The best things to do in Delhi involve delectable street food, fascinating museums, awesome markets and beautiful sites
Written by Jo Stewart
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Are you ready to fall in love with India? A rhetorical question, obviously, as you don’t really have a choice. Everyone who ventures to this famous country will find it coursing through their veins eventually. Delhi is the epicentre of it all, a populous capital with a reputation for overwhelming newbies with its mass of traffic, relentless heat, restless energy, vast sprawl and abundance of experiences. That is what travel is all about, right? If you want to experience India, embracing the best things to do in Delhi is the best place to start?
From delicious street food to bustling markets via fascinating museums, excellent shopping and more, Delhi is ready to reward the adventurous and convince the cynics.
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Best things to do in Delhi
1.Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
What is it?A gold-domed house of worship that receives thousands of visitors per day.
Why go?To see the Sikh community worship while touring the sprawling Gurudwara Bangla Sahib complex. To visit, you’ll need to cover your head with a scarf. Didn’t bring one? Never fear; the complex has one you can borrow for the duration of your visit. While touring the building, don’t miss visiting the busy kitchen that feeds many of Delhi’s residents. If you’re keen, you can even lend a hand-shaping and baking chapatti.
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2.National Gandhi Museum
What is it?A tribute to the life of one of India’s most influential and beloved public figures.
Why go?While in India, it’s impossible to ignore the legacy of revered activist Mahatma Gandhi. There are many monuments dedicated to him and buildings named after him – he even features on the currency. If you want to understand his role in shaping modern-day India, spend some time reflecting on his incredible life at this museum.
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3.Chandni Chowk
What is it? A labyrinthine network of shops and bazaars located in Delhi’s Old City.
Why go? The bazaars and street food stalls of the Chandni Chowk district easily bamboozle visitors accustomed to calmer retail experiences, but the rewards on offer are worth enduring the initial confusion. As a metropolis of trade that has stood for centuries, modern-day Chandni Chowk offers travellers a chance to buy everything from electronics to fresh fruit, sweet treats and wedding saris. Wear your comfiest shoes, pack your rupees, bring your camera and walk in with an open mind – Chandni Chowk is not your average shopping destination.
4.Sulabh International Museum of Toilets
What is it?A quirky museum dedicated to all things sanitation, hygiene and waste removal.
Why go?A museum for anyone who gives a crap about sanitation, the galleries of this institution are flush with toilet-related paraphernalia and artefacts that date back centuries. From ornate, Victorian-era porcelain bowls to modern Japanese electronic toilets, this museum will give you a newfound appreciation of the humble toilet.
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5.Home Cooked Delhi Experience
What is it?An intimate cooking class held in the home of a local cook.
Why go?To aid in the creation of delicious regional delicacies. You’ll learn about the different spices used in north Indian cooking, be immersed in Indian cultural traditions, and learn more about what life is like for families in New Delhi. If you’ve ever wondered how to eat with your hands without making a supreme mess – this is the place to do it!
6.The Red Fort
What is it?A historical complex that once housed the emperors of the Mughal dynasty.
Why go?Want to know how the other half lived in previous centuries? Explore the epic crib that India’s Mughal emperors occupied until the mid-1800s on a tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Red Fort. Built by Shah Jahan (of Taj Mahal fame) in the seventeenth century, the Red Fort is a sprawling complex made of striking red sandstone. Make sure your camera and smartphone batteries are at full charge before setting foot in this place – you’ll want to capture the Red Fort’s dramatic arches, romantic balconies and ornate tile work.
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7.Dramz
What is it?A rooftop bar with knockout views of Qutab Minar.
Why go?At the end of a long, sweaty day of sightseeing, this is the place to savour a single malt whisky while watching the sunset. With impressive, sweeping views of the world’s tallest brick minaret at the neighbouring UNESCO World Heritage-listed Qutab complex, Dramz is highly sought after at sunset.
8.Hauz Khas Social
What is it?A chilled lakeside spot to eat, drink and people-watch.
Why go?When you’ve had your fill of New Delhi’s markets, museums and monuments, take a minute to relax with a cool Kingfisher beer and lake views at Haus Khas Social. Delhi’s youthful energy is present at this social spot, so sit back and watch students, entrepreneurs, and travellers mix together in one social space. At night, this hip hangout hosts DJs, making it the perfect spot to party down.
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9.Indian Premier League Match
What is it?A next-level cricket league for local and visiting fans alike.
Why go?Attending a cricket match in India is one of the ultimate achievements for fans of the game. Score a ticket to a match, and watch the Delhi Capitals hit boundaries like there’s no tomorrow. Travelling alone? Come armed with your cricket knowledge and game banter, and you’ll make new friends in no time. Don’t know the difference between a googly and a yorker? Just drop the name Sachin Tendulkar (or Virat Kohli, or Rohit Sharma, or...) into the conversation, and you’ll be fine.
10.Lodi Garden
What is it?A 90-acre oasis in the middle of one of the busiest cities in the world.
Why go?When the pace of Delhi gets too much, beat a hasty retreat to the serenity of Lodi Garden to recharge. Green space is at a premium in Delhi, so expect to share the gardens with joggers, picnickers and other travellers seeking respite from the sun. Take a stroll across the manicured lawns, listen to the birds chirping, watch locals do yoga, rest under the shade of the tall trees and admire the historic tombs built centuries ago.
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11.Delhi Dance Academy
What is it? A foreigner-friendly dance class for Bollywood lovers.
Why go? Even if you have two left feet, a two-hour crash course in Bollywood dance at the Delhi Dance Academy is still a fun way to be immersed in India’s film and dance culture. Simply book a spot, get yourself in the mood by donning one of the supplied costumes, put on your cheesiest movie star smile and start perfecting your Bollywood dance moves.
12.1911 Bar
Temporarily closed
What is it? An atmospheric bar and restaurant filled with British Raj-era memorabilia.
Why go? Retreat from the frenetic energy of New Delhi by savouring a classic co*cktail or two in this heritage-filled bar and restaurant. It’s filled with period-era portraits, photography and military medals of years gone by.
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