Things to Do In Delhi at Night
You’ve got a night in Delhi – what should you do? It’s not a great city for walking around, but there are some sites and things you can safely do.
I lived in Delhi for years, and recommend these things to do at night. Even if you only have an overnight stay in Delhi, get out of the hotel and see something.
Is Delhi Safe at Night?
Delhi is not a very safe city at night, particularly for women.
If you’re a woman travelling solo, I don’t recommend going anywhere at night by yourself in Delhi. It’s not even safe for women to walk their own streets at night alone. I don’t recommend male tourists go out alone at night either.
Delhi is not like Mumbai which has a lot of late night activity and people out and about. After 11:00 pm Delhi’s streets are deserted and not well lit. There’s also a lack of police presence in many areas.
I lived in Delhi for years on my own and never had a problem – but I was careful. It’s fine take an Uber at night to meet other people somewhere, but not to explore or do something alone.
Things to Do in Delhi at Night
The best thing to do depends on what time your evening starts. There are more options for sightseeing earlier in the evening. There’s fewer options later at night.
1. Stroll Around India Gate
India Gate is Delhi’s most iconic site, and at night it is a hive of activity. It’s actually a war memorial and has an eternal flame, but it has a buzzy, festive vibe. There’s street food stands, hawkers and lots of picture taking.
There’s always people around at night, and the memorial is beautifully lit up in the colours of the Indian flag. It’s open until 11:00 pm and free to visit.
2. Visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is Delhi’s most important Sikh temple, and they are open all night. This is a beautiful temple and it’s very centrally located.
Stroll around the sarovar (holy pool), visit the prayer hall to hear traditional kirtan (devotional music), and have langar in the dining hall. Langar is the free community meal open to everyone. It’s always vegetarian, delicious and a very special experience. No entrance fee.
3. Explore the Qutub Minar (UNESCO)
The Qutub Minar is a complex of very old structures, some dating back to 1192. The centre piece is the Qutub Minar, an exquisite brick minaret – the tallest in the world.
But the minaret is not the only site, there are Delhi Sultanate tombs, a historic madrassa, the Quwaat-ul-Islam mosque which used pieces of razed Hindu temples in its construction, and a 1600 year old iron pillar that never rusts.
The last entrance is 9:00 pm and cost is INR 600. Tickets may be purchased in advance on the Archeological Survey of India website.
4. See a Mughal Tomb
These are two beautiful Mughal era tombs in South Delhi.
Humayun’s Tomb is a UNESCO world heritage site and a fairly large complex with other tombs. It’s not as central as Safdarung Tomb, but very worth seeing. It was one of the tombs that inspired the design of the Taj Mahal. The last entry is at 8:15 pm. Admission is INR 600.
Safdarjung Tomb is very central with a last entry at 9:00 pm. It’s just the one large tomb, but very atmospheric surrounded by greenery. This was the last garden tomb built in India, at the decline of the Mughal empire. It’s one my favourite tombs in Delhi. Admission is INR 300.
5. Visit Sunder Nursery
Sunder Nursery is a beautiful heritage park near Humayun’s Tomb that has earned UNESCO awards for heritage conservation and sustainable development.
I sometimes go at night to hear live traditional music at the amphitheatre. It’s a magical setting among the historic monuments. But wear mosquito repellent – I got eaten alive the last time I was there.
You can check the Sunder Nursery website for upcoming concerts. The last entry is 9:00 pm and they close at 10:00 pm. The entrance fee is INR 200.
6. Shop, Eat or Drink in Connaught Place
Connaught Place (locally called CP) is the British built shopping and commercial hub and the unofficial centre of Delhi. There are numerous restaurants, cafes, bars and shops.
It’s layout is 3 concentric circles – the middle one is a very safe area until about 10:00 pm, even for walking alone. There’s lots of foot traffic, it’s well lit and very easy to navigate.
Some of my favourite Indian restaurants in CP are Zaffran, Pind Balluchi, Saravana Bhavan and Naivedyam. I love the outdoor space of Unplugged Courtyard for a drink and the lively pub Master of Malts.
7. Take a Street Food Tour
Delhi Food Walks has a night time street food tour in Old Delhi that starts at 5:30 pm and ends at 10:00 pm.
The tour is very thorough, it covers many of the historic temples and markets on Chandni Chowk, the famous Old Delhi spice market, and all the street food specialties Old Delhi is famous for.
This is a great way to safely eat street food, and experience this very important and historic part of Delhi.
8. Enjoy a Late Dinner at Pandara Market
Pandara Market is a fabulous little hub of about 8 well known Indian restaurants in New Delhi near India Gate.
It’s hugely popular for late night dinners because the restaurants stay open until midnight. My favourite restaurant in Pandara Market is Gulati – but if you go for dinner expect to wait for a table.
While you’re waiting you can sample the kulfi (Indian ice cream) from Krishna di Kulfi – it’s right next door.
9. Listen to Qawwali Singing at Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah
The qawwali singing (Sufi devotional singing) at Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah is legendary. The Nizami family have sung qawwalis at the dargah for 700 years.
This is a magical experience. The qawwalis are mesmerizing, and the dargah itself is a deeply spiritual place.
The qawwalis start every night after the evening prayers at dusk. Special qawwalis are sung on Thursday when hundreds attend.
The courtyard gets very crowded – it’s best to go early to make sure you have a place to sit on the floor. Shoes must be removed before entering the dargah and women must cover their hair. Free.
10. See a Cultural Performance at Stein Auditorium
Stein Auditorium is one of the best performing art centres in Delhi. It’s located in the semi-private cultural club India Habitat Centre, but you don’t need to be a member to see a show at Stein Auditorium.
I saw a live performance of an Indian singer (I’ve forgotten her name) singing traditional ghazals. It was really terrific and the tickets weren’t expensive. Plus it’s very centrally located in Lutyens’ Delhi.
Check the India Habitat website for the calendar of events.
11. See a Movie
There are lots of modern multi-plexes in Delhi. They show everything from the latest American block busters to popular Bollywood films.
It’s a great thing to do at night in Delhi. I saw lots of English movies and a few Hindi films at theaters when I was living in Delhi.
I would just buy my tickets at the ticket machines outside the theatres, but you can also book them online at BookMyShow.
12. Enjoy a Night Cap at one of Delhi’s Beautiful Lounges
Delhi has some beautiful bars and lounges, many of them with large outdoor spaces.
There are two areas that have most of the best night clubs in Delhi: Ambawatta One in Qutab Institutional Area, and One Golden Mile in Bhikaji Cama Place.
Some of my favourites are Piano Man for live jazz, Sidecar because it’s a fantastic neighbourhood bar with great cocktails, Chica for it’s gorgeous outdoor terrace and Cirrus 9 for the subdued rooftop lounge with great views.
Where to Stay in Delhi
In Delhi, where you stay matters. Not only because the city is massive and you want to be near the sites, but also in terms of safety. The best area to stay in is South Delhi.
I am very familiar with these properties, and recommend them because they are exceptional and in good neighbourhoods. They are also well located for seeing Delhi, especially if you limited time.
- The Imperial Hotel, New Delhi (luxury): Beautiful heritage hotel full of charm and character. The location is excellent for exploring Delhi in a walkable area close to many sites, shops and restaurants. This is my favourite Delhi hotel.
- Lutyens Bungalow (mid-range): Heritage boutique property in one of the best areas of the city next to Lodhi Garden. Fantastic area near many sites. Breakfast is included.
- Prakash Kutir Bed & Breakfast (budget): Family run guest house in a very good area of South Delhi, near the metro and easy to explore the whole city from. Spotlessly clean. Home-cooked breakfast is included.
How to Get to Get Around Delhi at Night
The best ways to get around to see these things in Delhi is by metro, Uber, auto rickshaw, or any combination of these.
However, once it’s dark I don’t recommend riding the metro or taking auto rickshaws alone. You’re safer in an Uber. Uber is very reliable and cheap in Delhi.
I go into more detail in this article on how to get around Delhi.
Last Words on Things to Do in Delhi at Night
There are quite a few things to do in Delhi at night, but it’s not a city for just walking around late at night. It’s best to have a plan before you head out. Use Uber to get around and don’t wander about alone.
With a little planning and some common sense, you can have a really memorable night in Delhi.
