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🇮🇳 India · Travel Guide

Delhi Travel Guide

Mughal grandeur, bazaar chaos, and the gateway to the Golden Triangle.

Delhi is overwhelming and extraordinary — Mughal forts and tombs, frenetic old-city bazaars, wide colonial avenues, and food that defines a nation. Intense and deeply rewarding, it’s the gateway to the Taj Mahal and best approached with patience and street-smarts.

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📅 Best time

October–March is comfortable and the time to visit. April–June is brutally hot; the monsoon runs July–September.

💷 Daily budget

$25–60 mid-range; outstanding value, with superb cheap food.

🗓️ Ideal length

2–3 days for Delhi, as part of the Golden Triangle with Agra and Jaipur.

💱 Currency

Indian Rupee (₹)

🗣️ Language

Hindi and English are both official; English is widely used in tourism and business.

Is Delhi safe?

General safety

Delhi rewards street-smarts. Violent crime against tourists is uncommon, but scams, aggressive touting and overcharging are constant, and traffic and air quality (especially in winter) are real factors. Use app-based cabs, agree prices, and stay alert in crowds.

Solo female travellers

One of the more challenging solo-female destinations — harassment ("eve-teasing") can occur. Dress modestly (cover shoulders, knees and chest), use Uber/Ola rather than street autos at night, avoid being out alone after dark, use women-only metro carriages, and choose well-reviewed accommodation.

LGBTQ+ travellers

Same-sex relations were decriminalised in 2018, and Delhi has a small, emerging scene, but same-sex marriage isn’t recognised and society remains conservative. LGBTQ+ travellers are generally fine but discretion is advised, especially with public affection.

Is Delhi safe for solo female travellers? Full safety guide

Safety guidance is general and can change — always check your government’s latest travel advice before you go.

Top things to do in Delhi

  • Red Fort and Jama Masjid in Old Delhi
  • Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar
  • India Gate and the colonial centre
  • A rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk bazaar
  • Day trip to the Taj Mahal in Agra

Getting around & essentials

The metro is clean, cheap, efficient and has women-only carriages — the best way around. Use Uber/Ola apps rather than haggling with auto-rickshaws (and never accept a "your hotel is closed" detour). Pre-book airport transfers.

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Delhi FAQs

Is Delhi safe for solo female travellers?

It’s one of the more challenging solo-female destinations — violent crime against tourists is uncommon, but harassment can occur. Dress modestly, use Uber/Ola and women-only metro carriages, avoid being out alone after dark, and pick well-reviewed accommodation.

How do I avoid scams in Delhi?

Use the Uber/Ola apps instead of street autos, ignore anyone who says your hotel or a site is "closed" and offers an alternative, and agree any price before you commit. Most Delhi scams are pushy rather than dangerous.

How many days do you need in Delhi?

Two to three days covers the forts, tombs and bazaars — and Delhi is the classic base for the Golden Triangle with Agra (the Taj Mahal) and Jaipur.

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