Delhi Travel Guide 2026: Monuments, Markets, Best Time to Visit, Costs & Tips

Delhi, India's capital, is a vast, chaotic and endlessly fascinating city where centuries of history sit side by side with modern life. Layers of empires, from the Delhi Sultanate to the Mughals and the British Raj, have left behind an extraordinary collection of monuments, including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Red Fort, Qutub Minar and Humayun's Tomb. Old Delhi, with the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk and the great Jama Masjid mosque, is a sensory overload of spice markets, street food and rickshaws. New Delhi, designed by Edwin Lutyens, has wide boulevards, government buildings, India Gate and leafy gardens. Delhi is also India's food capital for many travellers, famous for butter chicken, kebabs and chaat. As the starting point of the Golden Triangle with Agra and Jaipur, Delhi is the gateway to northern India. This Delhi travel guide covers the best time to visit, top places, where to stay, how to get there and around, costs, visa rules and practical tips.

Best Time to Visit Delhi

October–March: The best time to visit, with pleasant temperatures. October, November, February and March are ideal, with daytime temperatures of about 20–30°C. December and January are cooler, with chilly nights, fog that can disrupt flights and trains, and often severe air pollution.

April–June: Very hot, with temperatures often above 40°C in May and June.

July–September: Monsoon season, with humid weather, heavy rain and occasional flooding.

Air quality: Pollution levels are often at their worst from late October to January. Check the air quality index (AQI) and consider a mask if you have respiratory conditions.

Festivals:

• Diwali (October or November): The festival of lights, with fireworks and decorated markets.
• Holi (March): The festival of colours.
• Republic Day (26 January): A grand parade on Kartavya Path.
• Eid: Celebrations around Jama Masjid.

Top Places to Visit in Delhi

1. Red Fort (Lal Qila)

A massive red sandstone fortress built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. Explore its halls, museums and gardens, and see the evening sound and light show.

2. Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk

India's largest mosque, also built by Shah Jahan, stands near Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi's main market street. Explore spice markets at Khari Baoli, jewellery lanes and street food stalls. A cycle rickshaw ride is a classic experience.

3. Humayun's Tomb

A beautiful Mughal garden tomb from the 16th century, considered an inspiration for the Taj Mahal.

4. Qutub Minar

A 73-metre victory tower built in the 12th century, surrounded by ruins and the mysterious Iron Pillar.

5. India Gate and Kartavya Path

A war memorial on the ceremonial boulevard, with the National War Memorial nearby. It's lively in the evenings.

6. Lotus Temple

A Bahá'í house of worship shaped like a lotus flower, open to people of all faiths.

7. Akshardham Temple

A huge, intricately carved Hindu temple complex with exhibitions and a water show. Phones and cameras are not allowed inside.

Also worth visiting: Lodhi Garden, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Hauz Khas Village, Mehrauli Archaeological Park, the National Museum, Dilli Haat for crafts and food, and Agrasen ki Baoli stepwell.

Beyond Delhi

• Agra: The Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, about 2 hours by fast train.
• Jaipur: The Pink City, about 4–5 hours by road or train.
• Rishikesh and Haridwar: Yoga, the Ganges and the Himalayan foothills.
• Fatehpur Sikri: A Mughal ghost city near Agra.

Suggested 3-Day Delhi Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Old Delhi: the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk and a street food tour.

Day 2: Visit Humayun's Tomb, India Gate, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Lodhi Garden and the Lotus Temple.

Day 3: See Qutub Minar and Mehrauli, then explore Hauz Khas Village or Akshardham in the evening.

Delhi Food Scene

Delhi is a paradise for food lovers. Try butter chicken and dal makhani, kebabs in Old Delhi, parathas at Paranthe Wali Gali, chole bhature, chaat such as golgappe and aloo tikki, nihari for breakfast, jalebi, and kulfi. Connaught Place, Khan Market and Hauz Khas offer modern restaurants and cafés.

Staying Safe and Comfortable in Delhi

Delhi can be overwhelming on a first visit. Watch for touts at the railway station and airport offering "tourist offices" or claiming that your hotel is closed. Book tickets only through official sites and counters. Women travellers should dress modestly, use women-only metro carriages if they wish, and avoid travelling alone late at night. Use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps, and drink bottled or filtered water.

Practical Planning Notes

Delhi is huge, so group sights by area: Old Delhi in one day, central New Delhi in another, and South Delhi in a third. Many monuments are closed on certain days (the Red Fort closes on Mondays), so check opening hours before you go. Start early to avoid heat and crowds, and buy monument tickets online through the official Archaeological Survey of India website to skip queues.

Where to Stay in Delhi

• Connaught Place: Central, with hotels, restaurants and metro connections.
• Paharganj: Budget hotels near New Delhi Railway Station; busy and noisy.
• South Delhi (Hauz Khas, Defence Colony): Boutique hotels and upscale guesthouses.
• Aerocity: Modern international hotels near the airport.
• Old Delhi: Heritage havelis for an immersive stay.

Compare hotel prices and availability in Delhi here.

Getting There & Around

Flying to Delhi

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is one of the busiest airports in Asia, with flights from around the world. The Airport Express metro line connects it to the city centre in about 20 minutes. Search and compare cheap flights to Delhi to find the best fares.

By Train

Delhi's main stations, New Delhi, Old Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin, connect with the whole country. Fast trains such as Vande Bharat and Gatimaan Express reach Agra in about 2 hours. Book tickets through IRCTC, India's official railway booking site.

Getting Around

• Delhi Metro: Clean, fast and affordable, covering most of the city.
• Ride-hailing apps: Uber and Ola are widely used.
• Auto-rickshaws: Agree on a fare or ask for the meter.
• Cycle rickshaws: Great for Old Delhi's narrow lanes.

Travel Costs in Delhi

India uses the Indian rupee (INR / ₹). Prices are shown in rupees with approximate US dollar equivalents.

Monument tickets for foreigners are higher than for Indian citizens; paying online is often slightly cheaper.

Visa Rules

• e-Visa: Citizens of many countries, including the US, UK, EU, Canada and Australia, can apply for an Indian e-Tourist Visa online through the official portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in). Avoid unofficial websites that charge extra fees.
• Fees: The 30-day e-Tourist Visa has a seasonal fee (for many nationalities, US$10 for arrivals April–June and US$25 for July–March). Longer 1-year and 5-year visas are available; fees vary by nationality.
• e-Arrival card: Visitors must complete the e-Arrival card online within 72 hours before arrival.
• Passport: Valid for at least 6 months, with two blank pages.

Local Tips for Delhi

• Avoid scams: Ignore touts offering help at stations and booking "official tourist offices".
• Dress modestly: Cover shoulders and knees at religious sites, and remove shoes where required.
• Stay healthy: Drink bottled or filtered water and eat at busy stalls with high turnover.
• Carry cash and UPI alternatives: Small shops prefer cash; cards work in hotels and restaurants.
• Staying connected: Buy a local SIM (Airtel, Jio) with your passport and visa, or use a travel eSIM. Get your India eSIM here.

Tours & Experiences

• Old Delhi walking and food tours.
• Taj Mahal day trips by train or car.
• Golden Triangle tours.
• Heritage walks in Mehrauli and Nizamuddin.
• Cooking classes.

Browse and book the best tours in Delhi here.

Frequently Asked Questions about Delhi

Do I need a visa for India?
Most visitors need a visa. Many nationalities can apply for an e-Tourist Visa online through the official government portal.

When is the best time to visit Delhi?
October–November and February–March offer the best weather.

How do I get from Delhi to the Taj Mahal?
By fast train to Agra in about 2 hours, or by car in about 3–4 hours.

Is Delhi safe for tourists?
Delhi is generally safe with precautions: avoid scams, use registered transport and avoid walking alone late at night.

Is the Delhi Metro good for tourists?
Yes. It's clean, affordable and connects most major sights and the airport.

Delhi rewards patient travellers with Mughal monuments, colonial boulevards and some of India's best street food — plan your days by area, book monument tickets online, and this chaotic capital will win you over.

Trip.com India Hotel & Travel Guide: Best Stays in Delhi, Mumbai & Goa

India is one of the world's most fascinating and diverse travel destinations. In Delhi, Mughal monuments stand beside bustling bazaars. In Mumbai, colonial architecture meets Bollywood glamour and a booming food scene. In Goa, palm-fringed beaches, Portuguese churches and laid-back beach shacks set the pace. Beyond these, palaces in Rajasthan, backwaters in Kerala and Himalayan hill stations await. Accommodation ranges from historic heritage havelis to five-star beach resorts and simple guesthouses, often at prices that represent excellent value.

Trip.com India (in.trip.com) helps you compare hotels, domestic and international flights and attractions in one app, with prices in rupees, member deals and Trip Coins. In this Trip.com India guide, you'll learn about accommodation styles, Trip.com's features, how to approach train and flight bookings, which partner tools to use, and a step-by-step booking guide.

Find the best stays in India on Trip.com

Staying in India

Heritage havelis and palace hotels

India's most memorable stays are often historic properties:

• Havelis: Traditional mansions with courtyards, frescoes and rooftop terraces, found in Old Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Shekhawati.
• Palace hotels: Former royal residences in Rajasthan, such as in Udaipur and Jaipur, now luxury hotels.
• Colonial bungalows: In hill stations like Shimla, Darjeeling and Ooty.

Luxury beach resorts

• Goa: North Goa (Calangute, Baga, Anjuna, Vagator) for nightlife and markets; South Goa (Palolem, Colva, Benaulim, Agonda) for quieter beaches and luxury resorts.
• Kerala: Beach resorts in Kovalam and Varkala, plus houseboats and lakeside resorts in Alleppey.
• Andaman Islands: Pristine beaches on Havelock (Swaraj Dweep).

Budget city hotels

India has plenty of affordable hotels and guesthouses, as well as budget chains and hostels in major cities.

Delhi

• Connaught Place: Central, with restaurants and metro links.
• Paharganj: Budget hotels near New Delhi railway station.
• Aerocity: Modern hotels near the airport.
• South Delhi (Hauz Khas, Saket, Greater Kailash): Upscale and leafy.

Mumbai

• Colaba and Fort (South Mumbai): Near the Gateway of India and colonial landmarks.
• Bandra: Trendy cafés and nightlife.
• Juhu: Beachfront hotels.
• Andheri and near the airport: Convenient for business and transit.

Trip.com India Features, Train Booking & Domestic Flight Comparison

Hotel features

• Prices in INR and international currencies.
• Free cancellation on many rates.
• Member prices and app-exclusive deals.
• Verified reviews, photos and detailed policies.
• Trip Coins (100 Trip Coins = US$1 in value) earned on completed bookings.
• 24/7 customer support.

Domestic flights

India's domestic air network is extensive and competitive. Compare airlines like IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air and SpiceJet on Trip.com.

Tips:

• Book early for festival periods like Diwali and the winter peak season.
• Check baggage allowances, which can be lower on budget fares.
• Delhi and Mumbai airports have multiple terminals; check yours.

Train travel in India

Indian Railways is one of the world's largest rail networks, connecting almost every corner of the country. Popular routes include Delhi to Agra (the Gatimaan and Vande Bharat express trains take about 2 hours) and Delhi to Jaipur.

How to book:

• IRCTC: The official Indian Railways booking platform. Foreign travellers can register, though verification steps can be complex.
• Foreign tourist quota: Some trains reserve seats for foreign tourists, bookable online or at major stations.
• Trip.com: Train booking availability for India on Trip.com may be limited, so check the app. For domestic rail, IRCTC and authorised agents remain the main options.

Tip: Trains sell out quickly, especially in AC classes, so book as early as possible.

Flights vs. trains

For short routes, trains are often convenient and scenic. For long distances, such as Delhi to Goa or Mumbai to Kerala, domestic flights save a lot of time.

Sample hotel budgets (per room, per night)

Prices are indicative and rise sharply around Christmas, New Year and Diwali.

Getting from the airport

Delhi Airport (DEL) is linked to the city by the Airport Express Metro Line. Mumbai (BOM) has official prepaid taxis and app-based rides, while Goa has two airports, Dabolim (GOI) and Manohar International (GOX) in North Goa, so check which one your flight uses. Pre-booked transfers avoid haggling on arrival.

Aviasales, GetYourGuide and Tripster

Aviasales for international and domestic flights

Aviasales compares international flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Goa and Bengaluru, as well as domestic routes. Use its price calendar to find the cheapest dates.

GetYourGuide for tours

GetYourGuide offers Taj Mahal day trips from Delhi, Golden Triangle tours (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur), Mumbai street food walks, Dharavi tours and Goa boat trips.

Tripster for Russian-speaking local guides

Tripster lists private and small-group tours with local guides in Goa, Delhi and other Indian destinations, many in Russian, which is ideal for Russian-speaking travellers.

Practical Tips for India

• e-Visa: Many nationalities can apply for an Indian e-Visa online. Use the official government website only.
• Peak season: October to March is the most pleasant time for most regions, and the busiest. Goa's high season peaks around Christmas and New Year.
• Monsoon: June to September brings heavy rain to much of India, including Goa and Mumbai, with lower hotel prices.
• Payments: Cards are accepted in hotels and many shops; carry cash for markets and small vendors.
• Taxes: Hotel prices may add GST depending on the room rate; check the final total.
• Health: Drink bottled or filtered water.
• Dress code: Cover shoulders and knees, and remove shoes, when visiting temples and mosques.
• Bargaining: Expected in markets, but not in fixed-price shops.

Festivals worth planning around

• Holi (March): The festival of colours, celebrated across North India.
• Diwali (October or November): The festival of lights, with high hotel and flight demand.
• Goa Carnival (February): Parades and music before Lent.
• Pushkar Camel Fair (November): A colourful fair in Rajasthan.

Step-by-Step Booking Guide

1. Search: Go to Trip.com India or open the app. Enter your destination, dates and guests.
2. Filter: Filter by price, star rating, guest rating, free cancellation, breakfast, pool and property type (hotel, resort, heritage).
3. Check location: In Delhi, choose hotels near a Metro station. In Goa, decide between North and South Goa based on your style.
4. Read reviews: Look for comments on cleanliness, safety, noise and service.
5. Compare rates: Check refundable rates, breakfast inclusion and whether taxes are included.
6. Add flights: Book domestic flights between cities.
7. Apply discounts: Use member prices, coupons and Trip Coins.
8. Pay and confirm: Pay securely and keep your confirmation handy for check-in. Foreign guests must present their passport and visa at check-in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I stay in Goa?

North Goa for nightlife, markets and lively beaches; South Goa for quieter beaches and luxury resorts.

What is a haveli hotel?

A traditional Indian mansion, often with courtyards and painted walls, converted into a heritage hotel. They're common in Rajasthan and Old Delhi.

Can I book Indian train tickets on Trip.com?

Train booking for India on Trip.com may be limited. The official IRCTC platform and authorised agents are the main ways to book Indian Railways tickets.

When is the best time to visit India?

October to March for most regions, with pleasant weather. Hotel prices peak around Christmas, New Year and Diwali.

Is Trip.com good for domestic flights in India?

Yes. Trip.com compares IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air and other airlines, making it easy to find good fares.

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