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Red Fort
Begin your exploration at the Lahori Gate and discover the palace pavilions, gardens, and museums of the fort before the markets become busy.
Why Old Delhi matters
A city layered with empire, trade, faith and survival
Old Delhi was originally known as Shahjahanabad, established as the capital of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. The area's historical essence can still be felt along the ceremonial path from the Red Fort to Chandni Chowk and Jama Masjid, where a bustling market maze brings together wholesale traders, pilgrims, residents, and travelers on the narrow streets.
The Chandni Chowk renewal project aims to decongest traffic, create a pedestrian-friendly environment, integrate services, and preserve the heritage character of the street, as described by Delhi’s Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation. Recent developments also highlight the government's renewed focus on Old Delhi as a tourism hub and infrastructure upgrades like underground cabling.
Top places to see
Old Delhi highlights
Utilize these as anchor points and allow the streets connecting them to unveil the urban landscape.
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Jama Masjid
A magnificent mosque in India, perched on a raised platform offering panoramic views of the ancient city streets.
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Chandni Chowk
The grand avenue of Shahjahanabad transformed into a renowned hub for shopping, offering a wide array of silver, textiles, sweets, and wedding items.
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Khari Baoli
Explore the aromatic wholesale lanes near Fatehpuri Masjid filled with spices, nuts, and dry fruits at a leisurely pace and with respect.
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Faith corridor
Explore Digambar Jain Lal Mandir, Gauri Shankar Temple, Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib, and Fatehpuri Masjid all along the same historical path.
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Havelis & lanes
Search for beautifully renovated mansions, intricately carved balconies, ancient gateways, and literary landmarks in Ballimaran and Gali Qasim Jan.
Bazaar map
Specialized markets of Old Delhi
Old Delhi operates as a bustling wholesale directory. Each narrow lane focuses on a specific trade, creating an initial air of chaos that reveals a highly organized system once deciphered.
Chandni Chowk
Planned by Princess Jahanara Begum, Chandni Chowk used to be a magnificent street adorned with water and moonlight. It now serves as the bustling commercial hub of Old Delhi, connecting Red Fort, Sis Ganj Sahib, historic havelis, bustling food markets, and Fatehpuri Masjid.
Khari Baoli
The spice market is famous for its assortment of red chilli, turmeric, cardamom, dried fruits, tea, and herbs. If you have a sensitivity to spice dust, remember to wear a mask and consider visiting in the morning for less crowded conditions.
Dariba Kalan
A renowned lane for historical jewelry showcasing silver, kundan, and meenakari-style designs, crafted with the traditional skills of old Delhi. This area is also known for its charming sweet shops and picturesque narrow lanes, perfect for photography.
Chawri Bazaar
Famous for its paper products, wedding invitations, brass, and copper items, Chawri Bazaar is a bustling market that stretches towards Jama Masjid and the nearby food lanes of Matia Mahal.
Food trail
What to eat in Old Delhi
The culinary heritage of Old Delhi goes beyond a mere list, drawing influence from Mughal cuisine, Jain and Vaishnav vegetarian practices, post-Partition entrepreneurship, and the convenience of market days.
Paranthe Wali Gali
Crispy vegetarian parathas filled with savory stuffing, accompanied by chutneys, sabzi, and
Matia Mahal & Jama Masjid lanes
Kebabs, nihari, biryani, korma, sheermal and evening food walks.
Sweets & snacks
Jalebi, rabri, kulfi, chaat, kachori and lassi around Chandni Chowk.
Classic restaurants
Karim's and Moti Mahal are iconic culinary destinations with deep connections to Mughal history and the Delhi of the Partition era.
Suggested route
A practical half-day Old Delhi walk
1. Start early at Red Fort
Get there as the doors open, explore the main pavilions, and leave before the crowds pick up in Chandni Chowk.
2. Walk or rickshaw to Jama Masjid
Please be mindful when exploring, dress appropriately, and be aware of prayer timing restrictions before entering.
3. Food break around Matia Mahal or Chandni Chowk
Pick a specific food lane to explore instead of attempting to sample everything in one visit.
4. Explore Chandni Chowk faith sites
Sis Ganj Sahib, Jain Lal Mandir, Gauri Shankar Temple, and Fatehpuri Masjid demonstrate the diverse sacred landscape of the area.
5. Finish at Khari Baoli
Finish with pictures of the spice market, tea, dried fruits, and exiting a metro or cab from the western side.
Visitor tips
How to visit well
Go early
Mornings are easier for walking, photography and heat management.
Use metro
Traffic and parking are difficult; metro plus walking/rickshaw is simplest.
Carry cash
Digital payment is common, but small stalls may prefer cash.
Dress respectfully
Useful for mosques, temples, gurdwaras and dense local neighborhoods.
Watch belongings
Crowds are intense; keep phones, wallets and bags secure.
Avoid overpacking
Narrow lanes and security checks make lighter bags better.
2026 note: redevelopment & access
Improvements to heritage sites in Old Delhi are currently underway, resulting in occasional diversions, barricades, night work, traffic restrictions, and utility upgrades in and around Chandni Chowk. Please monitor local advisories if you have a busy schedule.
Best approach: Maintain flexibility in your route by utilizing metro stations for entry and exit points, and explore Old Delhi on foot to fully immerse yourself in the district's charm rather than rushing through it in a car.