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Overview
New Delhi is the capital of India and forms part of the larger National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. The city layers centuries of history — Mughal grandeur, British colonial planning, and the built environment of an independent republic — into a single, sprawling metropolis of roughly 30 million people across the wider NCT.
The city divides broadly into two distinct experiences. Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad), built in the 17th century, is dense, loud, and atmospheric, with labyrinthine lanes, historic mosques, and some of the country's most celebrated street food. New Delhi, planned by Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker in the early 20th century, is wide, tree-lined, and institutional, home to embassies, government buildings, and grand ceremonial avenues.
Visitors will find world-class museums, UNESCO-listed monuments, a rapidly evolving restaurant scene, and one of Asia's largest and most chaotic markets. Delhi rewards patience and curiosity — it is rarely easy, but it is almost never dull.
Before You Go
Visas
Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter India. Requirements, eligibility for e-visas, and fees change periodically. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section for current guidance and verify directly with the official Indian immigration authority or your nearest Indian embassy or consulate before booking.
Health
Consult a travel medicine professional 4–6 weeks before departure. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus vaccinations are commonly recommended. Traveller's diarrhoea is a real risk; carry oral rehydration salts and discuss prophylaxis options with your doctor. Tap water is not safe to drink — stick to sealed bottled water or a reliable filter.
Air Quality
Delhi experiences severe air pollution, particularly from October through February. On high-pollution days, outdoor activity should be minimised, especially for people with respiratory conditions. Check the daily AQI before arriving and consider packing a well-fitted N95 or equivalent mask.
What to Pack
- Light, breathable layers for most of the year; warmer clothing for December–January evenings
- Modest clothing for temple, mosque, and gurdwara visits (shoulders and knees covered)
- Comfortable, closed-toe shoes for uneven pavements and monument grounds
- A small day-pack with a water bottle and hand sanitiser
Getting There
By Air
Indira Gandhi International Airport (IATA: DEL) is one of South Asia's busiest hubs and is well connected to major cities across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. The airport sits roughly 16–20 km southwest of central New Delhi depending on your destination.
Airport to City
The Delhi Metro Airport Express Line connects the airport (Terminal 3) directly to New Delhi Railway Station and Shivaji Stadium in around 20–25 minutes; it is the fastest and most reliable option. Prepaid taxis are available at authorised booths in the arrivals hall — agree the destination and confirm the fare before leaving. Ride-hailing apps (Ola, Uber) operate at the airport and offer metered pricing.
By Rail
Delhi has several major railway stations, with New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) and Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM) the most significant for long-distance trains. Indian Railways connects Delhi to virtually every major Indian city; the Shatabdi and Rajdhani Express services are generally the most comfortable. Book in advance through the IRCTC portal — confirm current procedures on the official site.
By Road
National highways link Delhi to Agra, Jaipur, Chandigarh, and other regional cities. Interstate buses operate from the Kashmere Gate ISBT (Inter-State Bus Terminal). Journey times vary considerably depending on traffic and road conditions.
Getting Around
Delhi Metro
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) network is extensive, clean, air-conditioned, and affordable. It covers most major tourist areas, including Old Delhi (Chandni Chowk station), Connaught Place, Lodi Garden, and Humayun's Tomb. Tokens and stored-value smart cards are available at stations. Women-only coaches are marked and available on every train.
Ride-Hailing Apps
Ola and Uber are widely used and generally reliable. They offer transparent pricing and remove the need to negotiate fares. Availability can dip during peak hours and heavy rain.
Auto-Rickshaws
Autos are ubiquitous and useful for shorter distances where the Metro doesn't reach. Most are metered, but meters are not always used — agree on a fare before boarding, or use app-based auto services through Ola or Rapido for clarity on price.
On Foot
Walking between attractions in Old Delhi's bazaars is part of the experience, but pedestrian infrastructure elsewhere is inconsistent. Footpaths can be narrow, broken, or occupied. Plan short walking segments rather than long cross-city hikes.
Cycle Rickshaws
Widely available in Old Delhi and useful for navigating lanes too narrow for motor vehicles. Agree the fare before the journey.
Where to Stay
Delhi has accommodation across every price category. The right neighbourhood to stay in depends on your itinerary.
Key Areas to Consider
- Connaught Place / Central New Delhi: Centrally located, well connected by Metro, and close to restaurants, government offices, and shopping. A practical base for most visitors.
- Karol Bagh: A mid-range hub popular with domestic travellers, close to a Metro station and a busy local market.
- Paharganj (Main Bazaar): Adjacent to New Delhi Railway Station and historically popular with budget travellers. Lively and convenient for transport connections, though the area is noisy and very busy.
- South Delhi (Defence Colony, Greater Kailash, Lodi area): Quieter, leafier neighbourhoods with good restaurant options; slightly further from Old Delhi monuments but convenient for southern sites like Humayun's Tomb and Qutb Minar.
- Aerocity (near IGI Airport): Useful for very early or late flights; several international hotel brands operate here.
Book accommodation well in advance during peak season (October–February) and around major festivals and public holidays. Verify cancellation policies carefully.
Things to See & Do
Historic Monuments
- Red Fort (Lal Qila): A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the iconic 17th-century Mughal fortress on the banks of the Yamuna. The light-and-sound show in the evenings is popular; verify current schedules and admission fees locally or at the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) website.
- Humayun's Tomb: Another UNESCO-listed Mughal monument, considered a precursor to the Taj Mahal in its garden-tomb design. Less crowded than Agra and architecturally stunning.
- Qutb Minar Complex: A UNESCO site containing the 73-metre Qutb Minar, one of the tallest brick minarets in the world, along with the Iron Pillar and ruins of early mosques.
- Jama Masjid: One of India's largest mosques, built by Shah Jahan. Non-Muslim visitors are generally welcome outside prayer times; modest dress is required. Verify current visiting rules locally.
Gardens and Green Spaces
- Lodi Garden: A pleasant urban park containing the tombs of the Sayyid and Lodi dynasties, popular with morning walkers and picnickers.
- Mughal Gardens (Amrit Udyan), Rashtrapati Bhavan: Open to the public for a limited period each year, typically February–March; verify dates and access procedures on the official Rashtrapati Bhavan site.
Museums
- National Museum (Janpath): Holds one of the most comprehensive collections of Indian art and artefacts, spanning thousands of years. Verify current opening hours and admission fees directly.
- Gandhi Smriti: The site where Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated in 1948, now a memorial museum. Admission details should be confirmed locally.
- Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum: The former residence and memorial to India's third Prime Minister.
Spiritual Sites
- Akshardham Temple: A large Hindu temple complex on the Yamuna banks. Non-Hindus are welcome. Cameras and phones are not permitted inside; lockers are provided.
- Lotus Temple (Bahá'í House of Worship): A striking petal-shaped structure open to visitors of all faiths for quiet reflection.
- Gurudwara Bangla Sahib: A prominent Sikh place of worship that serves free community meals (langar) daily. Visitors are welcome; head covering required.
Food & Drink
Old Delhi Street Food
The lanes around Chandni Chowk are arguably the best street-food district in India. Key things to try include:
- Paranthas from Paranthe Wali Gali (an alley dedicated to stuffed flatbreads)
- Chole bhature — spiced chickpeas with fried bread
- Jalebi — freshly fried syrup-soaked spirals, best eaten hot
- Nihari — a slow-cooked meat stew, particularly associated with Old Delhi's Muslim culinary traditions
- Dahi bhalle and chaat from the area around Khari Baoli
Apply reasonable caution with street food: choose stalls with high turnover and freshly cooked items, and avoid raw salads or pre-cut fruit.
Restaurants and Cuisine Styles
Delhi supports an enormous range of dining from regional Indian cuisines (Rajasthani, Punjabi, South Indian, Bengali) to international options. Neighbourhoods like Khan Market, Hauz Khas Village, and Connaught Place have higher concentrations of sit-down restaurants. South Indian filter coffee and North Indian chai (tea) are available almost everywhere.
Alcohol
Alcohol is available in Delhi at licensed bars, restaurants, and wine shops. It is not available at religious sites or on dry days (which occur on certain national holidays — verify dates locally). Many mid-range and upmarket hotels have licensed bars.
Water
Drink only sealed bottled water or water that has been reliably filtered and boiled. This applies to ice in drinks as well, particularly at informal eateries.
Shopping
Bazaars and Markets
- Chandni Chowk: Delhi's most historic market, dealing in textiles, spices, jewellery, electronics, wedding attire, and much more. Individual lanes often specialise in a single product category.
- Khari Baoli: Claimed to be Asia's largest wholesale spice market. Even if you are not buying in bulk, the colours and aromas are worth a visit.
- Dilli Haat (INA): A government-curated outdoor market where artisans from different Indian states sell handicrafts, textiles, and food. A good one-stop option for authentic regional crafts. Verify current entry fees locally.
- Janpath and Tibetan Market (Connaught Place area): Popular for inexpensive clothing, jewellery, and curios.
- Khan Market: An upscale market with bookshops, boutiques, and homeware stores, popular with the city's professional class.
What to Buy
- Pashmina and wool shawls (verify quality and fibre content carefully)
- Block-printed or hand-embroidered textiles
- Spices, dried fruits, and teas from Khari Baoli
- Miniature paintings and carved wooden items
- Silver jewellery
Bargaining
Bargaining is expected in bazaars and with street vendors; it is not appropriate in fixed-price shops or government emporiums (which often display the price on tags). Starting at roughly half the quoted price and negotiating from there is a common approach, though always keep exchanges respectful.
Practical Information
Emergency Numbers
- Police: 100
- Ambulance: 102
- Fire: 101
- Tourist Helpline (Ministry of Tourism, India): 1800-11-1363 (verify this is current before travel)
SIM Cards and Connectivity
Foreign visitors can purchase prepaid SIM cards at the airport and at authorised retailers in the city. You will typically need your passport, a passport photo, and sometimes proof of address. Activation can take up to 24 hours. Wi-Fi is available at most hotels and many cafes.
Money
- ATMs are widely available but can run out of cash around public holidays — carry a buffer of cash.
- Inform your home bank of travel dates to avoid card blocks.
- UPI (Unified Payments Interface) is used extensively by locals for digital payments; some vendors in tourist areas accept it from international visitors using supported apps — verify this locally.
- Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated: approximately 10% in restaurants if service charge is not included, and small tips for hotel staff and guides are customary.
Electricity
India uses 230V, 50Hz electricity. Plug types are predominantly Type C, D, and M. Carry a universal adapter. Power cuts (load shedding) can occur, particularly in summer.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (chemists) are widely available. Many common medications are available over the counter that require prescriptions elsewhere; nonetheless, bring sufficient supply of any prescription medication you need from home.
Safety
Delhi is a large city and, like all large cities, requires ordinary urban vigilance. The majority of visits proceed without serious incident.
General Precautions
- Keep copies of your passport, visa, and insurance separate from the originals.
- Use prepaid taxis from official booths or ride-hailing apps rather than accepting unsolicited offers from drivers approaching you in arrival halls.
- Be alert to common tourist-targeted scams: 'gem export' schemes, inflated tour packages offered by strangers near major monuments, and touts claiming your intended attraction is 'closed today' to redirect you to commission-paying shops.
- Avoid displaying expensive cameras, jewellery, or large amounts of cash in crowded markets.
Solo Female Travellers
Solo female travellers visit Delhi regularly and do so safely, but it warrants considered planning. Use women-only Metro coaches, prefer app-based transport at night, stay in well-reviewed accommodation, and share your itinerary with someone you trust. Trust your instincts in any situation that feels uncomfortable.
Traffic
Road traffic in Delhi is heavy and can be unpredictable. Exercise caution when crossing roads — always look in both directions regardless of lane conventions, and use pedestrian crossings where available.
Air and Water Quality
As noted above, air quality and drinking water are genuine health considerations. Monitor AQI forecasts during your stay and act accordingly.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Religious Diversity
Delhi is home to significant Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Jain, and Bahá'í communities. Religious sites are central to daily life rather than purely tourist attractions; respectful behaviour is expected and appreciated. Remove shoes before entering temples, mosques, and gurdwaras. Cover your head in gurdwaras. Dress modestly at all religious sites.
Social Customs
- Greetings: 'Namaste' (hands pressed together) is widely understood and appreciated across communities. A simple nod or handshake is also acceptable.
- Public displays of affection are generally considered inappropriate, particularly outside urban, cosmopolitan settings.
- Photography: Always ask before photographing individuals. At some religious sites, photography of the inner sanctum is prohibited — look for signs or ask staff.
- Receiving and giving items with the right hand or both hands is considered respectful; using only the left hand for giving is considered impolite.
Festivals
Festivals significantly affect the rhythm of the city. Diwali (October/November), Holi (February/March), Eid al-Fitr, and Republic Day (26 January) are among the most notable. Festivities can be wonderful to observe or participate in, but they also bring heightened crowds, traffic, and sometimes road or business closures. Plan accordingly.
