Things To Do
in New Delhi
The capital city of India is adorned with a rich tapestry of history, culture, and modernity, making it a unique blend of ancient monuments and bustling urban sprawl. It serves as the seat of all three branches of the government of India, housing impressive structures like the Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament House, and the Supreme Court of India.
With its diverse culinary landscape, vibrant markets, and lush gardens, the city offers an eclectic mix of experiences to locals and travelers alike.
- "kiddan" - How are you?
- "shukriya" - Thank you
- "tuhada naa ki hai" - What is your name?
- "ki haal chaal" - How are things?
- "chalo" - Let's go
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $15 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.20 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $10 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $10 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to India Gate, a prominent war memorial. A leisurely stroll through the surrounding gardens is a great way to soak in the morning sun.
Explore Rajpath and visit the Rashtrapati Bhavan to experience India's political heart. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant serving authentic Delhi cuisine.
Wrap up your day at Connaught Place for some shopping and bustling nightlife. Don’t forget to try street food like chaat from local vendors.
Begin your day at the iconic Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Delve into the history of the Mughal Empire as you explore its impressive architecture.
Head to Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, and admire its stunning courtyard. Relish a meal at a historic nearby restaurant known for its kebabs.
Visit Chandni Chowk for an authentic bazaar experience. You can shop for traditional Indian garments and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and historical significance
- Vibrant food scene with diverse culinary offerings
- Hub for education and career opportunities
- Well-developed transportation infrastructure including metro and airports
- Numerous parks and gardens providing green spaces
- High levels of pollution and traffic congestion
- Extreme weather conditions, hot summers and chilly winters
- Poverty and socioeconomic disparities in certain areas
- Safety concerns, particularly for women at night
- Overcrowding and urban density leading to a strained infrastructure
Best Activities in New Delhi
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Take a leisurely stroll or have a picnic in the beautiful and historic Lodhi Gardens, featuring landscaped lawns, water bodies, and ancient monuments.
Embark on a nature trail or go for a hike in the Delhi Ridge, a hilly area with lush greenery and diverse flora and fauna.
Rent a bicycle and ride around the iconic India Gate and its surrounding area, enjoying the open spaces and the vibrant atmosphere.
Tours
Uncover the best of New Delhi with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in New Delhi
Visit one of these nice places.
Monument and war memorial, great for photos especially at night
Historical tower with a surrounding park, offers a panoramic view of the city
Unique architectural design and beautiful gardens, perfect for capturing stunning photos
Mughal architecture and serene gardens provide excellent photo opportunities
Presidential residence with picturesque surroundings, offering great photo opportunities
Food in New Delhi
New Delhi Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A creamy and mildly spiced chicken dish that is a staple of North Indian cuisine. For a delectable serving, head to Moti Mahal in Daryaganj or Havemore in Pandara Road.
Must-Try!
A popular combination of spicy and tangy chickpea curry paired with deep-fried bread. Sample this dish at Sita Ram Diwan Chand in Paharganj or at Baba Nagpal Corner in Lajpat Nagar.
Stuffed flatbreads that come in various flavors such as potato, paneer, or onion. Visit Moolchand Parathe Wala or Paranthe Wali Gali in Chandni Chowk for an authentic experience.
Unique Experiences
Get to know New Delhi better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market is a street food paradise. Indulge in spicy chaat, crispy jalebis, and refreshing lassi while navigating the narrow lanes filled with aromas of delicious treats.
Apart from shopping, this market offers an array of street food like momos, golgappas, and kebabs, making it a go-to spot for food enthusiasts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In New Delhi, it is respectful to greet people with 'Namaste' by pressing your palms together and slightly bowing. This is a common form of greeting and shows respect for the local cultural customs.
It is important to be mindful of personal space in New Delhi and avoid standing too close to others, especially when interacting with someone of the opposite gender.
When visiting religious sites, it is important to dress modestly and remove shoes before entering. It's also respectful to ask for permission before taking photographs inside a religious place.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of New Delhi with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in New Delhi
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is commonly practiced in New Delhi, India, especially in restaurants, hotels, and for services such as taxis and tour guides. It is customary to tip around 10-15% of the total bill in restaurants, and to give a small tip to hotel staff for good service. Tipping is also appreciated for good service from taxi drivers and tour guides.
In New Delhi, India, cash is widely used for day-to-day transactions. However, many establishments also accept credit and debit cards, especially in tourist areas and larger businesses. It's advisable to carry smaller denomination notes as many smaller vendors may not have change for larger bills. Online payment methods and mobile wallets are also becoming increasingly popular for transactions in New Delhi.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into New Delhi.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit New Delhi, with cool and pleasant weather. Expect clear skies, cultural festivals, and outdoor activities.
Another good time to visit with mild temperatures and blooming flowers. Expect colorful festivals like Holi and pleasant outdoor experiences.
Hot and dry weather with temperatures rising above 40°C. Expect scorching heat and potential dust storms.
Humid weather with heavy rainfall. Expect lush green landscapes, occasional flooding, and indoor cultural events.
Post-monsoon season with pleasant temperatures. Expect clear skies and the beginning of festival season, including Diwali.
New Delhi at Night
Hiking in New Delhi
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic walking and hiking trail that runs along the Aravalli hills, offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscape and the city.
A large forest area located near the Qutub Institutional Area, Sanjay Van has various hiking trails through dense vegetation and natural beauty.
An expansive garden with historical tombs and lush greenery, ideal for easy walks and short hikes.
Features numerous historical monuments and ruins with picturesque walking paths and open spaces for hiking enthusiasts.
Located near Faridabad, this area offers a natural escape with hills, forests, and a serene environment perfect for hiking.
A park featuring several walking trails through diverse flora, great for moderate hikes and exploring nature.
The ruins of a fort located on a hill that offers a challenging hike with panoramic views of the surrounding area.
A protected area with several trails ideal for hiking while observing wildlife and the natural ecosystem.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into New Delhi through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach New Delhi by plane.
The primary international airport serving New Delhi, known for its modern facilities and extensive connectivity.
Located in Mumbai, this is the second busiest airport in India, offering a wide range of international flights.
Situated in Bangalore, this airport is one of the major hubs in southern India, serving numerous international destinations.
Based in Kolkata, this airport is a key gateway to eastern India, handling a significant number of international flights.
Located in Hyderabad, this airport serves as an important international gateway in southern India.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority demographic group in New Delhi, comprising approximately 81% of the city's population.
The second-largest religious group in New Delhi, accounting for around 12% of the population.
A notable minority in New Delhi, Sikhs represent about 2% of the population.
Comprising around 1% of the population, this group includes various denominations.
Also a minority group, Jains make up approximately 1% of New Delhi's population.
A very small demographic in New Delhi, comprising less than 1% of the population.
This includes various indigenous and ethnic communities, making up the remaining percentage of the population.
The Soul of New Delhi
Discover the essence of New Delhi through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cricket is the most popular sport in New Delhi, with a massive following and numerous local and national tournaments.
Field hockey has a rich history in India and is widely followed in New Delhi, especially after the nation's success in international competitions.
Football is gaining popularity in New Delhi, with numerous clubs and leagues contributing to its growth among the youth.
Badminton is a popular sport in New Delhi, with many players participating in local and national tournaments.
Tennis enjoys a considerable following in New Delhi, with many parks and clubs offering facilities for the sport.
Basketball is increasingly popular in New Delhi, especially among school and college students who participate in various competitions.
Kabaddi is a traditional Indian sport that has seen a resurgence in popularity, especially with the advent of leagues that promote it.
Wrestling has a long tradition in India and is popular in New Delhi, with local akhadas (wrestling schools) training aspiring wrestlers.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting New Delhi.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
New Delhi is a haven for vegetarians, with a plethora of restaurants and street food vendors offering meat-free options such as paneer dishes, chole masala, and aloo tikki.
While vegan options are not as widespread, many restaurants and cafes in New Delhi are accommodating by offering dishes like dal makhani, baingan bharta, and vegetable biryani.
Individuals with gluten intolerance can find suitable alternatives like rice-based breads, dosas, and rice dishes in various eateries across the city.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of New Delhi with these cultural adventures.