Overview
About Delhi
Delhi, India's capital, is a city of many cities. Over the centuries, dynasties from the Tomars and the Delhi Sultanate to the Mughals and the British built successive capitals here, and their ruins, tombs and forts are scattered across the modern metropolis. Few places in the world let you step from a 12th-century minaret to a Mughal garden tomb to a grand colonial boulevard in the same afternoon.
The city broadly divides into Old Delhi and New Delhi. Old Delhi, the walled Shahjahanabad of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, is a dense tangle of bazaars, havelis, mosques and food lanes around the Red Fort and Jama Masjid. New Delhi, laid out by the British in the early 20th century, is a world of wide avenues, government buildings, roundabouts and tree-lined bungalow zones centred on India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Beyond the monuments, Delhi is one of India's great food cities, a shopping destination for everything from handicrafts to wedding wear, and a lively cultural centre with museums, galleries and festivals. The Delhi Metro makes most sights easy to reach, and the city is also the starting point of the popular Golden Triangle circuit with Agra and Jaipur.
- Mughal monuments
- Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Street food
- Chandni Chowk
- Shopping markets
- Museums
Sightseeing
Best Places to Visit in Delhi
Monuments
Red Fort
Shah Jahan's massive red sandstone fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with audience halls, palaces and museums inside its walls. The Prime Minister addresses the nation from its ramparts every Independence Day.
Qutub Minar
A soaring fluted minaret begun by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, surrounded by early Sultanate ruins including the famous iron pillar. The complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Humayun's Tomb
A UNESCO-listed garden tomb that served as an inspiration for the Taj Mahal, set within symmetrical charbagh gardens and water channels.
India Gate and Kartavya Path
The war memorial arch at the end of the grand ceremonial avenue leading to Rashtrapati Bhavan, lovely in the evening when it is lit up.
Purana Qila
The old fort associated with Humayun and Sher Shah Suri, with gateways, a mosque and a boating lake beside its walls.
Places of Worship
Jama Masjid
One of India's largest mosques, built by Shah Jahan, with a vast courtyard and a minaret that can be climbed for views across Old Delhi.
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
A serene Sikh shrine near Connaught Place with a gold dome, a sacred tank and a community kitchen that serves free meals to everyone.
Lotus Temple
The Bahá'í House of Worship, shaped like a blooming lotus and open to people of all faiths for silent prayer.
Akshardham
A vast temple complex on the banks of the Yamuna, known for its elaborately carved stone monument, exhibitions and evening water show.
Markets & Neighbourhoods
Chandni Chowk
Old Delhi's historic main street and its side lanes, packed with spice shops, sweet makers, paratha joints and wholesale markets.
Lodhi Garden and Hauz Khas
Lodhi Garden holds 15th-century tombs amid lawns and jogging paths, while Hauz Khas Village mixes medieval ruins with cafes and boutiques.
Nearby Excursions
Agra
About 230 km away via the Yamuna Expressway, Agra is home to the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, and makes a long but rewarding day trip.
Experiences
Top Things to Do in Delhi
- 1
Eat your way through Old Delhi
Try parathas, chaat, kebabs, jalebis and kulfi in the lanes around Chandni Chowk and Jama Masjid, ideally with a local guide.
- 2
Ride the Metro
The Delhi Metro links most major sights, including the airport, and is often the fastest way to beat road traffic.
- 3
Explore the museums
Spend time at the National Museum, the National Gallery of Modern Art or the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya to understand India's history and art.
- 4
Shop at Dilli Haat
This open-air crafts bazaar brings together artisans and food stalls from different states in one place.
- 5
Take a cycle rickshaw ride
Experience the crowded lanes of Old Delhi from a rickshaw, the most practical way to move through its narrow streets.
- 6
Watch the evening at India Gate
Join families and ice-cream sellers on the lawns around India Gate after sunset, when the monument is illuminated.
Weather
Best Time to Visit Delhi
The best time to visit Delhi is October to March. Here is what each season is like.
Summer
April to June
28°C to 45°C
Extremely hot and dry, with dust storms and heatwaves. Sightseeing is best limited to early mornings and air-conditioned museums.
Monsoon
July to September
26°C to 36°C
Humid with heavy showers that can cause waterlogging and traffic jams, though gardens and monuments look greener.
Winter
October to March
5°C to 25°C
The best time to visit, with sunny days and cool evenings. December and January can be cold and foggy, and air quality often drops in late autumn and winter.
Getting there
How to Reach Delhi
By Air
Indira Gandhi International Airport is India's busiest airport, with direct flights from almost every Indian city and many international destinations. The Airport Express Metro line, taxis and app cabs connect it to central Delhi.
By Rail
Delhi is the hub of the northern rail network, with New Delhi, Old Delhi (Delhi Junction), Hazrat Nizamuddin and Anand Vihar Terminal as the main stations. Check which one your train uses, as they are far apart.
By Road
National highways and expressways connect Delhi with Agra (about 230 km), Jaipur (about 280 km) and Chandigarh (about 250 km). Interstate buses use the Kashmere Gate, Anand Vihar and Sarai Kale Khan terminals, and app cabs and auto-rickshaws are widely available.
Taste of the city
Famous Food of Delhi
Chole bhature
Spicy chickpea curry with large fried breads, a hearty Delhi favourite.
Parathas
Stuffed, fried flatbreads made in many varieties in the old lanes of Chandni Chowk.
Butter chicken
Tandoori chicken simmered in a rich, creamy tomato gravy, closely associated with Delhi.
Kebabs and nihari
Slow-cooked Mughlai dishes found around Jama Masjid, especially popular at breakfast and dinner.
Chaat
Tangy street snacks like aloo tikki, papdi chaat and gol gappe topped with chutneys and curd.
Jalebi and kulfi
Crisp syrup-soaked spirals and dense frozen milk desserts for those with a sweet tooth.
What to Buy in Delhi
- Handicrafts and textiles at Dilli Haat
- Spices and dry fruits at Khari Baoli
- Wedding wear and fabrics around Chandni Chowk
- Bargain clothing at Sarojini Nagar and Janpath
Travel Tips for Delhi
- Use the Metro wherever possible; road traffic can be very slow at peak hours.
- Check air quality updates in late autumn and winter and carry a mask if needed.
- Many monuments are closed one day a week, so check opening days before planning.
- Use only authorised taxis or app cabs, and agree on fares for autos before starting.
- Dress modestly and cover your head where required at mosques and gurudwaras.
FAQs
Delhi Travel FAQs
What is the best time to visit Delhi?
October to March is the best time to visit Delhi, with comfortable temperatures for sightseeing. Summers are very hot, and December and January can be foggy.
How many days are enough for Delhi?
Three to four days are enough to cover the main monuments, Old Delhi's markets and food, and a few museums. Add a day for a trip to Agra.
What is Delhi famous for?
Delhi is famous for its Mughal and Sultanate monuments, including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, its street food, bustling markets and its role as the national capital.
What are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Delhi?
Delhi has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Red Fort complex, the Qutub Minar and its monuments, and Humayun's Tomb.
Is the Delhi Metro good for tourists?
Yes. The Delhi Metro is clean, affordable and reaches most tourist sights, including the airport via the Airport Express line.
Can I do a day trip from Delhi to Agra?
Yes. Agra is about 230 km from Delhi via the Yamuna Expressway, and fast trains and cars make a day trip to the Taj Mahal possible.
