Top 10 Things to Do in New Delhi, India (2026)

The Delhi Metro is fast, air-conditioned, and avoids surface traffic; autos and ride-hailing apps cover the last mile to specific sights.

• Buy a Delhi Metro travel card to skip token queues on repeat rides.
• Avoid road travel during morning and evening rush hours when possible.
• Old Delhi lanes are easiest on foot or by cycle-rickshaw, not car.
• Confirm ride-hailing pickup points near metro exits, which can be congested.
• Allow extra buffer time between sights — Delhi distances look shorter on a map than in traffic.

Delhi's food scene spans century-old chaat stalls to modern Indian tasting rooms; most first-timers do best anchoring meals around Old Delhi and Chandni Chowk.

• Try parathe wali gali for stuffed flatbreads served with classic accompaniments.
• Chaat, kebabs, and jalebi are best eaten where locals queue, not the first stall you see.
• Stick to freshly cooked, hot food and bottled or filtered water to avoid stomach trouble.
• South Delhi neighborhoods offer calmer, modern dining if you want a break from crowds.
• Many restaurants add service charges — check the bill before adding an extra tip.

• Visit Old Delhi lanes in the cooler morning hours before heat and crowds peak.
• India Gate's lawns give kids open space to run between monument visits.
• Book a licensed guide for Red Fort or Humayun's Tomb to keep younger visitors engaged.
• Carry water and snacks — options for kids can be limited near dense monument areas.
• Use air-conditioned metro cars to recover between hot outdoor stretches.

• Daytime monument visits are straightforward solo; arrange transport in advance for after-dark returns.
• Stick to well-reviewed guides for Old Delhi to avoid unofficial touts.
• Keep a local SIM or data plan active for maps and ride-hailing.
• Choose accommodation in South Delhi or Connaught Place with good metro access.
• Dress modestly at religious sites and busier markets to reduce unwanted attention.

• Remove shoes before entering temples, mosques, and some homes.
• Dress modestly at religious sites — shoulders and knees covered.
• Use your right hand for eating and handing over money or items.
• Bargaining is expected in markets, but keep it good-humored, not aggressive.
• Ask before photographing people, especially at religious or private sites.

Metro stations generally have elevators, but pavements, monument grounds, and Old Delhi lanes are often uneven or crowded.

• Delhi Metro stations are largely elevator-equipped and a reliable accessible option.
• Major monuments like Humayun's Tomb have improved paved pathways — check ahead for wheelchair access.
• Old Delhi's narrow, crowded lanes are difficult for mobility devices.
• Pre-arrange accessible vehicles through hotels rather than relying on street hailing.
• Midday heat adds strain — plan shorter outdoor stretches with recovery breaks.

Two to three full days cover Old and New Delhi's headline sights; extend to four or five if combining with Agra or Jaipur on a Golden Triangle route.

• Breathable cotton clothing for heat, plus a scarf or shawl for temples and air conditioning.
• Comfortable closed shoes for uneven pavements and monument grounds.
• Reusable water bottle with a filter, or plan to buy sealed bottled water.
• Hand sanitizer and basic stomach medicine for street food adventures.
• Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for religious sites.

Delhi is manageable for alert visitors who plan transport in advance and avoid isolated areas after dark; touts and inflated fares are more common than serious crime against tourists.

• Agree on fares before auto-rickshaw rides or use a metered ride-hailing app instead.
• Avoid unlicensed tour guides or drivers who approach you unsolicited near monuments.
• Keep valuables minimal and secured in crowded markets like Chandni Chowk.
• Arrange airport transfers through your hotel or a verified app rather than hailing at arrivals.
• Cover shoulders and knees at religious sites and busier public areas.

Emergency: India national emergency 112; police 100