Delhi Travel Guide: Things To Do in Delhi

New Delhi is an enormous, sprawling metropolis in India. Delhi, an ancient city with a rich history, is one of the oldest cities in the world. As the capital of the largest democracy in the world, it is also very active today. There is so much to do in Delhi that knowing where to start a guide can be challenging. We also have some tips for tourists and visitors to Delhi who are looking to discover the best hotels, attractions, and landmarks. Notice: New Delhi can also be called Dilli or Delhi in Hindi.

Here are my top tips for Delhi, based on 13 years of living in Delhi. There is so much to do in Delhi. From exploring Old Delhi’s street food scene to taking in the sunrise at India Gate to visiting the three UNESCO World Heritage sites of Red Fort, Qutb Minar, and Humayun’s Tomb – these are the things you should do in Delhi. Don’t forget Shopping in Delhi is one of my favorite pastimes. First,…

Why should you visit Delhi?

Most visitors to India are located in Delhi (Bombay) or Mumbai (Bombay). These cities are where they get their first impressions. Unfortunately, Delhi is only sometimes a great place to make your first impression. Lucky for me, on my first day in India, I stayed with an Indian family. True Dilli-wallahs, these people helped me to see the beauty and essence of the city. They also gave me the keys to unlock hidden treasures that many tourists overlook. It was a city I loved, and I recommend it to everyone.

Delhi is my favorite city. It is my home away from home, and I find it fascinating and inspiring. Delhi, like Rome, is an eternal city. It is the capital city of modern India. However, it was also the capital of at most seven other civilizations. Each one left behind a trail full of monuments. It is also a green city with wide boulevards that run through it. This makes it the country’s cultural and political heart. Delhi is also known for being a delightful garden for gastronomes and a shopping paradise. There are many things to do in Delhi and many reasons you should love it.

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Where to stay in Delhi

The low-built Delhi is sprawling and includes many exciting areas, including Raj-era Connaught Place (the commercial center), Old Delhi’s crowded markets, and the funky Hauz Khas enclave to the chic bungalows in central New Delhi. Although there are many options for accommodation and many areas to explore, most tourists end up in Pahar Ganj, Karol Bagh, or Connaught Place, the commercial heart of Delhi. Although there are many cheap hotels in this area, the nightlife can be exciting and fun. However, there are also con artists, hustlers and scam artists. It can be overwhelming for foreigners and those who are new to India to just walk down the streets.

Personal preference is to be treated as more than a mere wallet. Avoid the noise and avoid the sharks. Instead, stay in the leafy, elegant neighborhoods of central New Delhi and South Delhi or Mehrauli. Because South Delhi is not a tourist destination, I am rarely ripped off. I pay the same amount as my neighbors, the locals when I travel in an auto. You can find accommodation in guest houses, hotels, hostels, and small boutique hotels. There are many options, and new ones appear every day. You can read the reasons you should choose India here.

What should I do in Delhi?

What are the top places to visit in Delhi? These are all common questions, but the answers can be challenging. Delhi is too large to be tackled all at once. Pick a different area each day (New, Old, or South Delhi) and explore it. You will need at least three days to get a feel for Delhi. There are many historical sites, markets, and restaurants to explore, as well as lively street scenes and parks. These are my top picks for Delhi.

Old Delhi

• Red Fort
• Chandni Chowk Markets
• Jama Masjid
• Raj Ghat

New Delhi (Central Delhi)

• India Gate
• Humayun’s Tomb
• Connaught Place
• Janpath market
• Imperial Hotel
• Khan Market
• Gandhi Smirti (Gandhi Museum)
• Sarojini Market
• Purana Qila

South Delhi

• Dilli Haat
• Hauz Khas Village
• Lotus Temple
• Qutb Minar
• Shahpur Jat
• GK 1 N-block Market (shopping for women’s clothes)
• Dastkar Nature Bazaar (better then Dilli Haat).

How to get around Delhi

Traffic can make it challenging to get around Delhi. Planning your sightseeing is essential. Ola and Uber taxi apps are the best ways to book a cab. They are also more affordable than Taxi stands. Read more about Taxi taking in India. Women-only taxi service is Women on Wheels, which Azad Foundation offers.

You don’t have to live in the heart of Delhi anymore because the Delhi metro makes it simple to get around in air-conditioned comfort. It’s easy to use, even during the day, especially if you are a solo woman traveling in Delhi or a first-timer. You’ll find a Lady’s Car at the end of every train. It is marked with pink signage so that you know where to stand. I have taken the metro many times and have never had any problems.

You can take an autorickshaw (also known as a Tuk-tuk) if you don’t need to travel too far. Delhi’s autos are known for charging too much to foreign tourists.

A car-and-driver is another brilliant option. This is a great way to see the city at a reasonable price.

Shopping in Delhi: Where should you go?

India and Delhi are shopping paradises. The city has many markets, shops, shopping centers, street stalls, and stores. People should wait until their return trip is over to spend two days in Delhi shopping. You can also take shopping tours. You can read more about Indian shopping and what you can buy.

Khan Market, a popular shopping destination in central Delhi for ex-pats and diplomats, is the best place for upscale shopping. Traditional markets offer a more exciting shopping experience. For clothes, Janpath Market is a good choice, as well as housewares. Lajpat Market is a good option. Tourists love Dilli Haat for souvenir shopping at fixed prices. However, I prefer Dastkar Nature Bazaar (near Chhaturpur Metro Station) in South Delhi (Mehrauli). Every month they hold melas. The stalls are filled with beautiful crafts, textiles, and jewelry.

Is Delhi Safe?

Delhi is known for being one of the most dangerous cities in India. It has a considerable population, around 20 million. Many rural migrants move to the city from their home villages, often feeling confused and sometimes needing help. Naturally, crime is a problem. If you exercise reasonable caution, it is unlikely that you will encounter any problems as a tourist in a safer region.

I can confirm that I have been in Delhi for at least one year. I also have only had three negative experiences. An Uber driver drove me around in Old Delhi for 30 minutes to increase my fare, and a man dropped some shit in my shoe in Connaught Place. Although these were unpleasant, I didn’t feel unsafe or threatened. Even worse things have happened to me in Canada and the USA. This is my Top Tips for Women Travelling in India — it’s one of my most loved posts.

Stay in central Delhi to find the best hotels or in South Delhi to be safe. Use a trusted taxi and be aware of con artists in Connaught Place. Don’t travel alone to Old Delhi. Be mindful of men trying to talk to you and taking a selfie with your face – be cautious if you’re a woman. If you are uncomfortable, it’s OK to ignore them and walk away. They are rude. For encouragement, see my Girls Guide To Being Rude.

Lodhi Garden, Central Delhi, is one of my favorite places.