The pool at The Oberoi, Gurgaon hotel in Delhi, India
The Oberoi, Gurgaon
For old-school hospitality
The dome of a building in Delhi shaped like a lotus
Delhi
DEL
India’s capital is a place of continual reinvention: At least seven other distinct cities have stood here at some point in history. Landmarks from this motley legacy include the Red Fort of the 17th–century Mughal empire and the palatial Rashtrapati Bhavan, originally a residence for the British viceroy. Today, the sense of living history co–exists with the contemporary, including a flourishing art scene and stylish, boutique–filled neighbourhoods.
Where to Stay
- The opulent lounge at the Imperial in DelhiThe ImperialFor the heritage
- Three large pink columns stand beside the pool at the Roseate in DelhiThe RoseateFor a romantic getaway
- Orange velvet chairs and white columns line the vast lounge area of the Lodhi Hotel in DelhiLodhi HotelFor the minimalist design
- A rooftop pool surrounded by golden structures at Leela Palace New DelhiLeela Palace New DelhiFor the rooftop infinity pool
Eat & Drink
Indian Accent
Tuck into tikka–style pork tacos, served with a hearty Punjabi lentil curry, a highlight of chef Manish Mehrotra’s menu. Save room for the chocolate balls spiked with Old Monk rum, arguably India’s most significant gift to the world.
Perch Wine & Coffee Bar
With its pale wood interiors, fresh salads and single–origin coffee, Perch is a popular café lounge for breakfast meetings and working lunches. It’s also one of the few dedicated wine bars in the city, transforming into a relaxed spot for an after–work glass of vino; choose from the extensive selection of reds and whites from France, Italy and New Zealand.
Leo’s Artisan Pizza
For the freshest veggies on the thinnest–crust pizza, head to this cool minimalist restaurant with sunlit interiors. Bite into a mozzarella and arugula–loaded slice – hot from the wood–fired oven – while checking out cute wall–mounted photos of namesake Leo, the owner’s dog.
Paranthe Wali Gali
This lane in Chandni Chowk is chockablock with food stalls dedicated to parathas, Indian breads stuffed with savoury fillings. Try the paneer (cheese), methi (fenugreek) and bhindi (okra) parathas from stall number 36.
Olive Bar & Kitchen, New Delhi
This Mediterranean–inspired garden restaurant is a Delhi classic for its proximity to the towering Qutub Minar monument and for its setting in a restored haveli (mansion). On Sundays, the sunlit courtyard buzzes as the brunch crowd dines on thin–crust pizza.
Piano Man Jazz Club
This 1950s American–style bar serves Sazeracs that are as smooth as the jazz. Take in an acoustic live gig while sipping New Orleans–inspired cocktails.
Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters
Tea–loving Delhi gets a java jolt with Blue Tokai, a coffee shop that roasts single–estate beans from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Their quaint Saket location is devoted to serving a great brew, which pairs perfectly with a slice of their banana–walnut bread.
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What to Do
Lodhi Garden
Explore the ancient tombs and Lodhi–era ruins in gardens next to the Islamic Centre, then hop across to Khan Market to browse bookstores and get coffee and cake in the tiny street–facing cafés.
Good Earth
Delhi’s go–to store for contemporary design stocks sustainable home decor with a quintessentially Indian esthetic. Drawing inspiration from rituals and locations across the country, the elegant dinnerware features motifs of temple elephants and Kerala landscapes in pale pastel shades. After shopping, step into the colourful rooftop café for cold rice–paper rolls.
Lodhi Art District
Visit the city’s first public art district, where vibrant murals from more than 25 international artists are displayed on the walls of Lodhi Colony. Located between Khanna Market and Mehar Chand Market, the vibrant street art has reinvigorated the neighbourhood.
Ashdeen
Ashdeen Lilaowala’s saris are reviving traditional Parsi Gara embroidery. Lilaowala travelled through Iran and China to trace the origins of the intricate craft, resulting in next–level saris that are bringing elegance back: a cheeky flash of skin winking through folds of heirloom–worthy satin, stitched with cascades of flying cranes.
Hauz Khas Village
Once a residential area, this south Delhi neighbourhood is now home to trendy galleries, cafés and boutiques. Tour the medieval water tank, mosque and tombs of the nearby Hauz Khas complex, then pop into Elma’s Bakery for a slice of carrot cake.
Amrapali
Traditional Indian jewellery is made modern at Amrapali, a luxury name known for working with skilled artisans across the country to handcraft statement designs. With everything from chunky necklaces laden with gemstones to stylish silver earrings inspired by tribal designs, this is a classic place to find gifts to take home.
National Gallery of Modern Art
Situated in the iconic Jaipur House, the National Gallery of Modern Art features work from 1850 onwards, including works from old masters like Raja Ravi Varma and Abanindranath Tagore. Don’t miss the permanent collection featuring over 100 pieces from Amrita Sher–Gil, a pioneer of the modern art movement in India.
Dilli Haat
The best of Indian handicraft from every state of the country finds a place at this open–air market. Once you’re done haggling for Kashmiri shawls and jute baskets, try juicy pork momos from the Nagaland food stall.
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