Delhi Travel Guide 2025: Your Complete Guide to India's Capital

Best Time to Visit Delhi

Winter (October - March)

The best season to visit Delhi. Temperatures are comfortable: 15-25°C (59-77°F) during the day, dropping to 5-10°C (41-50°F) at night. December and January are the coldest months with morning fog. This is peak tourist season, so book accommodation in advance.

Spring (March - April)

Temperatures rise quickly, reaching 30-35°C (86-95°F) by April. This transitional season is still comfortable for sightseeing in the morning and evening. Holi festival usually falls in March.

Summer (May - June)

Not recommended for tourism. Extreme heat of 40-47°C (104-117°F) makes outdoor activities unbearable. Hot, dusty winds called loo blow from the desert. If you must visit, plan activities for early morning only.

Monsoon (July - September)

The rainy season brings relief from heat but creates new challenges: flooded streets, mosquitoes, high humidity. Rain typically falls for a few hours daily, with opportunities to explore between showers.

Major Events and Festivals

• Holi (March): Festival of Colors—India's most vibrant celebration
• Diwali (October-November): Festival of Lights, city decorated with illuminations
• Republic Day (January 26): Grand military parade on Rajpath
• Eid: Old Delhi comes alive with celebrations

Getting to Delhi

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)

India's primary gateway and one of Asia's largest airports. Located 16 km (10 miles) from the city center.

Direct Flights from Major Hubs:

• From USA: United, Air India, American (14-16 hours)
• From UK: British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Air India (8-9 hours)
• From Europe: Lufthansa, Air France, KLM direct flights
• From Middle East: Emirates (Dubai), Qatar Airways (Doha), Etihad (Abu Dhabi)
• From Asia: Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Cathay Pacific

From Airport to City

Airport Express Metro:

• The fastest option
• Time: 20 minutes to New Delhi station
• Cost: ₹60 ($0.70)
• Operating hours: 5:00 AM - 11:30 PM
• Clean, air-conditioned carriages

Taxi:

• Prepaid Taxi at arrivals: ₹400-600 ($5-7) to center
• Uber/Ola: ₹300-500 ($4-6), card payment available
• Time: 30-60 minutes depending on traffic

Bus:

• DTC Airport Shuttle: ₹50-100 ($0.60-1.20)
• Runs to various city locations
• Time: 45-90 minutes

Train Travel

Delhi is India's largest railway hub with several major stations:

• New Delhi Railway Station: Main station, trains to all destinations
• Old Delhi (Delhi Junction): Historic station in Old Delhi
• Hazrat Nizamuddin: Trains to southern India
• Anand Vihar: Eastern routes

Popular Routes:

• Delhi - Agra: Gatimaan Express (1h 40min, ₹750/$9)
• Delhi - Jaipur: Shatabdi Express (4.5 hours, ₹800/$10)
• Delhi - Varanasi: 8-12 hours

Getting Around Delhi

Delhi Metro

The best way to travel around the city. Clean, fast, air-conditioned, and affordable.

• 12 lines, 250+ stations
• Cost: ₹10-60 depending on distance
• Operating hours: 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM
• First coach reserved for women only
• Get a Smart Card (rechargeable) to save time at ticket counters

Auto Rickshaws

Green three-wheeled vehicles—iconic symbols of Delhi.

• Metered fare: minimum ₹25
• In practice: bargain or use Uber Auto
• Uber Auto/Ola Auto: fixed price, no haggling
• Great for short distances

Taxis and Ride-hailing

• Uber/Ola: Main apps, pay by card or cash
• Meru Cabs: Reliable radio taxi service
• Tip: Always use apps—safer and fairer pricing

Buses

• Red DTC buses—cheap (₹10-25) but overcrowded
• Green AC buses—more comfortable
• Hop-On Hop-Off tourist bus: ₹500-1000/day

Cycle Rickshaws

Ideal for Old Delhi and Chandni Chowk. Agree on the price beforehand (₹20-50 for short trips).

Transportation Tips

• Avoid rush hours (8-10 AM, 5-8 PM)—traffic is hellish
• Google Maps works but sometimes underestimates travel time
• Keep small bills handy for rickshaw payments
• Women are safer using metro and Uber

Delhi's Neighborhoods

Old Delhi

The historic heart built by the Mughals in the 17th century. A labyrinth of narrow lanes, chaotic bazaars, mosques, and temples. Home to the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and the famous Chandni Chowk market. This is real India—noisy, aromatic, incredible.

New Delhi

Built by the British in the 1930s as the new capital. Wide boulevards, government buildings, India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Residence). Connaught Place is the business and commercial center with colonial architecture.

South Delhi

Modern neighborhoods with malls, restaurants, and nightlife. Home to Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple, and Humayun's Tomb. Hauz Khas, Defence Colony, and Greater Kailash are popular with expats and young professionals.

Central Delhi

Karol Bagh is a shopping district; Paharganj is the backpacker hub next to New Delhi station. Budget hotels, cheap food, chaos, and character.

Gurgaon (Gurugram)

Modern satellite city with skyscrapers, multinational offices, malls, and upscale restaurants. Kingdom of Dreams entertainment complex. A completely different India.

Noida

Another modern suburb to the east. Worlds of Wonder amusement park, shopping centers. Cleaner and calmer than central Delhi.

Top Attractions

Red Fort (Lal Qila)

Magnificent Mughal fortress of red sandstone, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1648. Symbol of India—every August 15th, the Prime Minister raises the flag here on Independence Day.

• Entry fee: ₹50 (Indians), ₹600 (foreigners)
• Hours: Tue-Sun, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
• Evening show: Sound and light show (₹80)
• Metro: Chandni Chowk (Yellow Line)

Qutub Minar

73-meter (240 ft) brick minaret from the 12th century—the tallest in the world. UNESCO World Heritage Site. The complex includes ruins of India's first mosque and the mysterious Iron Pillar that hasn't rusted in 1,600 years.

• Entry fee: ₹40/₹600
• Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Metro: Qutub Minar (Yellow Line)

Humayun's Tomb

The prototype of the Taj Mahal—a magnificent 16th-century mausoleum in Persian style. Surrounded by charbagh gardens. UNESCO site, recently restored.

• Entry fee: ₹40/₹600
• Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset
• Metro: JLN Stadium or Hazrat Nizamuddin

Jama Masjid

India's largest mosque, accommodating 25,000 worshippers. Built by Shah Jahan in 1656. Climb the minaret for panoramic views of Old Delhi.

• Entry: Free (camera ₹300)
• Minaret: ₹100
• Dress code: Modest clothing, robes available for rent
• Closed: During prayer times

India Gate

42-meter (138 ft) war memorial honoring soldiers who died in World War I. Beautifully illuminated in the evening. The Amar Jawan Jyoti eternal flame burns nearby.

• Entry: Free
• Best time: Evening
• Metro: Central Secretariat

Lotus Temple

Bahai temple in the shape of a blooming lotus, built from white marble. A place of meditation and silence for people of all faiths.

• Entry: Free
• Hours: Tue-Sun, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (winter), until 7:00 PM (summer)
• Metro: Kalkaji Mandir

Akshardham Temple

Grand Hindu temple complex built in 2005. Intricate carvings in pink sandstone, musical fountain, boat ride through Indian history.

• Entry: Free (exhibitions extra)
• Hours: Tue-Sun, 9:30 AM - 6:30 PM
• Note: Phones and cameras prohibited (secure storage available)
• Metro: Akshardham

Rajpath (Kartavya Path)

Ceremonial boulevard from India Gate to Rashtrapati Bhavan. Site of the Republic Day parade on January 26th.

Chandni Chowk

One of Asia's oldest and busiest markets. Narrow lanes packed with shops selling fabrics, spices, jewelry, and street food. A true sensory overload.

Museums and Culture

National Museum

India's largest museum with collections spanning the Indus Valley Civilization to modern times. Bronze statues, miniatures, manuscripts.

• Entry: ₹20/₹650
• Hours: Tue-Sun, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

National Gallery of Modern Art

Collection of Indian art from the 19th-21st centuries: Raja Ravi Varma, Amrita Sher-Gil, Bengal School.

National Crafts Museum

Traditional Indian crafts with live demonstrations. Artisans work on-site.

Gandhi Memorial Museum (Raj Ghat)

Cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. A simple black marble memorial with eternal flame. Museum nearby displays his belongings.

Hauz Khas Village

Bohemian neighborhood with 14th-century ruins, art galleries, cafes, and boutiques. Trendy spot for evening strolls.

Food and Restaurants

Must-Try Delhi Foods

Chaat

Sweet-sour-spicy snacks—the signature of Delhi street food:

• Gol Gappas (Pani Puri): Crispy spheres filled with spiced water
• Aloo Tikki: Potato patties with chutneys
• Papdi Chaat: Crispy wafers with yogurt and chutneys
• Dahi Bhalla: Lentil dumplings in yogurt

Mughlai Cuisine

• Butter Chicken: Chicken in creamy tomato sauce (invented in Delhi)
• Dal Makhani: Lentils in cream
• Biryani: Spiced rice with meat
• Kebabs: Shammi, seekh, kakori

Sweets

• Jalebi: Crispy spirals in sugar syrup
• Rabri: Thickened sweetened milk
• Kulfi: Indian ice cream

Where to Eat

Old Delhi Street Food

• Paranthe Wali Gali: Alley of stuffed flatbreads
• Karim's (since 1913): Legendary Mughlai kebabs
• Jalebi Wala: Best jalebis since 1884
• Natraj Dahi Bhalla: Famous dahi bhalla

Restaurants

• Indian Accent: India's best restaurant, modern Indian cuisine ($$$$)
• Bukhara (ITC Maurya): Legendary dal and kebabs ($$$$)
• Moti Mahal: Birthplace of butter chicken ($$)
• Saravana Bhavan: South Indian vegetarian chain ($)
• Haldiram's: Sweets and snacks ($)

Trendy Cafes and Spots

• Hauz Khas Village: Dozens of cafes and restaurants
• Khan Market: Upscale cafes, international cuisine
• Majnu Ka Tilla: Tibetan quarter—momos and thukpa

Food Safety Tips

• Drink only bottled water
• Avoid ice in questionable places
• Street food is safe where there's high turnover
• Carry hand sanitizer
• Start with milder dishes if not used to spice

Shopping and Bazaars

Traditional Bazaars

Chandni Chowk

Old Delhi's main bazaar. Each lane specializes in something:

• Dariba Kalan: Silver and jewelry
• Kinari Bazaar: Wedding decorations, ribbons
• Khari Baoli: Asia's largest spice market
• Nai Sarak: Books and stationery

Other Markets

• Sarojini Nagar: Cheap clothing, brand rejects
• Dilli Haat: Crafts from across India, fixed prices
• Janpath: Souvenirs, hippie-style clothing
• Paharganj: Budget shopping for backpackers

Shopping Malls

• Select Citywalk (Saket): Premium brands
• DLF Promenade: Good selection
• Ambience Mall (Gurgaon): Largest in the region
• Khan Market: Upscale boutiques, bookshops

What to Buy

• Spices: Masalas, saffron, cardamom
• Textiles: Pashmina, silk, cotton
• Jewelry: Silver, kundan, semi-precious stones
• Tea: Masala chai, Darjeeling
• Ayurveda: Oils, cosmetics (Forest Essentials, Kama)
• Handicrafts: Brass, wood, textiles

Shopping Tips

• Bargain in bazaars—initial prices are inflated 2-3x
• Avoid shops guides take you to
• Check fabric quality (silk burns, synthetic melts)
• Keep receipts for possible returns

Where to Stay

Luxury (₹15,000+/night | $180+)

• The Imperial: Colonial elegance, historic hotel
• The Oberoi: Impeccable service, golf course views
• ITC Maurya: Home of legendary Bukhara restaurant
• The Leela Palace: Modern luxury
• Taj Palace: Classic elegance

Mid-Range (₹3,000-8,000/night | $35-95)

• The Claridges: Colonial style, Lutyens Delhi
• The Lalit: Good location
• Crowne Plaza: International standard
• Bloomrooms: Stylish boutique hotels
• The Park: Designer hotel

Budget (₹500-2,000/night | $6-24)

• Paharganj: Backpacker hub near New Delhi station
• Zostel Delhi: Hostel chain
• Moustache Hostel: Cozy hostel
• Smyle Inn: Clean budget option
• Hotel Hari Piorko: Popular with budget travelers

Where to Base Yourself

Budget Planning

Daily Costs

Budget Traveler: ₹1,500-3,000/day ($18-36)

• Hostel/budget hotel: ₹500-1,000
• Food (street food + cafes): ₹400-800
• Transport (metro + rickshaws): ₹200-400
• Attractions: ₹400-800

Mid-Range: ₹5,000-10,000/day ($60-120)

• 3-4* hotel: ₹3,000-5,000
• Food (restaurants): ₹1,500-2,500
• Transport (Uber): ₹500-1,000
• Attractions + guide: ₹1,000-1,500

Luxury: ₹20,000+/day ($240+)

• 5* hotel: ₹15,000+
• Fine dining: ₹3,000-5,000
• Private transport: ₹2,000-3,000
• Private tours: ₹5,000+

Money-Saving Tips

• Visit attractions on Fridays—discounts available
• Use metro instead of taxis
• Eat street food and at local restaurants
• Book hotels in advance
• Bargain at markets

Payment Methods

• Cash needed for rickshaws, bazaars, small purchases
• Cards accepted at hotels, restaurants, malls
• UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe) widely used
• ATMs everywhere, fees ₹200-350

Safety and Tips

General Safety

• Delhi is relatively safe for tourists with basic precautions
• Avoid deserted areas at night
• Women should avoid walking alone late at night
• Store valuables in hotel safe
• Keep copies of documents

Common Scams

• Taxi to the station: They take you to a travel agency instead. Use Uber
• This attraction is closed: They take you elsewhere. Check yourself
• Inflated prices: Clarify cost upfront
• Fake travel agencies: Book only on official sites (IRCTC for trains)

Health

• Drink only bottled water
• Get travel insurance
• Recommended vaccines: Hepatitis A, Typhoid
• Pharmacies everywhere (Apollo, MedPlus)
• Air quality poor in winter—wear an N95 mask

Emergency Numbers

• Police: 100
• Ambulance: 102
• Women's helpline: 1091
• Tourist police: 1363
• US Embassy: +91-11-2419-8000
• UK High Commission: +91-11-2419-2100

Connectivity

• SIM cards: Airtel, Jio, Vi (passport copy required)
• Purchase at airport or official stores
• eSIM: Airalo, Holafly (no documents needed)
• WiFi in hotels and cafes usually good

Dress Code

• Dress modestly, especially at temples and mosques
• Cover shoulders and knees
• Comfortable shoes—lots of walking and removing footwear
• Summer—light cotton clothing
• Winter—warm layers for evenings

Day Trips from Delhi

Agra (200 km, 3-4 hours)

The Taj Mahal—reason enough to go. Also Agra Fort and Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb.

• Train: Gatimaan Express (6:00 AM from Nizamuddin, 1h 40min, ₹750)
• Return: 5:50 PM from Agra
• Taxi: ₹5,000-7,000 round trip

Jaipur (270 km, 4-5 hours)

The Pink City—Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, Jantar Mantar.

• Train: Shatabdi Express (6:00 AM, 4.5 hours)
• Day trip possible but better with overnight stay

Mathura and Vrindavan (150 km, 2.5 hours)

Sacred cities—birthplace of Lord Krishna. Colorful temples and devoted pilgrims.

Ranthambore (400 km)

National park with tigers. Requires minimum 2 days.

Rishikesh and Haridwar (250 km, 5-6 hours)

World capital of yoga on the Ganges. Better with overnight stay.

Practical Information

Visa

Most nationalities need a visa. e-Visa available—apply online 4-5 days in advance.

• Tourist e-Visa: 30 days, $25-50
• Website: indianvisaonline.gov.in

Currency

• Indian Rupee (INR, ₹)
• 1 USD ≈ 83 INR (2025)
• 1 EUR ≈ 90 INR
• Exchange money at banks or authorized changers

Electricity

• Voltage: 230V
• Plug types: C, D, M (European plugs usually fit)

Suggested Itinerary (3 Days)

Day 1: Old Delhi

1. Red Fort (morning)
2. Jama Masjid
3. Chandni Chowk—walk and lunch
4. Khari Baoli spice market
5. Evening: Street food in Old Delhi

Day 2: New Delhi and South Delhi

1. Humayun's Tomb (morning)
2. Qutub Minar
3. Lunch in Hauz Khas
4. Lotus Temple
5. Evening: India Gate, Rajpath

Day 3: Temples and Markets

1. Akshardham Temple (half day)
2. Raj Ghat (Gandhi Memorial)
3. Shopping: Dilli Haat or Khan Market
4. Farewell dinner at a nice restaurant