Delhi
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Delhi is India's capital and one of its oldest living cities, layered with eight centuries of empires. Old Delhi's narrow lanes, Mughal forts and mosques sit beside the wide boulevards of New Delhi, built under the British. It is chaotic, rewarding and intense, and for many travelers it is both the gateway to India and the start of the Golden Triangle route with Agra and Jaipur.
Visitors expecting a single clean historic district are often surprised by how directly the layers sit beside each other: a Mughal-era mosque, a British-era government boulevard and a modern satellite city can all be visible within one metro ride.
At a glance
- Best for: history, food, markets and a gateway to northern India.
- How long: two to three days.
- Getting around: the metro, ride-hailing apps, auto-rickshaws and taxis. The metro is clean and efficient.
- Seasons: October to March is the best. April to June is very hot. July to September is monsoon.
- Good to know: the city is large, and traffic and air quality can be challenging in winter.
City layout
- Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad): Chandni Chowk, the Red Fort, Jama Masjid and spice markets.
- New Delhi: government buildings, India Gate, Rajpath and Connaught Place.
- South Delhi: Humayun's Tomb, Lodhi Gardens, Hauz Khas and Qutub Minar.
- Nizamuddin and Mehrauli: historic dargahs and ruins.
- Gurugram and Noida: modern satellite cities.
The metro's coverage makes Delhi's large size manageable, but Old Delhi's narrow lanes are best explored on foot or by cycle-rickshaw once you arrive, since cars and even auto-rickshaws struggle with the width of the streets.
Highlights worth your time
Red Fort and Jama Masjid. Mughal monuments in the heart of Old Delhi. Dress modestly at the mosque.
Chandni Chowk. A crowded market street famed for food, from parathas to sweets. Go with a guide for a first visit.
Humayun's Tomb. A beautiful garden tomb that inspired the Taj Mahal.
Qutub Minar. A tall medieval minaret surrounded by ruins.
India Gate and the government area. A broad ceremonial boulevard, good for an evening walk.
Food. Try butter chicken, kebabs, chaat, parathas and kulfi. Eat where locals eat, and choose busy stalls.
Lodhi Gardens. A large, quiet park scattered with 15th-century tombs, a good counterpoint to Old Delhi's crowds and an easy stop near Humayun's Tomb.
Money and connectivity
Cards work at hotels, malls and larger restaurants, while Old Delhi's markets and street food stalls mostly expect cash. An airport eSIM or local SIM, easy to arrange on arrival, helps with maps and ride-hailing apps across the city's considerable distances.
Practical notes
Plan indoor breaks in the afternoon heat. Be ready for crowds and touts, and politely decline unsolicited help. Use official ticket counters at monuments. Drink bottled water.
When to go
October to March is the best, with mild days and cool evenings. Winter mornings can be foggy, and air quality can be poor. Summers are hot and the monsoon is humid.
Structuring two or three days
A workable split is one day for Old Delhi (Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk), one for New Delhi and South Delhi (India Gate, Humayun's Tomb, Lodhi Gardens, Qutub Minar), and a third, if available, for a day trip toward Agra or simply a slower second look at whichever district appealed most.
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How many days do I need in Delhi?
Two to three days covers the main sights. Many visitors continue to Agra and Jaipur.
Is Delhi safe for tourists?
Use normal precautions, avoid unlit areas at night and use official transport or ride-hailing apps.
Do I need a visa for India?
Most visitors do. Check the official government site for current rules.
How do I get from the airport?
The Airport Express Metro line links to New Delhi Station. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are also available.
Is Delhi worth visiting beyond being a gateway to Agra and Jaipur?
Yes. Its own monuments, markets and food scene easily justify two to three days independent of any onward Golden Triangle plans.