Delhi Travel Guide 2026
Mughal-era monuments, chaotic and unforgettable markets, and the classic gateway to India.
Search flightsWhy Delhi
Delhi layers Mughal-era monuments (the Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, Jama Masjid) alongside British colonial-era New Delhi and the sensory overload of Old Delhi’s markets, all within one sprawling capital. It’s the most common starting point for a wider India trip, especially toward the Golden Triangle (Delhi-Agra-Jaipur).
What to know before you go
Most Western passport holders need an e-visa, applied for online before arrival — straightforward but budget a few days for processing. Modest dress is advisable at religious sites.
Best time to visit
October-March avoids the extreme summer heat (which regularly exceeds 40°C) and the monsoon season, making it by far the most comfortable window for sightseeing.
Getting there
Indira Gandhi International Airport is India’s busiest hub, with extensive global connections and easy onward domestic flights to the rest of the country.
Getting around
The Delhi Metro is modern, cheap, and covers most tourist areas well. Auto-rickshaws and ride-hailing apps fill in the rest, though negotiating or confirming metered fares matters for rickshaws.
Where to stay
Connaught Place or New Delhi for central access and easier navigation; Paharganj for a budget-friendly base near the main train station.
eSIM & connectivity
Coverage is reliable throughout central Delhi and most tourist sites.
Travel insurance for Delhi
Worth having solid medical coverage given the intensity of a first India trip — travelers’ stomach issues are common enough to be worth planning for.
Everything else for your trip
Flights
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Find a rentalTaxis & Transfers
Pre-book an airport transfer. Fixed price, driver waiting, no haggling on arrival.
Book a transferTravel Insurance
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Get an eSIMWhat to Pack for Delhi
The non-obvious stuff people forget, plus what genuinely helps.
Don’t forget
- Modest, loose clothing, especially for women
- Comfortable closed shoes for monument and market visits
- Hand sanitizer/wipes — useful throughout markets and transit
- Universal power adapter (Type C/D/M sockets)
Nice to have
- A scarf or shawl for temple and mosque visits
- Stomach medication as a precaution
- Small bills (Rupees) for tipping and smaller vendors
- A dust mask during high-pollution periods (especially winter)
Not Sure When to Go?
What a Day in Delhi Actually Costs
Real per-day cost ranges based on our destination research, broken down by travel style. Your total will vary, but this gives you a realistic starting budget.
| Per day | Budget | Mid-range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $10 | $30 | $90 |
| Food | $5 | $12 | $28 |
| Local transport | $3 | $8 | $22 |
| Activities | $6 | $16 | $40 |
| Total / day | $24 | $66 | $180 |
Practical Info: Culture, Currency & Electricity
Top Attractions
- Red Fort and Jama Masjid (Old Delhi)
- Humayun’s Tomb
- Qutub Minar
- India Gate
- Day trip to the Taj Mahal, Agra
Culture & Etiquette
Remove shoes before entering temples and many homes. Use your right hand for eating, giving, and receiving items — the left is traditionally considered unclean. Bargaining is expected in markets, but fixed-price shops (look for MRP tags) don’t negotiate. Modest dress is appreciated, especially at religious sites.
Currency & Exchanging Money
Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)
Carrying INR into or out of India is legally restricted, so you can’t pre-buy rupees at home — exchange after arrival. Bank ATMs and licensed money-changers (look for an RBI authorization sign) at the airport and in Connaught Place offer fair rates; avoid unlicensed changers entirely, as counterfeit notes are a real risk with informal exchange.
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Electricity & Adapters
Voltage: 230V, 50Hz
Plug type: C, D, and M (mixed round-pin types)
If your home plug type doesn’t match, bring a universal travel adapter — it’s the one item worth packing regardless of destination.