Best time to visit

The spring months of February and March and the autumn months of September to November are the best times to visit Delhi. Avoid visiting the city during summer months (April to June) as it experiences scorching temperatures that can climb well into 45 degrees celsius. The strong heatwaves will definitely send you scampering back to your air-conditioned hotel room in summer.

In winter (November - February), the temperature can dip as low as four degrees celsius. Plus, due to heavy fog and pollution, flights are often delayed during this season, so it’s best to avoid flying in and out of the capital in winter.

Pack according to the season

The basic gear you’ll need for Delhi depends on the season, but you should always pack light and take essential items only. Pack some sturdy walking shoes as you’ll need them to navigate the bustling lanes of Old Delhi and some other parts of the city. Bring sunscreen and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. If you’re sensitive to the sun, long sleeves are your best friends. Also, bring a light sweater as the evenings can be cold sometimes.

If you’re visiting the city in the winter or even early spring, don’t underestimate the cold or biting winds, so pack layers in that case. Don’t forget to bring a scarf to cover your head, in case you’re planning to visit a dargah (Muslin shrine) or gurudwara (Sikh temple). As a general rule, wear clothes that cover your shoulders and reach below your knees when visiting any religious sanctuary.

Other essentials include an anti-pollution face mask (the air quality of Delhi is ‘unhealthy’), a travel adapter, power bank, mosquito repellent, and medicines for specific ailments. Make sure to get the appropriate vaccinations before coming to Delhi, and do bring drugs such as Imodium as 'Delhi Belly’ (or just plain diarrhea) is a real thing.

Pro tip: Most restrooms at restaurants and hotels have toilet paper. But, this is not the case everywhere. It’s best to carry a small packet of tissues and wet wipes with you at all times, along with a sanitizer.

Travel like a local

Delhi traffic is one of the worst in India, if not the world. So, the best way to get around the city is via metro, which is perhaps cheap, fast and reliable. It covers almost the entire city. Each station has a display that indicates the arrival of the metro, and a token or a rechargeable metro card can be purchased at the station. There are separate cabins for ladies and priority seats for the disabled.

Local tip: Avoid traveling by metro during peak hours, i.e. 8 am to 11 am and 5 pm to 8 pm, especially on weekdays. You’ll definitely get caught in a wave of people who are moving at a glacial pace. We recommend that you wait for three, four, five (or more) metros to come and go before you can finally squeeze in.

During peak hours, you can opt for auto, cycle-rickshaw, local bus, or take an Ola or Uber cab. If you opt for auto-rickshaw, make sure to travel by the meter, though the driver might not agree to it. If that happens, negotiate the price upfront. Do carry smaller bills to pay the bus or auto fares.

Try the local food

Delhi is home to world-class restaurants and cafes that serve everything from Indian to international cuisines. But, what sets it apart from other places in India is its varied and eclectic street food, including chaats (a variety of dishes that involve sauces, vegetables and crispy, fried dough components).

We recommend visiting the hole-in-the-wall canteens and stalls in Chandi Chowk, which serve the most delicious chaats. But be warned: not all the food sold on the streets is hygienic. Before ordering, always ask the vendor whether it is freshly made.

Try only vegetarian food. Avoid raw food, salads, and meat on the streets, and do not eat ice-cream from the carts. Eat at the most crowded carts and stalls as they’re crowded for a reason!

Carry anti-bacterial hand gel and wash your hands before eating. Stock up on Pudin Hara, which is an Ayurvedic medicine effective for many stomach ailments, including indigestion, stomach ache and gas. It is available in all drugstores in India.

Local tip: Do not drink tap water. Stick to bottled water.

Beware of tourist scams

Delhi is often considered to be a scam hub, so keep your wits about you. Be wary of unofficial tour guides, travel agents, and drivers who will insist to take you to a specific hotel or shop. At some of the attractions in the city, you’ll find long queues and many people will approach you to get a fast-track entry ticket. Do watch out for such knavish people.

Pickpocketing is another common scam in the city, which especially happens in public transport (bus or metro), so it is advisable to keep your bag tucked in your body.

Where to stay

Each of Delhi’s neighborhoods has its own personality and vibe. Base yourself in the city center, i.e. at Connaught Place (or CP), to easily get to major historic sites, museums and art galleries on foot. Also, this neighborhood is well connected to the rest of the city via metro, bus and other means of public transport.

South Delhi is another great place to stay. Some of the neighborhoods in this part of the city that make a good base include Hauz Khas, Saket and Mehruali. These areas have plenty of historic, cultural and recreational attractions that will keep you occupied for days on end. Plus, there are many hotels, Airbnbs and guesthouses where you can stay, and navigating the rest of the city is also easy and simple from here.

Learn some local phrases

You will get by with English, but it’s always a good idea to learn some words or phrases in Hindi, which is primarily the first language in Delhi. Learning the basic words in the local language will help you interact better with the locals, shopkeepers, and auto-wallahs.

A few helpful words and phrases in Hindi that will make your travel easier include namaste (hello/goodbye), theek hai (alright or OK), dhanyawad (thank you), haan (yes), nahi (no), madat (help), aaj (today), chai (Tea), khaana (food), kal (tomorrow), and chalo (let’s go).

Stay safe

Delhi has plenty of amazing experiences to offer travelers, but some precautions are absolutely necessary, especially for women travelers. The important safety tip is to read each situation carefully and trust your instincts.

Solo female travelers should not wander alone at night, probably after 9 pm. Women traveling on the Delhi metro should use the compartment reserved for them. The dress code in the city is quite liberal, but err on the side of caution. Dress decently - avoid plunging necklines or showing too much leg.

Keep the emergency numbers handy - Women’s helpline: 1091; Delhi Commission For Women- 011-23379181, 23370597; Delhi Women Protection Cell- 011-24673366/4156/ 7699; All in one emergency number: 112; Police: 100.

Embrace the chaos and beauty of Delhi

Delhi has its problems - pollution, traffic, chaos, and more. But, there’s a feeling of camaraderie and a mix of old-world and modern charm, that will make you fall in love with the city. If you’re visiting the capital city, we recommend considering out our above travel tips that will make your visit to Delhi smooth and hassle-free.