Delhi, the immense capital of India, is a beautiful paradox where ancient heritage meets contemporary ambition. This makes it an ideal place to visit for budget-conscious tourists. Delhi is an amazing place for travelers ready to brave its crowded streets, fragrant spice shops and stunning monuments. Plus, it won’t break the bank. This city rewards those who embrace its complexity with wonderful souvenirs and surprisingly inexpensive experiences, whether you’re strolling the winding streets of Old Delhi or admiring the colonial grandeur of New Delhi.
Understanding the two souls of Delhi
To make the most of their stay in Delhi, travelers should know that the city has two very different sides. Mughal emperor Shah Jahan built old Delhi in the 17th century. It is a lively neighborhood with small streets, ancient sites and lively markets where tradition reigns. British architect Edwin Lutyens built New Delhi in the early 1900s. It has wide boulevards, huge parks, and grand government buildings that show how ambitious the British were when they colonized India. Understanding this difference helps travelers make wise decisions about where to stay and what to do based on the type of environment they want.
Getting there and airport transfers
Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is the main airport for foreign and local visitors. The Airport Express Metro Line is the cheapest route to downtown Delhi. It connects the airport to New Delhi Railway Station and Connaught Place and takes around 20-25 minutes. If you are planning to travel to Delhi, you may want to inquire Flights {0} for good prices and discounts that could help you save money immediately. Local buses also connect the airport to different parts of the city, but they take much longer and can be difficult to understand for first-time tourists.
Where to stay – Accommodation for all budgets
Paharganj (the backpacker hub)
Paharganj, which is close to New Delhi Railway Station, remains the best place for backpackers as it has many hostels, affordable hotels and travel agencies. Hostels like Zostel and Hosteller Delhi are popular because they include clean rooms, shared kitchens, free Wi-Fi, and opportunities to meet other travelers. The area is full of life, has many restaurants offering dishes from around the world, and has excellent metro access to attractions in Old Delhi and New Delhi.
Connaught Place (central and connected)
Backpackers looking for a nicer place to stay with better facilities can find mid-range hostels and guesthouses in Connaught Place. This circular market dating from the colonial period is in the middle of everything, has cleaner streets and seems more cosmopolitan. The YWCA International Guest House is a good deal because it offers large rooms, free breakfast, and a secure place to stay.
Old Delhi (immersive experience)
If you stay at Chandni Chowk, you will be in the heart of old Delhi, close to Jama Masjid, the Red Fort and excellent street food. Accommodations here are more basic, but they are real and very cheap. Private rooms in guest houses are available. The continuous activity, the call to prayer of Jama Masjid and the small streets make for a very cultural experience.
Getting around – Transportation tips
Delhi Metro (Your Best Friend)
The best way to get around this huge city is the Delhi Metro. It’s cheap, fast and pleasant. Metro prices vary depending on the distance traveled. They cover most major attractions and areas. You can also buy a metro card at any station kiosk and fill it with money to avoid having to queue for tokens every time you ride. Do not buy the tourist card as it does not work on all lines and is not worth the price. The metro runs from approximately 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. During rush hour, trains arrive every few minutes.
Auto rickshaw and walking
Auto rickshaws are a great way to get around neighborhoods for short distances and they are affordable. To avoid arguments, always ask for the meter or pay the price before leaving. Walking remains the ideal way to discover places like Chandni Chowk, Paharganj and Connaught Place, where you can find hidden gems and chat with people. Uber is also available around Delhi and offers very low prices.
Read next: Backpacker’s Guide to Transportation in India
Exploring Old Delhi – Historical Immersion
Jama Masjid (Architectural grandeur)
In 1656, Shah Jahan built the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Anyone can come for free, regardless of religion. Dress modestly with shoulders and legs covered, remove your shoes before entering, and consider climbing the South Minaret for a small fee to enjoy stunning panoramic views of Old Delhi’s chaotic rooftops and bustling streets. To actually see the large courtyard that can accommodate 25,000 people, go there when there are no prayers.
Red Fort (Mughal Magnificence)
This UNESCO World Heritage Site was the royal seat of the Mughal rulers for around 200 years and features exquisite red sandstone architecture. There is an entrance fee and the establishment is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day except Monday. You should plan to spend two to three hours visiting the large complex’s many palaces, museums, and gardens. The nightly sound and light show, which requires a fee, brings Mughal history to life with a dramatic narrative.
Chandni Chowk (sensory overload)
Chandni Chowk is one of the largest wholesale markets in Asia. There are plenty of shops in its short lanes selling everything from spices to gadgets, which can be a lot to carry around. You don’t have to pay to get in, and just wandering these historic streets can keep you busy for hours. Go early in the morning (7am-9am) to avoid the hustle and bustle and watch the market come to life. Kinari Bazaar is a great place to buy wedding supplies. Dariba Kalan is a great place to buy jewelry. Khari Baoli is Asia’s largest spice bazaar, and it smells delicious thanks to the mountains of turmeric, pepper and cardamom.
Paranthe Wali Gali (Food Paradise)
This renowned little lane of Chandni Chowk has been making stuffed parathas since the 1870s. There are various family businesses that serve parathas loaded with potatoes, paneer, cauliflower, radishes and even sweet fillings like rabri. You can eat them with sour chutneys, yogurt and pickles. This hearty and affordable dinner perfectly illustrates how good real Delhi food can be.
Navigating New Delhi – The Colonial Legacy
India Gate and Rajpath
India Gate is a 42 meter high military monument that commemorates Indian warriors. It is the most recognized monument in New Delhi and is free to visit. The gardens surrounding the area are wonderful places for picnics and in the evening the vendors sell food and ice cream. The sprawling Rajpath stretches from India Gate to Rashtrapati Bhavan (the Presidential Palace), showcasing Lutyens’ stunning urban design.
Humayun’s Tomb (Architectural Inspiration)
This magnificent 16th-century mausoleum, which inspired the design of the Taj Mahal, requires an entrance fee for tourists. The UNESCO World Heritage site has stunning Mughal gardens, intricate marble inlays and calm landscapes perfect for afternoon walks. Taking images is free, but shooting videos costs more. Depart at golden hour before sunset, when the red sandstone sparkles beautifully.
Qutub Minar (medieval wonder)
The Qutub Minar complex is the tallest brick minaret in the world, measuring 73 meters. The archaeological region surrounding it is home to ancient iron pillars, destroyed mosques and stone sculptures hundreds of years old. Plan to spend one to two hours visiting this UNESCO World Heritage site in South Delhi.
Connaught Place (colonial circle)
Robert Tor Russell, a British architect, built this circular market where you can freely explore colonnaded Georgian-style buildings, merchants from around the world and Indian artisan stores. The central park hosts cultural events and the area is a public transport hub well served by the metro. It costs nothing to look at things through windows, people watch or soak up the colonial ambiance.
Food – Eat well on a limited budget
Street food adventures
Delhi’s street food scene offers the best prices and most authentic dishes. Golgappe, or pani puri, are crispy hollow puris filled with spicy tamarind water, potatoes and chickpeas. These are the most famous snacks in Delhi and can be found almost everywhere. Aloo tikki are spicy potato pancakes that are fried until crispy and served with chutneys and yogurt and make a great snack. Chole Bhature, a complete breakfast or lunch, is a spicy chickpea curry with soft fried bread that you should definitely try.
Where to eat safely
Stick to busy vendors where residents line up, which will ensure the food is fresh and reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Connaught Place Bengali Market, Kamla Nagar and Sarojini Nagar Market are all great places to enjoy street food. Aslam Chicken Corner in Old Delhi serves famous kebabs, nihari (slow-cooked beef stew) and butter chicken. Always carry hand sanitizer with you, drink bottled water, and avoid raw vegetables at first until your stomach gets used to them.
Free hostel kitchens and meals
Many hostels include shared kitchens where travelers can prepare their meals with items they purchase from local stores. This significantly reduces food prices. Some hostels offer free breakfast, and dining with other visitors gives you the opportunity to share meals and stories with them. You can buy fresh fruits and vegetables in local supermarkets and vegetable markets for very little money.
Read next: The Best Vegan Dishes in India
Free and low-cost activities
Visit the temples
Delhi has hundreds of beautiful temples, most of which are free to enter. Some of the most famous are the huge Akshardham Temple complex (closed on Mondays), the Lotus Temple with its unique floral architecture and the colorful Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, which welcomes everyone and serves free vegetarian meals. These places provide quiet escapes from the hustle and bustle of Delhi and feature a wide range of religious architecture.
Walking tours
There is free walking tours in places like Nizamuddin Basti, guided by expert guides who work for advice. These tours teach you about the culture, history and architecture of the region. Self-guided tours through Hauz Khas Village, Mehrauli Archaeological Park and Lodhi Gardens are free and show you the many layers of Delhi’s history.
Parks and gardens
Lodhi Gardens is a 90-acre park featuring 15th-century tombs surrounded by manicured lawns and walking paths. Entrance is free and is a popular spot for runners and picnickers in the morning. In South Delhi, the Garden of the Five Senses offers creative landscapes and free cultural spaces.
Money Saving Tips for Backpackers
The essentials of negotiation
Negotiations are expected on the markets; start at 40-50% of the advertised price and end at 60-70%. Don’t be too careful, be prepared to go and shop where the locals do rather than establishments that cater to tourists. If you want clear prices, government fixed price stores are a great place to buy high-quality handicrafts without having to haggle.
Plan your visit
Visit during the shoulder seasons (February-March or September-October) when the weather is good but there are fewer tourists. This usually leads to better deals on places to stay. Stay away from the hottest summer months (May to July), when temperatures can exceed 40°C and fog in winter (December to January) can make travel difficult.
Combined tickets and student discounts
Some archaeological sites offer combo tickets that allow you to see more than one monument for a lower price. International Student ID Cards (ISIC) offer you discounts on several attractions and transport. Even if they don’t get promoted, always ask about the students’ performance. account.
Safety Considerations for Budget Travelers
Common scams to avoid
Beware of gem scams where polite individuals ask you to send gems abroad for money, rickshaw drivers say your hotel is full and suggest other options, and fake travel agencies in Paharganj. Always book your accommodation through trusted sites, use metered transportation, or agree rates in advance. If something doesn’t seem right, follow your instincts.
Stay healthy
Only drink bottled water, don’t put ice in your drinks, and don’t go crazy for street food right away. Bring a basic medical kit containing antiseptics, antidiarrheal medications, and rehydration salts. Many people who backpack have mild stomach problems during the first few days. This is natural and normally goes away as your body gets used to it.
Solo travelers
Delhi is a place where single women need to be extra careful, but thousands of women travel safely by following simple measures. Wear clothes that protect your shoulders and knees, don’t travel alone late at night, use an app to get around instead of calling a cab off the street, and stay in hostels that other travelers have reviewed well. The YWCA and women’s only dormitories provide more security and a sense of community.
Read next: How to prepare for a trip to India
Cultural etiquette and respect
Dress appropriately
Delhi is rather conservative apart from the nicer areas. When going to religious places, be sure to cover your shoulders and legs. Take off your shoes before entering a temple or mosque. Dressing modestly also stops others from staring at you and demonstrates respect for the local culture.
Photography Permissions
Always ask anyone, especially women, if you can take a photo of them. Some religious places do not allow photos at shrines or charge a fee to take them. You cannot take photos in military bases or subway stations.
Conclusion
Delhi offers daring travelers incredible experiences that combine historical grandeur, cultural authenticity and incredibly low prices. At first, the hustle and bustle of the city is too much to handle, but soon she shows patterns, rhythms, and acts of compassion that turn perplexity into interest.
Backpackers can see a lot of old and New Delhi while spending much less than in most other world capitals if they plan ahead, are aware of other cultures, and are open to new experiences.
The experiences of navigating Delhi’s contradictions, ancient monuments next to contemporary subways, street food carts next to luxury hotels and noisy bazaars that open onto peaceful gardens, create stories that last long after the journey is over.
