Old Delhi

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), located roughly 20 km southwest, connects seamlessly to Old Delhi via the high-speed Delhi Metro Airport Express Line terminating at New Delhi Railway Station. Old Delhi Railway Station (DLI / Delhi Junction), situated directly inside the historic Walled City, and New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS, 2 km south) provide extensive broad-gauge train services from all corners of India. Kashmere Gate ISBT serves as the northern regional bus hub.

Restored Mughal-era havelis within the labyrinthine galis of Shahjahanabad - such as Haveli Dharampura in Gali Guliyan - offer authentic courtyard living, traditional Kathak performances, and rooftop views of Jama Masjid. Connaught Place (3 km south) provides luxury commercial hotels with direct two-stop metro access to Chandni Chowk. Paharganj, directly facing New Delhi Railway Station, caters to budget travelers, while leafy Civil Lines just north of Kashmere Gate offers quiet colonial-era estates.

The Delhi Metro is the premier mode of arrival, with Yellow Line stations at Chandni Chowk and Chawri Bazar, and Violet Line stations at Delhi Gate, Jama Masjid, and Lal Quila. Within the Walled City, the redeveloped central Chandni Chowk promenade is pedestrian-only from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Traditional cycle-rickshaws and battery e-rickshaws navigate the tight historic lanes of Ballimaran, Kinari Bazaar, Dariba Kalan, and Khari Baoli where motorcars cannot enter.

The Ring Road (Mahatma Gandhi Marg) skirts the eastern edge of Old Delhi along the Yamuna River, connecting Raj Ghat, Shanti Vana, the Red Fort, and Kashmere Gate. Netaji Subhash Marg cuts north-south from Delhi Gate past Jama Masjid to Red Fort. Private cars should avoid the congested interior lanes and park at the automated multi-level facilities at Gandhi Maidan or the Red Fort Parade Ground.

1 to 2 days is ideal for an immersive historical and culinary exploration: 1 full day visiting the grand courtyard of Jama Masjid, walking the heritage stretch of Chandni Chowk to Ghalib Ki Haveli in Ballimaran, exploring the pungent spice terraces of Khari Baoli, and enjoying a Mughlai food walk at Matia Mahal; and 1 day exploring the Mughal battlements of Red Fort and the quiet riverfront memorial gardens at Raj Ghat.