India

New Delhi

Delhi: where ancient empires meet modern chaos.

Local time
UTC+5:30
Population
32.0M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$
Affordable
  • Food$$$$$About $16 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
  • Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $34 a night for two
  • Transport$$$$$About $1.7 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇮🇳 INR =
Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

DELIndira Gandhi International AirportMain gateway, about 12 km southwest of the centre.
HowCostTime
Airport Express (Orange Line)New Delhi station₹60-11020-30 min
Fastest and cheapest; check hours, it does not run all night.
Airport busCity centre / ISBTs₹50-10040-60 min
Cheap but slow in traffic.
TaxiCity centre₹400-60020-40 min
Use the official prepaid taxi booth.
Uber / OlaCity centre₹350-55020-40 min
Pick-up points are signposted in the app.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: New Delhi

Getting around

Delhi Metro for most trips; ride apps for late nights and the airport.

  • Metro ★Cheap, air-conditioned and fast. Fares ₹10–60, more on the Airport Express. Nine lines; Yellow and Orange lines serve New Delhi station.
  • BusDTC and Blue-Line buses are frequent and very cheap, ₹5–25, but crowded.
  • Taxi / ride apps ★Uber and Ola work well. Use prepaid taxi booths at stations and the airport to avoid haggling.
  • Rental carDriving is chaotic. Hiring a car with a driver is common for day trips.
  • WalkingCentral New Delhi is fairly walkable with footbridges and subways. Use care crossing busy roads.
Recommended stay★ 2 nights (3 days)

Two nights covers the Red Fort, Old Delhi food lanes and a south Delhi monument day. Add a night for an Agra trip.

Best for
  • HistoryMughal forts, tombs and Old Delhi lanes.
  • FoodStreet chaat, kebabs and butter chicken.

Weather by month

19°8°Jan🌧 4d
24°11°Feb🌧 3d
29°16°Mar🌧 4d
36°22°Apr🌧 3d
39°25°May🌧 4d
38°28°Jun🌧 9d
34°27°Jul🌧 23d
33°26°Aug🌧 19d
33°25°Sep🌧 11d
32°20°Oct🌧 2d
27°15°Nov🌧 1d
21°9°Dec🌧 1d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Delhi has hot summers, a wet monsoon from July to September, and cool, dry winters. October to March is the comfortable window.

  • Best time: October to MarchMild days around 19–32°C and cool evenings. Ideal for forts, bazaars and long walks.
  • Summer is brutal (April to June)Highs of 36–39°C. Sightsee at sunrise, then stay indoors or in the Metro at midday.
  • Monsoon (July to September)Up to 23 rain days in July. Short heavy downpours, humid air and slow traffic. Carry a light rain jacket.
  • Winter fogDecember and January mornings can be foggy, which delays flights and trains. Build in buffer time.
  • Cold nights in winterJanuary lows near 8°C. Bring a warm layer for evenings; many hotels have weak heating.
  • What to packLight cotton for summer, a rain jacket for monsoon, warm layers for winter. Modest clothing for temples and mosques, plus comfortable shoes.

Landmarks 21

Must-see · 5

  1. 1

    Red Fort

    The Mughal emperor's red sandstone fortress and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the setting for India's Independence Day address. Go early in the morning to beat the heat and crowds, and note that foreign visitors pay a higher ticket than locals.

  2. 2

    Qutub Minar

    A soaring 73-metre victory tower from the 12th century, the tallest brick minaret in the world, surrounded by early Indo-Islamic tombs. Visit in the late afternoon for softer light; it is a short ride south of central Delhi.

  3. 3

    India Gate

    The grand war memorial arch at the end of Rajpath, best seen lit up after dark when locals gather on the lawns. Come in the evening; there is no entry fee for the surrounding area.

  4. 4

    Humayun's Tomb

    The garden tomb that inspired the Taj Mahal, a serene UNESCO-listed Mughal monument. Go at opening time for quiet paths and good photos; tickets are sold at the gate.

  5. 5

    Lotus Temple

    A striking flower-shaped Bahai house of worship open to all faiths, known for its calm silent hall. Entry is free but you must remove your shoes and keep quiet inside; it is closed on Mondays.

1Red Fort2Qutub Minar3India Gate4Humayun's Tomb5Lotus Temple

Cultural

Castle 2

Hindu 1

Market 2

Other Religion 2

Islamic 4

Gate 1

Garden 1

Modern History 1

Palace 1

Activities

Amusement Park 5

Food 1

Overview

History & significance

Highlights

    Day trips from New Delhi

    Agra · 1 h 50 by train

    ★★★★★ · Full day · 201 km from New Delhi

    Best way: Fast express trains reach Agra Cantt in 1h 50m, far quicker than the 3h 28m bus, with a short auto ride to the Taj.

    Take a fast Gatimaan or Shatabdi express train from New Delhi's Hazrat Nizamuddin or New Delhi station directly to Agra Cantt, then a short auto-rickshaw ride to the Taj Mahal area.

    • Train ★1 h 50 · from $1-$15
    • Bus3 h 28 · from $4-$16
    • Car2 h 30 · taxi ≈ 5,120 INR

    What to see

    • Taj Mahal
    • Agra Fort
    • Mehtab Bagh
    • Itimad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj)

    2 landmark quests to check off here

    Good to know

    • Taj Mahal is closed to tourists on Fridays
    • Book train tickets ahead, especially in peak season
    • Go at sunrise for fewer crowds and better light

    Mathura · 1 h 19 by train

    ★★★☆☆ · Full day · 143 km from New Delhi

    Best way: Frequent trains reach Mathura Junction in 1h 19m versus 3h 35m by bus, with Vrindavan a short auto ride away.

    Frequent local and express trains run from New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin to Mathura Junction in under two hours; Vrindavan is a short auto-rickshaw ride away.

    • Train ★1 h 19 · from $1-$13
    • Bus3 h 35 · from $4-$15
    • Car1 h 50 · taxi ≈ 3,680 INR

    What to see

    • Krishna Janmabhoomi
    • Vishram Ghat
    • Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan
    • Prem Mandir

    1 landmark quest to check off here

    Good to know

    • Major temples are busiest during Holi and Janmashtami festivals
    • Some temples close during afternoon hours
    • Start early to combine Mathura and Vrindavan in one day

    Times and prices are typical one-way estimates (train and bus: Omio / Rome2Rio route data; taxi: local tariff × road distance, tolls extra). Exact prices are on the booking page.

    Plans

    Delhi rewards visitors with layers of history, vibrant markets and rich food. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

    How long?

    What do you enjoy most?

    2 nights · History ★ Recommended length

    First-timers who want the big Mughal sights and Old Delhi lanes without rushing.

    Stay: Connaught Place. Central, walkable and on the Yellow and Blue lines. Good for first-timers who want shops and cafés nearby.

    Tickets & tours
    ≈ INR 0
    per person
    Taxis
    ≈ INR 2,320
    per taxi, up to 4 people
    Hotel
    INR 6,000–24,000
    2 nights · Connaught Place
    Day 1

    Old Delhi: fort, mosque and lanes

    Tickets ≈ INR 0 pp · taxis ≈ INR 943
    12345
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. Taxi from your hotel · 5 km · ≈ 22 min · ≈ INR 227
    2. 1

      09:30–11:30 · Entry fee applies for foreign visitors — check on the day

      Red Fort (Lal Qila)

      Closed Monday. Go early for cooler air and shorter queues.

      Open Closed Monday; roughly 09:30–16:30

    3. Taxi · 1346 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ INR 134
    4. 2

      12:00–13:00 · Small camera fee; entry usually free — check on the day

      Jama Masjid

      About 15 minutes on foot from the fort. Dress modestly; shoes come off.

      Open Open daily, roughly 07:00–12:00 and 13:30–18:30

    5. Taxi · 1058 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ INR 126
    6. 3

      13:15–14:00 · ≈ INR 100–250 per person

      Paranthe Wali Gali

      Lunch stop. Stuffed paranthas; some shops close Sunday.

      Open Around 10:00–22:00; some shops close Sunday

    7. Taxi · 997 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ INR 125
    8. 4

      14:15–16:15 · Free to walk; food and rickshaws extra

      Chandni Chowk market walk

      Walk the bazaar lanes. Shops roughly 10:00–20:00, parts closed Sunday.

      Open Shops roughly 10:00–20:00, closed Sunday in parts

    9. Taxi · 1090 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ INR 127
    10. 5

      16:30–17:15 · Free to browse; spices sold by weight

      Khari Baoli spice market

      Khari Baoli is close by. Closed Sunday. Hold tight in the crowds.

      Open Roughly 10:00–19:00, closed Sunday

    11. Taxi back to your hotel · 4 km · ≈ 19 min · ≈ INR 204
    Day 2

    South Delhi monuments and Raj Ghat

    Tickets ≈ INR 0 pp · taxis ≈ INR 1,377
    12345
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. Taxi from your hotel · 8 km · ≈ 30 min · ≈ INR 289
    2. 1

      08:00–09:30 · Entry fee applies for foreign visitors — check on the day

      Humayun's Tomb

      Early morning is best. Open roughly sunrise to sunset.

      Open Daily, roughly sunrise to sunset

    3. Taxi · 4 km · ≈ 19 min · ≈ INR 206
    4. 2

      10:15–11:15 · Free

      Lodhi Garden

      Short taxi ride. Tombs among lawns; good for a slow walk.

      Open Daily, roughly sunrise to sunset

    5. Taxi · 8 km · ≈ 33 min · ≈ INR 311
    6. 3

      12:00–12:45 · Free

      Raj Ghat

      Gandhi memorial. Open roughly 06:30–18:00. Quiet and free.

      Open Daily, roughly 06:30–18:00

    7. Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 22 min · ≈ INR 228
    8. 4

      17:30–18:30 · Free

      India Gate and Kartavya Path

      Evening light along Kartavya Path. Always open.

      Open Always open

    9. Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 14 min · ≈ INR 170
    10. 5

      19:00–20:00 · ≈ INR 400–700 per plate at a mid-range restaurant

      Butter Chicken Landmark quest

      Dinner in Connaught Place. Most restaurants 12:00–23:00.

      Open Most restaurants 12:00–23:00

    11. Taxi back to your hotel · 3 km · ≈ 15 min · ≈ INR 173

    Swap in instead

    • Day trip to Agra for the Taj Mahal: early train or a hired car with driver, roughly 3–4 hours each way. Check timings on the day.
    • Swap a city day for Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar and Lotus Temple in south Delhi, all on the Metro.
    • Add a half-day to Chandni Chowk spice market and the Red Fort, then rest in a haveli café.

    Getting around

    • Delhi Metro is cheap, air-conditioned and fast; fares ₹10-60, more on the Airport Express.
    • Metro runs 9 lines; Yellow and Orange lines serve New Delhi station.
    • DTC and Blue-Line buses are frequent and very cheap, ₹5-25, but crowded.
    • Ride apps Uber and Ola work well; use prepaid taxi booths at stations and the airport.
    • Driving is chaotic; hiring a car with driver is common for day trips.
    • Central New Delhi is fairly walkable with footbridges and subways; no ferries.

    Where to stay

    • Paharganj · ≈ INR 800–3,500 a night
      Cheapest beds, walk to New Delhi station and the Metro, and a short ride to Old Delhi. Busy and noisy streets.
    • Connaught Place · ≈ INR 3,000–12,000 a night
      Central, walkable and on the Yellow and Blue lines. Good for first-timers who want shops and cafés nearby.
    • Aerocity · ≈ INR 5,000–18,000 a night
      Next to the airport with the Orange line link. Best for short layovers or early flights, far from the sights.
    • Karol Bagh · ≈ INR 1,500–6,000 a night
      Mid-range hotels, a big shopping street and its own Metro stop. Lively and good value.

    Food & drink

    • Start with street chaat: golgappa, papdi chaat and aloo tikki. Pick busy stalls and eat freshly made food.
    • Old Delhi is the kebab and paratha heartland. Try a paratha lane breakfast and seek out a famous kebab shop.
    • Order butter chicken or dal makhani at a classic North Indian restaurant. Book ahead on weekends.
    • Vegetarian thalis are cheap and filling, often ₹150–400. Many places are pure veg.
    • Drink only bottled or filtered water, and skip ice and cut fruit from street carts if your stomach is sensitive.

    Tips

    1. The Delhi Metro is the absolute best way to travel long distances and bypass chaotic traffic
    2. Always negotiate auto-rickshaw fares before getting in, or ask them to use the meter
    3. Air pollution can reach severe levels, particularly between November and January
    4. Drink only sealed bottled water and avoid ice in drinks to prevent stomach issues
    5. Dress modestly, especially when visiting historical sites, mosques, or temples
    Sources for prices and hours

      Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

      Tours & activities

      Take this tour to unlock 4 landmark quests

      Red Fort
      India Gate
      Humayun's Tomb
      Lotus Temple
      • Full or half-day private tour of Old and New Delhi
      • See Mughal monuments and colonial-era landmarks with a local guide
      • 4,649 reviews · 4.9 rating
      Hotel pickupPrivate guide

      Old and New Delhi Private Full or Half-Day Tour

      GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (4,649)

      Take this tour to unlock 4 landmark quests

      Red Fort
      India Gate
      Humayun's Tomb
      Lotus Temple
      • Half- or full-day private tour covering both Old and New Delhi
      • Visit top sights at your own pace with a knowledgeable guide
      • 2,976 reviews · 4.9 rating
      Private guideFlexible pace

      Private Old & New Delhi Guided Half- or Full-Day Tour

      GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (2,976)

      Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

      Chandni Chowk
      • Taste your way through Old Delhi's food streets after dark
      • Generous feast featuring local specialties
      • 487 reviews · 4.9 rating
      Food includedEvening tour

      Old Delhi: Food Tour Featuring a Generous Feast After Dark

      GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (487)

      Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

      Akshardham Temple
      • Visit the ornate Akshardham Temple complex
      • Stay for the evening light and water show
      • 144 reviews · 4.8 rating
      Light showEntry included

      Akshardham Temple Tour with Light and Water Show

      GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (144)

      Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

      India Gate
      • See Delhi's landmarks illuminated at night
      • Private 3-hour drive in a luxury car
      • 26 reviews · 4.9 rating
      Night tourLuxury car

      Delhi by Night: Private 3-Hour Tour by Luxury Car

      GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (26)

      Souvenirs

      Kashmiri wool stole

      INR 2000–60001 piece · estimate

      A hand-woven shawl from Kashmir, sold across India as a traditional craft. It is sold in New Delhi because the city has many government-run craft shops.

      Where: Central Cottage Industries Emporium, Janpath
      Pure pashmina costs much more than standard wool, so check the label and ask whether it is 100% pashmina.

      Masala spices

      INR 150–40050 to 100 g · estimate

      Blended spice mixes used in North Indian tea and cooking. Khari Baoli is one of Asia's largest spice markets, located in Old Delhi.

      Where: Khari Baoli spice market or Fabindia
      Check that the packet is sealed, and look for whole spices rather than only ground powder, which keeps its flavor longer.

      Flights

      Dates are departure dates at each airport, which may differ from your itinerary arrival date. Select your flight and complete payment on Trip.com.

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