Delhi

Delhi offers an intense, full-body experience. The moment you step out, you're hit with a wall of sound, smell, and color. This isn't a city you passively observe; you dive in headfirst. It's a mix of ancient history with chaotic modernity—a place of deep spirituality and unapologetic commerce, all at once.

Delhi is a must-visit for many reasons; it's truly a history lesson come to life. You can wander through Mughal-era tombs in the morning and sip cocktails in a chic, modern bar by night. The food scene alone is worth the trip; it's a pilgrimage for anyone who loves rich, complex flavors. The sheer diversity is striking—from the labyrinthine streets of Old Delhi to the leafy, ordered avenues of Lutyens' Delhi. Plus, the value for money is incredible; you can experience world-class heritage and five-star luxury for a fraction of what it would cost elsewhere.

Delhiites present a study in contrasts. In the bustling markets, people are direct, and conversation moves fast. In quieter moments, you'll find a genuine warmth and curiosity, especially from the younger generation who are often eager to practice their English. Hindi is the main language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. It's a city of a million interactions, and while travelers need to be on guard against the occasional scam artist and persistent touts in tourist-heavy areas, most encounters reveal people either going about their day or genuinely helpful.

The food in Delhi is a religious experience. The local cuisine is rich, savory, and heavily influenced by Mughal flavors. You absolutely must try Chole Bhature (spicy chickpeas with fried bread) for breakfast, and you can't leave without having authentic Butter Chicken. The real magic is in the street food, or chaat—explosions of flavor from vendors in places like Chandni Chowk. Just be sure to follow the safety advice in our 'How to Order and Eat Street Food Safely' guide to avoid 'Delhi Belly'. A meal at a local eatery can cost as little as ₹100–₹300, while a nice restaurant might be ₹1,500–₹2,500 for two.

Let's be real: Delhi's infrastructure can be a challenge. The city is sprawling, traffic is legendary, and the air quality, especially in winter, is a serious concern. Power cuts can happen, though they're less common in tourist-heavy areas. However, the bright spot is the Delhi Metro. It's truly impressive. It's clean, efficient, air-conditioned, and connects almost every corner of this vast metropolis, making it the absolute best way to get around. The network is also continuously expanding, with new lines and extensions regularly opening, further enhancing connectivity across the city. High-speed internet is common in hotels and cafes, but mobile data can be patchy in crowded or underground areas.

You'll almost certainly fly into Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), a huge, modern hub. From the airport, I can't recommend the Airport Express Metro Line (the Orange Line) enough. It's fast, and gets you to the New Delhi Railway Station in about 25 minutes, bypassing all traffic. The fare typically ranges from ₹50 to ₹75 depending on your destination. Alternatively, pre-paid taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber and Ola are readily available, but be prepared for a potentially long and traffic-clogged ride depending on the time of day.

The Delhi Metro is your best friend. Get a Tourist Card for unlimited rides for a set number of days; it's incredibly convenient. Note that Tourist Cards are not valid on the Airport Express Line, for which you'll need a separate ticket. Or, get a regular Smart Card (₹150, includes ₹50 refundable deposit and ₹100 value) and load it with money; it gives you a small discount on each fare. Auto-rickshaws are everywhere and great for short distances, but you MUST agree on a fare before you get in, or better yet, use the meter. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Ola are a godsend for avoiding fare negotiations and offer car and auto-rickshaw options. Be aware that bike taxi services from these apps are currently banned in Delhi. Central areas like Connaught Place are somewhat walkable, but for the most part, Delhi is a city best navigated with wheels.

Delhi requires constant vigilance. Petty theft is a risk in crowded areas, so keep your valuables secure. Tourists are frequent targets for a variety of well-practiced scams, particularly around major sites and transport hubs. These often involve individuals trying to misdirect you to alternative hotels or shops. Be firm, trust your instincts, and walk away from suspicious interactions.

Special note for female travelers:
While solo female travel here can and has been done by many women, it is important to know the reality. Official sources, such as the U.S. Department of State, explicitly state that "rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India" and that "violent crimes, including sexual assault, happen at tourist sites and other locations" in India, including Delhi. The Canadian government also warns that "crimes committed against women frequently occur in India" and that "reports of rape and assault against foreign women have increased," specifically mentioning Delhi as an area requiring particular vigilance. Foreign women often experience unwanted attention, including staring, verbal abuse, groping, and other forms of sexual harassment, which can occur anywhere, including tourist sites and on public transportation. Attackers sometimes act as a group. It is strongly advised to avoid walking alone late in the evening or traveling alone at night in Delhi. Many women travelers and safety experts recommend against it.