---
title: "Delhi"
description: "Delhi layers Old City chaos against wide Lutyens boulevards — Red Fort ramparts, Humayun's Tomb symmetry and Hauz Khas village cafés reward travellers who start early and embrace the metro. Auto-rickshaw fares need negotiation or apps; air quality dips in winter and after Diwali. Pack modest clothing for temples, cash for small vendors and patience for traffic."
url: "https://travelshifu.com/destinations/delhi/"
country: "India"
type: "destination guide"
source: "TravelShifu"
---

# Delhi

_Mughal monuments, spice lanes and a capital in motion_

## When is the best time to visit Delhi?

October through March offers cooler, clearer air for Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb and Old Delhi dawn walks. Avoid peak November smog when possible; summer heat and monsoon make long outdoor days harder. Start early, use the metro, pack modest clothing for temples and keep cash for small vendors — traffic rewards patience.

Delhi layers Old City chaos against wide Lutyens boulevards — Red Fort ramparts, Humayun's Tomb symmetry and Hauz Khas village cafés reward travellers who start early and embrace the metro. Auto-rickshaw fares need negotiation or apps; air quality dips in winter and after Diwali. Pack modest clothing for temples, cash for small vendors and patience for traffic.

## Quick facts

- **bestTime**: October–March for cooler, clearer air; avoid peak smog November
- **currency**: Indian Rupee (INR)
- **language**: Hindi and English; Punjabi widely spoken
- **dailyBudget**: ₹3,500–7,500 mid-range (~$42–$90 USD approx)
- **flightTime**: ~8h 30m from London, ~14h from New York (to DEL)
- **timezone**: IST (UTC+5:30); no daylight saving
- **plugType**: Type C, D and M (230V); carry a universal adapter
- **emergencyNumber**: 112 (unified) or 100 (police)

## How many days do you need in Delhi?

Three days covers core sights: Old Delhi and Red Fort, Mughal tombs and Hauz Khas, plus Lotus Temple or Akshardham. Add a fourth for day trips to Agra or Jaipur by train. Two days works if you skip Akshardham and focus on Old and New Delhi highlights.

## When is the best time to visit Delhi?

October through March offers cooler walking weather. February and March are pleasant before heat builds. November brings Diwali lights but smog risk. April to June is extremely hot; July to September is monsoon humid. Check air-quality apps in winter.

## Is Delhi safe for tourists?

Most visits pass without incident using standard precautions — secure bags on metro, use app taxis at night and stay in established hotel districts. Old Delhi alleys need daytime focus. Solo women should prefer busy streets and metro women-only coaches where available.

## Is Delhi expensive for tourists?

Delhi offers strong value. Mid-range travellers often spend ₹3,500–7,500 daily: hotels ₹2,000–5,000, meals ₹300–800, and metro under ₹100. Luxury hotels and fine dining in Lutyens Delhi push totals higher. Street food is cheap — choose busy stalls.

## Which Delhi airport terminal should I use?

International flights use Terminal 3 at Indira Gandhi International (DEL). Domestic low-cost carriers sometimes use Terminal 1 — allow connection time if splitting tickets. Airport Express serves T3 directly.

## Can you day-trip to the Taj Mahal from Delhi?

Yes — Gatimaan Express reaches Agra in about two hours from New Delhi Station. Pre-book Taj Mahal timed entry online. Same-day return is tiring but doable; overnight in Agra allows sunrise at the monument.

## Is tap water safe to drink in Delhi?

No — stick to sealed bottled water or hotel-filtered water. Avoid ice from unknown sources on street-food tours. Brush teeth with bottled water if your stomach is sensitive.

## Where to stay

First-timers often stay in Connaught Place for metro spokes and colonial-circle walks, or Karol Bagh for budget hotels near the airport metro line. Hauz Khas suits café evenings; Paharganj fits backpacker energy beside New Delhi Railway Station. Compare Booking and Agoda before Diwali and peak winter weeks.

- **Connaught Place & Janpath** — First-timers wanting metro links and central walks Colonial commercial circle with shops, restaurants and quick access to Rajpath.
- **Karol Bagh** — Budget and mid-range stays with metro to airport Busy bazaar district with jewellery shops and reliable value hotels on the Blue Line.
- **Hauz Khas & South Delhi** — Cafés, boutiques and calmer evenings Village lanes beside medieval ruins and Deer Park — young professional dining scene.
- **Paharganj & New Delhi Station** — Backpackers and early train departures Dense budget hotel strip with travel agents and rooftop restaurants — gritty but convenient.

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