Visiting New Delhi – A City Guide
As the official capital of India since 1947, New Delhi is an international hub of politics, finance and commerce. The Old World persona still holds sway in its culture, cuisine and historical structures, but the “New India” increasingly symbolizes the country’s status on the world stage.
New Delhi: City Layout and Top Attractions
New Delhi is part of the larger National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. The
Rajpath, an east/west ceremonial boulevard, roughly divides New Delhi into its northern and southern sections. It runs from the National Stadium to the Presidential House,
Rashtrapati Bhavan, passing the huge stone archway and war memorial,
India Gate.
Some of the best New Delhi hotels are near major attractions; redeem your IHG
® Rewards Club points to stay near
Connaught Place markets such as
Palika Bazaar and Janpath. Other hotels in New Delhi cluster around the districts of Greater Noida, Gurgaon and Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL).
South of Connaught Place, many visitors enjoy stargazing at
Nehru Planetarium and strolling
Lodhi Gardens to discover 15th-century tombs, bonsai trees and
Bara Gumbad mosque.
Eating Out in New Delhi
Traditional meals from across the globe show up on menus in New Delhi, such as Parsi/Irani specialties at
SodaBottleOpenerWala in
Khan Market, also home to many upscale pubs, wine bars and restaurants.
Some of the best restaurants in New Delhi nestle in the Inner and Outer Circles around horseshoe-shaped Connaught Place. The
Veda restaurant specializes in Pan-Indian food, and various small cafes dish out regional Tamil, Maharashtrian and
Kashmiri cuisine.
Many hotels in New Delhi offer fusion cuisine, such as Italian and Chinese at ChaoBella, located inside Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla. You can book directly from the IHG website to find “Your Rate” offers here.
Shopping in New Delhi
Savvy shoppers head to
Janpath Market, home to stalls selling jewelry, textiles and specialized items such as Rajasthani vegetable color paintings and Mojris leather footwear. The
Tibetan Market is famous for its Himalayan musical instruments and toys, and the
Central Cottage Industries Emporium on Janpath Road sells sarees, marble plates and jewelry, made by local weavers and folk artists.
The Connaught Outer Circle harbors an eclectic mix of bookshops, including the
Oxford Bookstore with its Cha Bar tea boutique. Upscale fashion is on offer at Khan Market and the exclusive
Santushti Shopping Complex on Race Course Road.
Culture & Nightlife in New Delhi
Nightlife in New Delhi flourishes in the lounges and pubs of New Delhi hotels, and in Connaught Place.
Lord of the Drinks draws a lively crowd with a full bar, live music and outdoor seating, and the
Vault Cafe showcases local talent, with live music on the terrace.
Some of India’s most acclaimed museums are in New Delhi, including the
National Gallery of Modern Art, featuring exhibits such as Kalighat paintings. Historical Tibetan cloth paintings, known as
thangkas, are on display at
Tibet House, founded by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts works to preserve tribal and cultural art forms, displaying collections such as prehistoric rock art. You can catch a film or dance performance at
India Habitat Centre, which stages events day and night, and occasional free plays in its public courtyards.
