Dynamic, vibrant and diverse, it’s said that the daring can do it all in Delhi. And whoever coined that phrase certainly has a point. History meets modernity in this ancient, buzzing metropolis where everything feels at once possible and impenetrable. It’s a maddening, marvellous thrill ride for all of the senses, but such a sprawling space can lead to a certain amount of getting lost and lacking focus. Well, we’re here to help.
Whether you’re a tourist or a Delhiite, there are always new places to discover. So, with the help of The Holiday Place we’ve rounded up some of the best spots to spend your time in the city. Here’s our 6 IDEAL places to hangout in Delhi.
HAUZ KHAS VILLAGE
Set alongside the historic Hauz Khas Fort and lake, which dates back to the 13th century, you’ll find one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in Delhi – Hauz Khas Village. Arguably the epicenter of Delhi’s vibrant social scene, it’s the place where artists and creative types congregate by the dozen, hanging out at cute cafes, hip bars and trendy restaurants. It’s also the place to catch a glimpse into the city’s Medieval history, offering quite the contradiction to it’s trendy new image. With galleries and designer boutiques galore, you can easily spend a whole day here browsing the shops, strolling around the lake and imbibing at the local bars.
Madrasa at Hauz Khas Complex | © Varun Shiv Kapur / Flickr
Madrasa at Hauz Khas Complex | SHAHPUR JAT
Another trendy neighbourhood very much of the ‘now’, and located near Hauz Khas, is Shahpur Jat. This is where young, cool millennials like to hangout. It’s home to a plethora of kitschy boutiques and lifestyle stores selling young designer labels, often imagined and made by the city’s native creatives. It also has some excellent eateries, so a day spent here is eminently imaginable.
CHAMPA GALI
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle that is the very embodiment of Delhi then head to Champa Gali in South Delhi. This bohemian area, lined with cute cafes and restaurants, design studios and boutiques, channels a Parisian vibe and is our favourite hideaway in the city.
If you need a quiet place to come and work with your laptop, then Champa Gali is for you. Spend the afternoon drinking chai at The Reading Room, where proceeds fund education projects for the Street Children of Delhi, then linger on till evening at one of the lovely eateries under the twinkle of fairly lights and catch an impromptu poetry evening or gig. Oh, and then have another glass of chai masala at Jugmug Thela if you’ve worked up a thirst.
© Jugmug Thela /Facebook
THE KINGDOM OF DREAMS
Set aside an evening to visit ‘The Kingdom of Dreams’ which is just as popular with the locals as it is with the tourists. This sprawling place is Delhi’s ultimate entertainment destination, showcasing the city’s cinematic and theatrical panache. It’s home to two theatres; Nautanki Mahal and Showshaa Theatre, where you can catch a live musical, Bollywood show. You’ll also find ‘Culture Gully’ which as the name suggests, is the arts, crafts and food area of The Kingdom of Dreams. This place is a kaleidoscope of India’s unique cultural diversity. Here you can taste many regional delicacies from across India all in one place, as well as get amongst it at ‘Chinatown’.
CONNAUGHT PLACE
Connaught Place is one of the largest financial, commercial and business centres in New Delhi. However, it’s not just about business here. This area is renowned for its shopping, and famous for it’s horseshoe-shaped market, inspired by the Palladian colonnades of Bath. As well as the many bazzars, stalls and restaurants, make sure you check out Jantar Mantar in Connaught Place, an ancient, equinoctial sundial which is a pretty impressive thing to look at, to say the least. Also visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the most prominent Sikh house of worship situated in the heart of Connaught Place.
DILLI HAAT
Dilli Haat is Delhi’s biggest market. Enough said. Well, not quite enough. It was set up by the government for artisans to showcase and sell their wares. This place has everything from shoes and accessories to carpets, and the open air food plaza is every foodie’s dream. Enough said.
