Explore Delhi: A Complete Travel Guide for Visitors

Last Updated on Oct 15th, 2026 by Kamal Kishor, Leave a Comment

In Delhi, India’s capital, 17th-century Mughal forts sit within sight of shiny metro stations. The smell of charred kebabs wafts through tiny backstreets just moments from designer shops.

The city is loud, busy, and dusty. Still, it’s also saturated with history that will leave you awestruck, with tons of mouthwatering cuisine and an irresistibly quirky charm that will keep you coming back for more.

If you’re flying from Australia to Delhi, this guide will show you where to go when you arrive and help you settle in during your first days in India. In this guide, we have compiled top attractions, what to eat, where to shop, where to stay, and how to get around in Delhi.

Travel essential	What to know
Best time to visit Delhi	October to March, especially for outdoor sightseeing
Main airport	Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
Transport	Delhi Metro, app-based taxis, auto-rickshaws, and buses
Popular attractions	Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, and Lotus Temple
Famous food	Chole bhature, parathas, chaat, kebabs, and butter chicken
Shopping hotspots	Chandni Chowk, Sarojini Nagar, Janpath, and Dilli Haat
Currency	Indian rupee (INR)
Languages	Hindi and English are widely used in tourist areas
Recommended base	Connaught Place, Karol Bagh, Aerocity, or South Delhi, depending on your plans

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Best Places to Visit in Delhi

Delhi has enough history, architecture, and local life to keep you busy for days. You don’t need to visit every monument, though. Just pick the sights that appeal to you and leave a little space for the city.

Historic Places That Tell Delhi’s Story

• Red Fort: Commissioned by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, this red sandstone fort remains one of Delhi’s most prominent landmarks.
• Humayun’s Tomb: Beautiful symmetrical gardens, white marble finishes, and Mughal architecture. Go here for some peace and quiet far from the madness of the city streets.
• Qutub Minar: An ancient minaret with significant heritage structures around it. It is advisable to take your time to see the entire complex.
• Jama Masjid: One of India’s major historic mosques, located in Old Delhi near the lively lanes of Chandni Chowk.
• Agrasen ki Baoli: A historic stepwell tucked into central Delhi, worth a stop if you enjoy unusual architecture and photography.

Did you know? Humayun’s Tomb was built before the Taj Mahal and is considered an important influence on later Mughal garden-tomb architecture.

Famous Landmarks and Peaceful Spots

• India Gate: This war memorial is a popular stopover spot. The Kartavya Path area around the monument is a lovely place for an evening stroll in pleasant weather.
• Lotus Temple: This building’s unique flower shape is one of the more unusual structures you will find in Delhi. People of all religions are welcome to sit peacefully inside.
• Lodhi Garden: This garden encompasses green grounds, jogging paths, and antique tombs. It’s a lovely spot for a morning break.
• Akshardham: Known for its detailed traditional architecture and expansive temple complex.

[Take a detailed look at the most famous spots in Delhi.]

Things to Do in Delhi Beyond Sightseeing

Delhi isn’t just about ticking monuments off a list. Some of the best experiences happen when you slow down, explore a neighbourhood, or follow the smell of something delicious being cooked.

Here are a few things to do in Delhi to experience its famous landmarks.

• Discover Old Delhi on foot: wander its old-world alleys, visit traditional shops, and explore bustling food streets (preferably with a local guide for a first visit).
• Go to a museum: take a trip to the National Museum, which is a great place to learn about archaeology, Indian arts, and history.
• An evening in Connaught Place: explore shops, cafes, and places to eat in the heart of the city.
• Visit a garden nearby: Leave the traffic and crowded streets behind at Lodhi Garden or the Garden of Five Senses.
• Take a food walk: instead of wasting time researching where to eat, go on a tour of the best local snacks and eateries.

If photography is your passion, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, and Agrasen ki Baoli are places you must stop by. For a more laid-back trip, visit the gardens during the day and the markets when you are ready to walk.

Best Time to Visit Delhi

The best time to visit Delhi is generally October to March, when the weather is more comfortable for walking around monuments, markets, and gardens. Summers can be extremely hot, while monsoon showers may affect outdoor plans.

Season	What to expect	What to plan
October – November	Generally pleasant days	Outdoor sightseeing, heritage walks, and markets
December – February	Cold mornings and possible fog	Warm layers and flexible travel schedules
March – June	Rising temperatures, with intense summer heat	Early sightseeing and indoor activities
July – September	Humidity, rain, and possible waterlogging	Flexible plans and suitable footwear

A quick tip for Australian travellers: December and January may mean summer holidays back home, but in Delhi, it can be freezing, particularly in the mornings and evenings. Pack accordingly.

If you are travelling during a festival (like Diwali, Christmas, New Year, etc.), plan ahead. Markets may be packed, and traffic restrictions or bans may prevent access to some places.

Best Street Food in Delhi

Delhi’s food scene is reason enough to visit. One street might be known for stuffed parathas, another for tangy chaat, and another for rich curries that have been part of local food traditions for generations.

Must-Try Food in Delhi

Food	What to expect
Chole bhature	Spicy chickpea curry with fluffy fried bread
Parathas	Stuffed flatbreads, popular in Old Delhi
Chaat	Tangy, spicy snacks such as aloo tikki and papdi chaat
Kebabs	Grilled or skewered meat, often served with chutney and bread
Butter chicken	A rich, creamy tomato-based curry
Jalebi	Crisp, syrup-soaked sweets, best eaten fresh
Kulfi	Traditional Indian frozen dessert

Where to eat: For authentic Old Delhi cuisine, go to Chandni Chowk. Connaught Place and South Delhi also offer everything from casual eateries to modern restaurants.

If you are a vegetarian, you will find options like paneer dishes, dal, thalis, dosas, and chole bhature. Also, remember, while trying street food, opt for busy stalls that cook meals fresh and serve them hot.

Best Markets in Delhi and What to Buy

In Delhi, shopping can mean bargaining for clothes, browsing traditional textiles, or picking up handmade souvenirs. Every market has its own flavour, so choose one based on what you’re looking for.

• Sarojini Nagar: Famous for low-cost fashion, clothing, and accessories. Be sure to examine quality and sizes.
• Chandni Chowk: Popular for textiles, wedding shopping, jewellery, and spices.
• Dilli Haat: A good place to pick up handicrafts, regional textiles, and goods from various parts of India.
• Janpath: Great for souvenirs, accessories, jewellery, and a relaxed shopping experience in Connaught Place.

What Should You Buy in Delhi?

Look for Indian textiles, embroidered clothing, handicrafts, spices, traditional footwear, jewellery, and small souvenirs. Packaged sweets and regional food products can also make excellent gifts.

Delhi Metro Guide for Tourists

Delhi Metro is one of the easiest ways to get around many parts of the city. It links key localities, shopping regions and a number of well-known sites to steer you away from the road traffic.

A few things to remember:

• Check the nearest station and the best exit for each attraction.
• Use the current metro map or official journey planner to check routes and interchanges.
• Confirm ticketing options and operating hours before travelling.
• Allow time for security checks and walking between platforms.
• Use an auto-rickshaw or taxi for the last stretch if an attraction is far from a station.

For sightseeing across several neighbourhoods, combine the metro with short road journeys rather than relying on a cab for every trip.

Where to Stay in Delhi

The best area to stay in Delhi depends on whether you’re here for sightseeing, shopping, a family visit, or a short stop before another flight.

Area	Best for	Keep in mind
Connaught Place	First-time visitors, dining, and central sightseeing	Convenient, but can be busy
Karol Bagh	Budget accommodation and shopping	Check the hotel’s exact location and recent reviews
Aerocity	Airport stopovers and late arrivals	Convenient for flights, but farther from many city attractions
South Delhi	Families, cafés, and selected attractions	Travel times depend on the neighbourhood
Paharganj	Backpackers and low-cost stays	Check room standards, surroundings, and guest reviews carefully

Before You Leave the Airport

Once you land, have your passport, visa, or other required entry documents ready. Arrange your airport transfer, confirm your hotel address and check your onward travel details before leaving the terminal.

For terminal information, airport transport, baggage, transfers, and other arrival essentials, see the Delhi Airport guide.

Delhi Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

Delhi can be a little overwhelming, especially if this is your first visit to India. A few simple preparations can make your days much easier.

• Carry layers: Winter mornings can be cold, while summer afternoons can be intense.
• Wear comfortable shoes: Historic sites and markets involve plenty of walking.
• Keep your belongings secure: Crowded markets and stations need a little extra attention.
• Plan late-evening transport: Use reputable transport services and know how you’ll return to your accommodation.
• Check attraction rules: Opening days, photography restrictions, and entry arrangements can differ.
• Carry essential documents: Keep your travel documents secure and accessible.
• Allow extra travel time: Traffic, weather, and queues can affect your plans.

If you’re flying from Australia for the first time, the Australia to India long-haul flight tips can also help you prepare for the journey with MyTicketsToIndia.

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FAQs

Q1: What is Delhi famous for?

A. Delhi is renowned for its rich history, Mughal-era monuments (like the Red Fort and Qutub Minar), vibrant street food, bustling markets, and being the political heart of India.

Q2: What is the best time to visit Delhi?

A. October to March is generally the most comfortable period for outdoor sightseeing. December and January can bring cold mornings and fog, while summer is very hot.

Q3: What are the top places to visit in Delhi?

A. Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, Lotus Temple, Jama Masjid, and Lodhi Garden are popular choices. Chandni Chowk is worth adding for shopping and food.

Q4: What should I eat in Delhi?

A. Try chole bhature, stuffed parathas, chaat, kebabs, butter chicken, and jalebi. Delhi also has a wide range of vegetarian restaurants and regional Indian food.

Q5: Where should I stay in Delhi as a first-time visitor?

A. Connaught Place is convenient for central sightseeing, Aerocity works well for airport stopovers, and Karol Bagh offers varied accommodation and shopping options.

Q6: Do I need a visa to visit Delhi from Australia?

A. Australian passport holders generally need an appropriate visa to visit India for tourism. Check the official Indian visa portal for current eligibility, application requirements, and entry conditions before departure.

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