Delhi Bucket List: What to Eat, See, & Experience

Delhi is not a place you understand in one day, but you instantly feel at home here. You gradually discover it, one expedition at a time. You may step out for tea and end up chatting with a stranger at a tapri. A walk down a narrow lane can show you old houses, small temples, or quiet mosques.

This city feels old and new at the same time. It’s the national capital, but also a city of refugees and immigrants. It is noisy, busy, and sometimes messy, but that’s part of what makes it special.

This guide is not about rushing from one tourist spot to another in Delhi. It’s about stopping, looking around, and enjoying each moment. Whether you have two days or a full week, Delhi has something for everyone.

From buttery breakfasts in Old Delhi to peaceful music at sunset, this list shares simple places and moments that bring the city to life. Come with curiosity—and leave with stories, flavours, and memories.

Must See

• India Gate & Rajpath – Best seen at dusk when the lights come on and locals gather for ice cream and slow walks. A morning visit means spotting joggers and tea sellers.
• Humayun’s Tomb – The red sandstone beauty is one of Delhi’s calmest monuments. After exploring, sit in the gardens with a cold drink or carry paranthas for a little picnic.
• Qutub Minar and Mehrauli – Towering and powerful, this UNESCO site surprises with intricate carvings. Go early to avoid the crowd and feel its stillness. Mehrauli is the home to Sabyasachi’s flagship store and several high-end restaurants, bars, and clubs that attract global attention. Great for a stylish dinner or evening out after exploring Qutub Minar.

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• Jama Masjid & Old Delhi – Walk through the bazaars, stop for nihari and naan, and climb the mosque’s minaret for a sweeping city view.
• Hauz Khas Village – By day, it’s all cafés and boutiques. But sunset by the fort ruins and lake is the real show.
• Lodhi Art District – India’s first open-air art gallery. Stroll through murals and stop at one of the nearby bakeries or coffee houses.
• Bangla Sahib Gurudwara – A peaceful visit, especially at night. Don’t miss the langar, a community meal served with humility and warmth.

Must Eat

• Delhi’s food is a delicious confluence - Mughlai, Punjabi, street, modern Indian apart, there are pockets where you’ll find Bengali, Malayali and even Nepali food in abundance. Spicy, buttery, tangy, and soul-filling.
• Chhole Bhature (Sitaram Diwan Chand, Paharganj ) – Puffy, crispy bhature and spicy chole, served with tangy pickle and onions.
• Paranthas (Paranthe Wali Gali) – From classic aloo to rabri-stuffed, these paranthas are deep-fried and served with chutney, curry, and curd.

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• Butter Chicken (Moti Mahal, Daryaganj) – The dish was born here. Creamy, smoky, and rich. Best eaten with garlic naan.
• Kebabs (Khan Chacha, Al-Jawahar, Al-Bake, or Karim’s) – Seekh, shammi, galouti—served hot off the grill, best with mint chutney.
• Rajma Chawal (Near Delhi University North Campus colleges) – Simple, homestyle comfort food served on steel plates with onions and pickles.
• Street Chaat (UPS Bhawan, Bengali Market, Lajpat Nagar) – Golgappas, dahi bhalla, papdi chaat—sweet, spicy, cold, crunchy all in one bite.
• Kulfi-Falooda (Roshan Di Kulfi, Karol Bagh) – Cold, rich kulfi topped with rose-syrup-soaked falooda.

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• Momo And More (Majnu Ka Tilla) - This Tibetan colony is a hidden germ for momos, thukpa and laphing. The lanes are full of small cafes where you can enjoy warm, comforting food with bold flavours.

Also Read: Gujarat Bucket List: What to Eat, See, & Experience

Must Experience

Delhi isn’t just about things to see. It’s about how the city feels—in its gatherings, rituals, and everyday magic.

• Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah(Thursday Qawwalis) - Sufi music floats through the air as people gather at sunset for a spiritual escape. Get rose petals, cover your head, and let the music take over.
• Delhi Haat - A cultural mix of crafts, handlooms, and regional food stalls. Each visit is different, depending on the state exhibits.
• Cycle Tours at Dawn - Ride through India Gate, Connaught Place, and the backlanes of Shahjahanabad while the city slowly wakes up.
• Evening at Agrasen ki Baoli - Hauntingly beautiful stepwell with centuries of silence. Come just before sunset for surreal photos and echoing calm.
• Book Cafés in South Delhi - Spend a lazy afternoon reading at cafés like Kunzum Travel Café, Jugmug Thela, or Café Turtle.
• Lutyens Bungalow Homestays - Experience old colonial-style bungalows, lush gardens, and home-cooked meals.
• State Bhawans Food Trails - Enjoy authentic food from across India at places like Gujarat Bhawan, Andhra Bhawan, New Sikkim House, Nagaland Bhawan and Banga Bhawan. The food is fresh, tasty, affordable and feels just like a home-cooked meal. No fancy setting in most of these state government-run restaurants, just authentic flavours from across India.

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Must Do

• Watch a play at the National School of Drama or Shri Ram Centre
• Join a morning laughter club at Lodhi Gardens
• Take the Delhi Metro and experience daily city life
• Attend an art show at India Habitat Centre
• Shop for handicrafts at Janpath or Sarojini Nagar
• Enjoy rooftop dining in Connaught Place

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Must Buy

• Khadi cotton from Khadi Gram Udyog
• Traditional jewellery from Dariba Kalan
• Attars (natural perfumes) from Old Delhi
• Street fashion bargains from Sarojini & Lajpat
• Art prints from Delhi Art Gallery
• Books from Daryaganj Sunday Book Market

Best Time to Visit

October to March – Pleasant weather, perfect for heritage walks and food tours. Also the season for festivals like Diwali and Holi.

July to September – Monsoon freshness and fewer tourists. Mughal gardens are lush, and café culture comes alive.

Number of Days Needed

Recommended Stay: 5–7 Days

Enough to visit key monuments, explore food across neighbourhoods, take a heritage walk, and have a spontaneous evening or two.

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Travel & Food Tips

• Carry cash for smaller street stalls
• Metro is the fastest, cleanest way to travel
• Avoid street food with raw ingredients, go for fresh, hot options
• Try food in university and central Delhi state bhawan areas, it’s tasty, cheap, and full of energy
• Locals love chai breaks, don’t skip them
• A scarf or stole comes in handy at religious spots

Bonus Tip: Top Foodie Neighbourhoods

• Old Delhi – Food meets history. Must try: nihari, korma, jalebi.
• Chandni Chowk – Paranthas, kebabs, and sweets in packed lanes.
• Connaught Place – The heart of the city for cafés, bakeries, and modern Indian restaurants.
• South Delhi (Hauz Khas, SDA, CR Park) – Great for global food, cafés, and Bengali sweets.
• North Campus (DU) – Budget eats with a college vibe: momos, rolls, Maggi joints.

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Delhi is full of surprises, big and small. Whether it’s a quiet corner, a warm meal, or a lively market, every part has something to offer. This list is just a starting point. Let yourself explore, try something new, and enjoy each moment. That’s how you truly experience Delhi, not just as a visitor, but as a part of it.