Delhi Travel Guide for Inbound Travellers

• • Place: Old Delhi
• • Operating time: 9.30 AM to 4.30 PM; opens: Tuesday–Saturday.
• • Indians are charged an Entry fee of Rs 35, and foreigners are charged 500.

The massive red structure used to be the home to the Mughal Kings. The beautiful halls in the courtyard, i.e. Diwan-i-Aam and Diwan-i-Khas, have walls made of red stones that are especially beautiful. There is an evening light and sound show that is can watch by visitors.

Tips:

• • Hire a guide to gain knowledge of the history.
• • One can shop for delightful street foods and bric-a-brac at the adjacent Chandni Chowk.

• • Location: the south of Delhi
• • Timing: 7.00 am 5.00 pm
• • Entrance Fee: Indian 40rs, Foreigner 600rs

This is a high tower of 73 meters! It is a UNESCO site that was constructed hundreds of years ago. The Iron Pillar should also not be missed, as it never rusts!

Tips:

• • It is best to wear comfortable shoes.
• • Go in prayer in the morning when the sun is not out.

• • Place: Delhi Central
• • Timing: 24-hour open
• • Entrance Fee: Not a penny

It is a tall gate that is built to honour Indian soldiers. It has gardens and fountains around. It is a pretty sight at night with lights around.

Tips:

• • Take a picnic and go on a walk.
• • Visit Rashtrapati Bhavan.

• • Location: the south of Delhi
• • Time: 6:00 AM, 6.00 PM
• • Entrance Fee: Indian 40rs, Foreigner 600rs

This stately mausoleum holds the body of Emperor Humayun, one of the world's emperors. There are magnificent gardens and a peaceful atmosphere here. This tomb gave rise to the Taj Mahal!

Tips:

• • Excellent for admirers of photography.
• • It will also visit the local Nizamuddin Dargah.

• • Location: South Delhi
• • Timing: 9 AM – 5.30 PM (Monday closed)
• • Fee: No charge

This lovely temple is in the form of a lotus flower. All religions can visit here. There is a lot of silence within it; people talk not at all.

Tips:

• • Go to the sunset to get good pictures.
• • Be quiet in.

• • Place: Old Delhi
• • Timing: From 7.00 AM–12.00 PM; 1.30 PM–6.30 PM
• • Fee: For Indians, it is free of cost; whereas, 300 Rupees for foreigners accessing the tower.

It ranks as the largest mosque in India. It stands very tall and hosts an immensely spacious open courtyard. It is possible to make it to the tower and observe Old Delhi from above!

Tips:

• • Make sure to dress properly and remove your footwear if necessary.
• • Reach the place earlier to sidestep the crowds.

• • Location: East Delhi
• • Timing: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM (Closed on Monday)
• • Fee: 0; ₹170 for Exhibitions

This is a huge and contemporary temple. Its carvings are beautiful and about Indian culture there are shows. As night comes do not miss the water show!

Tips:

• • No cameras inside.
• • Visit here for at least 2–3 hours.

• • Place: Central Delhi
• • Timing: 5 AM – 7:30 PM
• • Entry Fee: None

This is the place where Mahatma Gandhi was burnt. It is an idyllic site where there are gardens and a black stone platform which forms the site.

Tips:

• • Go to the Gandhi Museum near it.
• • Applicable when one is planning to do some quiet reflection.

• • Place: Central Delhi
• • Timing: 24/7 (Shops 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM)
• • Entry Fee: None

It is a circular market comprising white buildings. Here you are provided with everything: shops, cafes, restaurants, and many other things.

Tips:

• • An ideal place to eat and shop.
• • Do not leave your bag open in busy areas.

• • Place: South Delhi
• • Timing: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• • Entry Fee: No Entry Fee for anyone

It is a sprawling, green, luxuriant park housing tombs from the 1400s. Others jog around, practice Yoga, or just sit back in the shade.

Tips:

• • Perfect to walk in the morning.
• • Go through the adjacent Safdarjung Tomb.

• • Place: Central Delhi
• • Timing: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• • Entrance Fees: Indian citizens pay 20Rs, whereas foreign visitors pay 650Rs.

Its exhibits are immensely ancient, ranging from swords and jewellery to statues and paintings. You will also be able to discover the Indian history that spans a span of 5,000 years.

Tips:

• • Avail the audio guide.
• • It is worth sparing 2–3 hours to make a decent visit.

Why you should join: There’s joy, music, and love in the air. You’ll see faith come alive in the most beautiful way.

• • Place of location: South Delhi
• • Timing: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
• • Entry Fee: Indians ₹20.00; Foreigners ₹100.00

It is an outdoor market and has crafts from every region of India. Shopping, you can also purchase clothes, bags, pottery and taste local food.

Tips:

• • The prices are either fixed or negotiable.
• • Sample the food of various states of India.

• • Place of location: Old Delhi
• • Timing: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• • Entry Fee: Free

It is among the very ancient and packed markets in India. The narrow neighbourhoods are rich in colours, stores and aromas. You are able to eat, shop and enjoy the crowd.

Tips:

• • Ride on a rickshaw.
• • Go there in the morning, and it is much better.

Connaught Place is located at the centre, is safe and well-connected — it is a superb place to stay in Delhi. You will encounter luxury hotels, medium-priced rooms and low-cost ones near the shopping, food and the metro.

Luxury Hotels

• • Imperial (1 km): Colonial five-star hotel, wonderful gardens, antique allure.
  Up to 7,148.15–11,913.52 dollars per night
• • Taj Mahal Hotel (3 km): New hotel with large rooms, a variety of restaurants and a spa.
  One night 20,000–12,000 INR

Mid-Range Hotels

• • Bloomrooms @ New Delhi Railway Station (2 km away): Rooms that are spacious, vibrantly coloured, immaculately clean, and very affordable.
  A night’s stay at the hotel will run from roughly 3,000 rupees to 5,000 rupees.
• • Hotel Palace Heights (about 0.5 km): Decent rooms accompanied by a rooftop restaurant.
  Rs 4,000–6,000 per night

Budget Hotels

• • Hotel Godwin Deluxe (1.5 km): The hotel is well-equipped and is located near the station and the market.
  129–199 dollars / 2,000–3,500 INR a night

Tips:

• • Book in advance (particularly in October to March).
• • Select the hotels that are close to the metro.
• • Seek those hotels which provide free breakfast.

Delhi homestays make you feel like being home. They are well-hygienic, comfortable, and sometimes they even bring home-made Indian food!

Recommended Homestays

• • Prakash Kutir B&B (South Delhi, 8 km): This is a perfect choice for solo or couple travellers.
  4.8/5 | ₹3,000–5,000 per night
• • Colonel Retreat (9 km): Cordial people, quiet terrace.
  4.7/5 | ₹2,500–4,000 per night
• • Bungalow 99 (7 km): Beautiful decorations and friendly service.
  4.6/5 | ₹2,000–3,500 per night

Tips:

• • One should use Booking.com or Airbnb.
• • Ensure that there is a metro station nearby.
• • Always check new reviews on safety and comfort before booking.

Backpackers and lone travellers should stay in hostels. You’ll meet people from different countries, make new friends, and save money at the same time.

Top Hostels

• • Zostel Delhi (2 km): A great place to chill out with other people.
  4.7/5 | ₹500–₹1,200 for a dorm bed, ₹2,000–₹3,500 for a private room
• • Moustache Hostel Delhi (8 km): Crafty design, great vibes, and fun game nights.
  4.6/5 | ₹450–₹1,000 for a dorm bed
• • The Hosteller Delhi (9 km): Clean, quiet and entertaining. Great for focused travellers.
  4.6/5

Tips:

• • Use the lockers provided to secure your belongings.
• • Book early, especially around festivals and peak season.
• • Engage with hostel activities for a fun and social experience.

Delhi food is a large part of travel! Whether you’re seeking fine dining or delicious street eats, Connaught Place is the ideal place to start.

Fine Dining

• • Indian Accent (4 km): The world-famous chef serves modern Indian cuisine.
  ₹2,500–4,000 per person
• • Parikrama (0.5 km): A rotating restaurant that offers panoramic views of Delhi.
  ₹1,000–2,000 per person

Local Favourites

• • Karim’s (Old Delhi): Iconic for mutton korma, kebabs, and Mughlai dishes.
  ₹500–1,000 per person
• • Haldiram’s (1 km): Popular for North Indian snacks, sweets, and street food flavours in a clean setting.
  ₹360–600 per person
• • Saravana Bhavan (0.5 km): The best spot for authentic South Indian dosas and idlis.
  ₹200–500 per person

Tips:

• • Ask for a less spicy version if you’re not used to Indian spice levels.
• • Try rooftop restaurants around Connaught Place for great views.
• • Reserve your table in advance at popular places, especially for dinner.

Delhi stands up as a fantastic shopping destination! From handmade crafts to colourful fashion, the city is full of treasures waiting to be explored.

What to Buy

• • Handicrafts: Brassware, pottery, wooden toys
• • Fabrics: Sarees, scarves, pashmina shawls
• • Accessories: Silver jewellery, bangles, ethnic earrings
• • Spices & Tea: Masala blends, saffron, Darjeeling tea
• • Leather Goods: Belts, bags, handmade shoes

Best Markets

• • Chandni Chowk: Delhi’s oldest bazaar, known for traditional clothing and jewellery
• • Dilli Haat: Handicrafts from across India in one vibrant space
• • Janpath Market: Popular for budget fashion, boho wear, and quirky accessories
• • Khan Market: Upscale spot for books, cafes, and designer boutiques

Tips:

• • Bargain confidently — start by quoting 30–50% lower.
• • Carry enough cash — many vendors may not accept cards.
• • Always check product quality and authenticity before purchasing.

You cannot miss Delhi's street food! It’s spicy, tangy, crispy, sweet — sometimes all in one bite. An unforgettable part of any foodie’s India experience.

Must-Eat Foods

• • Chole Bhature: Spiced chickpeas served with deep-fried bread
• • Paratha: Stuffed Indian flatbread, often with potato, paneer, or radish
• • Chaat: Tangy snacks like golgappa (pani puri), aloo tikki, and papdi chaat
• • Kathi Rolls: Rolled flatbread stuffed with paneer, chicken, or mutton
• • Jalebi: Crispy and syrupy rings of sweet joy

Best Places to Eat

• • Chandni Chowk: Try Parathe Wali Gali and the famous Jalebi Wala
• • Paharganj: Affordable and delicious bhature, rolls, and snacks
• • Kamla Nagar: Bustling college area with vibrant food stalls at every corner

Tips:

• • Choose crowded stalls that look clean — that’s usually a good sign.
• • Carry your own bottled water to avoid hygiene issues.
• • Avoid street food during the monsoon season to prevent water-borne illnesses.

Delhi is not only about monuments — it’s also about immersing yourself in fresh, local experiences that feel truly Indian!

Top Experiences

• • Old Delhi Rickshaw Tour: Ride through the bustling lanes, bazaars, and spice markets of Old Delhi.
  ₹500–₹1,000 per person
• • Heritage Walk at Hauz Khas: Explore ancient ruins, lakeside views, and hip cafes in this unique Delhi neighbourhood.
  ₹1,500–₹2,500
• • Indian Cooking Class: Learn how to prepare authentic Indian dishes with locals.
  ₹2,000–₹3,500
• • Street Food Tour: Join a guided tasting tour to safely sample Delhi’s street food gems.
  ₹1,000–₹2,000
• • Yoga at Lodhi Gardens: Start your day with a peaceful yoga session — some are free, others are donation-based.

Tips:

• • Use trusted websites like Viator or GetYourGuide for bookings.
• • Wear comfortable footwear for walks and tours.
• • Carry sunscreen and a bottle of water, especially in summer months.

Delhi is a city steeped in tradition, music, food, and heritage. From local bazaars to soul-stirring music, there's so much cultural richness to experience.

Local Experiences

• • Markets: Visit traditional bazaars across the city — one must-see is Dilli Haat, known for handmade goods and regional stalls. Explore Chandni Chowk for a historical market experience.
• • Cuisine: Dive into the diverse flavors of Delhi, from royal Mughlai dishes to flavorful South Indian meals and authentic street food.
• • Performances: Attend a live Qawwali performance at Nizamuddin Dargah or catch cultural shows and art performances at the India Habitat Centre.

Tips:

• • Dress modestly when visiting religious places or cultural events.
• • Ask locals or your guide about performance timings and special cultural festivals.
• • Don’t hesitate to try new food — but check spice levels if you're not used to it.

Best Time to Visit

• • October to March: Pleasant and cool weather (15°C–25°C), ideal for sightseeing.
• • April to June: Extremely hot; temperatures can exceed 40°C.
• • July to September: Rainy season; carry an umbrella or raincoat if visiting.

How to Reach

• • By Flight: Land at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL).
• • By Train: Use New Delhi Station or Old Delhi Station.
• • By Road: National Highways connect Delhi to Agra and Jaipur (NH48). Buses, taxis, and self-drives are available.

Getting Around

• • Delhi Metro: Clean, economical, and fast — best for avoiding traffic.
• • Auto Rickshaws & Cabs: Use Ola or Uber for app-based rides.
• • Rental Cars: Ideal for day trips or flexible exploration.

Travel Tips

• • Keep small cash handy for local purchases.
• • Dress modestly when visiting temples, mosques, or rural areas.
• • Drink only bottled water and carry sunscreen if outdoors for long.
• • Book tours and hotels through trusted websites.

Safety & Etiquette

• • Remove shoes before entering religious places.
• • Respect local laws and avoid public misconduct.
• • Women should avoid isolated areas at night.
• • Be mindful of personal belongings in crowded places.
• • Always ask before taking photos of locals or private spaces.

Nearby Destinations

• • Agra: Home of the Taj Mahal; 3–4 hours by road.
• • Jaipur: The Pink City with forts, palaces, and shopping; 4–5 hours by road.
• • Golden Triangle: Combine Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur for a classic cultural tour.

Delhi is a quick hotchpotch of ancient and modern, busy and silent, spicy and sweet! It will amaze you, instruct you, and embrace you with wide-open arms.

Now step in and experience its mighty forts, sample its unforgettable food, and feel the true heartbeat of India. Happy traveling!