Things to do in New Delhi
Adventure, culture, and unforgettable experiences await you in New Delhi.
Chandni Chowk Food Walk
Old Delhi is the street food capital of India. A walk through the chaotic, narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk is an assault on the senses in the best way possible.
You can sample the famous Paranthas at Paranthe Wali Gali, spicy Chaat at Natraj, Jalebis at Old Famous Jalebi Wala, and Mughlai delights near Jama Masjid. The food is rich, spicy, and legendary.
Navigating the crowd, dodging rickshaws, and smelling the spices is all part of the authentic Delhi experience.
Qawwali at Nizamuddin Dargah
Every Thursday evening, the courtyard of the Nizamuddin Dargah (tomb of the Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya) comes alive with the soul-stirring sounds of Qawwali (Sufi devotional music).
The Qawwals, who have been performing here for generations (like the Warsi brothers), sit in rows and sing with intense passion. The crowd, a mix of devotees and tourists, is transported into a trance-like state.
The air is filled with the scent of rose petals and incense. It is a deeply spiritual and musical experience that transcends religion.
Akshardham Temple
Swaminarayan Akshardham is more than a temple; it is a spiritual and cultural campus displaying millennia of traditional Hindu culture.
The main mandir is a masterpiece of carved pink sandstone and white marble, built without any steel. The Sahaj Anand Water Show in the evening is a multimedia spectacular using water, light, lasers, and fire to tell a story from the Upanishads.
The boat ride exhibition taking you through India's ancient contributions to the world is educational and immersive.
Hauz Khas Village
Hauz Khas Village (HKV) is a unique blend of medieval history and modern hipster culture. It features the ruins of a 13th-century reservoir and madrasa.
Surrounding the ruins are high-end boutiques, art galleries, and lively cafes/bars. It is the perfect place to watch the sunset over the lake and then enjoy Delhi's nightlife.
The contrast between the old stone monuments and the neon lights of the clubs is striking.
Humayun's Tomb at Sunset
Humayun's Tomb is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. It was the architectural precursor to the Taj Mahal.
The symmetry of the red sandstone and white marble structure, set amidst Charbagh (four-quadrant) gardens, is stunning. At sunset, the building glows with a warm, golden hue.
It is a peaceful oasis in the middle of the bustling city, perfect for a history walk or photography.
India Gate & Kartavya Path
India Gate is a war memorial dedicated to the soldiers of the British Indian Army who died in WWI. It stands at the eastern end of the Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath).
A stroll here in the evening, eating ice cream and seeing the monument illuminated, is a classic Delhi pastime. The nearby National War Memorial is a somber and touching tribute to post-independence martyrs.
It is the ceremonial axis of the nation.
Lodhi Art District Walk
Lodhi Colony, with its symmetrical British-era architecture, has been transformed into India's first open-air art district.
More than 50 spectacular murals by Indian and international artists adorn the facades of the buildings. The themes range from nature and social issues to Indian mythology.
It is a vibrant, colorful, and Instagrammable side of Delhi that showcases its modern creative pulse.
Lotus Temple Meditation
The Lotus Temple is a Baha'i House of Worship, notable for its flower-like shape. It is open to all, regardless of religion.
The interior is a vast, unadorned hall where silence is maintained. Sitting there for a few minutes offers a rare moment of quiet and reflection in the noisy city.
The architecture is award-winning and symbolizes purity and unity.
Qutub Minar Complex
The Qutub Minar is a 73-meter tall tapering tower of victory, built in 1193. It is the tallest brick minaret in the world.
The complex is full of historical ruins, including the iron pillar which has not rusted after 1600 years. The intricate calligraphy on the minaret and the red sandstone masonry are breathtaking.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage site that speaks of the early Sultanate period.
Sunder Nursery Picnic
Sunder Nursery is a 16th-century heritage park complex that has been beautifully restored. It is Delhi's version of Central Park.
With Mughal-era monuments, water bodies, and hundreds of tree species, it is a haven for nature lovers. On weekends, it hosts an organic market.
It is the perfect spot for a winter picnic, offering a clean, green, and aesthetic escape.