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About Delhi
Delhi is India's National Capital Territory, a megacity straddling the Yamuna River and encompassing the seat of Indian government at New Delhi. The city's layered history includes ruins from seven successive cities, each built by different rulers across millennia. Modern Delhi is a dynamic blend of ancient heritage and contemporary India, offering world-class museums, Michelin-quality restaurants, designer boutiques, and some of Asia's most dramatic historic monuments.
- Capital
- New Delhi
- Largest city
- Delhi
- Population
- 33 million
- Languages
- Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, English
- Currency
- Indian Rupee
- Time zone
- IST (UTC+5:30)
Explore Delhi by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Delhi
The 10 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Humayun's Tomb
Qutub Minar
National Zoological Park
Akshardham Temple
India Gate
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Delhi Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Delhi, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Delhi
- Days 1-2Delhi city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Delhi
- Days 1-3Delhi comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Delhi, departure
Where to stay in Delhi
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget $20-30
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range $60-100
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury $200-500
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
The Leela Palace New Delhi
An opulent palace-style hotel in the diplomatic enclave of Chanakyapuri, The Leela Palace offers legendary hospitality with lavish rooms, multiple award-winning restaurants, and a magnificent spa. The hotel's regal decor blends Indian craftsmanship with modern luxury, making it a favorite of heads of state and discerning travelers. The rooftop pool and Le Cirque Signature restaurant are highlights.
The Imperial New Delhi
A legendary 1936 colonial-era hotel on Janpath, The Imperial is Delhi's grandest heritage property, combining art deco elegance with Mughal influences. Its collection of 5,000 artworks spanning the colonial period is unrivaled in any hotel worldwide. The 1911 bar, Spice Route restaurant, and pristine palm-lined pool make it a Delhi institution beloved by dignitaries and discerning travelers for nearly a century.
ITC Maurya
ITC Maurya is one of Delhi's most prestigious addresses, home to the legendary Bukhara restaurant - rated one of Asia's 50 best restaurants. The hotel's Mauryan-inspired architecture, world-class spa, and impeccable service have made it a favorite of visiting heads of state, including US Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. The Dum Pukht restaurant offering Awadhi cuisine is equally acclaimed.
Taj Mahal Hotel New Delhi
The Taj Mahal Hotel on Mansingh Road opened in 1978 and remains one of Delhi's finest luxury addresses, offering elegant rooms overlooking the garden pool, multiple acclaimed restaurants including Varq for contemporary Indian cuisine, and the lively Machan restaurant. Located steps from Khan Market, India Gate, and Lodi Garden, the hotel's central yet tranquil position is ideal for exploring the best of New Delhi.
Where to eat in Delhi
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Indian Accent
Consistently ranked among Asia's 50 Best Restaurants, Indian Accent at The Lodhi hotel is Delhi's most celebrated fine dining establishment. Chef Manish Mehrotra reinvents Indian cuisine with global techniques and locally sourced ingredients, creating dishes like blue cheese naan, daulat ki chaat, and meetha achaar pork ribs. The warm, intimate dining room and impeccable service make every meal memorable.
Bukhara
Opened in 1978 at ITC Maurya hotel, Bukhara is one of Asia's most legendary restaurants, serving slow-cooked frontier cuisine with recipes virtually unchanged for 45 years. The restaurant is famous worldwide for its Dal Bukhara (black lentils simmered for 18 hours), Sikandari Raan (marinated leg of lamb), and spectacular tandoori preparations. US Presidents, the Clintons, and Obamas have dined here.
Dum Pukht
Dum Pukht at ITC Maurya is the definitive destination for Awadhi cuisine in Delhi, specializing in the ancient dum (sealed slow-cooking) technique where dishes are cooked in sealed pots over gentle heat. The gilded, regal dining room evokes the courts of Lucknow nawabs, and each dish on the menu is an heirloom recipe. The biryani, gosht dum pukht, and khameeri roti are extraordinary.
Varq
Located in the Taj Mahal Hotel, Varq (meaning a thin leaf of precious metal used in Indian sweets) serves contemporary Indian cuisine in an elegant setting that draws on traditions from across the subcontinent. The menu changes seasonally to reflect the best local ingredients, with preparations spanning coastal seafood to Mughal-influenced meat dishes and innovative vegetarian offerings.
Threesixtyone Degrees
Threesixtyone Degrees at The Oberoi New Delhi is a spectacular all-day dining restaurant with a theatrical open kitchen, in-house bakery, and a sweeping menu covering Indian, Continental, Japanese, and Mediterranean cuisines. The Sunday brunch at Threesixtyone is considered one of Delhi's finest, with live cooking stations, unlimited champagne, and an extraordinary spread of international cuisine.
Karim's
Established in 1913 near Jama Masjid, Karim's is arguably Old Delhi's most famous restaurant, serving authentic Mughal-era recipes passed down through generations of the Karim family, descendants of cooks who served the Mughal court. The no-frills establishment is legendary for its mutton korma, seekh kebabs, nihari, and nalli (marrow) curry, drawing locals and tourists from around the world.
Getting around Delhi
Delhi has one of Asia's most extensive public transport networks, anchored by the Delhi Metro's 9 color-coded lines covering over 256 stations across the National Capital Region. Auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws handle last-mile connectivity, while ride-hailing apps Uber and Ola offer metered, air-conditioned alternatives. The city's Indira Gandhi International Airport connects to the metro via the Airport Express Line.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in , broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $8-15 | $30-60 | $150-400 |
| Food (per day) | $5-8 | $15-25 | $60-100 |
| Transportation | $2-4 | $8-12 | $25-50 |
| Activities | $3-5 | $7-10 | $15-30 |
| Daily total | $20-30 | $60-100 | $200-500 |
Best time to visit Delhi
Essential travel tips
- Buy a Delhi Metro Tourist Card for unlimited rides
- Visit monuments early morning to avoid heat and crowds
- Carry a scarf to cover shoulders at religious sites
- Use Ola or Uber instead of negotiating with auto-rickshaws
Safety information
Stay hydrated—dehydration sets in quickly, especially for children; carry 1–2 litres of bottled water per person at all times
Do not let children drink unbottled water or consume fresh-cut fruit from street vendors—stick to packaged food and cooked street snacks from busy, high-turnover stalls
Keep photocopies of children's passports and travel documents separately from the originals; email digital copies to yourself
In crowds (Old Delhi markets, major monuments on weekends), use a wrist strap or toddler backpack with a tether for small children—it is easy to become separated
Use Uber or Ola for taxi journeys with family; they provide metered, trackable rides safer than hailing auto-rickshaws, especially at night
Avoid travelling on Delhi Metro during rush hours (8–10 AM, 5–8 PM) with small children—carriages become extremely crowded; there are women-and-children designated carriages
Sun protection is essential from October onwards—apply SPF 30+ sunscreen, use hats, and limit outdoor exposure between 11 AM and 3 PM
Air quality alerts: on days when AQI exceeds 200 (unhealthy), keep children indoors or in air-conditioned spaces and use N95 masks outdoors—particularly important for children with asthma or respiratory conditions
Diarrhoea is a common traveller's ailment in India; carry ORS sachets, zinc tablets, and a short course of loperamide; seek medical advice promptly for children under 5
Do not accept unsolicited offers from strangers to guide you to 'better' shops or 'free' attractions—tourist scams targeting families are common around major monuments
Keep emergency numbers saved: Delhi Police 100, Ambulance 102, Tourist Police Helpline 1800-11-1363
Register with your country's embassy or consulate upon arrival for longer trips or if travelling with very young children
Frequently asked questions
Is Delhi safe to visit in 2026?
Delhi is generally safe for tourists visiting major monuments and tourist areas during the day, but requires vigilance, particularly around crowded markets, at night, and for solo female travelers. Common hazards include traffic accidents, petty theft in crowded areas, tourist-targeted scams near Connaught Place and major monuments, severe air pollution (especially October–February), and waterborne illnesses. Using the Delhi Metro, staying in established neighborhoods, and booking transport thro
What is the best time to visit Delhi?
The best time to visit Delhi is October to March. Delhi experiences a hot semi-arid climate (Köppen BSh) with four distinct seasons: a cold, foggy winter (November–February), an extremely hot summer (April–June), a monsoon season with heavy rainfall
Do I need a visa to visit Delhi?
Entry requirements follow India rules. Most foreign nationals require an e-Visa or visa on arrival; apply at least 4 days before travel via the Indian government e-Visa portal. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
What currency is used in Delhi?
The currency in Delhi is the Indian Rupee (INR). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
What language is spoken in Delhi?
The main language(s) spoken in Delhi: Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
What are the top attractions in Delhi?
The top attractions in Delhi include Red Fort (Lal Qila), Qutub Minar, India Gate, Humayun's Tomb, and Lotus Temple. Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.