Old Delhi Tours & Experiences

Things to do in Old Delhi

Climb the Jama Masjid's minaret

Long flights of steps lead up to Shah Jahan's mosque, and its southern minaret looks over the walled city's rooftops. Sightseers may enter until sunset, with a pause at midday; robes for covering up can be hired at the northern gate.

Walk Chandni Chowk end to end

Start at the Lal Jain Mandir, facing the Red Fort, and head west about 2 km to Fatehpuri Masjid, past Gurudwara Sis Ganj, the Central Baptist Church and the Town Hall. The Delhi government's heritage walk on this route lasts about two and a half hours.

Eat through the food lanes

On our Old Delhi street food walk, a guide leads you to a handful of stalls, each picked for one dish: parathas, chaat, kebabs, then jalebi. Paratha shops have filled Paranthe Wali Gali since the 1870s. Mention allergies or a Jain diet when you book.

Browse the bazaars by trade

Lanes keep to one trade each: Dariba Kalan for jewellery and perfume, Kinari Bazaar for trimmings, Nai Sarak for books, and Khari Baoli, by the Ministry of Tourism's reckoning Asia's largest wholesale spice market. Our Old Delhi heritage walk takes the back lanes, by cycle-rickshaw where they narrow.

Spend an afternoon at the Red Fort

Allow at least two hours for the halls and museums, among them the Kranti Mandir galleries on 1857 and the Indian National Army. At dusk, the ASI's Jai Hind sound and light show runs in Hindi and English, every evening except Monday.

Choosing between our tours and experiences

Both trips are experiences, walks of a few hours with a local guide, also listed under heritage and architecture and culinary experiences. The heritage walk, three to four hours, explains the mosque and the bazaars; the food walk is for eating, and pairs well with it later in the day. Multi-day tours are on our Delhi page.

When to go for these

Walking is most pleasant from October to March. From April to June, Delhi's afternoons average 36 to 40°C, so start early; the food walk runs all year, with morning and early-evening slots. The fort also closes every Monday, and for some weeks before 15 August each year.

Planning tips

Wear closed shoes in the crowded, uneven lanes, which are largely closed to private cars, so arrive by metro, and carry cash. For the history behind each sight, read our Old Delhi travel guide.