This New Delhi travel guide covers everything for a first visit to India’s capital. Delhi mixes the crowded lanes and Mughal mosques of Old Delhi with the wide avenues, gardens and monuments of New Delhi — and the Taj Mahal is a two-hour train ride away.
October to March is the best time to visit, with warm days and cool nights, although smog can be heavy from November to January. April to June is extremely hot, and July to September is monsoon season. Visa rules vary greatly by nationality — Pakistani passport holders currently face very strict restrictions, so check with the Indian High Commission before planning.
Getting into Delhi from the airport
Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is about 15 km south-west of the centre. The Airport Express metro line from Terminal 3 is the fastest way to Connaught Place and New Delhi railway station.
Use the prepaid taxi counters inside the terminal or a ride-hailing app (Uber, Ola) rather than drivers who approach you outside.
| Airport to the centre | Time | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Express metro to New Delhi station | ≈ 20 min | about ₹60 |
| Prepaid taxi to Connaught Place | 30–60 min | ₹500–800 |
| Uber / Ola | 30–60 min | ₹400–700 |
Top sights to see in Delhi
Group sights by area: Old Delhi in the north, central New Delhi, and South Delhi for Qutub Minar.
India’s largest mosque, built by Shah Jahan; climb the minaret for views over Old Delhi.
1 hour · free (camera fee)The great red sandstone fort of the Mughal emperors.
2 hours · about ₹500–600 for foreignersThe garden tomb that inspired the Taj Mahal — calm and beautiful.
1.5 hours · about ₹600A 73-metre victory tower from the 12th century, with early Islamic ruins.
1.5 hours · about ₹600War memorial and grand boulevard; lively in the evening.
1 hour · freeA Bahá’í house of worship shaped like a lotus flower.
1 hour · freeSufi shrine famous for qawwali music on Thursday evenings.
Evening · freeOld Delhi’s chaotic market street — best explored by cycle rickshaw.
2 hoursFood to try in Delhi
Delhi is one of the great food cities of Asia. In Old Delhi try Mughlai kebabs, nihari, korma and biryani around Jama Masjid, stuffed parathas in Paranthe Wali Gali, jalebi and chaat. In New Delhi, Khan Market and Hauz Khas have modern restaurants and cafés.
The lanes around Jama Masjid and Nizamuddin are full of halal Mughlai restaurants, including some that have served kebabs for over a century. Drink bottled or filtered water and choose busy stalls where food is cooked fresh in front of you.
Getting around: metro, autos and apps
The Delhi Metro is clean, cheap and air-conditioned, with English signs and women-only carriages at the front of each train. Fares are about ₹10–60; a tourist card gives unlimited rides for one or three days.
Auto-rickshaws are handy for short trips — agree the price first or book through an app. Uber and Ola are reliable for longer journeys. Traffic is heavy, so allow extra time.
Safety and local tips
Delhi is generally safe for visitors who stay alert. Ignore touts at New Delhi railway station who say your train is cancelled, use official ticket offices, and keep bags close in crowded markets. Women travellers should dress conservatively and use women-only metro carriages.
Check the air-quality index in winter and carry a mask on smoggy days. Dress modestly at mosques and temples and remove shoes where asked. For the Taj Mahal, take the early Gatimaan or Vande Bharat express train to Agra (about 2 hours); the Taj is closed on Fridays.
Where to stay in Delhi
Stay near a metro station to avoid long road journeys.
Central, with metro links in every direction and many restaurants.
Mid-rangeGreen, quiet and home to the grand hotels.
LuxuryBackpacker area next to New Delhi station; basic but cheap.
BudgetModern hotels next to the airport with an Airport Express stop.
Mid to luxuryA 3-day plan for Delhi
Day 1: Old Delhi — Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk by cycle rickshaw, the Red Fort, and kebabs for dinner near the mosque. Day 2: Humayun’s Tomb, Lodhi Garden, India Gate at sunset and qawwali at Nizamuddin on a Thursday. Day 3: Early train to Agra for the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, back to Delhi in the evening.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Delhi?
Three days cover the main monuments and a day trip to the Taj Mahal. Add Jaipur for a classic Golden Triangle trip.
Can Pakistanis visit India?
Pakistani passport holders currently face very strict restrictions on Indian visas, and there are no direct flights. Check with the Indian High Commission before planning.
What is the best time to visit Delhi?
October to March. Avoid the extreme heat of May and June, and check air quality from November to January.
Where is the best halal food in Delhi?
Around Jama Masjid in Old Delhi and Nizamuddin, famous for Mughlai kebabs, nihari and biryani.
Is the Delhi Metro safe?
Yes. It is clean, cheap and air-conditioned, with women-only carriages at the front of every train.
Prices and transport details were checked 12 October 2026. Travel information changes — please confirm entry rules and prices with official sources before you go.