Travel Guide: New Delhi, India

India is a bucket-list trip for plenty of seasoned travelers, and starting your vacation in New Delhi is a great option. From the essential attractions like the Red Fort and Baháʼí Lotus Temple to the incomparable North Indian cuisine on display at both high-end restaurants and street stalls in Old Delhi, the capital of India will set the tone for your travels. And not only can you easily drive or train to nearby, must-visit destinations like Agra and Jaipur, but you can take short-haul flights from Delhi to southern staples like Goa or Kerala.

It’s best to avoid May through September in India, when the heat is sweltering. The downpours are also fairly intense in July, August, and September, during what’s known as monsoon season. From a weather perspective, November to March are the best time to visit New Delhi, when it’s coolest and driest—with temperatures in the 70s and 80s.

As for special events, Diwali happens in December, which lights up the city. In March, the city celebrates spring with vibrantly colored Holi celebrations, which is exciting to experience as a visitor. If visiting for the festival of light (Diwali) or color (Holi) isn’t possible, New Delhi also celebrates Republic Day on January 26 with an impressive parade

Neighborhoods to Know

Old Delhi: While you’re unlikely to stay in Old Delhi, visiting the neighborhood and the market, or stopping in for dinner, is one of the most crucial experiences you can have—not just in Delhi, but in India. You’ll find dining institutions, and motorcycles weaving through bustling crowds of locals and tourists.

Lodhi Colony: A newer neighborhood in Delhi, close to the Lodi Gardens, Lodhi Colony is the first public arts district in India. The hip enclave is covered in street art and is right off the Delhi metro.

Hauz Khas Village: A vibrantly colored, trendy village in New Delhi, Hauz Khas is known for great shopping, intriguing art galleries, and Instagrammable restaurants. Find a new outfit at OGAAN boutique, then head upstairs to their gourmet Coast Cafe—or go out on the town at Hauz Khas Social.

Nizamuddin: Close to Humayun’s Tomb and India Gate, Nizamuddin is a tangle of busy, narrow streets, where street carts serving some of the most authentic Delhi eats stay open to all hours of the night. While popular among tourists for its proximity to must-see attractions, Nizamuddin is at its core a long-standing locals’ neighborhood. Paharganj: A more rundown Delhi neighborhood, Paharganj is busy and tends to attract budget travelers because it’s inexpensive. However, Paharganj is not the safest neighborhood (crime is a very real concern), so if you’re heading to this area, remember to stay with a larger group that makes you feel comfortable

Things to Do

Red Fort

Address: Netaji Subhash Marg, Lal Qila, Chandni Chowk
New Delhi, Delhi 110006, India
Phone: +91 11 2327 7705
Website

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, New Delhi’s famous Red Fort is a celebration of Mughali architecture. The fort was completed in the mid-1600s when a Mughali emperor moved the capital from Agra to Delhi. Visit the Red Fort from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. any day except Monday.

Humayun’s Tomb

Address: Mathura Road Opposite, Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia Dargah, Mathura Rd, Nizamuddin, Nizamuddin East, New Delhi, Delhi 110013, India
Phone: +91 11 2435 5275
Website

Also a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Humayun’s Tomb is a stunning, clay-colored mausoleum erected in 1570. The must-see point of interest is open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Lotus Temple

Address: Lotus Temple Rd, Bahapur, Shambhu Dayal Bagh, Kalkaji,
New Delhi, Delhi 110019, India
Phone: +91 11 2644 4029
Website

The Baháʼí are known for curating picturesque gardens and erecting beautiful places of worship. On 26 acres of land, the Lotus Temple welcomes visitors of any and all religions. The temple design fascinates whether you’re photographing the lotus structure from the outside or experiencing the concrete, ribbed-dome interiors.

Lodhi Gardens

Address: Lodhi Rd, Lodhi Gardens, Lodhi Estate
New Delhi, Delhi 110003, India
Phone: +91 11 2464 0079

Covering 90 acres, the Lodhi Gardens are akin to New York’s Central Park and London’s Hyde Park. You’ll find two mausoleums and more than 100 species of trees within these gardens.

National Museum

Address: Janpath Rd, Rajpath Area, Central Secretariat
New Delhi, Delhi 110011, India
Phone: +91 11 2379 2775
Website

The National Museum of New Delhi is home to more than 2 million ancient artifacts. From archaeological discovery to never-before-seen photography from past decades, the National Museum is a perfect way to experience Indian culture over the last century. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday.

Rashtrapati Bhavan

Address: Rashtrapati Bhawan, President’s Estate
New Delhi, Delhi 110004, India
Phone: +91 11 2301 5321
Website

Called the President’s Palace, Rashtrapati Bhavan is indeed the official residence of the Indian president. Originally completed in 1929, you can tour the main building, the on-site museum, and the scenic gardens on the 330-acre estate.

Places To Eat

Karim’s

Address: Shop No. 1, 2/5, Vikas Marg, Sagar Complex, New Rajdhani Enclave, Preet Vihar
New Delhi, Delhi 110092, India
Phone: +91 11 2250 6311

Head to Old Delhi, meander down alleyways, around corners, and through the crowds—and just when you think you’re completely lost, you’ll find you’ve arrived at Karim’s. Home to some of the best seekh kebabs in India, this hole-in-the-wall is a Delhi institution and ideal for takeaway, because there are very few tables inside.

Bukhara

Address: ITC Maurya, Sardar Patel Marg, Akhaura Block, Diplomatic Enclave, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021, India
Website

Within the Luxury Collection hotel, ITC Maurya, Bukhara is known for its tandoori oven-baked delicacies. Drawing inspiration from northwest India, Bukhara regularly hosts celebrities and is known for World’s 50 Best Restaurants-level acclaim.

Noora Nihari

Address: Barahindu Roa Road, Gali Umrao, Pahari Dhiraj, Sadar Bazaar
New Delhi, Delhi 110006, India
Phone: +91 99535 22481

In a historic neighborhood, Noora Nihari is known for exceptional Indian takeout. It’s not a sit-down, reservations-in-advance kind of restaurant. They serve nihari, a North Indian stew with lamb or goat, alongside freshly made Indian breads called roti.

Bade Mian ki Kheer

Address: 2867, Bazar Sirkiwalan, Chawri Bazar, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi 110006, India
Phone: +91 98116 21763

Kheer is a must-try Indian dessert—it’s lightly spiced (read: cardamom-infused), creamy, fragrant rice pudding. Bade Mian ki Kheer makes some of the best rice pudding in the city. Rather than stopping in at a sweet shop and taking your kheer to go, Bade Mian ki Kheer offers a welcoming, sit-down dessert experience.

Al Jawahar Restaurant

Address: 8, Near, Matia Mahal Rd, Bazar Matia Mahal, Jama Masjid, Old Delhi New Delhi, Delhi 110006, India Website

Another hole-in-the-wall in Old Delhi that’s stood the test of time thanks to exceptional flavors, Al Jawahar is also known for their seekh kebabs. You’ll also want to sample this Chandni Chowk restaurant’s thick curries—and save room for kheer.

Farmer’s Basket at Pluck

Address: Asset No 02 GMR Hospitality District IGI Airport New Delhi, Aerocity, Delhi 110037- Pullman Lobby level, New Delhi, Delhi 110037, India
Phone: +91 11 4608 0840
Website

Located within Accor’s Pullman New Delhi Aerocity, Farmer’s Basket at Pluck is perhaps the best meal you’ll find at an airport hotel. Serving a seasonal menu with locally grown produce, their plates are artistic, well-curated, and vegetable forward.

Places To Shop

Chandni Chowk

Address: 2573, Nai Sarak, Raghu Ganj, Roshanpura, Old Delhi New Delhi, Delhi 110006, India

A staple of Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk (which means Moonlight Square) is right by the Old Delhi Railway Station and not far from the Red Fort. It’s one of the oldest bazaars in Delhi, and you’ll find a little bit of everything here—from antiques to copper to jewelry to handmade clothing.

Khan Market

Address: 61A, Khan Market, Rabindra Nagar New Delhi, Delhi 110003, India
Website

In an upscale Delhi neighborhood, Khan Market has extensive shopping and great restaurants. Grab a kebab at Mughali restaurant Khan Chacha or macarons at L’Opera. Find Ayurvedic remedies at Kama Ayurveda and browse jewelry shops where you might find some well-priced gems.

Dilli Haat

Address: INA Market, Dilli Haat, Kidwai Nagar West, Kidwai Nagar
Delhi, 110023, India
Phone: +91 11 2611 9055
Website

A confluence of art, fashion, and Indian culture, Dilli Haat is a lively market with beautiful textiles and local crafts. Make sure to take a lunch break while shopping here, at stalls like Bijoli Grill or Rajasthan.

Sarojini Nagar Market

Address: Sarojini Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110023, India

Sarojini Nagar Market is a great place for clothes shopping. Indian markets like this sell handwoven fabrics that you can then have made into one-of-a-kind clothing—and Sarojini Nagar Market is a perfect place to try this tradition.

Connaught Place Market

Address: Hanuman Road Area, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001, India

Commonly referred to as “CP,” Connaught Place Market is one of the most upscale shopping areas in New Delhi. The structure that houses Connaught Place Market is divided into three circles: the inner circle, middle circle, and outer circle. The inner circle has global luxury brands in addition to well-known Indian shops.

• story contribution by Maya Kachroo-Levine