National Capital Territory · City Guide

Delhi

3,000+Years of History
9Must-See Sights
Oct–MarBest Season
Region
National Capital Territory, North India
Nickname
The City of Seven Cities
Nearest Airport
Indira Gandhi International (DEL)
Ideal Stay
2–3 Days
Known For
Mughal Monuments · Old Bazaars · Colonial Capital · Street Food
Introduction

Seven historic cities,
layered into one capital

Delhi has been a seat of power for over three thousand years, with archaeological evidence of settlement dating back to at least the Mauryan era. Historians count at least seven distinct historic cities built on or near the same site — from the Tomar Rajput city of Lal Kot to Shah Jahan's 17th-century Shahjahanabad and the British-built New Delhi of the 1930s — each leaving monuments still standing today.

This layering is what makes Delhi unique among India's capitals: a single day can take you from the 73-metre Qutub Minar (begun in 1192) to the Mughal grandeur of the Red Fort and Jama Masjid, to the imperial boulevards of Lutyens' New Delhi, built as the administrative heart of British India and now home to the modern Indian government.

Tourism in Delhi today is split fairly evenly between this monumental heritage, the chaotic, atmospheric bazaars of Old Delhi (Chandni Chowk above all), and the city's role as the essential gateway to the rest of North India — almost every Golden Triangle, Rajasthan, or Himalayan itinerary begins or ends here.

Delhi
When to Visit

Best time to visit Delhi

Delhi's continental climate brings genuinely extreme seasonal swings — timing your visit well makes a significant difference.

October – March (Peak Season)

Cool and pleasant (10–25°C), ideal for walking tours of Old Delhi and outdoor monuments, though December-January mornings can be foggy.

Recommended

September (Shoulder Season)

Post-monsoon, with humidity easing and temperatures becoming more manageable by month's end.

Good

April – June (Summer)

Extreme heat regularly exceeding 42–45°C; the monsoon (July–August) brings humidity and occasional flooding without much relief.

Avoid
Best time to visit

Places to see

Nine landmarks — Mughal monuments, colonial boulevards, and old bazaars — that define a visit to Delhi.

Red Fort UNESCO Site
01

Red Fort

Shah Jahan's 17th-century fortified palace, the political heart of the Mughal Empire for two centuries — a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a daily evening sound-and-light show.

⏱ 2–2.5 hrs 📍 Old Delhi 🕗 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (closed Mon)
Jama Masjid Mosque
02

Jama Masjid

One of India's largest mosques, completed in 1656, with a vast courtyard accommodating 25,000 worshippers and minaret-top views over Old Delhi's rooftops.

⏱ 45 min – 1 hr 📍 Old Delhi 🕗 7 AM – 12 PM, 1:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Qutub Minar UNESCO Site
03

Qutub Minar

A 73-metre brick minaret begun in 1192, the tallest of its kind in the world — surrounded by the ruins of India's earliest Indo-Islamic architecture, including the famous Iron Pillar.

⏱ 1.5 hrs 📍 South Delhi 🕗 7 AM – 5 PM
Humayun's Tomb UNESCO Site
04

Humayun's Tomb

A 1570s garden tomb that directly inspired the Taj Mahal's design — Mughal funerary architecture at its most influential, set in Persian-style charbagh gardens.

⏱ 1–1.5 hrs 📍 South Delhi 🕗 6 AM – 6 PM
India Gate & Rajpath Monument
05

India Gate & Rajpath

A 42-metre war memorial arch anchoring New Delhi's grand ceremonial boulevard, flanked by the President's House and Parliament — especially atmospheric in the evening.

⏱ 30–45 min 📍 New Delhi 🕗 Open 24 hrs; monuments viewed from outside
Chandni Chowk Bazaar
06

Chandni Chowk

Old Delhi's 17th-century market street, still one of India's most chaotic and atmospheric bazaars — spices, textiles, jewellery, and some of the city's best street food.

⏱ 2–3 hrs 📍 Old Delhi 🕗 10 AM – 8 PM (varies by shop)
Lotus Temple Temple
07

Lotus Temple

A Bahá'í House of Worship completed in 1986, its lotus-flower architecture made from 27 marble-clad petals — a serene, meditative space open to all faiths.

⏱ 45 min – 1 hr 📍 South Delhi 🕗 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (closed Mon)
Akshardham Temple Temple
08

Akshardham Temple

A vast, modern Hindu temple complex completed in 2005, intricately carved by thousands of artisans, with an evening musical fountain show depicting the cycle of life.

⏱ 2–3 hrs 📍 East Delhi 🕗 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM (closed Mon)
Lutyens' New Delhi Heritage Quarter
09

Lutyens' New Delhi

The British-built administrative capital of the 1920s-30s, designed by Edwin Lutyens — wide tree-lined avenues, the Rashtrapati Bhavan, and Connaught Place's colonnaded shopping circle.

⏱ 2 hrs (drive-through) 📍 Central Delhi 🕗 View from outside; some areas restricted
Explore by Area

Explore Delhi further

Old Delhi
New Delhi
South Delhi
Modern Delhi

Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad)

Shah Jahan's 17th-century walled city remains Delhi's most atmospheric quarter — the Red Fort and Jama Masjid anchor a tangle of bazaars best explored by foot or cycle-rickshaw.

Chandni Chowk's food lanes are reason alone to spend a half-day wandering without a fixed plan.

  • Red Fort
  • Jama Masjid
  • Chandni Chowk bazaars & food lanes
  • Cycle-rickshaw tour
Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad)

New Delhi (Lutyens' Delhi)

The British-built administrative capital offers an entirely different Delhi — wide avenues, grand colonial-era buildings, and the ceremonial heart of modern Indian government.

India Gate and Rajpath are at their best in the evening, when the heat eases and the floodlit monuments draw local families out for a stroll.

  • India Gate & Rajpath
  • Rashtrapati Bhavan (exterior)
  • Connaught Place
  • Humayun's Tomb
New Delhi (Lutyens' Delhi)

South Delhi's Ancient Ruins

Qutub Minar and the surrounding Mehrauli Archaeological Park hold some of Delhi's oldest standing monuments, predating even the Mughal era.

This greener, quieter part of the city rewards visitors with time for a slower, more contemplative pace.

  • Qutub Minar & Iron Pillar
  • Mehrauli Archaeological Park
  • Lotus Temple
  • Hauz Khas village & lake
South Delhi's Ancient Ruins

Modern Delhi's Temples & Markets

Akshardham Temple and the city's contemporary markets reflect Delhi's rapid modern growth alongside its ancient core.

These sights work well as a contrast day after the historical density of Old and New Delhi.

  • Akshardham Temple
  • Dilli Haat craft market
  • Khan Market
  • Sarojini Nagar street shopping
Modern Delhi's Temples & Markets
Getting There

How to reach Delhi

Delhi is India's primary international gateway and the natural starting point for almost any North India itinerary.

✈️

By Air

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is one of the world's busiest, with extensive domestic and international connections.

  • From most world capitals: Direct international flights
  • From major Indian cities: Frequent daily domestic flights
  • Airport to city: 30–60 min depending on traffic
🚆

By Rail

Delhi has multiple major stations (New Delhi, Old Delhi, Nizamuddin) with extensive connections across India, including the Shatabdi Express to Agra and Jaipur.

  • To Agra: ~2–3 hrs (Gatimaan/Shatabdi Express)
  • To Jaipur: ~4.5 hrs (Shatabdi Express)
  • To Varanasi: ~10–12 hrs overnight
🚗

By Road

Delhi sits at the hub of several major expressways, making it the natural starting point for road-based Golden Triangle and North India itineraries.

  • To Agra: 230 km · ~3.5 hrs (Yamuna Expressway)
  • To Jaipur: 280 km · ~5.5 hrs
  • To Rishikesh: 240 km · ~5–6 hrs

Food & Etiquette

What to eat, and a few customs worth knowing, before you arrive

🥘

Chandni Chowk Street Food

Parathe Wali Gali's stuffed parathas, jalebi, and chaat varieties — among the best street food anywhere in India.

🍢

Butter Chicken & Kebabs

Delhi is credited with inventing butter chicken; the city's Mughlai kebab tradition is equally renowned.

🍮

Daulat ki Chaat

A delicate, frothy winter-only dessert made from whipped milk foam — a Delhi speciality available only in the cooler months.

👗

Dress Modestly at Religious Sites

Cover shoulders and knees at Jama Masjid, temples, and Akshardham — required at most sites.

💰

Bargaining is Expected

In Chandni Chowk and most markets, start around half the quoted price and negotiate from there.

🚇

Use the Metro

Delhi's extensive metro network is clean, affordable, and often the fastest way to avoid traffic between major sights.

Essential travel tips

A few practical things worth knowing before you arrive in Delhi.

🚦

Plan for Traffic

Delhi traffic can be unpredictable — build extra time into your schedule, especially during morning and evening rush hours.

🌫️

Winter Fog

December-January mornings can bring dense fog affecting both flights and visibility — check forecasts if travelling in this window.

🎫

Composite Tickets

A combined ASI ticket covers several monuments including the Red Fort and Qutub Minar — better value than paying separately.

🚕

Use Pre-Paid or App Taxis

Pre-paid taxi counters at the airport and ride-hailing apps (Uber, Ola) avoid common overcharging issues.

🧴

Air Quality Awareness

Delhi's air quality can be poor, particularly in winter — sensitive travellers may wish to carry a mask for some days.

📅

Republic Day Closures

Late January sees parade-related road closures around Rajpath — check current restrictions if visiting then.

🛍️

Shop Smart

Government emporiums (Central Cottage Industries Emporium) offer fixed-price, authentic crafts as a no-bargaining alternative.

🛡️

Stay Alert in Crowds

Old Delhi's bazaars are generally safe but very crowded — keep valuables secure and stay aware of your surroundings.

Delhi & North India Itineraries View All →

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