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Discover New Delhi

Hotels, halal food, prayer spaces, things to do, and itineraries in New Delhi.

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New Delhi
Next prayerFajr 5:05 AM
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CurrencyIndian Rupee
Best time to visitSee city guide

Must-see attractions in New Delhi

From headline landmarks and heritage icons to parks, waterfronts, and major museums, discover 16 standout sights to build into your time in the city.

Delhi is a diamond in the rough. The most appealing places and insightful experiences are usually intertwined with the most lurid and vulgar of conditions. So, be prepared to experience a place that is so completely complex and layered that it may lead you to either the enlightening depths of human nature or to want to fly home immediately. Delhi boasts many impressive and attractive sites and scenes such as its architecture, food, culture, and history. However, the allure of Delhi is most often aesthetically swept under the rug because such delights usually come with a little bit of dust, smog, diarrhea, poverty, and annoying hustlers and be

Halal restaurants in New Delhi

New Delhi’s food scene is part of the city experience. Choose from 19 restaurants and food districts with location notes and planning tips.

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Bukhara Restaurant

Bukharais widely touted as the best place for Mughal and North-West Frontier specialities in Delhi. The food is delicious and everything its reputation suggests - one particularly recommended dish is the kastoori kebab, while the delicious dhal makes a splendid accompaniment to any meal. Diners sit on benches, at elegant low tables. The restaurant is crowded but the service remains attentive.

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Haveli

Besides the fact that Haveli's food is exceptional, it's almost worth a visit just to admire the sumptuous decor. One wall showcases fine floral frescoes and decorative reliefs, while the ceiling is adorned with carved wooden haveli eaves, gilt tiles, and Belgian chandeliers. In the evenings, musical and cultural performances are staged on a raised marble platform under a beautiful canopy. A great way to get a taste for North Indian cuisine is to order a Maharaja thali, a silver platter filled with tandoori prawns, masala chicken, spicy lamb, mixed vegetable curry, and heavenly black dal, a lentil specialty that's cooked for up to 20 hours over hot charcoal. Try the signature murgh dhanya, a mild chicken curry flavored with cilantro. (Note that the Taj Mahal Hotel also has a very good Chinese restaurant, House of Ming; it's not in the same class as Taipan in The Oberoi, but it's definitely easier on your wallet.)

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The Taipan

Singaporean chef Thian serves up amazing dim sum at this popular Chinese restaurant, arguably the best in town. Steamed and served in special bamboo baskets, Chinese dim sum are tiny dumplings filled with an assortment of tasty morsels; they draw a dedicated following, and it's quite possible to fill up on these starters without even moving on to the main courses. And, at lunchtime, when you can enjoy the fantastic view over Delhi Golf Course, an assorted platter of dim sum is ideal for a tasty midday meal that won't leave you feeling stuffed for the rest of the day. If you're up for a complete meal, don't miss the fantastic Peking duck or the chef's special, chicken tapering chili (sliced chicken and whole long tapering chilies, flavored with a light soya sauce). The chicken is not half as pungent as it sounds, unless you eat the whole chilies.

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Masala Art

Artistic rendering of classic Indian cuisine is all the rage in the country's upscale city restaurants, and Masala Art makes a very conscious attempt to dazzle. The chefs turn cooking into performance art, putting on engaging food demonstrations at mealtimes; spectators eat whatever delicacies are produced. Of the daily a la carte specials, look for achari jhinga (prawns flavored with raw mango), and galouti kebabs prepared with finely minced lamb and 126 different herbs. If you're up for sharing a small feast, order khushk raan, a whole leg of lamb pot-roasted in a secret, heavenly marinade. Order homemade puffy phulka bread, made from ground wheat, on the side, and be sure to have a glass of fresh sugar-cane juice or bhune jeere ki chaas, buttermilk seasoned with roasted cumin. End with cheena payesh, soft cottage cheese dumplings in reduced milk, topped with pistachios.

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The Spice Route

The Spice Routeis in The Imperial hotel and serves top-quality Thai and South Asian food, in a restaurant decorated with antique, gaudily painted wooden pillars and panels. Even if the food were not excellent (crisp, spicy and fresh), it would be worth eating here for the setting alone. The tangy oriental salads and the piquant vegetable stews are particularly recommended.

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Fa Yian

Judging by the exterior and the neighborhood, this might at first seem the type of place you don't want to be at night. But grit your teeth and venture inside -- the brainchild of Gregory Kuok, this is the most authentic Chinese restaurant in Delhi, and the well-established menu has been tried and tested by some of the city's fussiest diners for well over a decade. Steamed wheat dumplings, filled with prawns, chicken, or vegetables and served with a garlic soya dip, are what gave Fa Yian its excellent reputation. The dumplings are prepared, along with the homemade noodles, fresh each day. Try these as a starter, followed by honey chicken, pepper-salt jumbo prawns, or the Fa Yian hot pot, which is prepared at the table according to your taste. Fish, brought in from Mumbai and steamed with a delicate hint of ginger, is lovely. Covering two levels, the ambience is relaxed and simple; ask for a table upstairs. Service is friendly and casual.

Where to stay in New Delhi

Choose where to stay by trip style, from landmark luxury and family bases to central, airport, and neighborhood-led stays.

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Taj Mahal Hotel

Situated in the upscale neighborhood of Lutyen's Delhi, the Taj Mahal hotel is a classy mixture of Mughal architecture and high-tech facilities.

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The Imperial

Ranked as the finest hotels in Delhi, the Imperial Hotel makes its guests sit in the lap of luxury.

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The Claridges

A landmark building since the 1950's, the Claridges hotel is a three floor low-rise building set on three acres of land. Its location is rather central to some tourist destinations such as Delhi's business district and shopping and cultural centers.

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The Oberoi New Delhi

The Oberoi New Delhi hotel is for the upscale traveler who wants peace and quiet. The hotel overlooks Delhi's serene Golf Club (the best golf course in Delhi) on one side and the tourist site where Humayun's Tomb is located on the other. The hotel has also won several awards for providing excellent services.

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Jukaso Inn

The Jukaso hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms for a reasonable price. Its location is also a pleasant setting placed in a serene environment, perfect for when you want to escape Delhi's chaos.

History and today in New Delhi

Read the city today, its history, residents, culture, and character before planning your route.

City Information

When to Go

The ideal time to visit Delhi is between October to the month of March, although the city remains bustling with tourists throughout the year. Check out the schedules for any of the numerous fairs and festivals and plan your tour according to that. If you are planning a trip here not for mere fun but for adventurous excursions, then Delhi is worth visiting throughout the year. Nevertheless, in summers there are chances you might get affected with heat stroke or loo (strong gusts of hot winds) as it is known locally.

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City Information

Fast Facts

Location:: National Capital Territory of Delhi, North India, on the banks of the river Yamuna; Dialling code:: +91 -country 011- local area code for eg, if you are dialling from outside the country you will dial 0091 11 xxxx xxxx; Emergency/useful numbers:: Police - 100 Fire - 101 Ambulance - 102 indian Red Cross Society - 2371 1551, 2371 6441-43 Apollo Blood Bank - 2682 5707 AIIMS ( All India Institute of Medical Sciences) - 2656 1123, 2686 4851-59 Tourist InformationService - 1363 ITDC ( Govt. of India Undertaking) - 2371 9039 DTDC( Delhi Tourism Dev. Corp) - 2336 3607, 2336 5358 Car helpline - 2582 6161, 2576 6718/19 Highway Patrol - Telephone Service - Enquiry - 197 Trunk call booking ( national ) - 180 (international) - 186 Morning alarm - 116 + time Airport enquiry - 2566 1000 Terminal 1 2560 2000 Terminal 2 (International) 2560 1000 International Cargo Terminal Railway enquiry - 131, 2336 6177, 2336 6101 Reservation enquiry - 8787, 2334 8686, 1345 Foreign Post Office - 2323 3304

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City Information

Delhiites

With a population of about 13.8 million, New Delhi is a conglomeration of human beings in all aspects - be it socially, religiously, racially, or ethnically.

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City Information

Monthly Average Highs and Lows

January: Daily Min. 7.3 C° ; Daily Max. 21.1 C° Daily Min. 45.1 F°; Daily Max. 70 F°

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City Information

Public Holidays

Public Holidays:

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City Information

Exchange Rate

The currency used is the Indian Rupee (INR). One rupee = 100 paise

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City Information

New Delhi Today

Delhi is a diamond in the rough. The most appealing places and insightful experiences are usually intertwined with the most lurid and vulgar of conditions. So, be prepared to experience a place that is so completely complex and layered that it may lead you to either the enlightening depths of human nature or to want to fly home immediately. Delhi boasts many impressive and attractive sites and scenes such as its architecture, food, culture, and history. However, the allure of Delhi is most often aesthetically swept under the rug because such delights usually come with a little bit of dust, smog, diarrhea, poverty, and annoying hustlers and beggars(One should know the art of tackling them).

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Shopping in New Delhi

Explore 31 shopping stops, from malls, markets, and book bazaars to fashion streets and souvenir finds.

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Santushti Shopping Complex

An exclusive shopping complex in the heart of New Delhi, Santushti is not for those who love to bargain. Located here are 30 upscale boutiques ringed around a small garden creating a cozy, picturesque look to the place making a visit here a delightful experience. Whether you want to shop or just browse through the boutiques, you will not be disappointed for this is the place for high fashion Indian garments. Cosmetics, jewelry, leather accessories and decorative home items are also available here. Also located here is the famous restaurant, Basil and Thyme. This small shopping complex is run by the Air Force Wives Association.

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South Extension Market

Located in South Delhi, South Extension Market is a posh market, famous for showrooms of Indian and international brands featuring high end quality designer and branded items. It is divided into two parts, I and II, on either side of the Ring Road. It is popularly known as South Ex.

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Uttam's

An exclusive shop that stocks Vichitra saris of all kinds, embroidered, Banarsis, printed, plain and shaded.

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Kilol

Kilol is a leading manufacturer of ethnic hand block printed fabrics, salwar suits, readymade garments, scarves, quilts,, saris, home linen and kurtas, all sourced and created in Jaipur. The material used is cotton, tussar silk, crepe, chiffon, georgette, kota doria, etc. Freshness of color has been infused into the traditional art of hand block print to provide a contemporary look. These creations are equally popular with locals as well as foreigners.

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Kalpana

Kalpana- where timeless tradition blends with modernity to create exclusive designs in a wide range of ladies garments- saris, salwar kameez, fabric sets, kurtis, shawls and scarves. Every piece is lovingly created here capturing the essence of the past. Once in, you wouldn'y feel like leaving without buying.

Signature sights in New Delhi

A curated pick of the city's standout sights, led by the strongest editorial recommendations.

Festivals and events in New Delhi

Plan around 26 festival seasons, public events, Ramadan/Eid periods, book fairs, art cycles, and winter food activity.

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Lohri

Lohri, the harvest festival of north India, is celebrated by farmers before harvesting and gathering their golden crop of wheat. In Delhi, it is basically celebrated by the Punjabi community annually on the 13th of January. It is essentially a celebration of winter and marks the peak of winter. The celebrations are marked by grand bonfire parties wherein people, young and old alike sing and dance all night long. Sweets made from jaggery and sesame seeds are distributed to family and friends. Peanuts are a special favorite and all sorts of goodies are prepared with it and eaten on this day. The most popular form eaten all winter long is of course the roasted peanut which is cracked open while still hot and which serves as an effective means of keeping away the winter chill. Sarson ka saag and makki ki roti is traditionally served as the main course at a Lohri dinner.

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Republic Day

Republic Day is one of the National Holidays of India. It celebrates the day India was declared a Sovereign Democratic Republic and the Constitution of the country came into force.

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Kite Flying Festival

A much awaited event that takes place in Delhi and is eagerly looked forward to by adults and children alike is the Kite Flying Festival that is held annually on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. Delhi skies are filled with dazzling colors as kites of different shapes and sizes dot the air, each trying to outdo the other in scaling the sky. A big competition is held at the national as well as international level near Palika Bazar, Connaught Place, Kite flying display is also part of the activities. There are prizes to be won as well and participants enjoy a gala time.

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Surajkund Crafts Mela

Surajkund Handicraft Mela held in Haryana, on the outskirts of Delhi, is a must visit stop on every tourist's itinerary. This annual Handicrafts fair is the ideal place to see skilled artisans at work. It is a meeting ground for craftsmen, painters, weavers, sculptors and artists from all over India who not only showcase their work but also give live demonstrations of their skills to art lovers who come especially to see and admire their work, and of course buy their creations. Generally, it is organized on a particular state theme and one can see the blend of traditional arts and crafts and the modern trends here. The whole fair ground, which is a profusion of color, is done up like an Indian village replete with thatched platforms and uneven, unpaved paths.

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Garden Tourism Festival

Delhi Tourism Department holds the Garden Tourism Festival at the end of February. This is generally spread over three days and generates much enthusiasm amongst the gardening fraternity. Delhi is ablaze with flowers at this time and the city is a profusion of color. You can get to feast your eyes on the most exotic varieties of roses, dahlias, bonsai, indoor plants, etc. If you are a gardening enthusiast then this is the place for you to be as you're bound to bump into like minded people which will enrich your knowledge as well as provide you with a platform to exchange notes on various aspects of gardening and gardening related issues.There is a lot of fun and frolic for children of all ages as well, including a painting competition. A number of cultural shows keep the visitors entertained.

New Delhi tours and experiences

Heritage walks, food crawls, coastal trips, museum circuits, family days, and guided ideas for an easier day out.

Walking Tours

Nigel Hankin, an Englishman who has lived in Delhi for many years, runs walking tours of Old Delhi. Places on his tours may be booked at the lodge at the Mughal Gate of the British High Commission, Shanti Path, Chanakyapuri (tel: (011) 2687 2161). Other than that, self-guided walking tours of a number of areas are possible. Starting at the Jain Temple at the eastern end of Chandni Chowk, by the Red Fort, a walk through this area weaves through the alleyways and takes in the area's best temples and most colourful markets. Meanwhile, it takes about an hour and a half to tour the main mosques and mansions of Old Delhi, which covers the stretch from Jama Masjid to Ajmeri Gate.

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Focused sections for articles, directories, maps, and trip planning.