's government district — but can be challenging in Old Delhi due to traffic and crowd density. Pavements are inconsistent; watch for uneven surfaces.
Things to See & Do
Mughal and Medieval Heritage
- Red Fort (Lal Qila): The sandstone citadel completed in 1648 is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the ceremonial heart of Indian Independence Day. Verify current admission fees and opening hours on arrival or via the Archaeological Survey of India website.
- Jama Masjid: One of India's largest mosques, built by Shah Jahan in the 17th century. Dress modestly; a robe is available at the entrance if needed. Closed to non-worshippers during prayer times.
- Humayun's Tomb: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important precursor to the Taj Mahal in Mughal funerary architecture. The surrounding gardens have been extensively restored.
- Qutub Minar: A 73-metre minaret dating to the 12th century, the tallest brick minaret in the world. The surrounding complex contains ruins from several medieval dynasties.
Colonial and Modern Delhi
- Rajpath / Kartavya Path and India Gate: The ceremonial boulevard and war memorial are best visited in the cooler morning or late afternoon.
- Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Palace): The gardens and museum sections are open to the public on select dates; check the official Rashtrapati Bhavan website for current access.
- Lodhi Garden: A well-maintained park containing 15th- and 16th-century tombs, popular with joggers and birdwatchers.
Spiritual Sites
- Akshardham Temple: A large Hindu temple complex opened in 2005, notable for its intricate stone carvings. Photography restrictions apply inside; check current rules before visiting.
- Nizamuddin Dargah: The shrine of Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya attracts devotees every day, with particularly atmospheric qawwali (devotional music) performances on Thursday evenings.
- Gurudwara Bangla Sahib: An important Sikh temple that also operates a free community kitchen (langar) open to all, regardless of faith.
- Lotus Temple (Bahá'í House of Worship): An architecturally distinctive structure open to visitors of all religions.
Museums
- National Museum, Janpath: Houses an extensive collection spanning Indian art, archaeology, and history.
- National Gallery of Modern Art: Three venues across India; the Delhi branch is in a building near India Gate.
- Crafts Museum (National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy): Demonstrates traditional crafts from across India and has a good on-site shop for authentic crafts.
Food & Drink
Old Delhi's Street Food
Chandni Chowk and the lanes around it are arguably the best street-food zone in India. Iconic items include paratha from the Paranthe Wali Gali alley, nihari (slow-cooked meat stew), jalebi, and kulfi. Many of the most beloved stalls have operated for generations. Eat where you see high turnover, and favour freshly cooked items.
Regional Cuisines
Delhi's status as a migration hub means it offers credible versions of cuisines from across the subcontinent: Punjabi dhabas serving dal makhani and butter chicken, South Indian filter-coffee and dosa restaurants, Bengali sweets shops, and Kashmiri wazwan specialists. Mughlai cuisine — rich biryanis, kormas, and kebabs — is particularly well represented.
Karim's and Similar Old-Delhi Institutions
Karim's near Jama Masjid has been operating since the early 20th century and is one of the most famous Mughlai restaurants in the country. Expect queues at popular mealtimes.
Drinking
- Alcohol is available in licensed restaurants, hotels, and government-approved liquor shops. It is not served everywhere.
- Tea (chai) culture is central to daily life; a glass of milky, spiced chai from a street stall is both inexpensive and ubiquitous.
- Stick to sealed bottled water and be cautious with ice at unlicensed street stalls.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options are extensive and widely available. Many restaurants offer clearly marked vegetarian menus (often coded in green). Jain and vegan menus are increasingly found in urban restaurants.
Shopping
Markets and Bazaars
- Chandni Chowk: One of Asia's oldest and busiest markets. Individual lanes specialise in specific goods — spices (Khari Baoli), textiles, jewellery, electronics, and wedding supplies.
- Dilli Haat: A government-run open-air crafts market near INA, where artisans from different Indian states sell directly to the public. A reliable place for authentic handicrafts and textiles.
- Khan Market: An upscale enclave popular with diplomats and Delhi's professional class; good for books, imported groceries, and international brands alongside Indian boutiques.
- Lajpat Nagar Central Market: A large and busy neighbourhood market strong on fabrics, clothing, and home goods at more accessible price points.
- Hauz Khas Village: Independent fashion designers, galleries, and concept stores in a neighbourhood built around medieval ruins.
Haggling and Fixed Prices
Haggling is expected in most unorganised markets. Fixed-price shops and government emporiums (look for 'State Emporium' stores on Baba Kharak Singh Marg) can be a stress-free alternative and are reliable for quality. Always ask before assuming a price is negotiable.
Practical Information
Money
- ATMs are widely available throughout the city. Notify your bank before travel to avoid cards being blocked.
- Many markets and smaller restaurants remain cash-preferred, though digital payments via QR code (UPI) are now very widespread in India.
- Keep some small-denomination notes for rickshaws, street food, and tips.
SIM Cards
Foreign visitors can purchase a local SIM card at the airport or at authorised retail outlets. You will need your passport and a passport photo; the activation process can take several hours. Verify current rules for tourist SIM cards on arrival, as regulations have changed in recent years.
Emergency Numbers
- Police: 100
- Ambulance: 102
- Fire: 101
- These are widely cited general-purpose numbers for India; verify any additional local numbers with your hotel.
Electricity
India uses 230V / 50Hz. Plug types most commonly found are Type C and Type D (round pins). Carry an appropriate adaptor.
Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory but is appreciated. A 10% tip at sit-down restaurants is a reasonable guide where a service charge is not already included on the bill.
Safety
Delhi is a large metropolitan city and, like any major urban centre, requires standard vigilance. The following are practical points rather than reasons for alarm.
- Scams: Common scams include 'tourist office' touts near New Delhi Railway Station who claim official government offices have moved; these are not legitimate. Book tickets only through IRCTC online or official railway counters. Be sceptical of strangers who approach offering unprompted help.
- Transport safety: Use pre-paid taxis from official counters or app-based ride services rather than accepting unsolicited offers from drivers approaching you in the arrivals hall.
- Solo travellers: Women travelling alone should take the same urban precautions they would in any large city. Delhi Metro has dedicated women-only coaches on each train.
- Traffic: Road traffic is dense and crossing streets requires constant attention. Do not assume vehicles will stop at pedestrian crossings.
- Health hazards: As noted, water quality and air pollution are genuine concerns; plan accordingly.
- Register your trip with your country's embassy or consulate if your government provides such a service.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Religious Observance
Delhi is home to a large number of functioning temples, mosques, gurudwaras, churches, and other places of worship. When visiting, remove shoes at the entrance (standard practice at most religious sites), dress modestly covering shoulders and knees, and follow any posted instructions. Avoid loud conversation or photography without explicit permission inside active worship spaces.
Festivals and Public Holidays
India observes a significant number of public holidays tied to religious and national events. Diwali (October/November), Holi (February/March), Eid al-Fitr, and Republic Day (26 January) are among the most notable in Delhi. Festivals can mean road closures, crowded transport, and some business closures, but also offer exceptional cultural experiences. Confirm dates each year as they follow lunar or variable calendars.
Social Etiquette
- Greet with 'Namaste' (palms pressed together) as a respectful, contact-free greeting.
- Receiving or giving items with the left hand alone is considered impolite in many contexts; use the right hand or both hands.
- Public displays of affection are generally not accepted in conservative areas.
- Bargaining is a social interaction, not a confrontation; keep the tone light.