Delhi is old, very old, and also exotic. Delhi welcomes its visitors with a sense of enthrallment and awe. Primarily, this sense of wonder emanates from the fact that visitors have so many things to do in Delhi. In some ways, Delhi might even seem mysterious to some.
Probably, the most wonderful thing about the city is its perfect blending of the old and the new. At the same time, Delhi is grand and mundane, posh and poor, spotless and filthy. Delhi has all the complexities which an age-old capital city truly deserves.
So, if you are planning to visit Delhi, one of the obvious questions that come to your mind is – What to do in Delhi? This article is meant to help you with that.
At the outset, let me begin by assuring you that your trip to Delhi is bound to be fruitful. After all, there are so many things to do in Delhi. In this article, I’ll put forward a list of the best places to visit in Delhi. So, let’s begin with the list of things to do in Delhi and the best places to visit in Delhi.
1. Visit the India Gate
If you are in Delhi, you simply can’t miss the India gate. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best places to visit in Delhi. While you are at the India gate, you could have a picnic there. You could even take an early morning walk along the historic and serene Rajpath.
Also, you can enjoy the splendid sunrise and sunset while taking a boat ride. The splendid silhouette of this ancient city is truly a sight that you must see. When it comes to food in that area, you could savor the famous “chuski” or enjoy bhutta (corn) with tea.
If you are a night owl, and even if you aren’t, make sure to witness the India gate at night. It is a splendid sight indeed.
2. Savor the Tastes of Paranthe Wali Gali
If you are a foodie, this is by far one of the best things to do in Delhi for you. Located in the Chandni Chowk area, this place is famous for its street food. Especially if you’re visiting Delhi in winters, you must taste the paranthas, kababs and the sweets of this place.
Although most of the shops are equally good, Kanai Lal Durga Parshad Dixit Paratha is the most popular.
3. Chill and Shop at Connaught Place
The British established Connaught place (CP) in 1933 and since then, it has been one of Delhi’s primary business centers. Typical to British architecture, the locality is built in three concentric rings. With a central park, the locality is adorned with Georgian-style buildings.
Quite deservingly, Connaught place is regarded as Delhi’s heart and is well connected with every corner of the city.
A few years back, CP was mostly a few shopping malls, bars, and stores selling clothes. However, it has completely changed its appearance over the years, especially with the opening of the Metro in the area.
Now, with its posh bars and restaurants, CP is like a night-life hub of Delhi. During the day, you may visit the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara which is a holy place of the Sikhs. You may also visit the ancient Hanuman temple or the Janpath market. Another interesting place to visit in the area is an ancient well, known as Agrasen ki Baoli.
Apart from these, you may also witness the manual laundry at Devi Prasad Sadan Dhobi Ghat. To reach CP, you may take a metro to Rajiv Chowk.
4. Explore the Lodhi Art District
Known as Delhi’s art district, the walls in Lodhi Colony are adorned with splendid street art and graffiti. Artists from around the world and also from the locality have collaborated with St+art India which is an NGO.
Together, they have created more than 20 murals to decorate the locality. During your visit, you may also drop into one of the restaurants in the area which serve delicious food.
5. Hang Out at Hauz Khas Village
If you’re thinking about what to do in Delhi to have fun, you must check out the Hauz Khas Village. This place is one of Delhi’s oldest, as well as, hippest places. In ancient times, the locality housed a royal water tank, from which the area derives its name. Hauz Khas undoubtedly ranks quite high on the list of best places to visit in Delhi.
Apart from the Hauz Khas complex, there is also a madrasa and the tomb of Tughlaq ruler Firoze Shah. Very close to the locality, there is a Deer Park which has become quite famous.
If you choose, you may also visit one of the many high-class boutiques, bars, restaurants and art galleries. If you are looking for a nice place to hang out, I’d recommend the Kunzum Travel Café.
6. Experience Qawwali at Nizamuddin Dargah
Qawwali is the music form of the ancient folk cult known as the Sufi. At the Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah, the tomb of Nizamuddin Auliya, you can experience live Qawwali every Thursday evening. The Qawwalis are performed by different devoted families, some of which have been performing for more than a century.
Apart from this, there is also a happening market nearby which you may choose to explore.
7. Cycle through the Streets of Delhi
If you wish to truly experience any city, you have to witness it up close. This is particularly true of Delhi, which demands that you physically sense all its colors and smells. It’s a marvelous experience to cycle around the streets of Delhi. A Dutch company, Delhi By Cycle, organizes early morning bicycle tours, which you might avail.
8. Explore Delhi on Foot – City Walk
If cycling is not your forte, or even if it is, you may take a walk around the city. Trust me when I say that it’s a truly wonderful and enriching experience. Various organizations conduct city walks in Delhi. You may look them up on the internet and participate in one of these. If you wish to be self-dependent and would love to walk around on your own, of course, nothing stops you.
About Author
Shivali Singla is a Blogger, Content Writer, and a Storyteller. She is on a mission to inspire people by her writing. She strongly believes in Karma, the Law of Attraction, and the concept of IKIGAI.