Visiting Delhi: What to Do, Where to Stay, and How to Avoid Scams

Visiting Delhi and India was something we had been putting off for a few years, without any specific reason; we simply ended up prioritizing other destinations. On this second around-the-world trip, we decided that Delhi had to be on our itinerary, knowing we needed time for everything we wanted to do. We stayed 3 nights in the city, which was enough to explore all the essential spots and discover what to do in Delhi. We arrived in the capital of India after a few days in Istanbul, Turkey, ready to get lost in the fascinating mix of history, culture, and modernity that Delhi offers.

How to Get Around in Delhi

Getting around to visit Delhi may be easier than it seems, and one of the most affordable options is the metro. Besides being practical, the Delhi metro is extremely cheap – we never paid more than 30 rupees per trip. A useful tip is to use Amazon Pay to buy tickets. Simply change the country of your Amazon account to India, and the Amazon Pay option will appear, including the ability to purchase metro tickets. We even traveled from the airport to the city center by metro, which was an economical and efficient way to start our trip.

For places the metro doesn’t reach, we recommend using Uber, even if you want to take a tuktuk. With Uber, there’s no need to negotiate the price, and the trip tends to be safer and smoother. Another option is to request a taxi or tuktuk through your hotel, which can be helpful if you can’t access an app.

If, for any reason, you experience issues during a trip while visiting Delhi – such as the driver wanting to take you somewhere other than your requested destination – we recommend firmly stating that you want to go directly to the chosen destination. If needed, mention that you’re ready to call 100 (the police emergency line) if the request is not respected.

Where to Stay in Delhi

To make the most of your stay in Delhi, we recommend staying in the southern part of Connaught Place, where the city is a bit quieter. We chose Bloomrooms @ Janpath, located in a less busy area, away from the typical noise and hustle of Delhi’s streets, providing a comfortable retreat after a full day of exploration. Additionally, the hotel is just a 5-minute walk from a metro station, which greatly facilitated our mobility around the city.

If you’re looking for other options where to stay in Delhi, we’ve provided some suggestions for the best areas in Delhi. You can also find recommendations for the best hotels in Delhi to ensure comfort while exploring the city at your own pace.

What to Do in Delhi

1. Visit Connaught Place

Connaught Place is one of the most recommended places by visitors, but, for us, it wasn’t particularly special. In the two hours we spent there, we had some unpleasant experiences with a few attempts to scam us. So, if you decide to visit, keep your eyes open. Nevertheless, there are some good dining options, like Farzi Cafe, where we had lunch and enjoyed the atmosphere. Another point of interest is the Janpath Market, a market with clothing and accessories worth a quick shopping visit.

2. Explore Old Delhi (Chandni Chowk)

Old Delhi was one of our favorite parts of the city. We did a Delhi walking tour with a local guide and loved the experience, visiting places we probably wouldn’t have found on our own. We arrived in the area by metro, and the meeting point was right next to the station. Among the places we visited, highlights include:

• Red Fort: viewed only from the outside, as it was closed on Monday;
• Chandni Chowk: the main avenue of Old Delhi, bustling with life;
• Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib: a Sikh temple with a community kitchen where we had the chance to help make bread for meals served to anyone wishing to eat for free;
• Kinari Bazaar: a colorful market where locals buy clothes and accessories for weddings;
• Naughara: a charming set of houses belonging to jeweler families from Rajasthan;
• Paranthe Wali Gali: one of the best streets for street food, where we tried paneer-stuffed bread, served with sauces and curries;
• Fatehpuri Masjid: a mosque that we viewed from the outside;
• Khari Baoli: the famous spice market, where the chili market on the first floor of a building was our highlight.

At the end, we took a rickshaw through Chandni Chowk to the metro. The tour also included the opportunity to try other street foods like samosas, lassi, and chai, which made the experience even more authentic.

3. Explore Khan Market

Khan Market became one of our favorite areas in Delhi. Much quieter than the rest of the city, it’s an area with shops, restaurants, cafes, and a few grocery stores. Being a more upscale and organized area, it almost feels like another city. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing stroll, some shopping, and a nice dinner. We arrived at Khan Market by metro, just two stops from our hotel, and visited in the evening, always feeling safe.

4. Learn to Cook Indian Food

We booked an amazing experience, a cooking class in Delhi that allowed us not only to learn how to prepare Indian dishes but also to better understand the rich culture of the country and its influence on cuisine. The class took place in our guide’s home, creating a warm and authentic atmosphere. It was incredibly rewarding, especially because, at the end, we had the chance to enjoy our own food while learning more about India’s history and traditions.

5. Visit the Lotus Temple

The Lotus Temple is one of Delhi’s architectural wonders and a symbol of peace and harmony. This Bahá’í Faith temple, with its lotus flower-shaped structure, is surrounded by beautiful gardens and lakes, providing a tranquil environment for meditation and reflection. Entrance is free, and the temple is open to visitors of all religions, making it an ideal place to explore spirituality and India’s cultural diversity. Take part in the meditation sessions and enjoy the peace that the place offers.

6. Stroll Through Lodhi Garden

Another must-visit place is Lodhi Garden, a green oasis in the heart of the city. This historic park is ideal for a relaxing stroll, picnics, or even a morning jog. Inside the garden, you’ll find beautiful tombs and monuments from the Lodhi dynasty, dating back to the 15th century. The tree-lined paths and lakes create a serene environment, perfect for appreciating nature and architecture. It’s a great spot to observe locals, who come here to relax or exercise.

Most Common Scams in Delhi and How to Avoid Them

Delhi is a vibrant city full of culture, but like any major tourist destination, there are scams you should be aware of to avoid falling into traps. These are some of the main scams we encountered in Delhi, and it’s essential to stay alert, avoid unnecessary conversations with strangers (many will approach you on the street, and some may try to deceive you), and follow some basic precautions. We encountered some of these scams ourselves. Here are the most common ones you might come across:

Dirtying Your Shoes

One of the more unpleasant tricks is someone deliberately dirtying your shoes, often with something like mud or even feces. They then offer to help clean it – for a fee, of course. This often happens while engaging you in conversation to distract you. One place where this might happen is Connaught Place. It’s best to clean your shoes yourself and avoid accepting “help” from strangers.

“The Place You’re Going Is Closed”

This common scam begins when someone tells you that the place you’re headed to is “closed” due to protests, festivals, or renovations. They then suggest taking you to an “alternative” store – usually one owned by an acquaintance – and offer a convenient tuktuk “right there.” Don’t believe it; ignore and continue toward your destination.

Fake Tourist Offices and Train Tickets

In tourist areas, some people will approach you, pretending to be guides or representatives of tourist offices, trying to sell train tickets. Often, they’ll ask questions to understand your plans and then create a story about the need to buy tickets at a specific agency. Nowadays, it’s safe to buy train tickets for India online through the official site, avoiding unnecessary fees and possible fraud.

Fake Train Station Employees

At train stations, people dressed as employees may approach, claiming your train is canceled or your ticket is invalid, suggesting you buy a new ticket or even a plane ticket. To check the status of your reservation, use the Trainman app or go to the official counters at the station.

Taxi and Tuktuk Drivers

Many taxi and tuktuk drivers will claim your hotel is “closed” or “full” and offer to take you to another place where they get a commission. Be firm about your destination and confirm the address in advance. Another tip is to use Uber, as prices are set beforehand, and you can opt for a tuktuk through the app, avoiding last-minute negotiations and overcharging.

Fake Currency Exchange

When paying with high-value bills, some vendors or drivers may switch them out for counterfeit notes, later claiming you were the one who gave the fake bill. To avoid issues, pay with smaller denominations and verify notes at the time of exchange.

Fake Metro Tickets

Some people, particularly in metro stations, offer to help you buy tickets, overcharging or selling invalid tickets. To buy metro tickets safely, use automatic machines or the Amazon Pay app, where you can buy Delhi metro tickets by setting your Amazon account location to India.

Fake Products in Janpath Market or Chandni Chowk

These markets are famous for selling knockoffs, often presented as genuine. If you’re looking for brand-name items, avoid buying here and go for official stores.

The “Free Gift” Scam

Some people may offer you a “gift” and then demand payment. Avoid accepting free items from strangers to avoid feeling pressured to buy.

Being aware of these scams can help you avoid unpleasant experiences. The ideal approach is to stay firm, refuse suspicious offers, and seek assistance only from official personnel or trusted locations. With these precautions, you can explore Delhi with more confidence and peace of mind.

Safety Tips in Delhi

When visiting Delhi, personal safety and health are essential. Here are some key tips to ensure your experience in India’s capital is safe and enjoyable:

• Health Insurance: Before traveling, make sure to have good health insurance. We recommend Heymondo, which offers comprehensive coverage and 24/7 support, ideal for international trips.
• Food Safety: Street food is one of the best ways to experience local culture, but only consume it at recommended places. Choose busy stalls popular among locals, as this usually indicates good hygiene and fresh ingredients. Taking a food tour in Delhi can also be a great option.
• Traveler’s Health Consultation: Before your trip, consult a healthcare professional to get any necessary vaccine recommendations and health precautions specific to India.
• Staying Connected: Stay connected at all times with Holafly eSIMs, offering unlimited data so you're always reachable and safe. From our experience, Holafly was incredibly simple to set up and let us browse without worries about limits or connection failures, making it the perfect choice for stress-free travel. And now, you can even get 5% off your travel eSIM from Holafly!
• Drinking Water: Tap water in Delhi is not safe to drink. Always choose bottled water or use trusted water dispensers, and check that the seal is intact before purchasing.
• Avoid Desolate Areas at Night: Some areas in Delhi may be unsafe at night. When planning to visit a location, confirm its safety with your accommodation or a local guide.
• Guided Tours: For a better experience, consider taking a guided tour with an experienced local guide. This not only enhances your safety but also provides a richer perspective on the city’s history and culture.
• Safe Transportation: When using taxis or transportation services, it’s recommended to choose recognized ride-sharing platforms like Uber or Ola to ensure safety and transparent pricing.
• Avoid Displaying Valuables: Keep your valuables discreet. Avoid showing off jewelry, expensive cameras, or other belongings that may attract potential thieves.
• Know Your Limits: If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe in a situation, don’t hesitate to leave or ask for help; the police number is 100. Personal safety should always be a priority.

Following these tips can make a significant difference in your experience in Delhi, helping you explore the city with confidence and peace of mind. If you have more questions about safety or need further recommendations, feel free to ask!