New Delhi, the sprawling capital territory of India, is an exhilarating sensory experience. It is a massive metropolis where the narrow, chaotic alleyways of Old Delhi coexist with the grand, tree-lined boulevards of New Delhi. From ancient red-brick monuments to hyper-modern shopping hubs, Delhi is a city of fascinating historical layers. Here is your ultimate guide to exploring the capital!

1. The Landmarks You Can’t Miss

• The Red Fort & Jama Masjid: Located in Old Delhi, the massive Red Fort is a spectacular 17th-century palace built of dark red sandstone. Just across the busy streets sits the Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest and most impressive mosques, capable of holding 25,000 worshippers in its grand courtyard.
• Humayun’s Tomb: A stunning 16th-century garden tomb built of red sandstone and white marble. It was the very first garden tomb on the Indian subcontinent and served as a major architectural inspiration for the building of the Taj Mahal.

2. New Delhi Fun Facts

• The Largest Spice Market in Asia: Old Delhi is home to Khari Baoli, a legendary wholesale spice market operating since the mid-1600s. Walking through its narrow alleys is an intense sensory adventure filled with rows of giant sacks holding saffron, nuts, and millions of dried red chilis that will make you sneeze!
• A Green Capital: Despite its bustling traffic and immense size, Delhi is actually one of the greenest capital cities in the world. Nearly 20% of the city territory is covered by protected green spaces, ancient royal parks, and dense tree-lined streets.

3. The Food Scene

• Paranthe Wali Gali: A famous narrow alleyway in the heart of Old Delhi’s Chandni Chowk market. It is lined with historic food stalls that have been serving authentic, crispy, deep-fried flatbreads (paranthas) stuffed with spiced potatoes, paneer, or green peas since the 1870s.
• The Birthplace of Butter Chicken: Delhi is the proud birthplace of the globally famous Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani). It was invented in the 1950s at the iconic Moti Mahal restaurant, where chefs combined leftover tandoori chicken with a rich, creamy sauce made of fresh tomatoes, butter, and cream.

4. Practical Travel Tips

• Use the Delhi Metro System: Traffic in Delhi can be incredibly chaotic and time-consuming. The absolute best way to travel around the city is via the Delhi Metro. It is clean, exceptionally fast, air-conditioned, and has a dedicated “Women-Only” carriage at the front of every train for safe, comfortable travel.
• Hire an Auto-Rickshaw: For shorter distances, hop into a local three-wheeled auto-rickshaw. Always make sure the driver turns on the meter before the ride starts, or use smartphone ride-hailing apps like Ola or Uber to book rickshaws instantly with fixed prices.