Delhi

Overview

Delhi works well as a first stop or a short city break. The metro links most major sights, and the capital is a hub for trains, flights and buses from across India. Old Delhi has the Red Fort, narrow food lanes and crowded bazaars. South and central Delhi are calmer, with Humayun's Tomb, Sunder Nursery and leafy parks. Plan sightseeing between October and March, when it is comfortable to walk around. Check the air quality first, since it is often poor from late October into winter. Summers are very hot and the monsoon brings waterlogging. Most heritage sites charge small entry fees for Indian citizens, so the real costs are food, stay and getting around.

Best time to visit

1. ◐Jan
2. ●Feb
3. ●Mar
4. ◐Apr
5. ✕May
6. ✕Jun
7. ◐Jul
8. ◐Aug
9. ◐Sep
10. ●Oct
11. ●Nov
12. ◐Dec

● best time · ◐ okay · ✕ best avoided (May, Jun)

How to reach

• By air

  Airport Express: roughly ₹50–70 one way (check current fare)

  Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is one of India's busiest, with flights from nearly every major city. From Terminal 3, the Airport Express metro reaches New Delhi station in roughly 20-25 minutes. Trains run from early morning to about 11:30 PM, so late arrivals will need an app cab or prepaid taxi. Terminal 1 is served by the Magenta Line.

• By train

  Sleeper to 2AC from many cities: roughly ₹400–4,000

  Delhi has several major railway stations: New Delhi (NDLS), Old Delhi (DLI), Hazrat Nizamuddin, Anand Vihar and Sarai Rohilla. Check which station your ticket uses, because they are far apart. New Delhi and Old Delhi stations have their own metro stations, so you can switch to the metro right after arriving. Book long-distance trains well ahead for October to March.

• By bus

  Typically ₹300–1,800 depending on distance and bus type

  Interstate buses use the big terminals at Kashmere Gate, Anand Vihar and Sarai Kale Khan, all on the metro network. State transport and private AC buses run from Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Himachal, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Overnight buses save a hotel night but arrive at odd hours, so have your onward metro or cab plan ready.

• Getting around the city

  Metro fares: roughly ₹10–60 per ride

  The Delhi Metro is the quickest and cheapest way to cover most sights, and it avoids traffic. Use a smart card or the QR ticket in the metro app. For short hops, app-based autos and cabs are easier than negotiating with street drivers. Allow extra time during office rush hours and during fog or heavy rain.

Where to stay

• Paharganj and Karol Bagh (budget)

  ₹600–2,500 / night (dorm to private room)

  These areas sit near New Delhi station. They are noisy and crowded but convenient, with hostels, small hotels and cheap eateries within walking distance. Check recent reviews, ask for a window room, and book ahead instead of accepting offers from touts at the station.

• Connaught Place and central Delhi (mid-range)

  ₹3,000–7,000 / night

  Hotels around Connaught Place put you close to the Rajiv Chowk metro interchange, so you can reach most sights with one change at most. Rooms are smaller than the price suggests, so compare photos and recent reviews. This area works well for first-timers and women travelling solo, since main roads are busy late into the evening.

• South Delhi guesthouses and homestays

  ₹1,800–5,000 / night

  Neighbourhoods like Hauz Khas, Defence Colony and Lajpat Nagar have guesthouses and homestays with a quieter feel and good cafes nearby. They are better for longer stays or workations. Confirm the nearest metro station and distance before booking, as some listings are a rickshaw ride away.

• Premium hotels

  ₹9,000–25,000+ / night

  Delhi has plenty of five-star hotels, mostly around Aerocity near the airport, central Delhi and the Lutyens' zone. Aerocity suits early flights, while central properties are better for sightseeing. Prices swing sharply with the season and events, so compare dates before locking in.

Things to do

• Walk Old Delhi

  Rickshaw ride: roughly ₹100–400 depending on distance

  Start at the Red Fort, then wander Chandni Chowk, the spice market and the lanes around Jama Masjid. Go early, wear comfortable shoes and keep valuables in a front bag. A cycle-rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes is a good way to see more without walking in the crowds. Agree on the price before you get on.

• Spend a morning at Humayun's Tomb and Sunder Nursery

  Entry for Indians: roughly ₹35–50 per site (check before you go)

  These two are next to each other. The tomb is a garden complex worth about two hours, and the nursery next door is a quiet park for a slow walk. Go early for softer light and fewer people, especially at weekends.

• Light and sound show at the Red Fort

  Roughly ₹60–120 per adult (check before you go)

  An evening show runs at the fort in the cooler months, with Hindi and English slots. Timings and prices have changed over the years and sources disagree, so check the current schedule before planning dinner around it.

• Slow evening in a city park

  Mostly free to low cost

  Lodhi Garden and similar parks are good for an easy walk with tombs and old trees. They are popular with local joggers and families, and they give you a break between the busier sights.

Food

• Chandni Chowk street food

  ₹100–400 per person for a good snack crawl

  Old Delhi is the place for parathas, jalebi, kachori-sabzi, chaat and kulfi. Go with a friend so you can share portions and try more. Choose busy stalls with quick turnover and carry bottled water. Many stalls get crowded around lunchtime, and some open later in the morning.

• Punjabi meals and dhabas

  ₹250–700 per person

  Butter chicken, dal makhani, chole bhature and tandoori platters are everywhere, from neighbourhood dhabas to sit-down restaurants. Check the menu for price per plate or half plate before ordering, and ask how large the portions are.

• Cafes and markets in south Delhi

  ₹400–1,500 per person

  Hauz Khas, Khan Market and Lajpat Nagar offer cafes, momos, rolls and regional food. This is the easier option when the heat or crowds make Old Delhi tiring. Prices vary widely, so check menus online before choosing.

Safety & permits

Permits & entry

• No permit for Indian citizens

  Carry Aadhaar, driving licence or another valid ID

  Indian travellers do not need a permit to visit Delhi or its main monuments. Carry a photo ID, as some sites and hotels ask for it. Rules and ticket prices change, so confirm on the official ASI and Delhi Tourism websites before you go.

• Monument tickets

  Roughly ₹35–50 for Indian adults

  ASI-run sites like the Red Fort and Humayun's Tomb charge small entry fees, and kids under 15 are generally free. Most sources list Indian adult tickets at around ₹35 for both, though some pages still show ₹40 for Humayun's Tomb, so sources disagree. Online booking is available and often has shorter queues. Always confirm on the official site.

• Weekly closures

  The Red Fort is widely listed as closed on Mondays, though one older source says that has changed. Treat Monday as closed unless the official site says otherwise. Humayun's Tomb is listed as open daily. Check before you go, especially around national holidays and events when access may be restricted.

• Bag and security rules

  Most monuments have security checks and may limit large bags, food or tripods. Travel light, and expect queues at security around weekends and holidays. Rules vary by site and by day, so confirm on the official site.

Places in Delhi

Tips & questions

Quick tips, questions and photos from people who've been — or are going.

Reviews & tips