How to plan your first trip to Delhi

Understanding the City Layout

Delhi is essentially two cities merged into one. Old Delhi is a dense maze of narrow lanes and historic bazaars, centered around the Red Fort. It is chaotic, sensory, and historic. New Delhi, built during the British colonial era, features wide boulevards, lush greenery, and government buildings. Most visitors split their time between these two zones, using Central Delhi as a bridge.

Arrival and Getting Around

Your entry point is Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL). To reach the city center, use pre-paid taxis or app-based ride-hailing services available at the terminals.

• Delhi Metro: The most efficient way to avoid traffic. It is clean, air-conditioned, and connects the airport to major hubs.
• Auto-Rickshaws: Ideal for short distances, but always agree on the fare or use a ride-hailing app to ensure a fair price.
• Ride-Hailing Apps: These are the most reliable options for point-to-point travel without negotiating fares.

Common First-Timer Mistakes

Many visitors attempt to walk through Old Delhi without a plan or try to see the entire city in one day. The traffic and crowds can be overwhelming.

• Instead of walking blindly: Hire a licensed guide or use a rickshaw in Old Delhi to navigate the alleys.
• Instead of over-scheduling: Limit yourself to two major sites per day. The heat and noise levels make a packed itinerary exhausting.
• Water safety: Only drink bottled or filtered water and avoid raw salads from street vendors.

A Sensible First-Trip Itinerary

Focus on the landmarks that define the city's contrast before exploring deeper neighborhoods.

Priority Sights

• The Red Fort and Jama Masjid: The heart of Old Delhi's Mughal history.
• Humayun's Tomb: A stunning precursor to the Taj Mahal.
• Qutub Minar: The tallest brick minaret in the world.
• India Gate: The central war memorial of New Delhi.

What Can Wait

Secondary museums and smaller neighborhood markets can be skipped on a first short visit to prioritize the major architectural landmarks.