A Virtual Walking Tour of Old Delhi

Wandering through the vibrant streets of the oldest part of Delhi is the highlight of a trip to India’s capital.

October 23, 2014

Food is also an integral part of the Old Delhi experience. Street stalls specialize in both the sweet and the savory—try the besan ka chilla (a vegetarian omelet that uses chickpea flour instead of eggs). If you fancy a more formal, seated experience, historic restaurant Karim’s is often called the best in Old Delhi.
Old Delhi is bursting with bazaars, which are good places to begin your exploration of the area. The markets seem to sell everything—though textiles, clothing, jewelry, and antiques comprise the bulk of the wares. The goings-on at Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest and most iconic markets, will spark the interest of even the most jaded traveler.

Animal encounters are to be expected as a variety of livestock roam the streets behind the markets freely. Goats are numerous—and quite friendly as long as they can meander undisturbed.
Old Delhi, though gritty, is not without its touches of grandeur. Make a stop at the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, which can hold up to 25,000 people. Its extravagant minarets, gates, and interior recall the former opulence of the walled city and add even more diversity and history to this fascinating area.

Delhi, India’s capital and the world’s second most populous city, is home to majestic sites like the Lotus Temple and Humayun’s Tomb. While these spots make for impressive sightseeing, a visit to the colorful, winding streets of Old Delhi should also be on your itinerary.
The area known as Old Delhi is a Mughal–era walled city built in the 17th century. Once the site of the stately mansions of Indian nobility, what remains inside the walls is busy and ramshackle, yet beautiful in its own way. Here, you can walk around with no particular objective: The sights and sounds of everyday life are thrill enough.

People-watching will occupy a large amount of your time. Both locals and tourists crowd the narrow avenues, causing traffic—a disorderly mix of pedestrian and vehicular—to come to a standstill. Be careful when crossing the street—overzealous motorcyclists might graze you if you’re not looking.