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Overview
Delhi is India's National Capital Territory — a sprawling metropolis of roughly 30 million people that layers more than a thousand years of history onto a single, chaotic, endlessly compelling city. It is simultaneously one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in South Asia and one of its most modern, with gleaming metro lines threading past medieval mosques and Mughal tombs.
The city divides loosely into Old Delhi and New Delhi. Old Delhi — built around Shah Jahan's 17th-century Shahjahanabad — is dense, atmospheric, and defined by its bazaars, narrow lanes, and landmarks such as the Red Fort and Jama Masjid. New Delhi, designed by Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker during British rule and completed in the 1930s, is a city of wide boulevards, embassies, and formal institutions including Rashtrapati Bhavan (the President's House) and India Gate.
Beyond these two anchor points, Delhi sprawls into a patchwork of distinct neighbourhoods — Hauz Khas with its medieval reservoir and contemporary dining scene, Lodi Colony with its 15th-century tombs scattered through a public garden, Chandni Chowk with its legendary street food, and South Delhi with its upscale markets and residential enclaves.
For international travellers, Delhi is most commonly a gateway city — the starting point of a Golden Triangle circuit to Agra and Jaipur. But it rewards those who slow down and spend real time here. The density of UNESCO-listed monuments, the variety of food, and the sheer energy of its public spaces make it a destination in its own right.
Before You Go
Visas
Most visitors to India require a visa before arrival. Requirements vary significantly by nationality, purpose of travel, and duration of stay. Do not rely on any single source for visa rules. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and verify current requirements directly with the official Indian government immigration authority or the Indian embassy or consulate in your country before booking.
Health
Consult a travel medicine clinic well before departure. Depending on your itinerary and home country, healthcare providers may recommend precautions related to water-borne illness, vector-borne disease, and routine vaccinations. Delhi's air quality can be poor, particularly between October and January when stubble burning and temperature inversions combine; travellers with respiratory conditions should take this seriously and check air quality indices (AQI) before and during their trip. Drink only bottled or verified filtered water.
What to pack
- October–March: Layers are essential; evenings and early mornings can be cold (December–January can drop below 10 °C at night), while afternoons remain mild.
- April–June: Lightweight, breathable clothing; temperatures regularly exceed 40 °C.
- July–September (monsoon): Light clothing plus a compact rain layer; humidity is high.
- Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes are advisable given uneven pavements.
- Modest clothing is appropriate when visiting religious sites; carry a scarf or shawl to cover shoulders and head where required.
Getting There
By Air
Indira Gandhi International Airport (IATA: DEL) is India's busiest airport and serves direct flights from destinations across Europe, North America, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the rest of South Asia. It handles both international arrivals (Terminal 3) and major domestic operations. Verify terminal assignments with your airline before travel, as these can change.
By Rail
Delhi is India's central rail hub. Major stations include New Delhi Railway Station, Old Delhi Railway Station (Delhi Junction), Hazrat Nizamuddin, and Anand Vihar. Long-distance trains connect Delhi to virtually every major city in India. Booking tickets through the Indian Railways IRCTC platform is advisable; popular routes and classes sell out well in advance, especially during public holidays.
By Road
Delhi is connected to surrounding states by national highways and a network of interstate bus services. Inter-state bus terminals (ISBTs) at Kashmere Gate, Anand Vihar, and Sarai Kale Khan serve routes to Jaipur, Agra, Chandigarh, Shimla, and beyond. Private coach and sleeper bus operators also serve many of these routes.
Getting Around
Delhi Metro
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) network is the most reliable and comfortable way to move around the city. It covers most major tourist areas, including Chandni Chowk (Yellow Line), Connaught Place (Blue/Yellow interchange at Rajiv Chowk), Lodi Colony area, and the airport (Airport Express Line from New Delhi station). Stored-value smart cards reduce per-trip cost and speed up boarding. Check the official DMRC website for current fares, maps, and operating hours.
Auto-rickshaws and Cycle Rickshaws
Auto-rickshaws are ubiquitous and useful for shorter distances or areas not well-served by metro. App-based auto booking through platforms like Ola and Uber reduces fare negotiation friction significantly. In Old Delhi's narrowest lanes, cycle rickshaws remain the most practical option.
App-based Taxis
Ola and Uber both operate extensively in Delhi. Fares are metered through the app, which also provides driver identification and trip tracking — a practical safety feature. Verify the vehicle plate number before entering.
Practical Notes
- Traffic congestion is severe, particularly during morning and evening peak hours. Allow generous travel time.
- Walking long distances can be challenging due to heat, air quality, and inconsistent pavement conditions, but short walks between metro stations and attractions are generally fine.
- Avoid sharing vehicle details or accepting unsolicited transport offers at the airport exit; use the pre-paid taxi counters or app-based services.
Things to See & Do
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Delhi has three UNESCO-listed properties. Qutb Minar is a 73-metre minaret begun in the late 12th century, surrounded by the ruins of one of India's earliest mosques and a remarkable Iron Pillar dating to the Gupta period. Humayun's Tomb (mid-16th century) is a landmark of Mughal funerary architecture and an important precursor to the Taj Mahal. Red Fort (Lal Qila) was the seat of Mughal imperial power for nearly 200 years; the evening sound-and-light show is a popular addition, though verify scheduling locally.
Other Key Sites
- Jama Masjid — One of India's largest mosques, built by Shah Jahan; non-Muslims are welcome outside prayer times. Modest dress and head covering required.
- India Gate — A war memorial on Rajpath (now Kartavya Path), surrounded by lawns popular with locals in the evenings.
- Rashtrapati Bhavan — The President's official residence; parts of the Mughal Gardens (now Amrit Udyan) open to the public seasonally — verify current access.
- Lotus Temple — A striking Bahá'í House of Worship open to people of all faiths; verify opening hours before visiting.
- Lodi Garden — A well-maintained public garden containing 15th- and 16th-century Sayyid and Lodi dynasty tombs; pleasant for an early-morning walk.
- National Museum, New Delhi — Houses an extensive collection spanning Indian prehistory through the modern era. Verify admission and hours on the official site.
- Akshardham Temple — A large contemporary Hindu temple complex on the Yamuna bank; cameras and most electronic devices are not permitted inside.
Neighbourhoods Worth Exploring
- Chandni Chowk — Old Delhi's principal bazaar street, best explored on foot or by cycle rickshaw. Markets specialising in spices, textiles, electronics, and wedding goods branch off the main artery.
- Hauz Khas Village — Medieval reservoir and ruins of a 14th-century madrasa sit alongside a cluster of independent restaurants, cafes, and design studios.
- Dilli Haat — An open-air craft market and food plaza (operated by Delhi Tourism) where artisans from different Indian states sell directly; verify current operating status.
Food & Drink
Delhi's food culture is one of the most diverse in India, shaped by Mughal court cooking, Punjabi migration following Partition, and the constant arrival of people from every Indian state.
Old Delhi Staples
The lanes around Chandni Chowk are among the most famous street food corridors in South Asia. Dishes to look for include nihari (slow-cooked meat stew, typically served in the morning), paranthe (stuffed flatbreads) from the old paratha shops in Parathe Wali Gali, jalebi (fried batter soaked in syrup), chaat (a broad category of savoury snacks), and kulfi (dense Indian ice cream). Karim's, near Jama Masjid, is a longstanding restaurant known for Mughlai meat dishes.
Beyond Old Delhi
South Delhi's neighbourhoods — Khan Market, Defence Colony, Greater Kailash, Hauz Khas — have a dense concentration of restaurants covering regional Indian cuisines, pan-Asian food, and international options. The city also has a well-established cafe scene.
Practical Notes
- Street food hygiene quality varies significantly. Choose busy stalls with visible turnover of freshly cooked food, and avoid raw salads or cut fruit from uncertain sources.
- Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or filtered water, including for cleaning teeth.
- Many restaurants in Delhi are entirely vegetarian; meat-serving restaurants are also common. Menus usually indicate clearly.
- Alcohol is available in licensed restaurants, bars, and government liquor stores (wine shops). It is not served at or near religious sites.
Shopping
Delhi offers a wide range of shopping experiences, from traditional bazaars to fixed-price government emporiums.
Markets and Bazaars
- Chandni Chowk and surrounding lanes — Specialist markets for spices (Khari Baoli), textiles (Kinari Bazaar), silver jewellery, and electronics. Bargaining is standard practice in these markets.
- Daryaganj — Historically associated with a large Sunday second-hand book market; verify current location and schedule as it has moved in recent years.
- Sarojini Nagar Market — A busy local market popular for affordable ready-made clothing and surplus exports.
Fixed-Price Options
- Central Cottage Industries Emporium (Connaught Place) — A government-run multi-storey store selling handicrafts, textiles, and decorative items from across India at fixed prices; useful for price benchmarking.
- State Emporiums on Baba Kharak Singh Marg — Individual state-run stores carrying craft goods specific to each Indian state.
- Khan Market — An upscale neighbourhood market with bookshops, boutiques, and a mix of Indian and international brands.
When purchasing antiques, be aware of Indian export regulations; items over 100 years old cannot legally be exported. Reputable sellers should be able to provide documentation.
Practical Information
Money
ATMs are widely available in commercial areas, metro stations, and shopping centres. International cards are generally accepted, though fees vary by bank. Cash remains necessary in markets, for small vendors, and for auto-rickshaws that don't accept digital payment. India's UPI (Unified Payments Interface) digital payment system is extremely widespread — foreign cards linked to supported apps may work, but verify before relying on it.
SIM Cards
Prepaid SIM cards from Indian carriers (Airtel, Jio, and Vi are the main operators) are available at the airport and at shops across the city. A foreign passport and a passport photo are typically required for registration. Data speeds on 4G/5G are generally good in urban Delhi.
Emergency Contacts
Verify current numbers locally or through your embassy upon arrival. Commonly cited numbers in India include 112 (national emergency number), 100 (police), 101 (fire), and 102 or 108 (ambulance), but confirm these are active and applicable in Delhi before depending on them.
Embassies and Consulates
Most countries with diplomatic relations with India maintain embassies in New Delhi. Register with your country's embassy or consulate if you plan an extended stay or are travelling to India during a period of instability.
Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi is available at the airport and at some metro stations. Most mid-range and above hotels provide in-room Wi-Fi. A local SIM is the most reliable solution for consistent connectivity.
Safety
Delhi is visited by millions of international tourists every year, and most visits are uneventful. That said, awareness of a few specific concerns helps.
Common Scams
Scams targeting tourists are documented around major transport hubs (particularly New Delhi Railway Station and Connaught Place) and near popular monuments. Common patterns include: touts claiming that your hotel, a monument, or the tourist office has "closed" or "moved" in order to redirect you to a commission-paying travel agent or guesthouse; unofficial guides attaching themselves to you at monuments; and rigged taxi meters or inflated fares. Using pre-paid taxi counters or app-based rides mitigates many of these.
Personal Safety
Delhi's public spaces are generally busy and relatively safe during daylight hours. After dark, use app-based transport rather than hailing vehicles from the street. Female travellers and solo travellers of any gender should be especially mindful in isolated areas at night. Share your route details with someone you trust when using any private transport.
Air Quality
Delhi's air quality is a genuine health concern, particularly October through January. Check the AQI before outdoor sightseeing. On severe pollution days, consider limiting outdoor exposure, especially if you have respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. N95/KN95 masks provide meaningful protection.
Traffic
Road traffic in Delhi is dense and fast-moving. Exercise caution when crossing roads, even at marked crossings.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Delhi's population reflects the full diversity of India — Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, and others live and worship across the city. This pluralism is visible in its architecture, its calendar of festivals, and its food.
Religious Sites
When visiting mosques, temples, gurdwaras, and churches, dress modestly (covered shoulders, knees covered, head covering where required — often mandatory in Sikh gurdwaras and some mosques). Remove footwear before entering most places of worship. Photography rules vary; ask before photographing interiors or worshippers.
Festivals
Delhi marks the major festivals of multiple faiths. Diwali (October/November) sees widespread lighting and celebrations across the city. Eid is observed with large gatherings at Jama Masjid. Republic Day (26 January) brings a major parade down Kartavya Path that draws large crowds and requires advance planning for viewing. Independence Day (15 August) centres on Red Fort. Festival dates shift annually with the lunar calendar — verify dates before planning around them.
General Etiquette
- Public displays of affection are generally considered inappropriate in conservative areas.
- Photographing military installations, government buildings, and certain monuments may be prohibited; look for signage.
- Bargaining is appropriate in open markets but not in shops with fixed-price labels.
- Receiving or giving items, and eating, with the left hand is considered impolite in many social contexts.
