Delhi, India’s chaotic megacity capital is the place where most travellers will start their journey in the country. Though beginning plans for that first time in Delhi can be justly overwhelming.
Delhi is like the nerve centre of India. It is a city of extremes in which ancient and contemporary cultures coalesce. But it is a brilliant city to start your adventure in India from and with a bit of a heads up you too can find your feet in this incredible subcontinent.
Let’s go through the ultimate tips to make your first time in Delhi unforgettable.
- About Delhi
- What To Expect
- Tips For Your First Time in Delhi
Find Your Feet First
Dress Appropriately
Get a SIM Card
Carry Cash
Book a (Good) Driver
Plan Your Itinerary
Old Delhi or South Delhi?
Learn a Couple of Hindi phrases
Carry Hygiene Essentials
Go With the Flow - Where to Stay in Delhi
- More About Delhi
A Little Bit About Delhi First
Delhi is a perfect mixture of ancient history with modern dynamics. Though arriving for your first time to Delhi can justly feel overwhelming with the spread of India’s megacity capital.
Colloquially Delhi and New Delhi are used interchangeably, although old Delhi is likely what you’re picturing in your mind when you imagine the chaos of India! This is the bustling and busiest part of the city and thus the best part to visit early on the first day of your Delhi itinerary.
Central Delhi is centred around Connaught Place. This is a fairly modern district in Delhi with lots of shops and restaurants and close to the sites of the old city.
South Delhi is a more residential area of the city and is close to the Lotus Temple and Qutab Minar.
What To Expect For Your First Time in Delhi
Delhi’s charm lies in its contrasts. It’s a city where ancient history meets modern sophistication, where bustling markets coexist with unexpected peaceful(ish) green(ish) parks.
It is a lot to take in for a first time in Delhi. But that is all part of the incredible allure of India.
It is as people describe it to be an assault on all of the senses. Though in a good way! It makes you feel alive and it really does feel like a privilege to experience such a historic and exciting capital city.
- Read India Travel Guide.
1. Find Your Feet
India remains one of the world’s greatest and most rewarding travel experiences. It is also, a leap in the deep end arriving to your first time in Delhi.
Even repeat visitors to this megacity of a capital find themselves wide-eyed taking it all in. Because it is a lot to absorb on any scale.
You don’t have to go all pseudo hippy and dive right in as a rugged traveller on your first time.
Instead, allow yourself time to find your feet in Delhi. It is ok to feel overwhelmed initially. Though be prepared for awe and excitement to follow suite.
Our 24-Hour Rule
Do some research first and have a bit of a plan in mind for arriving. We always find that with a new city or destination it takes at least 24 hours to make a fair judgement call. (I call this our ’24-Hour Rule’ for somewhere new!).
India is enormous and Delhi is just the beginning. So give yourself a breather first and embrace that adjustment to the wonderful chaos and colours.
- Tip: Don’t panic! Give yourself 24 hours to find your feet. It will be well worth it.
2. Dress Appropriately
There isn’t officially a dress code for what to wear in India as a tourist.
However, modest clothing is appreciated. It’s physically comfortable for travel. Plus it likely means you maaaay even get a few less stares, which (sorry, India) does happen. A. LOT.
Most Indian’s favour and appreciate modest, traditional clothing and you will likely find you enjoy your first time in Delhi much more and are better received if you do too.
Not to mention that it is also comfortable in the heat and makes it much easier to manoeuvre in and out of rickshaws if you are dressed for the environment.
- Tip: Dress respectfully and modestly in Delhi.
3. Get a SIM Card
I know our forefathers in travel used to overland all the way from Europe with just a paper map. But that doesn’t mean we need to feel guilty today for the convenience of modern travel connected with the internet. (Right?).
We all rely so much on the internet these days.
For your first time in Delhi it is useful to have mobile data for navigating, translating, booking accommodation and getting the most out of activities. Plus having mobile data is genuinely the best way of capturing all the incredible sights and sounds to share back home and on social media!
Hotels and accommodation in India do (mostly) have WIFI (it’s not that outdated). But the truth is mobile data will make your first days in Delhi more relaxing so you can explore with confidence.
How to Get Connected
To keep it simple, you essentially have three options for staying connected with mobile data while traveling in India:
- Extend you home mobile plan
- Buy a local SIM Card for India
- Get an eSIM for India
You could extend your plan from home and use your native SIM card internationally. However, most international roaming plans (sorry) can be eye-wateringly expensive.
We recommend it as a pretty much essential tip on travelling to India that you get a SIM card of some sort for your travels.
- Tip: Get an eSIM or physical SIM card for travel in India.
4. Carry Cash
Carrying a pocket full of 100-rupee notes might seem a little unnecessary in modern times. But this is India remember.
Small change is key.
It helps you out considerably when paying for transportation or food at local restaurants.
Many auto-rickshaw drivers or small street food kiosks won’t be able to break a 500-rupee note – and you can take my word for it that it isn’t fun running around in the heat and traffic to try and find an ATM that actually works with your international card.
- Tip: Carry cash and make sure you have small notes too.
5. Book a Driver: Maximise Your First Day in Delhi
The capital city of India is grandly spread out. Remember that more than 33 million people live here in Delhi!
At each of the main sites in Delhi (like Humayun’s Tomb and Jama Masjid) there are registered guides available advertised at the entrance. So if you want to know more about a site or have a guided tour of somewhere specific, this is a good option.
Otherwise the best way to get around in Delhi is by auto rickshaw independently but with the same driver for the day.
By using a local driver who speaks English you can find treasures in the city and quiet places in Delhi to experience what is truly the best of India’s capital.
We have a fantastic driver contact to recommend in Delhi.
We Recommend: Sunny & Vinny
Finding a trustworthy driver among Delhi’s 100,000+ rickshaws can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. But we have a fantastic personal recommendation to help you bypass the stress.
Sunny and his brother Vinny are part of a family that has worked in Delhi tourism for generations. They are professional, speak excellent English, and are experts at navigating the city’s complex traffic.
I have lost count how many times we have visited Delhi in the last few years. But every time we come – and with our India Group Trips – we always use and recommend to friends, Sunny and Vinny.
Contact Sunny via WhatsApp: > +9195997 59259 > Tip: Send him a message a day or two in advance to secure your booking.
Guided Tours at Monuments
While your driver handles the logistics, you might still want a deep dive into the history of specific sites.
- Official Guides: At major landmarks like the Red Fort or Humayun’s Tomb, you will find registered guides at the entrance.
- Look for ID: Always ask to see their official government-issued ID card before agreeing to a tour.
Contact Sunny via WhatsApp: > +91 95997 59259
- Tip: Book a driver to take you around for your first day in Delhi.
- Read more about things to do in Delhi.
6. Don’t Attempt It All On Your First Time in Delhi
Delhi is a sensory feast, but it’s also a marathon. With so much history and culture packed into one territory, the biggest mistake travellers make is trying to see everything in one go.
There are loads of great things to see and do (and taste) in Delhi. But to truly enjoy the city, you need a strategy that prioritises quality over quantity.
Our ‘Split-Stay’ Strategy
Rather than spending four or five consecutive days in the city at the start of your trip on your first time in Delhi — which can lead to ‘temple fatigue’ — we recommend breaking your visit into two parts:
- Day 1 (The Introduction): For your first time in Delhi, spend one full day at the beginning of your trip. This allows you to find your ‘India legs’, get your SIM Card and currency sorted, and see one or two major highlights.
- The Final Days: Save two or more days for the end of your itinerary. By then, you’ll be more comfortable with the pace of the country, better at bargaining, and ready to dive deeper into the markets and street food.
What to Prioritise (and What to Skip)
On your first day, you want high-impact sites that capture the soul of the city without being unnecessarily tedious to reach.
- Essential Delhi: We reckon see Jama Masjid and the surrounding streets of Old Delhi. This area is an incredible, albeit intense, introduction to the sights, sounds, and smells that define the capital.
- To Skip: We often recommend skipping the Lotus Temple (Bahai House of Worship) on your first day. While it is architecturally stunning and frequently photographed, it is located quite far from other major sites and involves long queues. Compared to the ancient history of the Mughal monuments, it can feel a bit underwhelming for a first-day itinerary.
Delhi is better experienced when you aren’t rushing to beat a clock. It is a city of layers; leave some for your return journey!
- Tip: Don’t attempt to see too many sites of Delhi on your first day.
- Read our detailed 1-, 2- or 3-day Delhi itinerary to help you plan.
7. Ease Into Accommodation (& Different Neighbourhoods) in Delhi
Delhi has an incredible range of accommodation, from five-star luxury to shoestring guesthouses. However – trust me – the neighbourhood you choose will completely define your first impression of the city.
To ensure you ease into India rather than being overwhelmed by it, it is vital to pick a base that matches your travel style.
These are the major neighbourhoods best for accommodation in Delhi:
1. Paharganj
Paharganj is world-famous as the backpacker heart of Delhi. Its central strip, the Main Bazaar, is a chaotic, buzzing hive of cheap eats and budget hotels.
- The Pros: Extremely affordable; walking distance to New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) and Connaught Place.
- The Cons: It is loud, crowded, and intense (very!) for newcomers.
- Our Advice: We love visiting Paharganj for the energy and the market, but for your very first night in India, you might prefer a quieter base.
2. Central Delhi & Connaught Place
Centered around the circular heritage market of Connaught Place (CP), this is the modern commercial heart of the city.
- The Vibe: Organized and colonial-style architecture with plenty of international chain hotels, high-end restaurants, and accessible metro links.
- Our Advice: This is a great middle-ground for travellers who want to be close to the historic sites of Old Delhi while still having access to modern comforts and familiar brands. Plus there are some fab restaurants here!
3. South Delhi
South Delhi is more residential, greener, and generally more upscale than the center of the city.
- The Vibe: Areas like Hauz Khas, Greater Kailash, or Saket offer a much calmer atmosphere. It’s closer to landmarks like the Qutub Minar and the Lotus Temple.
- Our Advice: If you are nervous about “sensory overload,” look for a boutique hotel or guesthouse here. It provides a peaceful sanctuary to return to after a busy day of sightseeing.
- Tip: Do some research before deciding which area of the city to stay on your first time in Delhi.
Remember that Delhi’s Metro is world-class. Even if you stay in the South, you can reach the historic chaos of Old Delhi in under 30 mins for just a few rupees.
8. Learn a Few Hindi Phrases For Your First Time in Delhi
The most widely spoken language in India is Hindi. But did you know that India has 22 official languages?!
English is also one of the national languages and is widely spoken (to some extent) in the cities of India. But learning a few basic phrases in Hindi can be helpful on your first time in Delhi.
These are some common phrases that will help you on your travels in India (and that you will get used to hearing a lot):
- Hello: Namaste
- How are you? Aap kayse hai?
- Good: Acchha
- What is your name? Aapka naam kya hai?
- My name is _ : I mera naam _
- Thank you: Danyavaad! / Shukhriya!
- Yes: Jee hang
- No: Jee na’heeng
- Pani: Water
- How much is this? Kitne kaa hai?
Of course every conversation or interaction ends with the famous head wobble. You may need to get some practice in before arriving as it could mean one of many things! 🙂
9. Carry Hygiene Essentials
Yes; travel in India is synonymous with hygiene challenges and the potential for getting sick.
It is often associated with the risk of Delhi Belly, but getting sick isn’t an inevitability. By being proactive and prepared, you can stay healthy and comfortable throughout your trip.
The Pharmacy Safety Net
The first thing to know is that Delhi has a massive medical infrastructure. There are thousands of pharmacies (chemists) throughout the city where medicines are affordable and easily accessible. Literally hundreds and thousands of them.
Many treatments that require a prescription elsewhere can be bought over-the-counter here, so don’t panic if you forget something.
That is worth bearing in mind.
Day Pack Essentials
The second best tip is to always carry hygiene essentials.
This is a bit like a packing list for keeping healthy and hygienic which may sound obvious. But if it is your first time in Delhi this is also advice worth heeding!
Hygiene standards vary wildly when you are out exploring.
In our day pack that we head out with every day (not in our luggage back at the hotel) we have a small toiletry bag containing some essentials.
We recommend carrying:
- Sanitiser & Wet Wipes: Your primary defense before eating or after handling cash.
- Toilet Paper & Tissues:
Manymost public or smaller restaurant restrooms do not provide paper. - Paracetamol & Imodium: For quick relief from headaches or sudden stomach upsets.
- Personal Cutlery: We always carry a travel set. It’s a great backup if you aren’t comfortable eating with your hands or if the provided utensils don’t look quite right.
We also always carry our own cutlery as there are many times it isn’t offered – and in case your hands don’t confirm hygienic enough despite the sanitiser!
About Toilets (Sorry)
I don’t recommend the public toilets in Delhi. (No traveller does).
If you have that kind of an emergency pop into a high-end hotel. There is usually a customer toilet (western style) near reception that is kept to a very high standard. Alternatively, modern shopping malls and well-known cafe chains (like Starbucks) are reliable bets.
Note: While sanitiser is great, nothing beats a thorough scrub with soap and water. Whenever you stop at a reputable cafe or restaurant, take the opportunity to wash your hands properly.
- Tip: Carry a small bag of hygiene essentials.
Worried How To Avoid Delhi Belly in India? We got ya.
10. Go With the Flow
Ultimately the best advice for your first time in Delhi is to go with the flow. Be patient. Be flexible. Enjoy the famous chaos of this historic and colourfully amazing city.
I hope reckon that with these tips you’ll be well-prepared to navigate Delhi with confidence and excitement.
With the lure of adventure, an open-minded attitude, and a few deep breaths, it is a great place to get your first experience of incredible India.
- Tip: Go with the flow. Enjoy Delhi!
Accommodation: Where To Stay on Your First Time in Delhi
If you are arriving in India and spending just the first day in Delhi it makes sense to stay near the airport before heading off to other destinations. We always stay the first night at Taurus Sarovar Portico with our Group Trips and fly to Jaisalmer the next day.
Otherwise there is a multitude of accommodations options in other neighbourhoods of Delhi.
These are the places to stay in Delhi that we recommend:
- Mahipalpur (Airport) – Mid-Range: Taurus Sarovar Portico
Beautiful hotel only a few km’s from Delhi International Airport. A great first stop arriving in India with buffet breakfast included and a restaurant onsite.
- South Delhi – Mid-Range: Haveli Hauz Khas
A homestay style Haveli in the popular Hauz Khas area of South Delhi.
- Connaught Place – Mid-Range-Luxury: Shangri La’s Eros Hotel
The hotel has a few in house restaurants, including the signature Shang Palace and Sorrento. There’s also a gym, an outdoor pool and a spa.
- Paharganj – Budget: Smyle Inn
Extremely basic hotel in small back alley but with very friendly, helpful staff and simple breakfast included. Just off Main Bazaar.
Read More About Travel in Delhi and North India
- Epic 10 Day Rajasthan Itinerary.
- Tips On Travelling To India For The First Time.
- 18 Unique Things To Do In Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
- 5 Cool Markets In Delhi.
- 24 Quintessential Souvenirs From India.
- 5 Quiet Places In Delhi Away From The Crowds.
- Famous Indian Street Food To Try In India.
- 12 Things To Do In Mumbai, India.
- 10 Things To Do In Kolkata.
Planning Before Your First Time in Delhi
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere in India.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Find everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have insurance before travelling for your first time in India!