Delhi, India's sprawling capital territory, is a city where ancient monuments stand beside ultramodern malls and Mughal gardens shadow gleaming corporate towers. As one of the world's most populous cities, Delhi offers an intoxicating blend of history spanning 3,000 years, from Iron Age settlements to British colonial architecture. The city serves as the political, cultural, and commercial heart of India, drawing millions of visitors annually to its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, vibrant street food scene, and legendary bazaars.
Delhi is generally safe for tourists visiting major monuments and tourist areas during the day, but requires vigilance, particularly around crowded markets, at night, and for solo female travelers. Common hazards include traffic accidents, petty theft in crowded areas, tourist-targeted scams near Connaught Place and major monuments, severe air pollution (especially October–February), and waterborne illnesses. Using the Delhi Metro, staying in established neighborhoods, and booking transport through apps significantly reduces most risks.
Current safety advisory
Moderate
Exercise normal security precautions. Be particularly vigilant around crowded tourist areas for pickpocketing and scams. Avoid poorly lit or isolated areas at night. Check air quality index (AQI) daily during winter months (Oct–Feb) and limit outdoor activity when AQI exceeds 200.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Exercise Normal Precautions
Exercise normal precautions
Exercise normal safety precautions
Exercise normal security precautions
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Download the AQI India app and check Delhi's air quality index daily; on days above AQI 200, wear an N95 or N99 mask outdoors and limit exposure
Always book auto-rickshaws through Uber Auto or Ola Auto apps to get fixed metered rates and avoid overcharging by street autos
Avoid stopping for strangers who approach with unsolicited offers to help, direct you to shops, or claim to be 'government tourist guides' near CP and monuments
Use the Delhi Metro women's reserved coach (first carriage) when traveling alone at night – it provides a safer environment
Never drink tap water; drink only sealed bottled water (verify the seal is intact) or carry a SteriPen/filtered water bottle
Keep a photocopy of your passport and visa in a separate location from the originals; store originals in hotel safe
Share your live location with someone trustworthy when taking late-night rides; screenshot your Uber/Ola booking details including driver name and plate number
Be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas like Chandni Chowk, Paharganj, and major metro stations where pickpocketing is common
Negotiate and confirm any taxi or rickshaw fare before boarding if not using an app; agree on the total price, not 'per person'
Avoid eating cut fruit from street stalls and be cautious with ice in drinks at lower-end establishments to reduce risk of food-borne illness
Keep emergency numbers saved in your phone: Police 100, Ambulance 102, Fire 101, National Emergency 112, Delhi Police PCR 110
Be cautious of 'helpful' touts near the airport, New Delhi Railway Station, and Paharganj who offer suspiciously cheap accommodation or tours
If driving or cycling, be extremely vigilant – Delhi roads are chaotic with unpredictable overtaking, jaywalking pedestrians, and animals on roads
During Diwali and New Year, air pollution peaks severely; consider wearing an N95 mask even outdoors and keep windows closed
Avoid isolated areas after dark, including poorly lit streets in Paharganj, Sadar Bazaar, and behind major train stations
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Fake Government Tourist Office
Touts near Connaught Place and New Delhi Railway Station pose as 'Government of India Tourist Office' representatives, directing tourists to private travel agencies that overcharge for tours, taxis, and hotels. The only legitimate India Tourism office is at 88 Janpath, New Delhi.
Gem Investment Scam
Friendly locals invite tourists to their 'export business' and convince them to buy gems or jewelry claiming resale value is much higher abroad. The 'gems' are worthless and the 'export scheme' is fraudulent.
Taxi Overcharging
Auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers claim their meters are 'broken' or use tampered meters, then demand inflated fares at the destination. Airport taxis without prepaid receipts frequently overcharge tourists.
Friendly Student / New Shop Scam
Well-dressed young people approach tourists claiming to be students practicing English or welcoming you to Delhi. After gaining trust, they lead tourists to overpriced carpet, craft, or souvenir shops where they earn commission.
Monument Closed Today
A rickshaw driver or tout tells you the monument you want to visit is closed today for a festival or ceremony, then offers to take you to an alternative place (usually a shop or lesser attraction) instead.
Hotel Fully Booked / Burned Down
Taxi drivers claim your pre-booked hotel is closed, relocated, or has 'problems,' then take you to an alternative establishment where they earn a commission for the referral.
Fake Monk Blessing
Individuals dressed as monks or sadhus tie a thread around your wrist and offer a blessing, then demand money – sometimes aggressively – for the 'service.'
Spiked Food or Drink
Rarely, strangers on trains or buses offer food and drink laced with sedatives, leaving the victim vulnerable to theft. More common on overnight trains than in Delhi itself.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A (food and water risk – recommended for all visitors)
- Typhoid (food and water risk – recommended for all visitors)
- Hepatitis B (blood/body fluid risk – recommended if staying over 1 month)
- Tetanus/Diphtheria (routine – ensure up to date)
- Rabies (risk from dog and monkey bites – recommended for longer stays or adventure travelers)
- Japanese Encephalitis (recommended for extended rural visits outside Delhi)
- Malaria prophylaxis (low risk in Delhi city but consult your doctor)
- Water
- Never drink tap water in Delhi. Drink only sealed bottled water or use a UV purifier (SteriPen) or filtered water bottle. Avoid ice in drinks at street stalls and lower-end restaurants. Brush teeth with bottled water.
- Food
- Street food carries risk of Delhi belly (traveler's diarrhea). Eat at busy stalls with high turnover. Choose freshly cooked food over pre-cooked dishes. Peel all fruit yourself. Carry oral rehydration salts (ORS) for emergencies. Avoid cut fruit, salads washed in tap water, and unpasteurized dairy.
- Air Quality
- Delhi has among the world's worst air pollution, particularly October–February (AQI often 300–500+). Purchase an N95 or N99 mask before arrival. Monitor AQI daily on apps like AQI India or IQAir. During extreme pollution (AQI 400+), limit outdoor activity and keep windows closed.
- Facilities
- Apollo Hospital, Fortis, Max Healthcare, and AIIMS are excellent hospitals in Delhi with English-speaking doctors. Pharmacies (medical stores) are ubiquitous. Most Western medicines are available and much cheaper than in the West. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
- Seasonal Risks
- May–June: Extreme heat (40–45°C); risk of heatstroke and dehydration – stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activity 11AM–4PM
- July–September: Dengue fever risk during and after monsoon; use mosquito repellent (DEET-based) and wear long sleeves at dusk
- October–February: Severe air pollution; N95 masks essential; aggravates asthma and respiratory conditions
- January: Dense winter fog disrupts flights and train services; build buffer time into travel plans
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Overview Solo travel in Delhi is manageable with proper precautions. The city has a well-developed tourist infrastructure and English is widely spoken. The main risks are scams, petty theft in crowded areas, and traffic. Stay in reputable guesthouses in areas like Paharganj, Karol Bagh, or South Delhi rather than isolated locations., Tips Share your itinerary with someone at home before each day's travel, Use the Delhi Metro extensively – it is safe, reliable, and routes cover most tourist sites, Register with your country's embassy upon arrival for extended stays, Keep digital copies of all important documents in cloud storage, Join group tours for first day orientation to learn the city's layout
Female travellers
Overview Delhi requires extra caution for women travelers, particularly after dark. While millions of women navigate Delhi safely daily, incidents of harassment (known locally as 'eve-teasing') do occur. Exercising appropriate precautions significantly reduces risk., Tips Use the Delhi Metro women's reserved coach (first carriage, clearly marked pink) at all times, especially evenings, Avoid traveling alone after 9PM in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas; share rides with other women or use Uber/Ola with the trip shared to a contact, Dress modestly in traditional and residential areas (covering shoulders and knees reduces unwanted attention), Be firm and loud if harassed in public – bystanders in India often intervene if a woman speaks up assertively, Trust your instincts – if a situation feels uncomfortable, leave immediately without worrying about politeness, Avoid isolated monuments or gardens after dark, including even popular areas like India Gate and Lodi Garden, Paharganj can feel uncomfortable for solo women at night; South Delhi's Hauz Khas or Karol Bagh are generally safer neighborhood options, Use women-only Uber and Ola options (available in the app) when traveling solo at night, Stay in hotels with 24-hour reception and clearly marked secure entry, The women's helpline 1091 and 112 are responsive in Delhi, Safety rating Moderate – requires vigilance but manageable with precautions
Families
Overview Delhi can be an excellent family destination with proper planning. Children are generally welcomed warmly everywhere. Main concerns for families are air pollution (especially affecting young children), extreme summer heat, and food safety., Tips Check AQI before outdoor activities; limit children's outdoor exposure when AQI exceeds 150, Carry ORS packets for dehydration prevention during summer visits, Stick to reputable restaurants for meals with young children to minimize Delhi belly risk, The Delhi Metro is family-friendly and air-conditioned; women and children can use the reserved family coach, Mughal Gardens, National Zoological Park, National Science Centre, and Pragati Maidan are family-friendly attractions
LGBTQ+ travellers
Overview Homosexuality was decriminalized in India in 2018 (Section 377 struck down). Delhi has a growing LGBTQ+ community with annual Pride events and several gay-friendly venues, particularly in South Delhi. However, public displays of affection between same-sex couples may attract unwanted attention in traditional areas. Delhi Queer Pride March is held annually in late November., Tips Same-sex couples should exercise discretion regarding public displays of affection, particularly in Old Delhi and conservative neighborhoods, South Delhi (Hauz Khas, Defence Colony) and Connaught Place have more accepting environments, The Queer Campus and Yaariyan Delhi are active LGBTQ+ community organizations, Grindr and similar apps are widely used in Delhi, Delhi Pride is a large annual event – attending during this time offers a welcoming community experience
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 100
- Medical
- 102
- Fire
- 101
- General
- 112
- Tourist Helpline
- 1363
- Women Helpline
- 1091
- Notes
- 112 is India's universal emergency number and works on all networks including without a SIM card. Tourist police are stationed at Agra Gate, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and other major monuments. The nearest police station to Connaught Place is Connaught Place Police Station.