Delhi, boisterous and chaotic, slowly grows on you to the point of being addictive. Some of the best things to do in Delhi range from upmarket hotels to medieval narrow streets that offer shopping experiences like no other, and as for the food, you won’t get enough of it. This melting pot of cultures is a history lesson in the powerful dynasties that ruled India, to a modern city that is as cosmopolitan as you will find anywhere in the world.
Things to do in Delhi
It may feel overwhelming at times, especially if you are a first-time visitor in Delhi, so below is a guide to some – and there are plenty – of the best experiences not to be missed.
Try Street Food in Delhi
If there’s one thing you ought to do in Delhi, it’s to sample its street food, of which there’s no shortage. Delhi’s street food scene may be one of the best in the world: sizzling samosas, stuffed dosas (thin, crisp, rice batter-based pancakes), to some of the best koftas, you’ll find it all on these streets. Be prepared to walk as the streets are packed and you’ll hardly move in a car, but you could of course take a rickshaw.
The stalls and carts that line Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, offer some of the best experiences, so don’t miss out on a pyar mohabbhat maza, a drink made with chilled milk and diced watermelon that goes down rather well on a hot day. To work up your appetite, or work off the calories, climb to the top of the mosque’s minaret, which offers some of the most incredible views of Delhi – the sight of a sky filled with vultures and swirling kites amidst stacked rooftops is memorable. But if it’s sweets you’re after, then there’s no better place than Chandni Chowk.
- Location: Various
Humayun’s Tomb
Humayun’s Tomb, believed to be the model on which the Taj Mahal was based, is a classic example of the mix of cultures prevalent in India: it’s a show of Indian workmanship mixed with Persian elegance. This 16th Century UNESCO Heritage Site is one of the best things to do in Delhi, a burial site commissioned by a Mughal Emperor’s wife that is an architectural marvel and is believed to have been the first of its kind in India.
The gardens in which it stands are a marvel in themselves, whose precise symmetry is thought to have been based on ancient Persian designs, though they were completed at a much later date. While the dome alone rises approximately 42 metres high and can be viewed any time of day or night, when it’s lit in such a way as to mimic the light of the moon. Aim to be there around dusk for photos that will get your socials trending.
- Location: Muthara Road, Nizammudin East
Nizammudin Dargah
At the nearby Nizamuddin Dargah, the tomb of the Sufi saint Nizam-ud-din Auliya, you will get to experience one of the most spiritually enhancing moments from your visit to Delhi. At dusk, worshipers offer prayers through soulful and melodic chants, the qawwalis, that will send chills down the spine.
The whole experience is even more enhanced during spring when they celebrate Basant Panchami, with worshipers adorned in yellow robes. It attracts celebrants and visitors from far and wide and is one of the top things to do in Delhi, an experience perhaps not to be witnessed anywhere else.
- Location: Boali Gate Rd, Nizamuddin, Nizammudin West Slum, Nizamuddin West, New Delhi, 110013
Red Fort
The Red Fort, with its rather arresting arches, offers a glimpse of the might of the once superior Mughal Empire. Constructed in 1639, it was the emperor’s residence after he decided to move his capital from Agra. Through its architecture, graceful Islamic structures with later additions from the time the British occupied India, you get a brief history of India’s mish-mash of cultures. The 17th century Meena Bazaar within its walls is one of the earliest covered markets, designed for the royal women, and is now filled with an assortment of wares offering a shopping experience with a difference – check out its roof whilst haggling your way around.
On the eve of its independence, India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, made his famous speech from one of its ramparts, a tradition that continues to this day when the sitting PM hoists a flag to kick off the Republic Day celebrations, accompanied by pomp and ceremony, making it one of the best things to see if you are ever in Delhi in January. You need a whole day to fully appreciate the splendour of this place.
- Location: Netaji Subhash Marg, Lal Qila, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, 110006
Shopping experiences
One of the most fun things to do in Delhi is to go shopping and practise your haggling skills – you haven’t truly experienced Delhi if you don’t partake. It goes without saying there is plenty to choose from; apart from Meena Bazaar, there are the emporiums at Baba Kharak Singh, which is where to head if looking for crafts, while Janpath – whose name translates to ‘the road for people’ – offers anything from Saris to everything.
Whereas if it’s spices you’re after, then lose your senses at Khari Baoli, Asia’s largest spice bazaar. Whilst here, a visit to the gold-domed Gurudwara Bangla Mosque is an experience that shouldn’t be missed. Don a headscarf – there are plenty on offer if you don’t have one – and after your visit, you can help in the kitchens, serving free food to its many visitors believed to be over 1000) and worshipers alike throughout the day. The act of wilfully giving back to society is bound to be a memory you will cherish for a long time.
Old Delhi
The streets of Old Delhi are a pandora’s box of medieval narrow bazaars strewn with people, carts and surprises everywhere you look; they are without a doubt one of the top things to do in Delhi – it really is why you visit Delhi in the first place. Within them you’ll find one of India’s largest mosques, the Jama Masjid, the colourful havelis (merchant’s houses) which tell stories of a bygone India; Chunnamal Haveli near Chandni Chawk is one the best preserved. Built in 1848, it’s been intricately restored and offers a glimpse of how the wealthy merchants in India must have lived.
The 128 rooms look out onto a handsome courtyard, whereas the grandeur of the drawing room can still be seen, with walls standing at an impressive 5 metres in height and the ceilings laden with handmade chandeliers. It may be a good idea to take a Ho Ho bus which offers hop-on hop-off tours, giving you the option to get off whenever you see something you’d like to explore further in Old Delhi.
- Location: Old Delhi
Things to do in Delhi with family
If you visit Delhi with children, don’t worry, they will have something to do there. Museums, parks and more will make your stay in Delhi with kids unforgettable.
Sunder Nursery
Sunder Nursery, not too far from Humayun’s Tomb, perhaps presents one of the best things to do in Delhi with kids. It’s a 90-acre tranquil space in an often cacophonous city where you can take some time out to regroup. In its grounds you’ll find monuments, such as Purana Qila, which tells stories of different dynasties including the Mughals, incredible water features, lakes and ponds that are bound to entrance the little ones, not to mention the various birds (including peacocks) and butterflies amongst its stunning array of flowers that will keep you occupied for hours on end. There’s also an amphitheatre where you can catch performances when open.
- Location: Sundar Nagar, Nizamuddin, New Delhi, 110013
Lodhi Gardens
As if that weren’t enough, Lodhi Gardens provides more chilling space and is where to go, especially on a Sunday, if you like people-watching. This is the equivalent of Central Park in New York or Hyde Park in London, but with lots more ancient ruins, as it was a former burial ground for the Lodhi dynasties who erected magnificent tombs, many of which can still be seen today. It’s a beautiful green oasis where you can get your hotel to organise a picnic basket to take with you and enjoy some of the best sunset views in Delhi.
The garden is thought to have been designed by Lady Willingdon during the British rule in India and was renamed Lodhi Gardens after independence. Amongst its ancient treasures is a grand 16th century stone bridge with eight magnificent columns supporting seven arches that go over the park’s lake.
- Location: Lodhi Road, New Delhi 110003
Museums in Delhi
Let’s explore some popular and interesting museums in Delhi.
National Gandhi Museum
Ghandi Museum is synonymous with the history of India and one of the best things to do on vacation in Delhi is to learn about him and the role he played in India’s history. There are loads of monuments, roads and buildings that bear his name, but the National Gandhi Museum is dedicated to his life’s work, which include relics, pictures and journals; you can even listen to some of his epic speeches.
- Location: Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Vikram Nagar, New Delhi, 110002
Art and Culture
For a bit of culture and art, visit the National Museum, which is also the largest museum in India, and if you were ever in doubt at the wealth and breadth of Indian art, the museum will soon educate you. The art on display ranges from carvings and statues to paintings that document India’s rich historical past. While for modern and contemporary art, head to the National Gallery of Modern Art where entry to the permanent exhibitions is free.
- Location: J669+QP7, Janpath Rd, Rajpath Area, Central Secretariat, New Delhi, Delhi, 110011
Indian food: Fine Dining in Delhi
You won’t be short of foodie experiences in Delhi, and if you want a change from the street fare, there is a wide choice of upmarket experiences too. For a modern flare on old classics, where paratha comes with pink pepper corn and jalapenos, or parmesan, then Accent at the swanky Lodhi Hotel is just it. Go for the tasting menu to taste as many of the dishes as you possibly can.
Otherwise, Pandara market is where to head for the best butter chicken, amongst other offerings. One of the best places to eat at the market is the classy Gulati, which has been delighting patrons since 1959, among whose offerings include dishes from Lucknow and Hyderabad.
- Location: Lodhi hotel, CGO Complex, Pragati Viher, New Delhi, 110003
A taste of Bollywood
Your visit to Delhi isn’t complete without a proper Bollywood experience, and what better way than to get fully immersed in it. The Delhi Dance Academy offers two-hour lessons, complete with full garb and a video of the choreographed steps included in the fee, and it’s one of the most fun things to do in Delhi. The lessons include Garba, Bhangra and Bollywood dance steps to get your pulse going and can be rather fun and entertaining.
- Location: E238, 239, Kalka Devi Marg, Block E, Amar Colony, Lajpat Nagar 4, New Delhi, 110024
History buffs
A short trip from the city centre will bring you to the historic complex of Qutab and where you’ll also find the Qutab Minar, the tallest minaret in India built around the 1200s, standing at 72 metres high. The complex is a history lover’s delight, packed with monuments spanning several eras, whilst the minaret, erected to celebrate Islamic victory, is carved with stunning calligraphic work that include quotes from the Quran. One of the two mosques located here is thought to be the oldest in North India. It offers another respite from the noise of the city centre.
- Location: Seth Sarai, Mehrauli, New Delhi, 110030
Hauz Khas Village
Delhi is a melting pot of the old and new and a neighbourhood that has managed this mix to a T is Hauz Khas Village. Amidst its historic crumbling Islamic ruins are located fashionable boutiques, shops selling vintage Bollywood posters and art galleries to die for. If you head to the lake (reservoir) area, it’s lined with trendy and hip eateries and bars to hang out in.
Join the cool people at Hauz Khas Social for great coffees in the day and live jams at night. It’s recommended to set aside a full day to fully appreciate all it has to offer, apart from the usual eateries and galleries. Arrive early when the streets are still fairly empty and the ruins covered with morning fog, giving them a haunting look that seems to fit in well with the Bohemian vibes of the place. Watching the sun burn off the fog with a cup of sweet chai tea is a holiday experience that will imprint Delhi in your favourite holiday memories.
- Location: Hauz Khas Tank Plot 9A & 12, Hauz Khas Village, Deer Park, New Delhi, 110016
Things to do in New Delhi at Night
It goes without saying that New Delhi probably has one of the best nightlife scenes in India (Mumbai may of course beg to differ) – it’s fun, boisterous and varied too. One of the best things to do in New Delhi at night, after stomping through its loud streets during the day, is chill out with a nice cocktail. For a bit of 70s glamour, hit Rick’s at the fabulous Taj Mahal Hotel which will serenade you with 70s hits in a film set-style setting and which has live gigs on Saturdays. Otherwise, Dramz offers stunning sunset views from its rooftop bar. If you want to dance the night away, then Priveé with its huge dance floor and occasional live performances is just the place to go for a great thing to do in New Delhi on holiday.
- Location: Number One Man Singh Rd, Man Singh Road Area, New Delhi, 110011
If you’re looking for inspiration for your next holiday, then check out Budapest or Naples and if that isn’t enough, then maybe Athens is just what you need.
