Where:
Top 5 things to do & to eat in New Delhi, India

Top 5 things to do & to eat in New Delhi, India

by Olivia Bell
Show on the map
Add your comment

Table of contents

  • 1. Get started from India Gate
  • Dine at #1 Indian venue
  • 2. Meditate in The Lotus Temple
  • Try all the types of dosas
  • 3. Go into The Red Fort
  • Jump into the past
  • 4. Feel the essence of the city at Main Bazaar
  • Observe Main Bazaar from the top
  • 5. Explore the tombs
  • Try molecular fusion cuisine Indian style
Show on the map

Delhi, India's capital, is a city of wonders and marvels, boasting three UNESCO World Heritage sites. It’s comprised of two parts, Old Delhi and New Delhi, with no clear dividing line between them. New Delhi is a metropolitan city, featuring towering buildings, advanced metro systems, and structures showcasing British-inspired architecture. It is home to top-notch hotels, movie theaters, and serves as India's political and nuclear hub. Old Delhi, on the other hand, reflects the city's Mughal heritage through its narrow, winding streets, and historic monuments such as the Red Fort and Jama Masjid. The city also offers world-class museums, and is full of beautiful parks and squares, cafes, and bazaars.

Other nearby destinations include Agra, famous for the Taj Mahal, and Jaipur, the Pink City, with its stunning palaces and forts. With its abundance of things to do, Delhi rivals even the world's most popular cities. If you are eager to discover India's capital, you will never fall short of things to do.

1. Get started from India Gate

https://streetphotographymagazine.com/https://streetphotographymagazine.com/

India Gate is a 42-meter tall war memorial in the heart of New Delhi, built to commemorate Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British army in World War I. Surrounded by lovely gardens and fountains, it's a popular picnic spot and gathering place for locals and tourists, especially during holidays. The monument is beautifully lit at night and doubles as a cultural center, hosting concerts, performances, and other events. The surrounding area is a hub for shopping and dining, with street vendors and food stalls offering a range of local and international cuisine. India Gate is a must-see for tourists seeking to learn about India's history and culture and experience the lively atmosphere of New Delhi.

Dine at #1 Indian venue
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Indian Accent
#211 of 35545 restaurants in New Delhi, India
The Lodhi, Lodhi Rd, New Delhi, Delhi, India
Closed until 12PM
Pilaf
Pilaf

Pilaf is one of the main side dishes of the Turkish table. Ideally, rice should not be stuck together but should be scattered with individual grains.

Сlose to India Gate and picturesque Lodhi Garden there’s a beautiful restaurant Indian Accent with several awards and global recognition, being #22 in the list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants and #1 Restaurant in India by Condé Nast Traveller. Situated in the luxurious Lodhi Hotel, the restaurant boasts its unique interior with ceiling-to floor windows facing a glass cube terrace floating in the hotel’s backyard pond.

The six course chef's tasting menu where each course is paired with a selection of wines is definitely worth a try. Check out such highlights as baked paneer with coriander pesto, smoked duck shammi with crispy sevai and barberry chutney, cauliflower paneer kofta with chilly curry or fried prawns with goan red rice pilaf. Leave some space for an Old monk rum ball and warm doda burfi treacle tart as desserts.

2. Meditate in The Lotus Temple

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/https://www.dailymail.co.uk/

The Lotus Temple is a stunning architectural marvel in the shape of a blooming lotus flower and is considered one of the most visited landmarks in Delhi. The temple is made of pure white marble and has nine pools of water surrounding it, adding to its serene and peaceful ambiance.

The temple is also known for its eco-friendly features, such as the use of solar energy for lighting and lush green decoration. The interior is simple and elegant, with no religious symbols, allowing people from all backgrounds and faiths to visit and find solace in its calming atmosphere. Overall, the Lotus Temple is a must-visit for tourists interested in unique architecture and for those looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Try all the types of dosas
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
J U G G E R N A U T
#319 of 35545 restaurants in New Delhi, India
HS16, Kailash Colony Market, New Delhi, Delhi, India
Closed until 6AM
Stew
Stew

A stew is a slowly cooked dish made from different types of meat and vegetables. The dish can include such ingredients as gelatinous, sinewy cuts, onions, carrots, celery, etc. It was originally a common food for poorer people because its ingredients were cheap.

Juggernaut is a South Indian restaurant unlike any other. This massive establishment boasts three levels, including a dining hall, a terrace, and a lobby-slash-store. Its menu features a delicious mix of dosas, uthappams – thicker pancakes with toppings, and authentic vegetable curries. What sets Juggernaut apart is its combination of fantastic food and stunning ambiance, all at affordable prices. The main dining area on the first floor is a feast for the senses, with walls adorned by colorful paintings from the South. Take, for example, the paneer dosa served on dark teal crockery, and the accompanying dishes, such as samhar – a kind of lentil stew, podi ghee idli – small rice cakes, and coconut, mint, or tomato chutneys with curry leaves.

3. Go into The Red Fort

https://www.wendywutours.co.uk/https://www.wendywutours.co.uk/

The Red Fort in Delhi is a highly popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who are interested in Indian history and architecture. The fort, built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, is renowned for the intricate carvings and arches made of red sandstone. Visitors can explore plenty of inner rooms and halls, and visit museums showcasing the Mughal Empire's rich history. The fort is also a cultural center during India's Independence Day celebrations, hosting musical and dance performances. The surrounding gardens and fountains add to the peaceful atmosphere, making this place a serene oasis in the bustling city of Delhi. With the combination of historical significance and stunning architecture, the Red Fort is a must-visit destination for those interested in India's rich cultural heritage.

Jump into the past
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Lakhori-Haveli Dharampura
#619 of 35545 restaurants in New Delhi, India
2293 Gali Guliyan, New Delhi, Delhi, India, 110006
Closed until 7AM
Cannelloni
Cannelloni

It's a cylindrical kind of lasagna made of pancake batter or noodle dough that is stuffed with minced beef, ricotta and vegetables. This dish is rolled, covered with tomato or cheese sauces and baked. Canneloni mean 'big pipes' or 'big reeds' in Italian and originated in Sicilia in 1770.

Indulge in the grandeur of old India at Lakhori, a stunning heritage restaurant located in a beautifully refurbished Haveli Hotel. The restaurant provides a glimpse into the rich history of Old Delhi, offering an unforgettable dining experience in its antique interior with a backdrop of Jama Masjid mosque. Enjoy a Panchratna cocktail and savor dishes like the chicken kebab with spices, paneer cannelloni – cylinder pasta stuffed with a creamy cheese filling, and flavored with garlic palak, or Purani Delhi ki paneer tokri – deep-fried bread baskets filled with a mixture of cottage cheese, vegetables and spices. Cleanse your palate with traditional breads like khurmi or garlic naans, and try sweet, sinful desserts like coconut malai and mango kulfi with falooda – a creamy frozen dessert, very popular in India. Experience traditional kathak performances while dining with a stunning view of Jama Masjid from the terrace, lightened up in the evenings.

4. Feel the essence of the city at Main Bazaar

https://www.booking.com/https://www.booking.com/

Main Bazaar is a bustling street market known for its colorful stalls and shops selling a wide variety of goods, including traditional Indian textiles, spices, jewelry, and souvenirs. Main Bazaar is one of the oldest markets in Delhi and has been a hub of commercial activity for centuries. Here, travelers will find a vibrant atmosphere, with street vendors calling out to potential customers, shopkeepers bargaining with customers, and smells of street food wafting through the air. The market is also known for its narrow and crowded lanes, adding to its unique and authentic feel. Conveniently located near the New Delhi railway station, Main Bazaar is a popular destination for tourists looking to experience the true essence of Old Delhi. Many backpackers stay in budget hotels here during their travels to and from the Himalayas, Varanasi, and Goa, and, accordingly, the goods on offer here appeal to those on a budget.

Observe Main Bazaar from the top
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Krishna Rooftop Cafe
#521 of 9317 cafes in New Delhi, India
15/659 Six Tooti Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi, India
Closed until 6AM
Momos
Momos

Momos are steamed meat, cheese or vegetable dumplings, their name means "steamed buns". This dish was introduced by Tibetan refugees who came to India in the 1960s. It's a common food in the Himalayan regions of North India.

Krishna Rooftop Cafe on Main Bazaar road boasts a stunning view that everyone will appreciate. This eatery provides a relaxing and beautifully decorated open-terrace ambience, complete with appealing food presentation. Chinese, North Indian, and fast food are available at wallet-friendly prices. The must-try menu items include palak paneer, malai kofta, tomato soup, salad, momos, and noodles. The friendly staff at this small but popular rooftop restaurant, overlooking the bustling Tooti Chowk of Main Bazaar, extends a warm welcome. Don’t forget papaya or mango smoothie with crushed ice, a traditional cup of masala tea, and plain rice pudding as a dessert. You'll enjoy sitting on the balcony of this restaurant, conveniently watching the lively street below, listening to the rickshaws’ honks and the hubbub of the crowd outside.

5. Explore the tombs

https://www.expedia.com/https://www.expedia.com/

Delhi is known for its historic tombs – final resting places of Mughal Emperors, powerful statesmen, and Sufi saints. One of the most famous ones is Humayun's Tomb. It is a magnificent example of Mughal architecture, the finest masterpiece of the genre. The tomb is located in the heart of New Delhi and is set amidst lush gardens and courtyards. Its design is a perfect blend of Persian, Timurid and Indian architectural styles, with a large central dome and a series of smaller domes surrounding it. The interior is just as stunning as its exterior, with intricate carvings, marble inlaid work, and beautiful floral motifs adorning its walls. The tomb is one of the best-preserved Mughal monuments in India and attracts thousands of tourists every year. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in India's rich history, culture, and architectural wonders of Delhi's past.

Try molecular fusion cuisine Indian style
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Varq
#1112 of 35545 restaurants in New Delhi, India
The Taj Mahal Hotel, No.1, Near, Maan Singh Rd, New Delhi, Delhi, India
Closed until 12:30PM
Sea bass
Sea bass

Sea bass is distinguished by mildly sweet flavor and meaty consistency. There's a variety of ways to prepare sea bass, namely to grill, roast, steam, poach, and fry it.

Varq is a high-end Indian restaurant located within the Taj Mahal Hotel, serving innovative dishes inspired by molecular fusion cuisine. The restaurant blends organic produce, quality ingredients, and spices to create a unique dining experience. The interiors are modern and elegant, combining traditional Indian themes with contemporary touches like white tablecloths, red water tumblers, and wall murals by a famous Indian artist. The menu features a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes from across India, with specialties like Varqi crab – a dish made with crab meat, Singhada Palak – spinach with water chestnuts, Haleem with kebabs, and other signature dishes like Martaban ka meat, Masala sea bass, Murgh methi malai – chicken with fenugreek leaves and cream, and more. The desserts include such popular treats as Jalebi – a sweet fried pastry, and Shahi Tukda – a royal bread pudding.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, New Delhi is a city that will leave a long lasting impression. So pack your bags, grab a map, and get ready to explore this vibrant and fascinating city!

Show on the map
Add your comment

0 comments

Show more (-5)arrow