10 of the best things to do in Delhi

23.07.2024 - 16:18 / lonelyplanet.com

Jul 23, 2024 • 5 min read

Things are changing fast in Delhi – the modern metropolis is now the capital of the world’s most populous nation, with a modern metro and an increasingly international feel. But Delhi has always treasured its incredible past.

As one of the world’s oldest continually occupied cities, you don’t have to look far to encounter Delhi’s fascinating history. But there are also lots of under-the-radar experiences waiting for you in this diverse and captivating city.

Get your Delhi explorations started with this list. 

One of India’s most storied leaders, Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, moved his capital to Delhi from Agra in 1648, in the same year that work was completed on his wife’s mausoleum, the Taj Mahal. He named his city Shajahanabad and built the magnificent Red Fort and the nearby Jama Masjid. The Red Fort was a key battleground against the British in the 1857 First War of Independence (you can still see the bullet holes). After the war, the British destroyed two-thirds of the buildings in the Red Fort and erected Victorian-style barracks on the grounds. Today, these have been repurposed as modern museums. 

Detour: Just outside the Red Fort is Chandni Chowk, a prime hunting ground for Delhi street eats, aka Dilli-ka-chaat. Try Delhi specialties like dahi bhalle (fried lentil balls served with yoghurt and garnished with chutney) and chhole bhature (a breakfast favourite of spicy chickpeas, accompanied by puffy, fried bread with a light paneer filling). And don’t miss the photogenic spice market nearby. 

Lodhi Colony was once a bland and blocky suburb of British-era housing estates, but the tall walls are now splashed with colour. Murals from over 50 Indian and international artists from Mexico to France, Canada to Singapore and everywhere in between, have graced the buildings with fabulous artworks. A project of the St+art India Foundation, many works take inspiration from Indian culture and heritage. 

Planning tip: Refuel at the fabulous Carnatic Café specializing in Karnataka cuisine.

Not far from backpacker central in Paharganj, Jhandewalan Hanuman Temple towers above the landscape in Karol Bagh with its 112ft-high Hanuman statue. Enter the temple through a demon’s mouth and find an artificial cave full of life-sized sculptures of deities, some drinking the blood of Kali as it spurts from her beheaded neck.

There are benefits to being the capital – whether it's food, culture, or arts and crafts, the best of India converges in Delhi. You can pick up souvenirs from across the country all in one place along Baba Kharak Singh Marg, extending from central Connaught Place.

There is half a kilometre of treasure-filled state emporiums here representing artisans from across India’s states. A