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Delhi
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Delhi combines Mughal monuments, grand New Delhi avenues, lively bazaars and diverse Indian cuisine, with layered history and culture at every turn.

A City Built in Many Ages

Delhi is less a single historic city than a succession of urban worlds, each leaving streets, ruins, monuments and memories across the National Capital Territory. Ancient traditions associate the area with Indraprastha, while the surviving remains of Lal Kot, Tughlaqabad, Firoz Shah Kotla and other medieval settlements reveal the political importance of the region. The Mughal capital of Shahjahanabad brought the Red Fort, Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk, giving Old Delhi its dense lanes, grand gateways and richly layered commercial life.
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Old Delhi and New Delhi

The contrast between Old Delhi and New Delhi provides one of the capital’s defining experiences. Around the Red Fort, spice markets, historic mosques, jewellery shops and food stalls occupy a tightly woven urban fabric. South of the old walled city, New Delhi was planned under British rule with broad avenues, ceremonial spaces and imposing government buildings, including Rashtrapati Bhavan and India Gate. Lutyens’ spacious boulevards sit alongside neighbourhoods such as Connaught Place, where colonial-era architecture frames shops, restaurants and cultural venues.

Culture, Memory and Everyday Life

Delhi’s museums, galleries, Sufi shrines, temples, contemporary arts spaces and university districts reflect the capital’s political and cultural role. The National Museum, Humayun’s Tomb and the Qutb complex offer different perspectives on the subcontinent’s past, while places such as Nizamuddin continue traditions of music, devotion and community life. The city is also defined by movement: metro trains crossing historic districts, traders opening shutters in old bazaars, and residents gathering in parks, markets and food streets. Beyond the monuments, Delhi’s character lies in this constant conversation between imperial grandeur, migration, commerce and ordinary urban life.

When is the best time to visit Delhi?

Best: December–February · 22–25°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January (best)2220
February (best)2522
March3216
April388
May4151
June38163
July36225
August36204
September35144
October3331
November2913
December (best)2318

Getting to and around Delhi

How to get there

Delhi is served by Indira Gandhi International Airport, located in the south-west of the National Capital Territory and connected to the city by the Airport Express and road transport. The airport handles domestic and international services, although routes and schedules change. New Delhi Railway Station, Old Delhi Railway Station and Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station connect the capital with major cities across India, while Anand Vihar is important for several eastern and northern rail and bus links. Long-distance coaches use several interstate terminals, including Kashmere Gate and Anand Vihar. Delhi is also connected by major roads to destinations such as Agra, Jaipur and Chandigarh, but journey times can vary considerably with traffic.

Transportation

The Delhi Metro is the most useful way to cross the metropolitan area, linking central districts, Old Delhi, southern neighbourhoods, the airport corridor and adjoining cities in the National Capital Region. Walking is rewarding in compact heritage areas such as Mehrauli, Lodhi Colony and parts of Shahjahanabad, though heat, uneven pavements and traffic require care. Cycle-rickshaws are useful in narrow Old Delhi lanes, while auto-rickshaws and app-based taxis cover routes beyond the metro. Conventional taxis also operate, and buses serve a wide area. Road traffic can be heavy, particularly during commuting hours, so allow extra time for journeys by car.

Best attractions in Delhi

Delhi’s principal attractions range from the Mughal splendour of the Red Fort and Jama Masjid to the Qutb Minar complex in Mehrauli, where the soaring minaret, Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque and Iron Pillar occupy a landscape of earlier ruins. Humayun’s Tomb provides a serene example of Mughal garden-tomb design and a useful introduction to the architectural ideas later associated with the Taj Mahal. The National Museum presents wide-ranging collections from India’s artistic and archaeological history, while the National Crafts Museum offers insight into regional making traditions. In New Delhi, India Gate and the broad avenues around Kartavya Path reveal the ceremonial scale of the capital. Lodhi Garden combines landscaped paths with fifteenth- and sixteenth-century tombs, and the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk provide an intensely urban counterpoint of commerce, worship and street food.

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Best landmarks in Delhi

The Red Fort is Delhi’s most powerful imperial landmark, its red sandstone walls enclosing the former Mughal palace complex established by Shah Jahan in Shahjahanabad. Nearby Jama Masjid, completed in the seventeenth century, remains one of the city’s most prominent religious and architectural monuments. In southern Delhi, the Qutb Minar and its adjoining buildings preserve the early Sultanate’s monumental ambitions, while Humayun’s Tomb reflects the development of the Mughal garden-tomb tradition. New Delhi’s identity is represented by India Gate, the ceremonial avenues of Kartavya Path, and the government buildings on Raisina Hill, including Rashtrapati Bhavan and the Secretariat. The tombs at Lodhi Garden belong to the late Sultanate period and stand as reminders that Delhi’s cityscape is composed of overlapping capitals rather than a single historical centre.

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Explore Delhi on the map

Plan your Delhi trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, bars and hotels are, find what's near where you're staying, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Neighbourhoods in Delhi

Best restaurants in Delhi

Delhi’s food culture reflects centuries of migration, courtly traditions and regional exchange. Old Delhi is associated with Mughlai cooking, including richly spiced meat dishes, kebabs, nihari and breads cooked in tandoors, while its lanes also contain long-established sweet shops and vegetarian eateries. The city’s Punjabi influence is evident in butter-rich dishes, tandoori cooking and generous breads, particularly around busy commercial neighbourhoods. Vegetarian food is widely available, from chaat and stuffed parathas to South Indian breakfasts, Gujarati thalis and contemporary plant-based menus. Markets and food streets offer jalebi, samosas, fruit drinks and seasonal snacks, though hygiene standards vary between vendors. Connaught Place, Khan Market, Hauz Khas, Greater Kailash and neighbourhood markets provide a broader restaurant scene, spanning regional Indian cuisines, cafés and modern interpretations of traditional dishes.

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Best bars in Delhi

Delhi’s evening life is varied but shaped by local licensing rules, neighbourhood character and the city’s large distances. Connaught Place has long been associated with pubs, cocktail bars and late dining, while Hauz Khas Village, Vasant Kunj, Aerocity and parts of South Delhi offer lounges, live music and club-oriented venues. Khan Market and Greater Kailash provide more restrained restaurant-bar settings, and hotel bars tend to offer polished surroundings for an evening drink. Cultural nightlife includes performances at India Habitat Centre, Kamani Auditorium, the National School of Drama and other established arts venues, with concerts and theatre schedules changing throughout the year. Nizamuddin’s qawwali tradition offers a very different evening experience, centred on devotional music and requiring respectful behaviour rather than a conventional bar atmosphere.

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Best nightclubs in Delhi

Delhi’s evening life is varied but shaped by local licensing rules, neighbourhood character and the city’s large distances. Connaught Place has long been associated with pubs, cocktail bars and late dining, while Hauz Khas Village, Vasant Kunj, Aerocity and parts of South Delhi offer lounges, live music and club-oriented venues. Khan Market and Greater Kailash provide more restrained restaurant-bar settings, and hotel bars tend to offer polished surroundings for an evening drink. Cultural nightlife includes performances at India Habitat Centre, Kamani Auditorium, the National School of Drama and other established arts venues, with concerts and theatre schedules changing throughout the year. Nizamuddin’s qawwali tradition offers a very different evening experience, centred on devotional music and requiring respectful behaviour rather than a conventional bar atmosphere.

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Best shops in Delhi

Delhi’s shopping landscape moves from historic bazaars to polished contemporary retail districts. Chandni Chowk and the markets around Old Delhi specialise in textiles, wedding goods, jewellery, spices, dry fruit, stationery and religious items, with different lanes traditionally associated with particular trades. Dilli Haat brings together crafts and regional food from across India in a managed open-air market, while Janpath is known for textiles, handicrafts and tourist-oriented stalls. Khan Market, Connaught Place and Greater Kailash offer boutiques, bookstores, design shops and established brands, and Lajpat Nagar is widely used for clothing, fabrics and household goods. Visitors seeking Indian products can look for block-printed textiles, handwoven fabrics, carpets, metalwork, incense, tea and regional sweets, while checking materials and provenance rather than assuming every market item is handmade.

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Delhi essentials

Currency and Payment
India uses the Indian rupee, coded INR and written as ₹. Cards and contactless payments are accepted in many hotels, modern restaurants, shopping centres, museums and larger shops, while the Unified Payments Interface, or UPI, is widely used by residents. International visitors may not always be able to use UPI directly, so carrying some rupees remains sensible for small vendors, rickshaws, local markets and modest eateries. Cash machines are common in central and commercial districts, though foreign-card access and fees vary. Keep smaller notes for everyday transactions, and check that notes and change are genuine and legible before completing cash payments.
Safety
Delhi requires the ordinary precautions appropriate to a large, crowded capital. Keep phones, wallets and passports secure in markets, stations, on public transport and around major monuments, and use registered, prepaid or app-booked transport where practical. Traffic is a significant hazard, so cross carefully and avoid stepping into roads without checking several directions. Choose well-lit routes at night and be cautious about accepting unsolicited help, especially around transport hubs and tourist sites. Heat, air pollution and seasonal poor air quality can affect comfort, particularly for people with respiratory conditions; check local conditions and plan outdoor sightseeing accordingly.
Emergency Situations
India’s unified emergency number is 112, which can be used for police, fire and medical assistance. Ambulance services may also be reached through 108 in many parts of the country, but 112 is the most broadly relevant number for visitors. State that you are in Delhi and give a recognisable landmark or precise address, as street descriptions can be difficult in dense neighbourhoods. Hotels, guesthouses and tour providers can often help with translation and local directions. Carry travel insurance details, passport copies and information about regular medicines, and seek professional medical care rather than relying on informal treatment for serious illness or injury.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress modestly when visiting mosques, temples, gurdwaras and shrines, cover shoulders and legs where requested, and remove shoes before entering sacred interiors. Ask permission before photographing people, particularly worshippers, children and market workers. Speak quietly and follow local instructions at memorials and religious sites. In gurdwaras, cover the head and avoid carrying tobacco or other prohibited items; at temples and mosques, respect separate entrance or prayer arrangements. Tipping is customary but discretionary in restaurants and for helpful service, with the amount depending on the setting. Avoid public arguments, intrusive photography and touching religious objects without permission.
Local Tips
Group nearby sights geographically: Mehrauli and the Qutb complex work well together, as do the Red Fort, Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi. New Delhi’s ceremonial district is more comfortable early in the day, while Lodhi Garden offers a calmer setting among historic tombs. Nizamuddin is best approached with respect for its living religious community, particularly during evening devotional music. Delhi’s winter months are often more comfortable for outdoor sightseeing, whereas summer heat can be severe. The city’s scale makes a planned itinerary more effective than trying to cross between distant neighbourhoods repeatedly.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
Helloनमस्ते[Namaste]
Goodbyeअलविदा[Alvida]
Yesहाँ[Haan]
Noनहीं[Nahi]
Please/You're welcomeकृपया[Kripya]
Thank youधन्यवाद[Dhanyavaad]
Excuse me/Sorryमाफ़ कीजिए[Maaf kijiye]
How are you?आप कैसे हैं?[Aap kaise hain?]
Fine. And you?ठीक हूँ। आप सुनाएं?[Theek hoon. Aap sunaayen?]
Do you speak English?क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी बोलते हैं?[Kya aap angrezi bolte hain?]
I don't understandमुझे समझ में नहीं आया[Mujhe samajh mein nahi aaya]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseमैं मेन्यू देखना चाहूँगा, कृपया[Main menu dekhna chahunga, kripya]
I don't eat meatमैं मांस नहीं खाता[Main maans nahi khaata]
Cheers!चियर्स![Cheers!]
I would like to pay, pleaseमैं चाहूंगा कि मैं भुगतान करूँ, कृपया[Main chahunga ki main bhugtan karun, kripya]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!बचाओ![Bachao!]
Go away!चले जाओ![Chale jao!]
Call the Police!पुलिस को बुलाओ![Police ko bulaao!]
Call a doctor!डॉक्टर को बुलाओ![Doctor ko bulaao!]
I'm lostमैं खो गया हूँ[Main kho gaya hoon]
I'm illमुझे बीमारी है[Mujhe bimari hai]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...मैं खरीदना चाहूँगा...[Main khareedna chahunga...]
I'm just lookingमैं बस देख रहा हूँ[Main bas dekh raha hoon]
How much is it?यह कितने का है?[Yeh kitne ka hai?]
That's too expensiveयह बहुत महंगा है[Yeh bahut mahnga hai]
Can you lower the price?क्या आप कीमत कम कर सकते हैं?[Kya aap kimat kam kar sakte hain?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?अभी क्या समय है?[Abhi kya samay hai?]
It's one o'clockएक बजे हैं[Ek baje hain]
Half past (10)दस बजकर पंद्रह मिनट हैं[Das bajkar pandrah minute hain]
Morningसुबह[Subah]
Afternoonदोपहर[Dopahar]
Eveningशाम[Shaam]
Yesterdayकल[Kal]
Todayआज[Aaj]
Tomorrowकल[Kal]
1एक[Ek]
2दो[Do]
3तीन[Teen]
4चार[Char]
5पाँच[Paanch]
6छह[Chhah]
7सात[Saath]
8आठ[Aath]
9नौ[Nau]
10दस[Das]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?...कहाँ है?[...kahan hai?]
What's the address?पता क्या है?[Pata kya hai?]
Can you show me (on the map)?क्या आप मुझे दिखा सकते हैं (नक्शे पर)?[Kya aap mujhe dikhha sakte hain (naksha par)?]
When's the next (bus)?अगली (बस) कब है?[Agli (bus) kab hai?]
A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (.... के लिए)[Ek ticket (.... ke liye)]

History of Delhi

Early Settlements and Indraprastha

The Delhi region has been occupied for many centuries, supported by its position beside the Yamuna and its proximity to routes crossing northern India. Ancient literary tradition identifies the area with Indraprastha, associated with the Mahabharata, although the precise archaeological location and historical status of that city remain debated. The settlement at Purana Qila has produced evidence of occupation over several periods, but it should not be presented as conclusively proving the epic city. What is clear is that Delhi’s geography encouraged repeated settlement: the river provided water and fertile land, while the surrounding plain offered access towards the Punjab, the Ganges basin and Rajasthan. This strategic setting later made the area a prize for regional dynasties and imperial powers.

Lal Kot and the Chauhan Kingdom

One of the earliest substantial fortified settlements associated with historic Delhi was Lal Kot, traditionally attributed to the Tomar ruler Anangpal II in the eighth or eleventh century, depending on the chronology used by different historical sources. The fortifications were later expanded by the Chauhan ruler Prithviraj III, creating the settlement often known as Qila Rai Pithora. Sections of the walls survive around Mehrauli, where they form part of a broader archaeological landscape. The Iron Pillar, now standing within the Qutb complex, predates these medieval kingdoms and reflects the region’s earlier artistic and metallurgical traditions. Lal Kot’s development established a political centre that later rulers enlarged rather than abandoned, helping to shape Delhi’s recurring pattern of new capitals rising beside older ones.

The Delhi Sultanate

Following the defeat of Prithviraj III in 1192, the region became central to the establishment of Muslim rule in northern India. Qutb al-Din Aibak began the construction of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque and the Qutb Minar in the late twelfth century, while the Mamluk, Khalji, Tughlaq, Sayyid and Lodi dynasties successively governed from Delhi between the thirteenth and early sixteenth centuries. Their capitals and fortified settlements spread across the modern city, including Siri, Tughlaqabad, Jahanpanah, Firozabad and the Lodi-era area around present-day Lodi Gardens. The period saw administrative consolidation, Persianate court culture, new architectural forms and expanding trade, alongside warfare and political instability. The monuments of Mehrauli and southern Delhi preserve this era’s changing ambitions.

Mughal Rule and Shahjahanabad

Babur’s victory at Panipat in 1526 established Mughal rule in northern India, although Delhi’s importance fluctuated as emperors used Agra and other capitals. Shah Jahan restored Delhi to imperial prominence by founding Shahjahanabad in 1639 on the eastern side of the older settlements. The walled city centred on the Red Fort, the emperor’s palace-fortress, and Jama Masjid, while Chandni Chowk became a major commercial avenue. Shahjahanabad developed a sophisticated urban culture shaped by courtly arts, scholarship, architecture, commerce and diverse religious communities. Delhi suffered during the Persian invasion of 1739 and subsequent eighteenth-century conflicts, yet the city remained a crucial political and cultural centre even as Mughal authority weakened.

Company Rule and the Uprising of 1857

The British East India Company took control of Delhi after the Second Anglo-Maratha War in 1803, though the Mughal emperor retained symbolic authority from the Red Fort. Delhi became a focal point of the uprising of 1857, when Indian soldiers and rebels proclaimed the ageing Bahadur Shah Zafar as their figurehead. British forces recaptured the city after a prolonged siege, and the emperor was exiled to Rangoon. Much of Delhi’s political order changed afterwards: the Mughal court disappeared, the British Crown assumed direct rule in India, and sections of the old city were cleared or reshaped. The events of 1857 remain central to Delhi’s historical memory and are reflected in sites connected with the Red Fort, Kashmere Gate and the former cantonment.

The Making of New Delhi

In 1911, the British government announced the transfer of India’s imperial capital from Calcutta to Delhi. The new administrative city was planned south of Shahjahanabad by Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, with broad avenues, formal vistas, large government buildings and carefully arranged residential sectors. New Delhi was ceremonially inaugurated in 1931, with Viceroy’s House, now Rashtrapati Bhavan, and the Secretariat buildings dominating Raisina Hill. The design expressed imperial power, but it also incorporated Indian architectural references and stood beside an older, densely inhabited city. The change permanently altered Delhi’s urban geography, creating the contrast between the ceremonial government district and the commercial, residential and religious neighbourhoods that had developed over earlier centuries.

Partition, Independence and the National Capital

The end of British rule in 1947 transformed Delhi dramatically. Independence brought the city celebrations and political significance, while Partition caused a vast movement of refugees, particularly from areas that became part of Pakistan. New settlements, markets and neighbourhoods expanded across the capital, altering its language, cuisine, commerce and social geography. The city became the seat of the government of independent India, and institutions such as Parliament, the Supreme Court, national museums and cultural organisations strengthened its role as the country’s political centre. Delhi was made a Union Territory in 1956 and became the National Capital Territory of Delhi in 1991, with an elected legislative assembly and a chief minister alongside the centrally administered capital district. Its modern identity reflects both national authority and continual migration.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Delhi

Discover Delhi with Evendo: Your 100% free, all-inclusive travel guide app. From attractions and landmarks to restaurants and tours, plan your perfect trip effortlessly.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
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More about the Evendo app

Explore Delhi like never before with Evendo, the ultimate app-based travel guide. Access detailed information on landmarks, restaurants, tours, and much more—all for free!

  • History of Delhi and essential travel tips
  • Curated local advice to experience the city like a local
  • User-friendly navigation through the app and the city
  • 'Near me' feature to discover nearby attractions
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs

Planning a trip to Delhi? Evendo is your ultimate companion, transforming your travel experience into an unforgettable adventure. This 100% free, app-based travel guide offers detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities. Each location comes with a rich set of information, including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it easy for you to plan and organize your trip.

Discover iconic landmarks such as the Red Fort, India Gate, and Qutub Minar. Dive into the bustling streets of Chandni Chowk or enjoy a serene stroll through the Lodi Gardens. Savor the flavors of Delhi at renowned restaurants like Karim's, Bukhara, and Indian Accent. With Evendo, you can easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences, eliminating the hassle of searching multiple platforms.

The app also features the history of Delhi, essential travel tips, and curated local advice to ensure you get the most out of your visit. Navigate effortlessly through the app and the city with the 'Near me' feature, which shows you what's around you no matter where you are. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or an adventure seeker, Evendo has something for everyone.

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