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About this guide
As the capital of India, Delhi is a city that weaves together history, culture, and modernity. Travelers can experience the iconic sites like the Red Fort and Qutub Minar or the local arts and music scene. Visit street food stalls and upscale restaurants serving regional and globally inspired Indian cuisine. There are plenty of guided tours to connect with local communities and learn about the city’s deep-rooted cultural heritage. There is no shortage of immersive physical and spiritual excursions to celebrate the beauty of Indian culture.
- Best time to travel: November to March (peak season), June to August (off-season), April to May and September to October (shoulder season)
- Time zone: Indian Standard Time (IST)
- Currency: Indian Rupee, INR (₹)
- Language(s): Hindi, Punjabi, English
- Noteworthy: Holi Color Festival (March), Diwali (October to November)
- Best for: South Asian History Buffs, Authentic Indian Cuisine, Artisan and Luxury Shopping, Indo-Islamic Architecture Enthusiasts
Get Away: Getting To And Around Delhi, India
By Air
Fly into Delhi, India, at the city’s primary international gateway, Indira Gandhi International Airport. Travelers can easily reach India via well-connected airports in major cities around the world, including New York, London, Dubai, and Singapore. Be sure to check visa requirements and plan an itinerary with plenty of time to get to the hotel from the busy airport.
By Car
Getting around Delhi by car can be convenient, especially for visiting multiple sites in a day. For ease, comfort, and safety, consider hiring a private car with a driver since navigating Delhi traffic and complex roads can be challenging. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Ola are also widely available and offer reliable transportation options.
By Public Transit
Delhi’s efficient and affordable public transit system includes the popular Delhi Metro network, which connects major attractions, neighborhoods, and the airport. Buses and auto-rickshaws are also available for additional options to explore Delhi’s colorful streets and local markets.
Explore Delhi, India On Foot
Popular areas like Chandni Chowk and Connaught Place are pedestrian-friendly to easily wander through artisan markets, historic sites, and local eateries. For a more guided experience, consider joining a walking tour that highlights Delhi's rich heritage.
Quick facts
Indian Standard Time (IST)
Indian Rupee, INR (₹)
Hindi, Punjabi, English
Good For
South Asian History Buffs
Authentic Indian Cuisine
Artisan and Luxury Shopping
Indo-Islamic Architecture Enthusiasts
Keep in mind
Gourmet
Gourmet: Places To Eat In Delhi, India
Plats celebrates local seasonal produce and globally inspired flavors through technique and cultural recipes. The relaxing atmosphere complements meals such as Prawn Ala Plancha, Chicken Chiang Mai Curried Noodles, and burnt Basque cheesecake.
For a quick, casual, and affordable bite to eat, Triveni Terrace Cafe shares an artistic atmosphere with delicious Indian food. This iconic canteen offers a culturally rich setting with beloved dishes like Sambhar, Aloo Gutuk, and the popular Strawberry Gol Gappe dessert.
The ethno-contemporary Cafe Lota serves lesser-known regional Indian cuisine surrounded by the artistry of India’s craftsmen. Housed in the National Crafts Museum, guests enjoy exhibits before savoring delicious dishes like Kathal Biryani and Kerala Chicken Masala.
The relaxed wine and coffee bar, Perch, invites guests to explore creative pairings of food and beverages. The menu features dishes like Grilled Norwegian Salmon, a chilled charcuterie board, and banana sponge cake with honeycomb ice cream.
For local fine dining, the Indian Accent serves traditional flavors using local ingredients and global techniques in its signature dishes. Dishes include duck khichdi, pork belly with cucumber Raita, the famed prawn biryani, or a six-course Chef's Tasting menu.
Visit Laduree for a charming pastel Parisian tea room complete with a High Tea Special for a memorable brunch with friends. The menu includes exquisite dishes like Salmon Avocado Croissant, Chicken Vol Au Vent, and their famous Ispahan macarons.
Play
Play: Things To Do In Delhi, India
From renowned street vendors to century-old eateries, the Old Delhi Food Tour takes visitors around the historic Mughal Empire. Guided through busy streets and bazaars, guests indulge in local delicacies while exploring the city on foot and bicycle rickshaw.
The spiritual ISKCON Temple Delhi is home to the Astounding Bhagavad Gita, a remarkable religious book weighing nearly 2,000 pounds. Explore interactive exhibits on Hindu epics, devotional gift shops, and captivating performances in the temple’s open theater.
The Cows and Carnations Tour takes visitors to the popular Ghazipur Flower Mandi Market and local cow farm to learn about the importance of cows in Indian culture. Guests will learn the art of floral arrangement from a local expert before interacting with the beautiful gentle giants on the farm.
The beautifully preserved Humayun's Tomb mausoleum is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture and the inspiration behind the iconic Taj Mahal. Guests get a glimpse into India’s architectural history in a link between the burial sites of Tamerlane and Shah Jahan.
Cook Indian food with a local family at a traditional Delhi Home for a hands-on cooking session with traditional customs. Guests will cook popular vegetarian dishes and share meaningful cultural exchanges with other guests and locals.
Witness an authentic spiritual musing with a local folk musician on a boat to an ancient temple on the Yamuna River where guests experience India’s deep connection to its rivers. The trip includes traditional prayer at Yamuna Ghat, an awe-inspiring seagull migration at dawn, stories of mythology, and a private Indian music concert.
Book a day at the Sawadhee Spa to revitalize your body, mind, and soul with expert Thai massage therapy. The range of luxurious services also includes foot therapy, body treatments, facials, and private jacuzzi baths, all designed to de-stress every guest.
Gain a sense of renewal and strength with a transformative and calming Yoga and Naturopathy session in New Delhi. Guests learn guided yoga postures, deep breathing techniques, and meditation practices with a refreshing snack after the session.
