India is a land of extraordinary contrasts, where ancient traditions meet modern innovation, and natural wonders coexist with vibrant cities.
Delhi is a versatile travel destination, offering experiences for backpackers on a budget as well as luxury travelers seeking high-end stays and fine dining. Whether you want to explore Delhi’s rich history, shop till you drop, or indulge in a 5-star retreat, here’s how to make the most of your trip based on your budget.
Budget Travel in Delhi – Exploring the City Without Breaking the Bank
Budget Stays (₹500 – ₹2,000 per night)
✔ Backpacker Hostels:
✔ Budget Hotels & Guesthouses:
✔ Pro Tip: Stay in South Delhi or Paharganj for cheaper accommodation & easy metro access.
Budget Transport in Delhi
✅ Delhi Metro (₹10 – ₹60 per ride) – Best for fast & cheap travel.
✅ Auto-Rickshaws (₹30 – ₹150 per ride) – Negotiate fare before the ride.
✅ DTC Buses (₹10 – ₹25 per ride) – Cheap but crowded.
✅ Cycle Rickshaws & E-Rickshaws (₹20 – ₹50 per ride) – Great for Old Delhi exploration.
✔ Pro Tip: Get a Delhi Metro Smart Card for unlimited travel convenience.
Budget Food (₹50 – ₹300 per meal)
✅ Street Food:
✔ Paranthe Wali Gali (Chandni Chowk) – ₹50 for a stuffed paratha.
✔ Jung Bahadur Kachori Wala (Chandni Chowk) – ₹60 for crispy kachoris.
✔ Karim’s (Jama Masjid) – ₹300 for kebabs & biryani.
✅ Budget Cafes & Eateries:
✔ Saravana Bhavan (Connaught Place) – ₹250 for South Indian meals.
✔ Dolma Aunty Momos (Lajpat Nagar) – ₹100 for Delhi’s best momos.
✔ Bille Di Hatti (Kamla Nagar) – ₹80 for Chole Bhature.
✔ Pro Tip: Avoid touristy restaurants and eat at local dhabas for authentic & cheap food.
Budget Sightseeing (₹10 – ₹100 entry fees)
✅ Free Attractions:
✔ India Gate & Rajpath – No entry fee.
✔ Gurudwara Bangla Sahib – Free food at langar.
✔ Lodhi Garden & Sunder Nursery – Best for picnics & walks.
✅ Low-Cost Monuments & Museums:
✔ Red Fort – ₹35 (Indians), ₹500 (Foreigners)
✔ Qutub Minar – ₹40 (Indians), ₹600 (Foreigners)
✔ Humayun’s Tomb – ₹40 (Indians), ₹600 (Foreigners)
✔ Pro Tip: Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds & get cheaper tickets.
Budget Shopping in Delhi
✅ Sarojini Nagar & Janpath Market – Trendy clothes under ₹500.
✅ Paharganj Market – Cheap leather goods & souvenirs.
✅ Chandni Chowk – Affordable ethnic wear & silver jewelry.
✔ Pro Tip: Bargain aggressively at street markets for the best deals.
Luxury Travel in Delhi – Experiencing the City in Style
Luxury Stays (₹8,000 – ₹50,000 per night)
✔ Top 5-Star Hotels:
✔ Boutique Luxury Hotels:
✔ Pro Tip: Book early for discounts & choose hotels with spa services for a complete luxury experience.
Luxury Transport in Delhi
✅ Private Chauffeur Services (₹2,500 – ₹6,000 per day) – Rent a car with a driver for comfort.
✅ Luxury Cabs (Uber Black / Ola Prime) – ₹500 – ₹2,000 per ride.
✅ Helicopter City Tour (₹50,000 for 30 min ride) – Book with Pawan Hans for an aerial view of Delhi.
✔ Pro Tip: Use private airport lounges (Plaza Premium Lounge) for a VIP experience.
Fine Dining & Luxury Food Experiences
✅ Best 5-Star Restaurants:
✔ Indian Accent (The Lodhi Hotel) – ₹5,000 for modern Indian cuisine.
✔ Bukhara (ITC Maurya) – ₹4,500 for legendary Dal Bukhara & Kebabs.
✔ Dum Pukht (ITC Maurya) – ₹4,000 for royal Mughlai dishes.
✅ Rooftop & Themed Restaurants:
✔ Sevilla (The Claridges) – ₹3,500 for Mediterranean food under fairy lights.
✔ The Sky High (Ansal Plaza) – ₹2,500 for romantic rooftop dining.
✔ Pro Tip: Reserve a window-side or rooftop table for the best ambiance.
VIP Sightseeing & Private Tours
✅ VIP Access & Guided Tours:
✔ Heritage Walks with Private Guide – ₹3,000 – ₹6,000.
✔ Night Tour of Delhi Monuments – ₹4,500 per person.
✔ Private Shopping Tour with Stylist – ₹10,000 per day.
✅ Exclusive Experiences:
✔ Dinner at Rashtrapati Bhavan (₹12,000 per person) – Book via the official website.
✔ Luxury Train to Agra (₹6,000 – ₹12,000 per ticket) – Enjoy a day trip to the Taj Mahal in style.
✔ Pro Tip: Use concierge services at 5-star hotels to book VIP experiences & private guides.
Budget vs. Luxury Travel – A Quick Comparison
Category |
Budget Travelers (₹1,000 – ₹3,000 per day) |
Luxury Travelers (₹10,000+ per day) |
Accommodation |
Hostels & Budget Hotels |
5-Star Hotels & Luxury Suites |
Transport |
Metro, Auto, Buses |
Chauffeur-Driven Cars, Helicopter Rides |
Food |
Street Food & Local Cafes |
Fine Dining & 5-Star Restaurants |
Sightseeing |
Free & Public Monuments |
Private Tours & VIP Access |
Shopping |
Street Markets (Sarojini, Janpath) |
Luxury Brands (DLF Emporio, Khan Market) |
Why Visit Delhi Regardless of Budget?
✅ Delhi offers something for everyone – Explore history, culture, food & nightlife at any budget.
✅ Rich experiences – Whether you’re on a tight budget or seeking luxury, Delhi never disappoints!
✅ Endless variety – From budget street food to Michelin-level dining, from heritage hostels to royal palaces, Delhi lets you choose how you experience it.
Which style of travel suits you best – Budget or Luxury?