Delhi Survival Guide
Real talk from a local who’s navigated this beautiful chaos her whole life
Moving Through the Madness
Metro is your BFF
Seriously, the Delhi Metro is a lifesaver. AC, fast, and it goes everywhere. Download the DMRC app and you're basically a local. Yellow Line is the main tourist artery.
Ola/Uber, always
Fixed prices, AC, no haggling. This is the move for anything the Metro doesn't cover. Pro tip: book an Uber before you step outside or you'll get swarmed by auto guys.
Day trips = hire a car
Going to Agra? Get a private car with driver (₹2500-4000). Way more comfortable than trains and you can stop for paranthas on the highway. Trust.
Auto-rickshaws: proceed with caution
Look, autos are a vibe and very Delhi, but they WILL try to overcharge you. Negotiate before getting in or just use Uber Auto. No shame in that.
The Money Situation
Cash is king in Old Delhi
Chandni Chowk runs on cash, bhai. Your fancy credit card means nothing to the jalebi wala. ATMs are everywhere though, so withdraw before you go deep into the galis.
Bargain like you mean it
Start at 40% of asking price. Walk away slowly. They'll call you back. This is an art form and honestly half the fun. Never accept the first price—ever.
Book tickets online, skip the line
Standing in line at Red Fort in the sun? No thank you. Book online, walk past everyone, feel like a VIP. Works for all major monuments.
Tipping culture
₹50-100 for guides, ₹20-50 for small services. Not mandatory but it's good karma, and honestly these folks work hard. Street food vendors don't expect tips.
Don't Get Wrecked
Hydrate or die (not kidding)
Delhi heat is no joke. 3-4 liters of water minimum. Nimbu pani and lassi count as hydration and I will not be debating this.
Sunscreen is non-negotiable
SPF 50, hat, sunglasses—the works. I don't care if it's winter. The Delhi sun doesn't play fair.
Eat where the crowds eat
Golden rule of Delhi street food: if the stall is packed with locals, it's safe AND delicious. Empty stall? Run. Karim's has been serving since 1913 for a reason.
Watch your stuff in Chandni Chowk
Those narrow galis get WILD. Phone in front pocket, bag in front of you. Don't flash expensive gear. Common sense stuff, but it needs saying.
Where to Stuff Your Face
The non-negotiable Delhi foods
Butter Chicken (we invented it, you're welcome), Chole Bhature for breakfast, Paranthas dripping in butter, Chaat that'll make you cry, Kebabs at midnight, and Daulat ki Chaat in winter ONLY. Miss any of these and did you even come to Delhi?
Legendary spots (no tourist traps)
Karim's since 1913, Moti Mahal (literal birthplace of Butter Chicken), Paranthe Wali Gali for stuffed paranthas, Natraj for dahi bhalle. These aren't hype—they're history.
Street food game plan
Chandni Chowk is ground zero. Old Famous Jalebi Wala (the one on the corner, not the fake one), Sitaram Diwan Chand for the best Chole Bhature in the universe. Fight me.
Fancy pants dining
Indian Accent is genuinely world-class, Bukhara's dal is worth the splurge, and the Hauz Khas/Khan Market cafe scene is *very* cute. For when you need a break from street food (lol, as if).
Shopping (Between Meals)
Chandni Chowk: organised chaos
Spices, jewellery, wedding lehengas, and the best street food. Basically, sensory overload in the best way. Go early before the crowds peak.
Dilli Haat: no-stress shopping
Fixed prices, legit handicrafts from every Indian state, and decent food stalls. Perfect if you hate bargaining (no judgment, but also, learn to bargain).
Khan Market: the bougie option
When you need a break from chaos—boutiques, bookshops, overpriced coffee that's actually really good. Very "South Delhi" energy.
State Emporiums on Baba Kharak Singh Marg
Fixed prices, authentic stuff, zero haggling. It's like a cheat code for souvenir shopping. The Rajasthan and Kashmir ones are particularly good.
Don't Be That Tourist
Cover up at religious sites
Shoulders and knees covered at temples, mosques, gurudwaras. Carry a scarf—it'll save you from being turned away. I keep one in my bag at all times.
Shoes off. Always.
Temples, mosques, gurudwaras, many homes—shoes come off. Wear easy slip-ons. Nobody wants to deal with laces 10 times a day.
Ask before you snap
Don't stick a camera in people's faces. Ask first, smile, maybe buy something from their stall. Basic human decency, yaar.
Learn two words: Namaste & Dhanyavaad
A Namaste goes a LONG way. Accept offered chai (it's rude not to), respect elders, and you'll have the locals adopting you by day two.
Content Creator Corner
Golden hour is GOLDEN
Sunrise (6-7 AM) and sunset (5-6 PM) will make your photos insane. India Gate at sunset is peak content. Humayun's Tomb at golden hour? Unreal.
Phone photos are free everywhere
Whip out your phone, no issues. Bring a DSLR and some monuments charge extra. Honestly, phone cameras are so good now, save the cash for chaat.
Don't photograph government stuff
No photos near Rashtrapati Bhavan, airports, military zones. They take this seriously. Just enjoy those with your eyes.
Best Insta spots (you're welcome)
Humayun's Tomb gardens, Lodhi Art District murals, Hauz Khas ruins, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib reflection pool. Tag me when you post.
Save These Numbers
Emergency numbers (screenshot this)
Police: 100, Ambulance: 108, Women Helpline: 1091, Tourist Helpline: 1363. Save them before you land.
Tourist police exist and they're helpful
Stationed at major attractions. If someone's hassling you or you're lost, find them. They actually help.
Hospitals worth knowing
AIIMS (government, excellent), Max and Apollo (private, fast). Hopefully you won't need this—but save it anyway.
Your embassy is in Chanakyapuri
Almost all embassies are in one area. Save your country's number. Pray you never need it. Now go eat paranthas.