New Delhi, India is a huge, sprawling metropolis. An ancient city with a storied past, Delhi is one of the most historical cities on earth. It also has a very vibrant present as the capital of the world’s largest democracy. There are so many things to do in Delhi it’s hard to even know how to begin a Delhi city guide, and what Delhi travel tips to offer, to visitors and tourists who want to explore and experience the best sights, hotels, attractions, landmarks and fun, cool things to do. Note: New Delhi is also called just Delhi, or in Hindi, Dilli.
So here goes, my tips for the best things to do in Delhi – based on many years of living in Delhi on-and-off. There are truly a lot of things to do in Delhi, from a street food tour of Old Delhi, to watching the sunrise at India Gate, to exploring the city’s three UNESCO World Heritage sites (Red Fort, Qutb Minar, Humayun’s Tomb) – these are things you must do in Delhi. And don’t forget shopping in Delhi, one of my favourite pastimes. Or you can visit the famous temples of Delhi. But first …
Why visit Delhi?
Most visitors to India land either in Delhi or Mumbai (Bombay). And it is from these cities that they glean their first impressions. Unfortunately, Delhi does not always make a good first impression. I was lucky, from my very first day in India, I stayed with an Indian family in South Delhi. True Dilli-wallahs, they helped me see the beauty and essential charm of the city and provided the keys to discover hidden treasures that most tourists miss. I grew to love the city and I hope you will give it a chance, too.
Personally, I think Delhi is a glorious city. As well as being my home-away-from-home, I also find it inspiring and endlessly fascinating. Like Rome, Delhi is an eternal city. Not only is it the capital of modern India, it has been the capital of at least seven previous civilizations, and each have left behind a trail of monuments. It’s also a very green city, criss-crossed by wide, leafy boulevards; and it’s the country’s cultural heart and political centre. Plus, Delhi is known as a gastronome’s pleasure garden and a shopper’s paradise. In other words, there’s lots of things to do in Delhi, and many reasons to love the city. Check out this 3 day Delhi itinerary for ideas on where to go and how to organize your visit.
Where to stay in Delhi
Low-built Delhi sprawls, and encompasses many fascinating areas from Raj-era Connaught Place, the commercial centre, to the crammed markets of Old Delhi; and from funky enclave Hauz Khas to the elegant bungalows of central New Delhi. There are many places to stay, and many neighbourhoods to explore, but somehow most tourists end up in Pahar Ganj (near New Delhi Train Station), Karol Bagh, or Connaught Place (known locally as CP), the commercial centre of Delhi. There are a lot of cheap hotels here, and the night life can be fun and exciting, but there are also a lot of touts, conmen, hustlers, scam artists and worse. For foreigners, and especially those new to India, it can feel like a shark feeding frenzy to walk down the street.
Personally, I prefer to stay where I am treated as something more than a walking wallet. My top Delhi tip is to stay away from the hustle and bustle, and avoid the sharks. Stay instead in the leafy, upscale neighbourhoods of central New Delhi, South Delhi, or Mehrauli. In South Delhi, I rarely get ripped off, because this is not a tourist area: when I get in an auto, I get charged the same price as my neighbours, the locals. Look for accommodation in home stays, guest houses, hostels, small boutique hotels. There are lots to choose from and more coming up every day. Read about why you should choose a homestay in India here. And click here for the best luxury getaways near Delhi.
What can I do in Delhi
Exploring Delhi is like the Dance of the Seven Veils. The city is built up of layers and layers of history, landmarks, monuments, UNESCO World Heritage sights, markets, temples, and on and on. Because Delhi is one of the most historical cities on earth – it has been the capital city of at least seven major civilizations – it can take time to get to know it. I’ve tried to download all of my best Delhi travel tips in this post.
Many people wonder how many days they need to experience Delhi. I personally feel you can explore Delhi for weeks, months and even years. In fact, I myself have done just that! But for most people, I recommend a three day itinerary in Delhi.
The top things to do in Delhi – in other words the must see things to do – are listed below. But please note, there are many, many more things to do and see. I’m only scratching the surface and this blog post is thousands of words long!