When out-of-towners think of Delhi, they might picture chaotic lanes of Old Delhi, bustling Connaught Place or maybe, the posh Lodhi Colony. But there is so much more to the capital city that goes far beyond these well-known central destinations. From a generous dose of history, culture and art to slices of nature, from the hubs of party and action to family-friendly areas, each neighborhood of Delhi has its own personality, vibe and unique offering. Therefore, take advantage of the city’s well-developed public transport such as metro, bus and auto-rickshaw to explore Delhi. Keep reading to know the best neighborhoods to explore in Delhi.
1. Old Delhi (from USD 15.0)
Locally known as Purani Dilli, the Old Delhi is a historic neighborhood that was built by fifth Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the early 17th century. It served as the capital of Mughals and was called Shahjahanabad. After the Mughal rule ended, the British renamed it to Old Delhi. The remnants of the Mughal era are clearly visible in every nook and cranny of the neighborhood. The Jama Masjid and Indo-Persian style-built Red Fort are the two main Mughal monuments worth visiting. Another highlight of the area is the atmospheric serpentine lanes of Chandi Chowk, one of the oldest and busiest markets in the world. The market is lined with vendors trading in silver jewelry, perfumes, wedding attires, fabrics, as well as photography equipment. Towards the west end of Chandi Chowk is Asia’s largest wholesale spice market - Khari Baoli. From local spices to dry fruits, nuts, pulses, and grains, you’ll find it all here. There are some especially good frozen milk desserts, Indian stuffed bread (called paranthas) and street food vendors to choose from that one street have even been dubbed as Paranthe Wali Gali. The neighborhood can be explored on foot, but if you find yourself daunted by the crowds, take a cycle-rickshaw tour, which is readily available. For 1.41 USD, you can be carted around in a cycle-rickshaw for about an hour.
Old Delhi Heritage Walking Tour With Rickshaw Ride
Duration: 3 hours
2. Connaught Place
Connaught Place (or CP) is Delhi’s city-center and the zone most visited by locals and tourists alike. Much of the architecture of this buzzing neighborhood is different from the rest of the city. It has a circular structure adorned with white Georgian-style columns and Palladian arches that are inspired by England’s Royal Crescent of Bath. You can spend your day in this area by strolling around the Inner Circle (Block A to F) and Outer Circle (Block G to P) and picking up the latest designs by the global chain stores such as Nike, The Bon-Ton, Lacoste, GAS and more. Take a break in the Dhoomimal Art Centre for a dose of unique contemporary art. Alternatively, you can even catch the latest Bollywood or Hollywood flick at Carnival Odeon or PVR Plaza. Dining options are aplenty, with top picks being Parikrama The Revolving Restaurant, Veda and Sarvana Bhavan. For drinks and music, check out Kitty Su, Warehouse Cafe, Junkyard Cafe, and Farzi Cafe. Missing culture and history? Visit the historic stepwell Agrasen Ki Baoli, the 18th-century observatory Jantar Mantar and the peaceful Sikh shrine Gurdwara Bangla Sahib. Oh, and don’t miss India’s only Madame Tussauds wax museum.
Madame Tussauds Ticket in Delhi, India India
3. Lodhi Colony
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
In the south-central part of Delhi, near Lodhi Road, you’ll find the upscale Lodhi Colony. It is the last residential colony established in the capital city during the British rule. Also, it is the first open-air public art district in India. In 2016, the St+Art India Foundation transformed the drab walls between Meher Chand Market and Khanna Market into a creative canvas. A self-guided tour of the area will please your artistic curiosity and help you snag some Instagrammable photos. A 10-minute walk from the Meher Chand Market will take you to Indian Habitat Centre, which is perhaps India’s most popular convention center. Make sure to visit the Visual Arts Gallery at the convention that features an interesting mix of art and photography exhibitions. Also, consider stopping by All American Diner at the Habitat Centre; it is famous for its delectable all-day breakfast menu. Nearby is Lodhi Gardens, one of the most visited attractions in the area, magnified by the ruins of historic structures dating back to the 14th to 16th centuries. The garden is free to enter and you’ll often find locals walking, jogging or practicing yoga in the park.
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Nizamuddin (from USD 80.0)
This highly busy and crowded neighborhood is home to the city’s two biggest attractions - the double-domed Humayun Tomb dating back to the 16th century and the Sufi shrine Nizamuddin Dargah. The Humayun Tomb was the first garden-tomb in the country. While it is known as the burial place of the Mughal ruler Humayun, it is also worth a visit for its incredible Mughal architecture. Its impeccable geometry of white marble and red sandstone will leave you awestruck. Nearby is the Nizamuddin Dargah, which is a shrine dedicated to Sufi mystic Khwaja Nizamuddin Auliya. Make sure to visit the shrine on Thursday evening as qawwalis (Sufi devotional songs) are held here. Besides, you can also indulge in some shopping. The narrow lanes are dotted with shops and food stalls.
UNESCO Heritage Site: Humayun's Tomb with Nizamuddin Basti Walking Tour
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
New Delhi Tour Guide
Farman Guia Turstico
Hello Travellers people calle me Farman a experienced freelance tour guide. I work with several Free Tours company and we would love to show you around and give you the best tips and recomendations. If you travel in India you will discover a new aspect of this wonderful city. If it is your first visit i warn you one thing: you will fall in love in love with India and you will end up coming back.
Tours by Farman guia turstico
New Delhi Tour Guide
Rajeev
I am a full-time licensed tour guide living in Agra, India. I received my Regiinal Level Guide certificate in 2007 from the Ministry of Tourism now I have a Pan India license. Before I discovered the tourism industry, I worked in the law, medical and insurance fields. I have a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Biology and Organic Chemistry. After achieving my Masters of Science in Organic... Read more
Tours by Rajeev
5. Hauz Khas Village (from USD 80.0)
When it comes to Delhi most hippest neighborhoods, there’s no arguing that Hauz Khas Village takes first prize. The neighborhood is peppered with trendy cafes, restaurants, hip bars, fashion boutiques, and art galleries. You can’t go wrong with brunch or dinner at YETI, or at Matchbox, a retro-themed pub with an international menu. Freelancers and travelers can hang out at the Kunzum Travel Cafe or the Coast Cafe. There are dozens of boutiques in the Village selling retro clothing and everyday wear to independent labels. All are worth a browse, and many are worth spending up more. If you have the cash to splash, it’s worth checking out OGAAN, a stylish boutique that specializes in Indian and fusion clothes and accessories. The Village also has ruins of 13th and 14th centuries, including a mosque, a fort, a tomb of 14th-century Delhi Sultan Firoz Shah, and an Islamic seminary. There is also a Deer Park, adjacent to the village, with a lake and picnic huts, making it a great spot to sit and relax after shopping or enjoy people-watching. For a nightcap, head to Hauz Khas Social, a famous co-working and nightlife bar known for its extensive cocktail menu, light international bites and serene views of the lake in Deer Park.
Hauz Khas Village Walking Tour
Duration: 2 hours
6. Shahpur Jat
Shahpur Jat is an urban village that has been built over the ruins of a centuries-old Siri Fort. Until the 1960s, it was an agricultural area and later, housing for senior government officials was established here. Due to low rents, the neighborhood drew independent designers in the last few decades - and over the years, it has become the stomping ground for young, hipsters who flock to its many cafes, bistros, designer studios and quirky shops nestled in its narrow streets. Some popular fashion boutiques in the area are Bageecha, Salt and Spring, Kanelle Studio and House of Blondie, the latter specializes in affordable vintage clothing. If you’re feeling peckish, head to the South Delhi Kitchen, which is the first community cafe in India where you can dine and split the bill with strangers. If you’re a dog lover, stop by Puppychino, the first dog cafe in Delhi where you can chill with your four-legged pals.
7. Karol Bagh and Paharganj
Karol Bagh is particularly known for its shopping streets. The Ajmal Khan Road and Ghaffar Market are the two famous shopping spots in the neighborhood. In these markets, you can find pretty much anything from clothes and jewelry to Indian spices, electronics and more. The neighborhood also has some great eateries and street food stalls. Roshan di Kulfi is a must-visit eatery; it’s a Karol Bagh institution that is known for its super delicious kulfi (frozen milk dessert). If you’re looking for budget accommodation, head to Paharganj. This neighborhood is a backpacker’s enclave filled with hostels, guesthouses, eateries, rooftop restaurants, as well as shops selling everything from books and handicrafts to hippie clothes, textiles, incense, jewelry, and a lot more (don’t forget to bargain!)
Tip from Trip101 local expert
Karol Bagh is undoubtedly one of the most popular neighborhoods in the city. It's continuously bustling with people, especially the younger crowd. However, if you plan to visit this region during the monsoon, there's a good chance you'll encounter waterlogging due to the topographical depression in the area. Getting off or passing under Karol Bagh metro station could be a hassle. In that case, don't hesitate to drop off at Rajendra Place Metro Station. This way the walking distance between the metro station and where you'd want to go in Karol Bagh would be less crowded and more convenient than disembarking at Karol Bagh Metro Station.
8. Majnu Ka Tilla
Nestled on the banks of Yamuna River, Majnu Ka Tilla is a Tibetan Colony. In the 1950s, when the Tibetan rebellion against China began in Lhasa, many natives fled Tibet and came to the Indian subcontinent. As home to one of India’s largest Tibetan population, Majnu Ka Tilla is graced with Buddhist temples, a small monastery, legendary eateries serving Tibetan, Nepalese and Asian cuisines, and dynamic retail stalls selling Buddhist prayer flags, artworks, incense sticks and curios.
Tip from Trip101 local expert
Make sure to explore the affordable and beautiful collection of clothes, footwear and bags that this market boasts. The laphing and momos that you can find here are also to die for.
The lovely AMA Cafe that serves a delicious range of pancakes and doughnuts can also be found here.
Tip from Trip101 local expert
If you're craving Nepali cuisine, Thak Thakali (located in this neighborhood) should be on your radar. Their chicken thali is a favorite of mine – it's a flavor-packed meal that truly hits the spot. Whenever I'm in the mood for something different, I head there for a taste of the Himalayas right in the heart of New Delhi.
9. Mehrauli (from USD 87.0)
Located in the south of Delhi, Mehrauli is one neighborhood you simply cannot leave out while touring the city. Rich with historic monuments, step-wells, and ancient religious places, this neighborhood has enough to keep you enthralled for an entire day. You can start your tour with a visit to 240-feet (73 meters) tall Qutub Minar that was built by Qutb Ud-Din-Aibak, the Delhi Sultanate founder. There are inscriptions in Nagari and Parso-Arabic characters in different parts of the monument that reveal the history of its construction, restoration, and architecture. Next up, head to Mehrauli Archeological Park located near Qutub Minar. It houses Rajon Ki Baoli (a historic stepwell), Jamali-Kamali (a small mosque), several tombs and ancient Hindu temples. There are also many Jain temples in the area, and the must-visit is the white-marble built Dadabari Jain temple that dates back to the 13th century. If you’re in the mood for some retail therapy, there are top-notch designer boutiques here. If you wish to sneak a snack break into your sightseeing trip, there are a wide array of eateries and restaurants serving global cuisine.
South Delhi Private Walking Tour: Qutub Minar, Temples
Duration: 5 to 6 hours
10. Lutyens' Delhi (from USD 21.7)
Known as the political heart of Independent India, Lutyen’s Delhi is home to secretarial buildings and heritage monuments. Must-visit is the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence and workplace of India’s President. Some sections of the Bhavan are open for visitors and you can book your tickets online. If you’re in the city between August and March, make sure to visit the famed Mughal Garden, which is considered as the soul of Presidential Palace. Then, head to the iconic landmark of the city - India Gate, which is the first world war memorial. If you’re an art lover, do visit the National Gallery of Modern Art located nearby.
Lutyen’s Delhi Segway Tour - Klook India
Duration: 1hrDuration
Explore the distinct neighborhoods of the Capital City
If you’re looking for a place perfect for families or searching for something hip and lively, or want to learn about the history of Independent India, there is bound to be a neighborhood to suit your needs in Delhi. Check out our above list for the best neighborhoods in Delhi, India, that are definitely worth a visit.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to