A local's guide to Delhi

Ahh Delhi. Loud, colourful, wonderfully chaotic – and all the better for it. But how do you keep your footing as a first-time visitor? We asked local guide Vishwaranjan to show us his side of the city, from the sights most people miss to the street food spots he swears by.

How long have you been guiding in Delhi, and what drew you to the job?

I’ve been a certified guide in Delhi for over 15 years. It’s a city that never stands still, yet holds on to its heritage and heart. I’ve always been fascinated by history and enjoy meeting new people, so it felt like the right path to take. I get to show visitors the side of Delhi I know and take pride in – beyond what they’ll find in a guidebook.

How would you describe Delhi?

Delhi is a beautiful paradox – a living museum where ancient monuments and modern buildings sit side by side. The city has been the centre of power for centuries, so you’re surrounded by history shaped by different empires. It’s the political heart of the nation, a melting pot of cultures and the food capital of the country all rolled into one.

What do you enjoy most about the job?

Delhi can feel overwhelming at first, so the best part for me is when a guest has that ‘aha’ moment as I peel back the layers. It might be sharing a story about a Mughal emperor or watching them try their first proper jalebi. Those small moments are what make the job so rewarding. I love being a bridge between a visitor’s world and the soul of India.

If you’ve only got a few days in Delhi, what would you make time for?

If you only have a few days in Delhi, I’d start with Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb and the Red Fort. They’re some of the city’s most important landmarks, each reflecting a different era of Delhi’s past.

I always suggest visiting the langar at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib as well. It's a daily act of community, where thousands of people are welcomed to sit and share a meal prepared by volunteers.

And if you have time, visit Akshardham Temple. The sandstone carvings are incredibly detailed, and the gardens and symmetry make it feel noticeably more peaceful than the rest of the city.

What’s your favourite way to explore Old Delhi?

I love taking guests on a curated walk through the ‘galis’ – the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk. We usually start at Jama Masjid, either climbing up for the view or stepping inside, before heading straight into the streets below.

From there, we make our way to Khari Baoli, Asia’s largest spice market. The air is thick with chilli, cardamom and clove, and you can see traders weighing, sorting and packing everything by hand.

We usually end with a rickshaw ride through Dariba Kalan and Kinari Bazaar, passing shops filled with jewellery, fabrics and wedding decorations.

What should visitors eat in Delhi – and where?

If you’re a foodie, Delhi will make you very happy. I always suggest trying a mix of street food, local favourites and a few classic restaurants.

Chole bhature at Sitaram Diwan Chand is a must – soft, fluffy bread served with rich, spiced chickpeas. For butter chicken, head to Aslam's Chicken in Old Delhi, or Moti Mahal – one of the city’s most well-known restaurants, where the dish was first made.

Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi Wale is known for its stuffed kulfi, and to drink, try a banta – a local lemon soda you’ll find at street stalls, especially around India Gate.

Do you have a favourite area to stay?

I usually recommend staying around Connaught Place in central Delhi. It’s well connected by metro, there are plenty of places to eat, and it’s easier to get around if it’s your first time in the city. The Imperial New Delhi is a very good option there – a heritage hotel right in the centre.

Some guests prefer to stay in Old Delhi or in a quieter part of the city. Haveli Dharampura puts you straight into the lanes of Old Delhi, surrounded by temples and markets. The Colonel's Retreat is in South Delhi, in a residential area with tree-lined streets, so it’s much calmer.

Any under-the-radar spots you like to show guests?

There are a few places I like taking guests that are often overlooked. Sunder Nursery is one of them – a restored 16th-century park with Mughal monuments, but much quieter than the main sites. I also like walking through Mehrauli Archaeological Park. There are so many structures there – stepwells, tombs, small mosques – but very few visitors compared to nearby places like Qutub Minar.

Agrasen ki Baoli is right in the middle of the city, but feels completely different once you step down into it. And Tughlaqabad Fort is something else altogether – an eerie 14th-century fortress, built to be a capital and quickly abandoned.

Can you share a memorable moment with guests?

One that stands out is with a family visiting India for the first time. They were interested in street food, but nervous, so they kept their distance at first.

I took them to a small stall in Old Delhi I have known for years – the food is legendary and everything is prepared fresh in front of you. They stood there watching as the aloo tikki cooked on the hot tawa – the potatoes crisping, the spices hitting the air. I explained how it’s made and why locals love it.

After a cautious bite, they looked at each other and smiled – and then ordered another plate.

It’s something I see quite often. Once guests have your trust, they’re much more open to experiencing India.

Why does having a local guide make such a difference in Delhi?

Delhi has a way of hiding the best parts behind a layer of noise and crowds. A place can look beautiful to the eyes, but it only becomes meaningful when you understand its story and that's where a local guide makes a real difference. We’re a filter and a protector. We help you navigate the scams, bridge the language gap and take you to hidden spots that aren’t on any tourist map. We save your time and turn a confusing trip into an enlightening one. 

In the end, without a guide, you’ll see India. With a guide, you’ll feel India.

The information is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication.