Delhi Travel Tips
Everything you need to know for a smooth and memorable capital city experience
Getting Around
Use Delhi Metro
The Delhi Metro is excellent, covering most tourist spots. It's fast, clean, and air-conditioned. Download the DMRC app for routes.
Use Ola/Uber for city travel
App-based cabs are reliable and affordable. Prices are fixed, no bargaining needed.
Hire a car for day trips
For Agra or other day trips, hire a private car with driver (₹2500-4000). More comfortable than trains for sightseeing.
Avoid auto-rickshaws for tourists
Auto-rickshaws often overcharge tourists. If you must use them, insist on meter or negotiate firmly before boarding.
Money Matters
Carry cash for markets
Many shops in Chandni Chowk and traditional markets prefer cash. ATMs are widely available.
Bargaining is expected
In markets like Chandni Chowk and Janpath, start at 40-50% of asking price. Stay friendly and walk away if needed.
Book tickets online
Buy monument tickets online to skip queues. Works for Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb.
Tip appropriately
Tips of ₹50-100 for guides, ₹20-50 for small services are customary. Not expected but appreciated.
Safety & Health
Stay hydrated
Delhi can be very hot. Drink 3-4 liters of water daily. Carry a refillable bottle.
Use sunscreen
Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen, wear a hat, and sunglasses. The sun is intense, especially in summer.
Eat at busy places
Choose restaurants with high turnover. Street food at famous stalls like Karim's and Paranthe Wali Gali is safe.
Secure your belongings
Be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas like Chandni Chowk. Use money belts and keep valuables secure.
Food & Dining
Try iconic Delhi foods
Must-try: Butter Chicken, Paranthas, Chole Bhature, Chaat, Kebabs, Biryani, and Daulat ki Chaat (winter only).
Visit legendary restaurants
Karim's (Mughlai), Moti Mahal (Butter Chicken inventors), Paranthe Wali Gali, and Natraj Dahi Bhalle.
Street food spots
Chandni Chowk for chaat, Old Famous Jalebi Wala, Sitaram Diwan Chand for Chole Bhature.
Modern dining
Indian Accent for fine dining, Bukhara at ITC Maurya, and trendy spots in Hauz Khas and Khan Market.
Shopping
Chandni Chowk for traditional
Spices, electronics, wedding shopping, and street food. The oldest market in Delhi.
Dilli Haat for handicrafts
Government-run market with crafts from all Indian states. Fixed prices, authentic goods.
Khan Market for upscale
Boutiques, bookstores, and cafes. One of Delhi's poshest shopping areas.
State Emporiums
Baba Kharak Singh Marg has emporiums from all states. Fixed prices, authentic handicrafts.
Cultural Etiquette
Dress modestly
Cover shoulders and knees at religious sites. Carry a scarf/shawl for temple and mosque visits.
Remove shoes
Take off shoes before entering temples, mosques, gurudwaras, and some heritage sites.
Ask before photographing
Always ask permission before photographing people. Some may expect small tips.
Respect local customs
Greet with "Namaste", accept offered chai graciously, and show respect to elders.
Photography
Best light times
Golden hour (6-7 AM, 5-6 PM) offers magical light. India Gate glows at sunset.
Monument photography
Most monuments allow phone photography free. DSLR/video may have additional fees.
Security restrictions
No photography near government buildings, airports, or military areas.
Instagram spots
Humayun's Tomb gardens, Lodhi Art District, Hauz Khas ruins, and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib.
Useful Contacts
Emergency numbers
Police: 100, Ambulance: 108, Women Helpline: 1091, Tourist Helpline: 1363.
Tourist police
Delhi has tourist police at major attractions. They can help with issues and provide information.
Hospitals
AIIMS, Max Hospital, and Apollo are reputed hospitals. Keep emergency contacts handy.
Embassy contacts
Most embassies are in Chanakyapuri. Keep your country's embassy number handy.
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