Delhi

Delhi Travel Guide

India's capital, where Mughal heritage meets modern life. Old Delhi's Red Fort and Jama Masjid, New Delhi's India Gate and Presidential Palace, and the trendy cafe streets of Hauz Khas showcase different eras of charm. From tasting street food in the crowded markets of Chandni Chowk, to admiring Islamic architecture at Qutub Minar, to being overwhelmed by the splendor of Akshardham Temple - all facets of India converge in one city.

Essential Delhi Travel Info

Must-Visit Places in Delhi

★ 4.5

Red Fort

Built from 1639 to 1648 by Emperor Shah Jahan, the Red Fort is a vast red sandstone palace-fortress that served as the Mughal residence for nearly 200 years. Every Independence Day (August 15) the Prime Minister addresses the nation from its ramparts, making it one of India's most iconic landmarks. Highlights include the Diwan-i-Am (public hall) and Diwan-i-Khas (private hall), and the evening sound-and-light show is hugely popular. Admission INR 500 for foreigners. A 10-minute walk from Jama Masjid Station (Metro Violet Line).

Hours09:30-16:30 (closed Mondays)

LocationOld Delhi, Delhi

TipsCheck the schedule for the nightly sound-and-light show. The fort is closed on Mondays.

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★ 4.6

Qutub Minar

Started in 1193 by the sultan Qutb ud-Din Aibak, Qutub Minar is the world's tallest brick minaret at 72.5 m. Its five stories are red sandstone at the base and marble and sandstone above, with each level inscribed with intricate Quranic verses. The surrounding complex includes the ruins of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, India's earliest mosque - making this a key site for understanding Indo-Islamic architecture. Admission INR 600 for foreigners. A 10-minute walk from Qutub Minar Station (Metro Yellow Line).

HoursDaily 07:00-17:00

LocationMehrauli, Delhi

TipsThe interior stairs are closed for safety, but the exterior alone is striking. The metro Yellow Line is the easiest way to get here.

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★ 4.6

Humayun's Tomb

Built in 1570 by Queen Hamida Banu Begum for the second Mughal emperor Humayun, this garden tomb is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the Indian subcontinent's first Mughal garden tomb, it features a harmonious blend of red sandstone and white marble set within a symmetrical charbagh (four-part garden). It directly inspired the Taj Mahal a century later, making it essential for understanding the evolution of Mughal architecture. The complex also contains the tombs of Isa Khan and the Afsarwala Mosque. Admission INR 600 for foreigners. About 5 minutes by auto-rickshaw from JLN Stadium Station (Metro Violet Line).

HoursDaily, sunrise to sunset

LocationNizamuddin, Delhi

TipsVisiting here before the Taj Mahal deepens your understanding, as this is the starting point of Mughal funerary architecture. The red sandstone glows golden at sunset.

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★ 4.5

India Gate

Completed in 1931, India Gate is a 42m triumphal arch war memorial honoring 82,000 Indian soldiers who died in World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. Standing at the eastern end of the Rajpath — the 3km ceremonial boulevard leading to the Presidential Palace (Rashtrapati Bhavan) — it is illuminated at night for a grand spectacle. The surrounding lawns are a favorite gathering spot for Delhi residents. Free admission. About 15 minutes on foot from Central Secretariat Station (Metro Violet Line).

HoursOpen 24 hours

LocationNew Delhi, Delhi

TipsIndia Gate is especially beautiful when illuminated at night. Ice cream and snack vendors around the lawns make for a pleasant evening stroll.

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★ 4.7

Akshardham Temple

Opened in 2005, Akshardham is the world's largest Hindu temple complex, holding a Guinness World Record. Over 10,000 artisans spent five years hand-carving Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian Carrara marble into an edifice featuring 20,000 sculptures and 148 elephant statues. A boat ride through Indian civilization and the nightly fountain water show are major draws. Free admission (some exhibits are paid). 5-minute walk from Akshardham Station (Metro Blue Line). Cameras and smartphones are not allowed inside.

HoursTue-Sun 09:30-18:30 (closed Mondays; water show after sunset)

LocationEast Delhi, Delhi

TipsCameras and smartphones must be stored in lockers. Arrive before sunset to catch the water show.

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★ 4.5

Jama Masjid

Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1656, Jama Masjid is India's largest mosque, with a vast courtyard that holds 25,000 worshippers at once. Three grand gates of red sandstone and white marble, two 40m minarets, and striped domes dominate the structure. Climbing the south minaret rewards you with panoramic views of Old Delhi's crowded lanes and the Red Fort. Free entry (minaret INR 300; camera fee INR 300). 5-minute walk from Jama Masjid Station (Metro Violet Line).

HoursDaily 07:00-12:00 and 13:30 to 30 min before sunset (except during prayers)

LocationOld Delhi, Delhi

TipsEfficient to combine with the Red Fort and Chandni Chowk. Non-Muslim visits are restricted during prayer times.

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★ 4.5

Lotus Temple

Completed in 1986, the Lotus Temple is a Baha'i house of worship designed to resemble a lotus flower, with 27 marble petals forming a stunning modern structure. Designed by architect Fariborz Sahba, it has won numerous architecture awards and seats 2,500 people in its meditative interior. The Baha'i faith embraces all religions, so anyone may enter for prayer and meditation regardless of belief. Free admission. 10-minute walk from Kalkaji Mandir Station (Metro Violet Line).

HoursTue-Sun 09:00-17:00 (closed Mondays; until 19:00 in summer)

LocationSouth Delhi, Delhi

TipsComplete silence is required inside; photography is only allowed outside. At sunset the marble glows golden.

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★ 4.4

Chandni Chowk

Chandni Chowk is a historic market street in Old Delhi dating to 1650 under Emperor Shah Jahan, stretching about 1.3km with specialized markets for spices, textiles, jewelry, and electronics. Legendary eateries that have been open for over 300 years serve paratha, chole bhature, and jalebi, while the narrow lanes bustling with people, rickshaws, and motorbikes offer the raw energy and chaos of India. Free to enter. Directly at Chandni Chowk Station (Metro Yellow Line).

HoursMost shops 09:30-21:00 (some closed Sundays)

LocationOld Delhi, Delhi

TipsVisit early morning for smaller crowds. Breakfast at Parathewali Gali (Paratha Lane) is a must. Keep a close eye on your belongings.

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★ 4.5

Raj Ghat

Raj Ghat is a black marble memorial marking the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated after his assassination in 1948, set within a spacious lawn park on the Yamuna riverbank. The memorial is inscribed with "He Ram" (Oh God), reportedly Gandhi's last words, and an eternal flame burns beside it. It's a quiet, solemn place to pay respects to India's independence icon; visitors remove their shoes. Free entry.

HoursDaily 05:00-19:30

LocationRing Road, New Delhi

TipsVisit in early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds. Bring socks, as you'll need to remove your shoes.

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★ 4.3

Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar is an open-air observatory built in 1724 by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur, comprising 13 geometric masonry instruments for measuring time, tracking stars, and calculating eclipses. Its largest instrument, the Samrat Yantra (giant sundial), could reportedly measure time to within two seconds — a unique fusion of astronomy and architecture. Walkable from Connaught Place. Foreign visitor entry about INR 300.

HoursDaily 06:00-18:00

LocationConnaught Place, New Delhi

TipsAvoid the midday heat — visit in the morning or late afternoon. Hiring a guide helps you understand how the instruments work.

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★ 4.3

National Museum of India

Opened in 1949, the National Museum of India holds over 200,000 artifacts, making it one of the country's largest museums, spanning Indus Valley relics, Buddhist sculpture, Mughal miniature paintings, musical instruments, and tribal art across 5,000 years of subcontinental history. Located near Rajpath, it's recommended for travelers wanting a deeper understanding of Indian civilization. Foreign visitor entry about INR 650.

Hours10:00-18:00 (closed Mondays)

LocationRajpath, New Delhi

TipsThe collection is vast, so allow at least 2-3 hours. An audio guide rental is recommended.

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★ 4.5

Rashtrapati Bhavan

Rashtrapati Bhavan, designed by British colonial architect Edwin Lutyens and completed in 1929, is a 340-room presidential residence known as the world's largest head-of-state residence. Its grand facade blends Indo-Saracenic style with Western classicism, and its Mughal Gardens open to the public only during a limited spring window. Interior tours require advance online booking.

HoursExterior viewable anytime; interior tours 09:00-16:00 by reservation (closed Mondays)

LocationRajpath, New Delhi

TipsInterior tours must be booked online at least a few days ahead. The Mughal Gardens usually open only in February-March.

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★ 4.3

Purana Qila

Purana Qila ("Old Fort") was built in the 16th century by Mughal emperor Humayun and Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri, believed to stand on the site of Indraprastha, the legendary city from the Hindu epic Mahabharata. Its red sandstone walls, three grand gates, the Qila-i-Kuhna Mosque, and the Sher Mandal library tower survive, and an evening sound-and-light show is held on site. Foreign visitor entry about INR 300.

HoursDaily 07:00-17:00

LocationMathura Road, New Delhi

TipsCatch the evening sound-and-light show for a more vivid sense of history. Easy to combine with the nearby Delhi Zoo.

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★ 4.2

Safdarjung's Tomb

Safdarjung's Tomb is a Mughal-style garden mausoleum built in 1754 to honor Safdarjung, governor of Awadh, modeled after Humayun's Tomb but on a smaller scale. Its charbagh (quadrilateral garden) layout blends red sandstone and white marble, and it is often regarded as the last flourish of Mughal architecture. Fewer crowds make it a pleasant place to stroll. Foreign visitor entry about INR 300.

HoursDaily, sunrise to sunset

LocationSafdarjung Enclave, New Delhi

TipsVisit after Humayun's Tomb to compare the architectural differences. Early morning light is best for photos.

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★ 4.4

Hauz Khas Complex

The Hauz Khas Complex centers on a 14th-century reservoir built by Alauddin Khilji of the Delhi Sultanate, alongside a madrasa and tombs constructed by Feroze Shah Tughlaq, forming a historic enclave surrounded by a deer park. The adjacent Hauz Khas Village is packed with galleries, boutiques, cafes, and rooftop bars, blending heritage sightseeing with modern nightlife. Free entry to the ruins.

HoursRuins 07:00-19:00; village shops open until midnight (daily)

LocationHauz Khas, New Delhi

TipsExplore the ruins in the afternoon, then enjoy the village's cafes and bars in the evening. Don't miss the lakeside walking path.

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★ 4.2

National Rail Museum

The National Rail Museum, opened in 1977, is an open-air museum displaying around 100 actual locomotives and carriages — including the 1855-built steam engine "Fairy Queen" — royal saloon cars, and railway artifacts. Its grounds feature 8km of narrow-gauge track offering a miniature train ride, making it popular with families. Modest entry fee; the miniature train ride costs extra.

Hours10:00-17:00 (closed Mondays)

LocationChanakyapuri, New Delhi

TipsDon't miss the miniature train ride if you're traveling with kids. Wear comfortable shoes — the grounds are large.

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★ 4.3

Teen Murti Bhavan

Originally built as the residence of the British Commander-in-Chief, Teen Murti Bhavan became the home of India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, until his death in 1964, and was later converted into a memorial museum. Nehru's study, bedroom, and personal belongings remain preserved, alongside exhibits on India's independence movement and modern history. The attached planetarium is also popular. Free entry (planetarium is a separate fee).

Hours10:00-18:00 (closed Mondays)

LocationTeen Murti Marg, New Delhi

TipsCheck the planetarium show times in advance. Take time to browse Nehru's personal study.

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★ 4.5

ISKCON Temple, Delhi

The ISKCON Temple (Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Temple), built in 1998 by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, is a large Hindu temple dedicated to Krishna and Radha. It combines modern architecture with intricate carvings and murals, and its grounds include an exhibit on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and a vegetarian restaurant. The evening aarti (worship ceremony) buzzes with devotional chants and drumming. Free entry.

HoursDaily 04:30-21:00

LocationEast of Kailash, New Delhi

TipsTime your visit for the evening aarti for the most vivid atmosphere. Shoes must be removed before entering.

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Things to Do in Delhi

Tour

Old Delhi Rickshaw Tour

Ride a cycle rickshaw through Old Delhi narrow lanes. Explore Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid, the spice market, and Red Fort area with a local guide.

Price INR 500-1,000Duration About 1.5-2 hours

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Culture

Chandni Chowk Street Food Tour

Guided food tour of 300-year-old Chandni Chowk sampling paratha, chole bhature, jalebi, and chai at 5-8 legendary street stalls and local eateries.

Price INR 1,000-2,000Duration About 2-3 hours

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Nightlife

Akshardham Water Show

A nightly 24-minute multimedia water show at Akshardham Temple combining fountains, lasers, fire, and projection to retell Indian mythology.

Price INR 80Duration About 24 minutes (+ wait time)

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Tour

Humayun's Tomb Guided Tour

Explore Humayun's Tomb with a guide — the Mughal masterpiece that inspired the Taj Mahal. Learn about the UNESCO World Heritage site's marble lattice work and Mughal garden design.

Price Entry INR 600 (foreigners) + guide about INR 500Duration About 1.5-2 hours

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Nature

Delhi Yoga Experience

Join an early morning yoga session at Lodi Gardens or India Gate lawns. Learn meditation and asanas from a local yoga instructor for an authentic Indian yoga experience.

Price INR 500-1,500Duration About 1-1.5 hours

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Shopping

Dilli Haat Craft Shopping

An open-air market showcasing traditional handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, and spices from every Indian state. Find Rajasthani block prints, Kashmiri pashmina, and more.

Price Entry INR 30Duration About 2-3 hours

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Must-Try Food in Delhi

Butter Chicken

🍱 Traditional

India's signature chicken curry in a creamy tomato-butter sauce, loved worldwide. About INR 200-400 per serving. The original at Murg Mussallam in Daryaganj, Old Delhi, and restaurants near Connaught Place are famous.

Chai (Masala Tea)

🍵 Drink

Traditional Indian tea brewed with milk, ginger, cardamom and other spices. About INR 10-30 per cup. Try authentic chai from the chaiwallahs (tea vendors) on Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi.

Chole Bhature

🍢 Street Food

Chole Bhature: spicy chickpea curry paired with puffy fried bread, a classic Delhi breakfast. About INR 60-120 per serving. Restaurants on Sitaram Bazaar in Old Delhi are the famous originals.

Paratha (Old Delhi)

🍱 Traditional

Indian flatbread stuffed with various fillings and pan-fried in ghee. Parathewali Gali in Old Delhi is the legendary 150-year-old paratha lane. About INR 40-100 each. Potato, cauliflower, and paneer flavors are popular.

Biryani

🍱 Traditional

Layered basmati rice and meat cooked with aromatic spices, a quintessential Indian rice dish. About INR 150-350 per serving. Karim's near Jama Masjid in Old Delhi (est. 1913) is legendary.

Jalebi

🍰 Dessert

Spiral-fried batter soaked in sugar syrup, a classic Indian sweet. Old Famous Jalebi Wala in Dariba Kalan, Old Delhi (est. 1884) is the original. About INR 40-80 per 100g.

Tandoori Chicken

🍱 Traditional

Chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, roasted in a tandoor clay oven — one of India's most iconic dishes. About INR 200-400 per serving. Moti Mahal near Connaught Place (est. 1947) is the original.

Delhi Travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Delhi?

Winter (October-March) is best. Summer (April-June) is extremely hot, and the monsoon (July-September) brings heavy rain.

How much does it cost to travel in Delhi?

Daily budget about $20-70 (lodging $15-35, food $4-15, transport and sightseeing $7-20).

How do I get around in Delhi?

The Airport Express metro reaches New Delhi station from Indira Gandhi International Airport in about 20 minutes. The metro is the most convenient way to get around. SIM cards (Airtel/Jio) available at the airport (about INR 200-500/week). Metro and Ola/Uber accept card and UPI payments; cash is essential for local shops and street food. Tipping is optional but small tips are common.

Do I need a visa to visit Delhi?

Korean passport holders must apply for an e-Visa in advance. Stays of up to 60 days are allowed.

Is Delhi safe for tourists?

Watch for touts and scams at tourist sites. Women traveling alone should avoid walking after dark, and stay mindful of food and water hygiene.

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