Delhi — three UNESCO sites and a thousand years of capitals
Mughal monuments, wide colonial avenues and old-city chaos
Capital city · Best Oct–Mar
Verified by editor · 12 Jun 2026
Delhi has been the seat of empires for a thousand years, and each left something behind — the Sultanate's Qutub Minar, the Mughals' Red Fort and Jama Masjid, the British Raj's wide ceremonial avenues. It holds three UNESCO World Heritage Sites and functions as the main international gateway to northern India. It is also loud, sprawling and polluted in winter; most travellers treat it as a two-day stop rather than a base.
Travel scores
Who it's for
Easy to get around by Metro, though the touting and scale take some adjusting to.
Strong on food and monuments; not a romantic destination in itself.
Plenty to see and good medical care, though the pollution and crowds tire young children.
Cheap, superbly connected, and the natural launch point for northern India.
Major sites are accessible, but pace the days and avoid Old Delhi's crowds at peak hours.
Best time to visit
October to March, with February and March and October the most pleasant. Two honest caveats: Delhi's air quality is genuinely poor from roughly November to January, regularly reaching hazardous levels — if you have asthma or a respiratory condition, plan around it or bring a proper mask. And avoid April to June, when temperatures pass 40°C.
Major attractions
- Red Fort (Lal Qila) — Shah Jahan's 17th-century fortress-palace in red sandstone, and the site of India's Independence Day address.
- Humayun's Tomb — The Mughal garden-tomb that prefigured the Taj Mahal — quieter and, for many, more satisfying than the Red Fort.
- Qutub Minar — A 73 m victory tower from 1193, the tallest brick minaret in the world, set in a complex of early Islamic ruins.
- Jama Masjid — India's largest mosque, with a courtyard for 25,000 and a minaret you can climb for a view over Old Delhi.
- Chandni Chowk — The Old Delhi bazaar — chaotic, best explored on foot or by cycle rickshaw, and the city's best street food.
- India Gate & Rajpath — The war memorial and ceremonial avenue at the heart of Lutyens' New Delhi.
Suggested 3-day itinerary
- 1
Old Delhi
Red Fort in the morning, Jama Masjid, then a walking or rickshaw tour of Chandni Chowk with street-food stops.
- 2
New Delhi & the tombs
Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar, then India Gate and Rajpath in the late afternoon light.
- 3
Markets & museums
Dilli Haat or Khan Market, the National Museum, and Lodhi Garden for a quiet finish.
Food & drink
Delhi is arguably India's best eating city. Old Delhi does Mughlai — kebabs, korma, biryani, and the butter chicken that was invented here. Street food centres on chaat, parathas at Paranthe Wali Gali, and kulfi. South Delhi's markets carry regional food from across the country. Vegetarians are exceptionally well served everywhere.
Shopping
Dilli Haat gathers crafts from every Indian state in one place at fixed prices — the easiest option if time is short. Chandni Chowk is for textiles, spices and wedding goods; Janpath and Sarojini Nagar for cheap clothes; Khan Market for books and higher-end goods.
Local etiquette & customs
Cover shoulders and knees at mosques and temples, and remove shoes before entering. Women may be asked to cover their heads at Jama Masjid and gurdwaras — scarves are usually available at the entrance. Photography is restricted at some memorials.
- Remove footwear at all religious sites; leave them at the designated counters.
- Eat and pass items with your right hand.
- Agree auto-rickshaw fares before setting off, or insist on the meter.
Festivals & events
The city lights up for days; also the point at which air quality drops sharply from firecrackers.
The Rajpath parade on 26 January — spectacular, but heavy security and road closures across central Delhi.
Widely celebrated; most of the city shuts down for the day.
Getting there & around
Indira Gandhi International (IGI) is India's busiest airport and the main international gateway for the north, with the Airport Express Metro reaching central Delhi in about 20 minutes. Three major railway stations — New Delhi, Old Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin — connect to the whole country. Within the city, the Metro is by far the best option; autos and app-based cabs cover the gaps.
Good to know
- Use the Metro. It is clean, cheap, air-conditioned and far faster than road transport across a city this size.
- Prepaid taxi counters at the airport and app-based rides avoid the usual fare arguments.
- Ignore anyone at the station or airport claiming your hotel is closed or that they can get you a better deal — this is a long-running scam.
- Old Delhi is best in the morning; it gets progressively more crowded through the day.
- Check air quality before an outdoor-heavy day in winter — the readings swing a lot day to day.
Packing list
Practical info
What it costs
A mid-budget couple manages on ₹2,000–4,500/day; Delhi has the widest range of accommodation in India, from ₹500 hostels to heritage hotels.
Budget-level estimate for two sharing; excludes long-distance travel to reach Delhi.
Safety & essentials
Claims that your hotel has closed or moved are a scam. Confirm directly with your accommodation.
November to January regularly reaches hazardous AQI levels. Carry an N95 mask if you're sensitive.
Use app-based transport rather than street taxis or autos at night, and avoid isolated areas.
Delhi has some of India's best hospitals, including several international-standard private facilities.
Frequently asked
How many days do you need in Delhi?
Two full days covers the three UNESCO sites, Old Delhi and a market. A third day allows a slower pace or a day trip.
Is Delhi's air pollution really that bad?
In November to January, yes — readings regularly reach hazardous levels. It is manageable for a short visit with an N95 mask, but worth planning around if you have respiratory issues.
Is Delhi safe for solo women travellers?
It requires more caution than most Indian destinations, particularly after dark. Use app-based transport rather than street taxis at night, and see our solo female travel guide for detail.
Can I do Agra as a day trip from Delhi?
Yes. The Gatimaan Express reaches Agra in about 100 minutes, making a long day trip entirely feasible — though staying overnight lets you see the Taj at sunrise.
