10 Things to Do in New Delhi, Budget-traveler friendly
Want to enjoy the very best things the Indian capital can offer without Going bankrupt?
Check this list of budget travelers friendly of things and places to visit
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Explore the Old and the New Delhi
Old Delhi
First and foremost you should visit the old city.
Get lost on the streets and discover the hidden beauty of Old Delhi. Stop on the street to take a chai. It is the typical local drink, a tea full of flavor and served hot.
The streets of Chandni Chowk, the quarter in the heart of Old Delhi are hectic but full of the indian warmth. You cannot go to Delhi and miss it. From old doors to tasty drinks passing by colorful saris and spices you will find everything you need. The area is divided into categories so you can find more easily what you are looking for.
The Old Delhi is surrounded by the Red fort-Shahjahanabad another Mongol beauty symbol of Delhi.
Continue your visit to Jama Masjid a famous mosque.
New Delhi
On Connaught Place, you will see the New Delhi, financial and commercial quarter of New Delhi.
In the area, you will find the Museum of Illusions and Jantar Mantar (an open observatory and planetarium), entry costs INR 300 per person. There is also the Sikh temple Gurudwara Bangla Sahib nearby (see below).
Gurudwara Sri Bangla Sahib
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is an amazing Sikh temple for the Singhs where you can go and discover this religion. The guards are gentle and eager to explain their customs and the history behind the temple. You can also enjoy free food served directly in the temple. The temple served enormous quantities of free food to provide for the poor but everyone was welcome.
Qutb Minar and the surroundings
The Muslim quarters are one of a kind! You will discover the magnificent Qutb Minar. It is the third world’s tallest minaret and a UNESCO world heritage. The entry costs INR 600 per person
Enjoy a tasty meal at an Afghan restaurant nearby. Afghan Darbar is my personal favorite. They served the finest grilled meat which is served directly on the floor on the carpets. That’s a must-do!
Humayun’s and Safdurjung Tomb
Humayun’s tomb is the best option if you cannot make it to the Taj Mahal. Indeed, you can still have an overview of the architectural beauty of the famous Taj Mahal. Entrance is much cheaper and costs INR 600 per person. Contrary to the Taj Mahal which is located in Agra, another city close to Delhi that you can reach by train, it is not in marble. Even if it is less magnificent, it is still an amazing piece of art of the Mughal Emperor. You can also enjoy the beautiful garden.
Safdarjung tomb in the same style as the one above it is another treasure from the Mughal Emperor to discover. Entrance is free for children under 15 and 200 INR for foreigners.
Hauz Khas
Hauz Khas, the area is a must for its various coffee spots, bars shops, and the great park. You can come across hidden gems in traditional clothes and handmade products.
I recommend Kunzum Coffee which is a coffee and a library if you want to have a break and some calm.
Hauz Khas is also THE place to go if you want to enjoy the capital’s nightlife.
Akshardham Temple
Akshardham Temple is a Hindu temple of excellence, enormous, and unique it is another temple that you need to visit. It is a complex composed of the main temple, exhibits, and gardens and is located on the banks of the Yamuna River.
This complex is dedicated to the Bhagwan Swaminarayan who was a worshipper of Lord Krishna and took 5 years to get completed.
Dilli Haat
Dilli Haat is a wonderful market where you can shop for clothes, toys, beauty products, and even house decorations. The particularity of this market is that it comes from all over India! The market concept is to represent each region present in India from the North to the South. So you can discover and buy things from all the regions without even going there! For example, you can find a scarf from Himachal Pradesh or a carpet from the Cashmere district. If you want to visit the region of Himachal Pradesh, you can discover the magnificent city of Kasol in my dedicated article. You have to pay an entry fee, but I promise it is worth it, you can find more info here.
Tips: you can negotiate the price inside the market (yes, the prices are not fixed!).
For book lovers, you can buy new books way cheaper than in Europe/US on the streets. They sell them just outside the metro, before entering the market.
Lodhi Art District and Garden
Lodhi Art District and its numerous streets filled with street art is also one of my favorite places in Delhi. Honestly, I was so amazed every time I came across another street art. They are all so different and colorful!
You can also enjoy the beautiful Lodhi Park.
Paharganj
If you want to finish this wonderful trip of yours and buy a present, Paharaganj is the place to go. There are so many shops where you can discover hidden treasures. You can also enjoy the many rooftops the area offers and the beautiful view of the city. Be careful of pickpocket and avoid the area late at night.
Lotus Temple
This temple is a place open to every religion. If you are Hindu, Muslim, or Sikh, everyone can come and practice their faith there. It is a symbol of tolerance. If you want to experience the mystic India, check my article on the 3 holy cities you need to discover.
I hope you enjoy the list, do not hesitate to let me know which one was your favorite 😉
Check here for a hostel in Delhi (you can put filters according to your budget)!
Let me know in the comment if you are curious about India but afraid to travel there as a female, on demand I can write a blog post on how to stay safe in India as a female travelers 🙂
India in a Nutshell
Cost of life: the local currency is the Indian rupee; 1€= 88 rupees; 1$= 82 rupees and 1£=104 rupees (as of 13.06.2023 bear in mind that the exchange rate is constantly fluctuating; One basic meal = 380 rupees A bed on a hostel = 10 €
Traveling: you can use Uber almost everywhere or there as taxis are available as well as Rickshaws drivers (cheaper price but less comfortable). The subway is also a quick and cheaper way to get from one spot to another.
Visa: be aware that there are multiple types of Visa to go in India starting from 30 days to a year (single or multiple entries) which can vary from 25€ to more than 100€. Depending on your situation it is better to check your local government website for more information
Health: you should check your vaccine before you go and I will advise strongly having the vaccination for rabies if you plan to visit a rural place (as there are a lot of monkeys); keep in mind that the water is not drinkable in the country. Be careful of the mosquitoes and the heat and always wear something eary which covers you entirely (linen or cotton is good)
Security: it is forbidden to have a drone in India; As a woman, I kindly recommend wearing something that covers you daily and when visiting religious places, a scarf to cover the head. Please if you travel as a couple do not be publicly romantic as it is not in the local culture. Finally, there are some areas that you should avoid as there are some conflicts, you can see on your local government site where are the dangerous areas; As a woman avoid public transportation and it is better if you can have a guide and not travel alone as it can be easily dangerous.
