New Delhi Travel Guide – things to do and tips for your visit in India.

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Millions of people move in and around this metropolis every day. New Delhi is the fascinating capital of India, a buzzing city where you are going to be overwhelmed and impressed by everything that is happening around you. There are no greater contrasts than here. In the old city you will marvel at the remains of the Mogul era and small hectic streets with honking tuktuks, monkeys and cows on the road. In New Delhi, you’ll find sprawling parks, modern shoppings and hip rooftops. You can truly spend days enjoying yourself in New Delhi, go sightseeing, eating delicious food and most importantly, taking in a whole new world. This is my travel guide with tips for exploring New Delhi in India, including things to do, restaurants, hotels, best travel time and how to get around.

Welcome to New Delhi in India

New Delhi lies on the banks of the Yamuna River, at the same latitude as Cairo in Egypt. It is the political center, and after Mumbai the largest city, of the country. New Delhi was founded on the ruins of 7 cities and was in the hands of both the Rajpoets and Moguls, who left an important mark on it. New Delhi was also the capital of the Mogul Empire and Islamic world in the 17th century, alternating with Agra. In the old center of New Delhi in India you can still find numerous things to do and buildings from this era. When India was placed under British rule at the end of the 19th century, the Mogul Empire gradually collapsed and British architects like Luytens and Baker were contracted to design a new city, today’s New Delhi.

Both Old and New Delhi in India are worth visiting, each because of its own style, buildings and things to do. The contrasts in New Delhi are huge and that’s why you won’t get bored easily. Distances are great but you can still do a lot in a short time. Enjoy my travel guide and tips for discovering New Delhi in India.

Discover my tips and things to do in this New Delhi Travel Guide

Chandni Chowk

Chandni Chowk is the busy city center of New Delhi in India and one of the oldest markets in the country. And everything you imagine of India can be found here. A maze of alleys, honking tuk tuks and scooters, stalls selling all kinds of things, cows and monkeys on the streets and countless people struggling through the crowds. It can be a bit overwhelming when you just arrive in India but I can promise, it is fascinating, as there is so much to observe. The best way to see much of Chandni Chowk in a short time is by tuk tuk. For a few hundred rupees you will ride with a driver along the many places and things to do in Chandni Chowk New Delhi, India. Of course, you can also book a tour.

New Delhi Travel Guide Tips: A visit to New Delhi can be overwhelming, especially when you just arrive. A good way to get used to India is to explore Chandni Chowk and some of New Delhi’s major attractions with a local guide. Find your tour here.

Humayun’s tomb – New Delhi Travel Guide

Built in 1565 for the second mogul prince Humayun, this impressive mausoleum stands on an elevated platform. Humayun’s tomb is perfectly symmetrical built of sandstone and marble. It is even said to have been the inspiration for the Taj Mahal. Humayun’s tomb is surrounded by gardens, allowing you to observe the structure from different sides.

It is recommended to walk all the way to the back of the mausoleum. There, unlike the front of the building, it is often less crowded and you will have the place to yourself. Inside the mausoleum itself are the tombs of Humayun, his wife and a number of Mogul princes, which you can visit. Don’t forget to take a look at structures like Isa Khan Niazi tomb (Humayun’s relatives), located on the same complex, right after the entrance. Humayun’s tumb is one of the things to do in New Delhi that you should not miss.

Lodi Gardens

Ever since my first visit to New Delhi in India, the Lodi Gardens have been among my favorite things to do and places to be. This green park is an oasis of calm in the hectic New Delhi life. Not only can you relax and observe monkeys here, you will also find several tombs of former Lodi princes, a dynasty that ruled in the 15th and 16th centuries. Grab a drink and find a spot in the shade while overlooking the monuments. Life in New Delhi won’t get any better.

Support street children Salaam Baalak Trust

Do you want to do something special in New Delhi? Then book a tour with Salaam Baalak Trust, an organization dedicated to street children in New Delhi. For two hours you will walk through New Delhi’s Paharganj neighborhood accompanied by a guide who used to live on the streets as a child himself. Along the way you will learn more about life on the streets of India and be able to ask all your questions.

The stories are moving but also hopeful when you see an ambitious guide like our Furkan. He himself fled from his parents’ home in Kolkata and without speaking the language, he ended up in New Delhi, where he lived on the streets for years. The contact with Salaam Baalak Trust changed his life. He now gives tours, lives in his own little apartment and wants to continue in computer animation, something he learned from one of the volunteers who worked at the organization. You will also visit the train station, where many street children live, and one of the contact points, the place where the children first come into contact with the organization. A tour not to be missed if you want to get more in depth during your trip to India.

Salaam Baalak Trust began as a daycare but now has several shelters for boys and girls to regain their opportunities in society. With your visit, you will not only have an interesting time, but also support the work of the organization.

Jama Mashid – New Delhi Travel Guide

One of the famous things to do in New Delhi is to visit the Jama Mashid. This Friday mosque built with red sandstone and marble is the largest in all of India and can accommodate more than 25,000 people. There are a number of gates leading to a large courtyard. What you should not miss is a climb up to the minaret. 108 steps take you to the top, from where you have a view of the mosque and New Delhi. Keep in mind that you have to take off your shoes and go in completely covered as a woman.

New Delhi Travel Guide Tips: Do you want to visit the old part of New Delhi in India and its things to do with a local guide? This is an overview of tours.

A slum tour in Sanjay Colony New Delhi India

A slum generally does not have a positive image and conditions there are not always the best in our Western eyes. Yet 48 percent of the population in New Delhi India lives in a slum. And if you look closer, life is actually not that different from other places. Here, too, people live an everyday life. There are schools, doctors, temples, markets and people go to work and visit each other, just like in the rest of the world. Quite an experience, is it to go out in one of India’s slums. Of course you will encounter situations that are very far from you. But the purpose of this tour is to create more understanding about other living conditions and to break down stereotypes associated with slums.

New Delhi Travel Guide Tips: Do you also want to visit a slum in New Delhi? You can book a tour here.

The best organization to book a slum tour with is Reality Tours in Delhi. Eighty percent of profits go directly to Reality Gives, its sister NGO dedicated to slum education programs. Many team members and guides at Reality Tours in New Delhi come from the slums themselves and once started as students at Reality Gives.

Want to read more about a slum tour in New Delhi? In the next article you can read more about my experiences and what to consider when booking a slum tour.

National Museum New Delhi India

The National Museum in New Delhi is one of the premier art attractions. I always get inspired during my visits to art galleries abroad, because you get to know artists and works you mostly have never heard of. In the National Museum in New Delhi you’ll find permanent exhibitions featuring Buddhist art, Indus Valley civilization, and art from the colonial period. There are also interesting temporary exhibitions; during my visit about one of India’s greatest filmmakers. You don’t have to spend hours there but taking a quick look is more than worth it.

Raj Ghat – New Delhi Travel Guide

Raj Ghat is an important memorial site in New Delhi, India. It is where Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of India’s independence movement, was cremated in 1948, shortly after his assassination. The memorial is surrounded by gardens and is a place where both Indians and foreigners come to pay tribute. A large memorial ceremony is held every year on Jan. 30, the day Ghandi was assassinated. Mahatma Gandhi, also known as the Father of the Nation in India, played an important role in the struggle for independence, through nonviolent protests. His philosophy and actions had a great impact on India and the rest of the global world.

New Delhi Travel Guide Tips: Do you want to learn more about Gandhi? During this tour in New Delhi you will visit different places related to Gandhi.

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

The Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is one of the most important Sikh temples in New Delhi and should not be missed during your visit. This temple is a small world unto itself with schools, temples and large kitchens, where more than 35,000 meals are prepared and distributed daily free of charge. The people who work here all do so voluntarily.

The temple was built in the late 18th century and revolves around Guru Har Krishan, the eighth Sikh Guru. In the middle of the temple you will find a large pond, the Sarovar, where people wet themselves with holy water. As a visitor, you can walk around and take in the world. Both men and women must cover their heads and shoes must come off. Photography is also strictly prohibited at the holy water.

Lodhi Art District – New Delhi Travel Guide

Near the Lodhi Gardens you will find the Lodhi Art District and how surprised I was when I first walked through this area. You will find yourself in a small open-air museum with countless murals. Not only artists from India but also International guests were invited to have their works here. The art is not only inspiring but also aims to raise social and police issues, giving good insight into contemporary India. Most of the walls are located around Meherchand Market and can easily be visited on your own. You can find a map of the different artworks here. If you want to learn more about this, it is interesting to go out with a guide.

Spice Market

On the outskirts of Chandni Chowk you will find Khari Baoli, India’s oldest spice market. It involves a few streets consisting of numerous stores filled with exotic spices. Of course, they all want to sell here. But if you’re clear about whether you want to buy something or not, it is totally fine. Surrounding the Spice Market there are some rooftops that offer good views of the streets of New Delhi. Often these are private property so it is best to visit these with a guide.

New Delhi Travel Guide Tips: A visit to New Delhi can be overwhelming, especially when you just arrive. A good way to get used to India is to explore Chandni Chowk and some of New Delhi’s major attractions with a local guide. Find your tour here.

Khan Market – New Delhi Travel Guide

Khan market is the very best place to go shopping in New Delhi. And that’s from someone who doesn’t even like shopping. Khan Market is a small neighborhood with upscale Indian designer stores, restaurants and trendy coffee shops. Here, during my first visit to India, I was introduced to my favorite brands Nicobar and Anokhi, which I still order items from online. You will also find branches of Fabindia and the ayurvedic brand Kama. Don’t forget to have lunch at Green Mantis for tasty vegetarian dishes.

Haus Khas village

Haus Khas village is a completely different part of New Delhi. Located in the south of the city, this upscale neighborhood has quaint bars, stores and restaurants like Elma’s Bakery and Hauz Khas Social. You can also tour the 14th century Haus Khas fort.

Red fort – New Delhi India travel guide

The Red Fort, or Lal Quila, is perhaps one of New Delhi’s most iconic landmarks. The fortress is surrounded by a 2.5 kilometer long wall with a height of up to 30 meters in some places. Constructed of red sandstone, the fort was built in the 17th century by Mogul Emperor Shah Jahan, who also had the Taj Mahal built. Inside the fort there is a museum, with landscaped gardens, gates and palaces.

Opinions about visiting the fort are divided and I think that is right. If you are planning a trip through Rajasthan, you will observe so much splendor that the red fort in New Delhi could be somewhat disappointing. But if you are planning to travel in a different direction in India, without too many forts and palaces, then you will definitely want to include this fort in your itinerary. The red fort is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

New Delhi Travel Guide Tips: Do you want to visit the old part of New Delhi in India and its things to do with a local guide? This is an overview of tours.

Lotus temple

New Delhi’s Lotus Temple is officially called the Bahá’í Temple but owes its nickname to the shape of a half-opened lotus. Something that represents peace and purity in India. The temple has a symmetrical petal-shaped structure, making it one of the notable landmarks in New Delhi. It is quite special that everyone is welcome here, regardless of religion. Also, the emphasis is on personal meditation and no ceremonies take place. Be sure to visit to observe the architecture.

India Gate – New Delhi Travel Guide

One of the places to visit and things to do, which you can hardly ignore when in New Delhi India, is the India Gate. This 42-meter-high gate is the country’s national monument and the gathering place for the people of New Delhi. It was built in 1921 by British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, to commemorate Indian and British soldiers who died in World War I and the Anglo-Afghan War. You can stroll around, just like the locals on the promenade – Kartavya Path, which runs all the way to the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the presidential palace.

Connaught Place

Connaught Place is one of New Delhi’s bustling squares with stores and bazaars. It is nice to walk around here in the evening, when people on the streets sell their wares and musicians play music.

New Delhi tips: Between all these buildings is a stepwell called the Agrasen Ki Baoli, where you should definitely take a look. Stepwells are large water wells surrounded by steps that were used by locals for drinking water during droughts. Remarkably, little is known about this stepwell. It was supposedly built by Agrasen, king of Agroha, the city of commerce. The stepwell was used in several Bollywood movies and can be visited today.

Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar is one of the things to do, located 15 kilometers outside New Delhi in India, that can be easily reached by metro. The complex was built in the late 12th century by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the first Islamic ruler and founder of the sultanate of New Delhi. Qutub Minar is known for its magnificent Victory Tower, at 72.5 meters, the tallest brick tower in the world and the Quwwat-ul-Islam Masjid, the oldest mosque in the country. The tower is famous for its floors and balconies full of decorations.

Because different rulers left their mark on the tower, constantly adding to it, it contains an interesting mix of styles. Qutub Minar was built on a number of Hindu temples, the ruins of which can be seen today. Something that makes for a special mix of Hindu and Islamic art and also symbolizes the transition from Hindu to Muslim rule.

Discover New Delhi by bike

It might not be the first thing that comes to mind when visiting New Delhi but going on a bike tour is a great experience. In a few hours, you will get a great overview of the city’s main sights. You can book a tour here.

Mini Travel Guide New Delhi India + tips

Hotel tips New Delhi

New Delhi offers numerous accommodations in various price ranges. But you actually don’t want to save money on a hotel here. You can enter a world of luxury for little money. And believe me, that is quite comfortable in a busy and chaotic city such as New Delhi. Check out The Oberoi, The Leela Palace and The Lodi. I myself stayed in The Oberoi, with luxurious rooms, a fantastic service, a nice swimming pool and lovely roof terrace.

Looking for more hotels in Delhi? This is an overview.

Tips for tours in New Delhi India

A visit to New Delhi can be overwhelming, especially when you just arrive. A good way to get used to India is to explore Chandni Chowk and some of New Delhi’s major attractions with a local guide. Find your tour here.

Restaurant tips New Delhi

• For a tasty thali among the locals, go to Ghoomar Traditional thali. A thali is a large bowl, with a selection of different Indian dishes and types of Indian bread. My favorite Indian dish.
• Fo fine dining at a high level, during a multi-course dinner, please go to Indian Accent. Reserve your table in time.
• You can find delicious sandwiches, cakes, coffee and tea at Elma’s Bakery in Hauz Khas.
• For a high tea in style, you’ll want to book a table at the Imperial Hotel.
• Green Mantis serves tasty vegetarian dishes in Khan Market.
• Karim’s, around the corner from the Jama Masjid, has been a must-eat place years. And even though I’m vegetarian, this popular place should not be missed in the list for good local food. There are numerous meat dishes including lamb, which everyone raves about.
• Connaught Clubhouse is a great place for lunch, dinner or drinks around the corner from Connaught Place.

New Delhi general India tips

• Tuk tuks and cabs have made it a sport to rip off tourists. Be sure to inform yourself in advance about reasonable prices and negotiate well.
• Of course, in New Delhi you have to watch your belongings carefully. Personally, I never felt unsafe at any time but if you find yourself among the immense crowds and chaos, you can imagine that a thief doesn’t need to do a lot work.
• Traffic is often jammed in New Delhi. Plan enough time for your trip.
• Keep in mind that many monuments and things to do in New Delhi require you to take off your shoes. Therefore, it is recommended to bring an extra pair of socks. The floors can be very hot in the summer.
• New Delhi can be very intense at first, especially if you have just arrived. Therefore, it can be nice to book a tour on the first day and make yourself familiar with the city.
• You’ve probably heard of the New Delhi Belly, which involves food poisoning. But this certainly doesn’t have to happen. Pay close attention to what you eat (perhaps avoid meat at first) and wash your hands regularly.

Best travel time New Delhi India

The best time to visit New Delhi is from October through March. Temperatures are pleasant then and perfect for visiting New Delhi’s many things to do and attractions. It is mild to warm during the day and cools off in the evening. Festivals such as Diwali also take place. In the period from June to September it is hot and incredibly humid in New Delhi with temperatures of 40 degrees, so you have to be able to handle this. Speaking from a personal experience, I found it crazy hot during these days. This time of the year is also monsoon season, involving heavy rains. An advantage is that it is less crowded and prices are lower. April and May are the very hottest months in New Delhi, so I would avoid those as much as possible.

How long to stay in New Delhi

You can easily spend weeks in New Delhi, picking out something new each time from the list of things to do. But of course you will want to see more of India. My recommendation is to spend at least 3 days in New Delhi to get the most out of your visit. Divide your time between: Old New Delhi, New Delhi and South New Delhi.

How to get around in New Delhi

There are several ways to get around within New Delhi. There is a well-functioning and safe metro system, which you can make excellent use of during your stay. They even have special carriages for women only. Consequently, almost all of New Delhi’s attractions have a metro stop. In the evening I always like to travel by uber. You can book a tuk tuk yourself through uber. Do plan enough time because the traffic can be completely jammed.

Want to do several things in one day in New Delhi? Then it’s worth booking a tuk tuk that drives you around for a few hours for a few hundred rupees. Just make sure you get a price guideline from someone in advance and then negotiate well. Or just book one of my favorite tours here.

From the international airport Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), it is best to book an airport pick up so that you arrive at your destination in comfort right away. Looking for transportation to or from New Delhi India? Have a look in my viator shop for different options.

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More about India

Did you enjoy reading this New Delhi in India Travel Guide with tips and things to do? Let me take you on a journey along the most beautiful destinations in India. In the next articles you will find my India travel guides with lots of inspiration and tips.

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This New Delhi in India Travel Guide with tips and things to do may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something using one of our links, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you, which helps us keep this blog alive. Thank you for your support! Please see our disclosures for more information.