Delhi NCR Travel Guide: Old Delhi, New Delhi, Metro Tips, Food, Monuments, Shopping and Day Trips

Delhi layers more than a thousand years of history into one city, from medieval sultanates to Mughal grandeur, British New Delhi and today's sprawling metropolis. It rewards visitors who plan, travel smartly and give themselves time to eat. Here is a guide to the main sights, getting around and practical tips.

Opening hours, ticket prices, entry rules and train timings change. Confirm them on the official website or with the operator before you travel.

Best time to visit

October to March has the most comfortable weather, though winter mornings can be cold and smoggy. Late autumn often brings high pollution, so check air quality and read our air quality guide before you go. April to June is very hot, and July to September is humid with monsoon rain.

Getting around

• Delhi Metro: the best way to move, with clean, air-conditioned trains and a network that reaches most major sights, the airport and nearby cities like Gurugram, Noida and Ghaziabad. Use a smart card or the official app for tickets, and avoid peak-hour crowds where possible. Women-only coaches are available.
• App-based cabs and autos: convenient, with fares displayed before the ride. Be wary of unmetered autos at tourist spots.
• Buses: extensive and cheap, but less intuitive for visitors.
• Walking: good for Old Delhi lanes, which are best explored on foot or by cycle rickshaw.

Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad)

• Red Fort (Lal Qila): the 17th-century Mughal fort, closed on Mondays. Evening sound-and-light show details change, so check beforehand.
• Jama Masjid: one of India's largest mosques, with good views from the minaret. Dress modestly, and note that non-worshippers may face timing restrictions.
• Chandni Chowk: the historic market. Take a rickshaw ride and eat parathas at Paranthe Wali Gali, jalebis, kachori, daulat ki chaat in winter, and kebabs near Jama Masjid.
• Spice market (Khari Baoli): a sensory overload of spices, nuts and dried fruit.

New Delhi and Lutyens' Delhi

• India Gate and Kartavya Path: the war memorial and ceremonial avenue, lovely in the evening.
• Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament and North and South Block are best seen from outside. Visits to some areas need prior booking.
• National Museum, National Gallery of Modern Art and the museums nearby.
• Lodhi Garden: tombs, lawns and morning walkers, ideal for a relaxed break.

South Delhi monuments

• Humayun's Tomb: a UNESCO site and precursor to the Taj Mahal, with restored gardens.
• Qutub Minar complex: the 73-metre minaret and the Iron Pillar.
• Lotus Temple and Akshardham for architecture and gardens, with strict security rules on bags and phones at Akshardham.
• Hauz Khas Village: medieval ruins, lake and cafes.
• Mehrauli Archaeological Park for lesser-known ruins.

Food guide

• Street food: chole bhature, aloo tikki, golgappa, momos, kulfi falooda and rolls. Choose busy stalls with high turnover.
• Mughlai and Punjabi: butter chicken, nihari, kebabs and dal makhani.
• Modern dining: Connaught Place, Khan Market, Hauz Khas, Aerocity and Gurugram offer wide choices.

Shopping

Dilli Haat for handicrafts from across India, Sarojini Nagar and Lajpat Nagar for clothes, Janpath and Connaught Place for souvenirs, Chandni Chowk for fabrics, jewellery and wedding wear, and Select Citywalk and other malls for brands. Bargain in street markets, and compare prices.

Where to stay

For first-timers, Connaught Place, Karol Bagh and Paharganj offer budget options with good Metro access. Central and South Delhi (Greater Kailash, Defence Colony, Hauz Khas) are quieter and upmarket. Airport area hotels in Aerocity help with early flights. Book ahead in peak season and festival time.

Day trips from Delhi

• Agra: see Agra and Taj Mahal guide.
• Jaipur: see Jaipur guide.
• Mathura and Vrindavan for temples.
• Sultanpur bird sanctuary and Surajkund (during its crafts fair) for nature and culture.

Safety and etiquette

• Keep valuables secure in crowds and use official taxis or ride apps at night.
• Be cautious with strangers offering unsolicited help, tours or gem shopping.
• Carry water, sun protection and a mask on high-pollution days.
• Check travel insurance options.

A three-day plan

1. Day 1: Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk food walk, evening at India Gate.
2. Day 2: Humayun's Tomb, Lodhi Garden, Khan Market, Qutub Minar, Hauz Khas at sunset.
3. Day 3: Akshardham or National Museum, Dilli Haat and shopping, with a flexible evening.

Estimate costs with the travel budget planner.

Understanding NCR: Gurugram, Noida and Ghaziabad

The National Capital Region extends well beyond the city limits. Gurugram has glass towers, malls and upscale dining, Noida has film studios, large markets such as Atta Market and the Delhi-Noida expressways, and Ghaziabad is a residential and industrial hub. Metro lines connect most of these, but the last mile can need a cab or auto. If your work or relatives are in NCR, consider staying near a Metro station to avoid long road transfers. Keep in mind that city rules, such as timing restrictions on heavy vehicles and pollution-related curbs in winter, can affect road travel, so check local advisories. For long stays, compare neighbourhoods with our rental agreement guide.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do I need in Delhi?

Three days cover the major sights comfortably.

Is the Delhi Metro good for tourists?

Yes, it is fast, clean and reaches most key attractions.

Which day is the Red Fort closed?

Mondays.

What is the best time to visit Delhi?

October to March.

Is Delhi safe for tourists?

Yes with normal precautions, such as watching belongings and avoiding touts.

What should I eat in Old Delhi?

Parathas, chaat, kebabs, jalebi and kulfi.

Last reviewed 8 November 2026. Rates, limits and rules change, so confirm figures with the official source before you act.