9 things to know before visiting New Delhi

Planning trip to Delhi?

There plenty of impotant things that you should know before visiting New Delhi, if you are visiting this world famous city for the first time.

New Delhi is a city full of energy, colors, and contrasts. As India’s capital, it blends centuries of history with the buzz of modern life. It is one of the oldest cities in the world with centuries old monuments that tell tales of long-gone empires.

At the same time, it displays some of the most tempting features of a modern city, like the irresistible dining and gorgeous parks. The metropolis is a must-visit, one of the undisputed Indian highlights. It will help you understand what made India the country it is today.

Here is the list of impotant things to know before visiting New Delhi!

Best time to Visit

The best season to visit New Delhi is from October to March, when the temperature is nice and daylight ranges between 10°C and 25°C (50°F and 77°F).

Steer clear of going from April to June; sightseeing is uncomfortable when temperatures reach above 40°C (104°F). Travel plans may be disrupted by the heavy rain and sporadic flooding brought on by monsoon season (July to September).

Cultural Sensitivity

Modest attire is advised particularly for visits to religious sites including temples, mosques, and gurudwaras. Women can find bringing a shawl or scarf beneficial. Before visiting holy sites, always take off shoes. Certain temples and mosques could also demand covering your head. In traditional settings, public displays of affection (PDA) are not generally recognised.

Although handshakes are customary, perhaps a more fitting greeting is a mere nod or “namaste”. Respect regional customs and traditions, particularly around holidays like Diwali, Holi, and Eid when cultural sensitivity may be heightened.

Stay Hydrated

Delhi’s summers can be sweltering; always carry a reusable water bottle. Avoiding heatstroke depends mostly on hydration. To prevent waterborne infections, drink only filtered or bottled water. Make sure the seal on bottled water is unbroken; fresh fruit juices (from hygienic vendors) and coconut water will help you stay refreshed.

Bargain Smartly

Local markets such Sarojini Nagar, Janpath, and Chandni Chowk demand smart bargaining. Start by providing half the indicated price and work from there; vendors generally quote more. Negotiate with grace but firm. Sometimes leaving could result in better offers. Prices in upscale stores and malls are set, hence negotiating is useless there.

Traffic & Transport

Plan your trip time based on Delhi’s sometimes unpredictable traffic. The most effective way to go about the Delhi Metro is clean, reasonably priced, and well-served to important destinations. Although ride-sharing companies like Uber and Ola are dependable, before beginning the ride verify your driver’s identity.

Although many drivers do not use meters, auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are a great way to see the city; always negotiate the fee before beginning the journey. Steer clear of rush hour (8 AM–10 AM and 6 PM–8 PM) when traffic is particularly bad.

Food & Hygiene

Among Delhi’s street food, golgappas (pani puri), chaat, kebabs, and parathas are especially well-known. Keep to well-known busy booths or restaurants since high turnover guarantees fresh food. Steer clear of street vendor raw salads and unpeeled fruits since they can be washed with dirty water.

Good hygienic standards of restaurants abound at Connaught Place, Khan Market, and Hauz Khas. Try the well-known Delhi cuisine featuring chole bhature, dal makhani, and butter chicken.

Safety Measures

Keep your belongings safe and refrain from carrying too much cash since pickpocketing is rather widespread in congested areas. Use formal means of transportation and steer clear of accepting rides from total strangers. If you are utilising a cab, be sure it comes from a respectable business or is reserved using an app.

Watch out for common frauds include false ticket salespeople, overcharging taxi drivers, and phoney tour guides.

Emergency numbers: police: 100

Ambulance: 102;

Women’s helpline: 1091;

Single female visitors should be especially careful, avoiding poorly lit places at night and depending on confirmed transportation providers.

Local Manners

A polite greeting to residents is “Namaste,” which means linking hands.

It’s considered impolite to point with your finger; use your entire hand instead. Steer clear of delicate subjects like religion or politics until you are in a comfortable environment. It is traditional to provide a little gift, such chocolates or flowers, if welcomed to someone’s house.

Must-Visit Attractions

India Gate: is a war memorial and excellent place for evening strolls in history.

Red Fort: Showcasing Mughal architecture, this UNESCO World Heritage site

Humayun’s Tomb: The Taj Mahal’s inspiration came from this tomb.

Qutub Minar: the highest brick minaret in the world.

Lotus Temple: A magnificent Bahá’í House of Worship.

Akshardham Temple: Grand Hindu temple complex with amazing carvings and light display.

Jama Masjid: is one of the biggest mosques in India.

Chandni Chowk: is a hive for street food, fabrics, and jewellery, local markets and shopping.

Connaught Place: is a retail and dining centre with colonial-era architecture.

Dilli Haat: is a handicraft market exhibiting fabrics from all throughout India.

Hauz Khas Village: is a popular region with lakeside ruins, cafés, and boutiques.

Agrasen ki Baoli: is an ancient step-well with a magical aura.

Extra Guideline for Travel

• Local Indian Rupees (INR) are used Change money at approved forex offices, banks, or automated teller machines. Steer clear of unofficial money exchangers.
• Although English and Hindi are somewhat common, knowing a few simple Hindi words (e.g., “Dhanyavad” for Thank you) would be useful.
• Malls and cafés have free Wi-Fi. For better access, think about acquiring a local SIM card (Airtel, Jio, or Vodafone) if visiting longer.
• It can be difficult to locate well cleaned public restrooms. When needed, use the bathrooms in malls, eateries, or metro stations.

A Shopping Dream

New Delhi’s street markets, historic bazaars, and posh shopping areas provide something for every taste and budget. Finding contemporary clothes, beautiful Indian handicrafts, or expensive designer labels in the city’s diversified shopping environment is a stimulating experience strongly rooted in its rich cultural background.

Visit Sarojini Nagar Market for affordable clothes and accessories. Bargain seekers love this busy market for its export surplus and low pricing. College students and fashionistas go there for cheap trendy clothes, shoes, and accessories. Another bustling shopping district is Janpath Market in Connaught Place, with bohemian, ethnic, and Indian goods.

Lajpat Nagar Central Market has several kiosks offering embroidered suits, fashionable juttis, and ethnic Indian clothing, home décor, and accessories for street shoppers.

Khan Market is one of Delhi’s most upscale retail districts. This neighborhood has luxury shops, designer businesses, and attractive bookstores for its upscale customers. Here, you’ll discover gorgeous ethnic clothes at Good Earth, exquisite jewellery at Amrapali, and foreign and organic cosmetic items. DLF Emporio in Vasant Kunj offers premium brands including Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Jimmy Choo.

Traditional art and craft aficionados enjoy Delhi too. Dilli Haat, an outdoor handicrafts market, sells Madhubani paintings, Kashmiri shawls, wooden carvings, and tribal jewellery from several Indian regions. Chandni Chowk, one of Delhi’s oldest markets, is another gem with centuries-old bazaars.

Every nook of Chandni Chowk is a sensory treat, from elaborately embroidered wedding apparel in Kinari Bazaar to silver jewellery in Dariba Kalan and pungent spices in Khari Baoli.

No shopping trip to Delhi is complete without its amazing street food. Enjoy golgappas, chaat, and paranthas from famous restaurants while traversing the packed alleyways. Delhi is a shopper’s paradise with its distinct combination of history, culture, and modernity, perfect for a fast shopping binge or an entire retail excursion.

Street Markets: Unbeatable Fashion Deals

The street marketplaces in Delhi are a hunter’s dream for those who love fashion and are looking for bargains. Shoppers on a tight budget, as well as students and fashionistas, love these marketplaces for their economical yet stylish goods, as well as their export surplus and other accessories.

Here in the bustling Sarojini Nagar Market, you can get name-brand, trendy clothes at rock-bottom costs. The market is well-known for its export surplus goods. If you’re gifted with an eye for style and can negotiate a good price, Sarojini Nagar is a treasure trove of clothing and accessories for every season.

The Central Market in Lajpat Nagar – Sarees, salwar suits, and lehengas are just a few examples of the traditional Indian garments you can get in Lajpat Nagar, a popular market for ethnic apparel, textiles, and traditional accessories. You may find some of the city’s top mehendi (henna) artisans at this market as well.

Bohemian clothing, oxidised jewelry, and hand-embroidered fabrics are the specialties of Janpath Market, which is close to Connaught Place. Part of Janpath, Tibetan Market is well-known for its woollen shawls, carpets, and silver jewellery.

Paharganj Market – Popular with hikers and campers, this lively market sells leather products, hippie-style apparel, antique jewellery, and arts and crafts at affordable prices.

An intimate look at India’s Handicrafts and Cultural Merchandise

Delhi is home to a number of specialised marketplaces where artists from all over India display their wares, so if you’re in the market for genuine Indian handicrafts, handwoven fabrics, and regional specialties, you’ve come to the right place.

Dilli Haat – If you are looking for terracotta jewellery, Madhubani paintings, handcrafted pottery, Kashmiri shawls, or wooden carvings from all across India, your search ends at Dilli Haat, a cultural mecca that brings together products from all over the country. This market is like stepping into a little India with its open-air layout and local cuisine stands.

Market at Sundar Nagar – Discover a treasure trove of superb silverware, vintage home décor, tiny paintings, and more at this market—a secret gem for antiques, fine jewellery, and handicrafts enthusiasts.

If you’re looking for genuine Indian handloom and crafts without the hassle of bargaining, head to the state emporiums on Baba Kharak Singh Marg. There is a store in every Indian state that sells carpets, textiles, and wooden items made in that region.

Shop at High-End Boutiques and Designer Labels for the Ultimate in Luxury

New Delhi is home to some of India’s most upscale retail establishments, perfect for shopper in search of name brands, high fashion, and designer clothing.

Designer shops, gourmet food outlets, fine jewellery stores, and upmarket booksellers may be found at Delhi’s Khan Market, one of the city’s most posh shopping districts.

The Mehrauli and One Style Mile areas, close to the Qutub Minar, are famous for their high-end designer showrooms and chic boutiques selling couture wedding apparel, exquisite jewellery, and custom accessories. You may also have a wonderful time at one of these cafés while enjoying foreign food.

Sabyasachi, Tarun Tahiliani, and Anita Dongre are among the top designers with flagship stores here.
Emporio Mall (Vasant Kunj) – DLF Emporio, India’s most opulent shopping mall, houses elite Indian designer labels alongside top international labels like Versace, Jimmy Choo, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton.
An up-and-coming player in Delhi’s posh retail scene, The Chanakya stocks high-end cosmetics, timepieces, and worldwide designer labels.

Shopping Malls: The Ultimate Convenience Store

Delhi’s contemporary shopping malls are ideal for a one-stop shopping experience due to its assortment of high-street fashion, worldwide brands, entertainment options, and gourmet restaurants.

DLF Promenade & DLF Avenue (Vasant Kunj)—These adjacent malls offer a range of high-end and high-street brands, as well as entertainment options like cinemas, gaming zones, and rooftop restaurants.

Select Citywalk (Saket)—One of Delhi’s most famous malls, Select Citywalk boasts an excellent combination of Indian and international brands, including Zara, H&M, Sephora, and MAC.

Ambience Mall (Vasant Kunj & Gurgaon)—Families love to shop at Ambience Mall, one of the biggest malls in Delhi-NCR, because it has a wide variety of brands.

Seasonal and Flea Markets: Exciting Pop-Up Shopping Extravaganzas

• For those seeking a more one-of-a-kind shopping experience, New Delhi is home to both permanent markets and malls as well as a number of pop-up bazaars and seasonal flea markets.
  
• Dyaraganj’s Sunday Book Market – This weekly market is a paradise for bookworms, selling both new and used books at rock-bottom costs.
  
• The Blind School Diwali Festival – During the festival season, you must visit this market to see the handcrafted Diwali decorations, ethnic apparel, and mouthwatering homemade desserts.
  
• Nature Bazaar (Andheria Mod) – is a flea market that sells sustainable apparel, organic food, and artisan crafts with an emphasis on environmental friendliness.