The best things to do in New Delhi

Everyone has specific music, taste, smell, color to associate with India. And, what about its capital city New Delhi? This city is a mixture of modernism and traditions. Every corner or places of New Delhi has something incredible to tell. There are multiple things to do in New Delhi. If you decide to travel by walk, by bus or even by train, all your 5 senses will be touched throughout your journey. Let’s discover the best things that any traveler should consider in New Delhi.

Red Fort

This is one of the top iconic monuments in New Delhi: this royal palace is just fantastic. Designed in red sandstone in the 17th century by Shah Jahan emperor, the monument is listed today on UNESCO list. We recommend you visit the monument in the late evening. You can participate in a light and sound performance which will transport you through the history of New Delhi.

To have access to the monument, you should pass by the main entrance door called Lahore. The most iconic buildings are the main audience halls. The first one is Diwan-i Am, where the emperor received his official guests. The second building known as Diwan-i Khas served to receive private guests.

Address: Netaji Subhash Marg, Lal Qila, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi 110006, India

Opening period: from sunrise to sunset, closed on Monday

Street Food Tour

Food tours are sometimes the best way to explore a city. Very often food tours include also some sightseeing tours and cultural discoveries. Having an unparalleled cuisine, Delhi city is the best landmark for a food tour. You will discover different varieties of street food from very spicy dishes to more soft ones. You will have an itinerary that will guide you throughout your tour. The hygiene and cleanliness are the most important factors during a street food tour. This is why your itinerary includes only verified food joints known by local people. The best way to enjoy your food tour is to book a street food tour with a specialized guide. The guide will provide you with important information and ingredients if necessary.

Here are some of the specialties you should absolutely try during your food tour:

• Poori Aloo
  Characteristics: #spicy
  Where to eat: #ChandniChowk, #KarolBaghMarket, #Bikanervala
• Pakode
  Characteristics: #spicy #caloric
  Where to eat: #NairojiNagar, #Bikanervala
• Gupta Burger
  Characteristics: #spicy #alootikki
  Where to eat: #everycorner #McDonald’s

Safari Tour

If you are looking for adrenaline and adventure, you should absolutely book a multi-day safari departing from Delhi city. What about a 3-day Ranthambhore tiger tour to Agra and Jaipur from Delhi? Your tour will be filled in cultural discoveries like Agra fort, Taj Mahal, and Jaipur. Then, you will be transferred to the Ranthambhore National Park for a safari tour. You will be transported in a jeep up to the Tiger Reserve.

Akshardham Temple

Akshardham Temple is one of the largest temples in the world dedicated to Hinduism. Literally, Akshardham means God's abode. It took more than 300 million hours of work for its construction, mobilizing 11,000 artisans and volunteers. This spectacular complex is organized around the main building: the Mandir. In the gardens, there is a huge lotus-shaped pond, surrounded by smaller basins, imagining the lotus petals. The temple of Akshardham was designed by Swami Pramukh Maharaj. It aims to promote the values of Hinduism and its traditions.

Address: Noida Mor, Pandav Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110092, India

Flea Markets

If you are looking for an affordable and authentic shopping experience, New Delhi flea markets are the best solution. New Delhi has 9 authentic flea markets which combine value for money with cultural discovery. Markets in India are one of the most favorite places to spend your time.

Some of the most popular flea markets are the following:

• Chandni Chowk
  You can find here traditional Indian dresses at an affordable price. Shopping habits are really different in India compared to Western countries. Here it is possible to bargain with the sellers to get a far cheaper price.
  Opening hours: 10 am -7 pm (Mondays closed)
• Delhi Haat
  It’s another market for those looking for affordable prices. You can find here amazing Indian handicrafts.
  Opening period: Every day

Mahatma Gandhi Tour

Take a half-day tour to discover all the sightseeings related to Mahatma Gandhi. You will have the chance to discover where he died. You will also visit Mahatma Gandhi National Museum where some of his belongings are preserved. Then, you’ll have the chance to discover the place where he was cremated. This place which is called Gandhi Smriti, is a memorial with an eternal flame. At the end of your tour, you will visit Gandhi Darshan to discover Gandhi’s background as a leader.

Spa & Yoga

India has always been considered as a land of spirituality. This is why there are a lot of wellness centers that treat clients with spa and meditation services. Here are some of the best-known spa centers recommended by Western travelers:

• Amatrra Spa, New Delhi
  Silence is in the heart of the treatment process in the Amatrra Spa. Their therapeutic massages are all you need to dive into the world of spiritual calmness.
  Address: Plot No A, Community Centre, Munirka Marg, Basant Lok, Vasant Vihar, Basant Lok, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi, Delhi 110057, India
• Hammam Men’s Spa
  This spa provides man-to-man massage treatments. The staff is well-trained and speaks good English.
  Address: A-120, 1st Floor Part-1, Central Market, Lajpat Nagar II, Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110024, India

Jama Masjid Mosque

Also known as Shahjahânabâd, the mosque of Jama Masjid is the largest in India. To visit this place, you have to take off your shoes, cover your arms and legs. Women will have the right to a tunic at the entrance. You should also keep silent inside the mosque. By a spiral staircase, a hundred steps lead to the south minaret. From here you can observe the Red Fort.
Address: Jama Masjid Rd, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi 110006, India

Golden Triangle Trip

If you are in India for a limited time but want to experience as much as possible, the Golden Triangle is the best option. Combining 3 main sightseeing cities, this trip will allow you to see the most stunning highlights of the country. You will have the possibility to visit New Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur during your customized tour. Some of the highlights of this trip are Lotus Temple, Taj Mahal, Parliament House, Amber Fort, Tripolia Bazar, etc. You don’t even need to worry about your accommodation because it will be arranged for you.
Duration of the trip: Four days