How Safe is Delhi – is it Safe for Tourists?
Is Delhi safe for tourists? The answer is yes and no. Delhi does have a high crime rate compared to the rest of the country, but like travel anywhere tourists can do a lot to decrease the personal risk.
I live in Delhi and have explored the city top to bottom, mostly solo. Apart from annoying touts in high tourist areas, I have never been harassed or made to feel unsafe. Delhi requires the usual precautions (don’t flash wads of cash, don’t walk alone at night), plus an extra dose of common sense.
If it’s your first trip to Delhi, read my complete guide and suggested itineraries for first time visitors.
Short on Time? Here’s What to Expect:
- tips on personal safety & where to stay
- food and water safety
- transportation options and safety
- air pollution and how to stay healthy
Tips for Staying Safe
- Keep personal belongings close. Purse snatching and pick pocketing does happen, especially in crowded areas like bus or train terminals, Delhi’s most popular attractions, and busy markets
- Do not ride the city buses, especially after dark
- Use the metro to get around during the day and women should ride in the women’s carriage (first carriage of the train in the moving direction)
- Use Uber, Ola or BluSmart ride share services and always check the car plate to confirm it is your ride
- Do not listen to random strangers – they often lie and tell you a particular monument or site is closed to try and redirect you somewhere else
- Do not walk alone after dark
- Dress conservatively, with knees, shoulders and chest covered
- When in doubt seek advice from hotel staff
The Nation’s (Crime) Capital
Delhi is not just the nation’s political capital, it is the crime capital also. It accounts for 41% of the total crimes in the country. There are a number of reasons for this such as high population density, number of migrants, mindset regarding women, low police staffing and corruption. But crimes against tourists are relatively low with petty theft being the most common.
Delhi has a huge number of CCTV cameras and is one of the most surveilled cities in the world. The city takes safety for women seriously and this was one of the major reasons for the increased surveillance.
Security in Delhi
Delhi has a lot of security – it is everywhere. Expect to walk through a security booth and have your bags scanned at all major attractions, the metro, bus and train stations, 5 star hotels, Delhi’s best shopping malls, and even some restaurants.
Initially I found this alarming and comforting at the same time, but now I am so used to it I barely notice.
Security booths are almost always segregated. There will be a curtained booth for women with female security guards.
There has been no major terrorist attack in Delhi since 2005.
Is Delhi Safe for Women?
Delhi is reasonably safe for female tourists, but some extra precautions are wise.
Delhi is a conservative society and to avoid unnecessary attention, women should dress modestly. Shoulders and knees should be covered and absolutely no cleavage. It’s fine to be less modest where that is the norm (like a night club), but cover up outside the venue.
Most foreigners stand out, it’s unavoidable, but try to blend in as much as possible. As a woman, I always carry a dupatta (light scarf) with me. It’s an extremely useful Indian fashion accessory that can be used as a covering for head, shoulders, chest, and as a shawl when cool.
At night, do not walk alone and avoid rickshaws and taxi cabs. Instead, use a ride sharing program like Uber, Ola or BluSmart. If taking the metro, use the women’s carriage and do not ride alone after 9:00 pm. You can also book a ride through Women With Wheels, a taxi service with female drivers for female clients.
Women should be cautious during the festival of Holi (sometimes called the colour festival) which usually takes place during March. Streets get crowded and there’s a lot of intoxicated men out. It is possible to safely celebrate and play Holi in Delhi at a private party or event organized by your hotel or embassy.
Is Delhi Safe for Families?
Delhi, and India in general, does not have the same safety standards as the West. Stairs without handrails, roof top patios without proper guardrails and unmarked holes in sidewalks are not uncommon.
Delhi is not a very walkable city; there is a general lack of sidewalks and traffic lights. There’s a lot of noise, traffic and it’s crowded.
These are things to be aware of before you go, but many families travel to Delhi and have a wonderful time. Here’s a list of 39 things to do with children in Delhi.
Safety Tips for Families
- Use a driver to get around (ask your hotel or guest house to arrange this)
- Always drink bottled water
- Temper spicy food with yogurt, rice and naan
- Do not eat raw food
- Avoid street food and instead eat in a restaurant like Haldiram’s
- Use mosquito repellent and sunblock
- Keep a very close eye on young children
Is Delhi Safe for LGBTQ?
After Mumbai, Delhi is India’s most queer friendly city, and there’s a thriving LGBTQ community. Homosexuality was decriminalized in India on September 8, 2016, and anti-discrimination laws on the basis of sexual orientation were enacted.
So yes, Delhi is safe for LGBTQ tourists but no, you cannot flaunt it. This has nothing to do with sexual orientation, it is because public displays of affection are not culturally accepted. It is considered taboo for a couple to kiss in public, except maybe a quick peck on the cheek, and it’s only in the last 10 years that couples have begun holding hands publicly.
In India, men hold hands but it has nothing to do with sexuality. Same sex hand holding is a sign of affection, bonding and camaraderie in India, not romance. However, same sex hand holding by foreigners may be seen as romantic, and for that reason I would refrain.
There is little in the way of night life exclusively for the LGBTQ community at the moment, but Depot 48 in Greater Kailash II does host events and is openly supportive of LGBTQ.
Is Delhi Safe at Night?
It is not safe for tourists to walk around alone at night in Delhi. Use the ride share programs Uber, Ola or BluSmart (apps can be downloaded to a mobile). Check the car plate to confirm it is your ride before entering the vehicle.
In restaurants and clubs, never accept a drink from a stranger and watch the bartender mix your drink (especially in clubs). Do not leave your beverage unattended.
Delhi’s Gated Neighbourhoods
Delhi has gated neighbourhoods. Some areas may have 4 or 5 different gates which close at night, blocking traffic and pedestrians.
Each neighbourhood keeps at least one gate open overnight and it’s important to know where it is. GPS does not indicate which gates are open and your driver may not know either. Always confirm which gates are open and where they are so you can re-enter the neighbourhood.
I once attended a Mehndi (pre-wedding henna party) just five houses down from my Airbnb. I left to walk the 15 seconds to my place only to discover there was a closed and locked gate across the street blocking my way. Luckily the party hosts were able to telephone a patrolling security guard, and he came to unlock it and let me through.
Major hotels on main thoroughfares have their own 24 hr security. You do not need to worry about gates if you are staying at one of these, but verify the security situation before you head out for the evening.
Is Public Transit Safe In Delhi?
Delhi city buses are not safe for tourists. They are notoriously unsafe for women and overcrowded. Avoid them. Instead, use the Delhi metro.
The Delhi metro is safe, clean, efficient, cheap and it goes everywhere. It’s also extremely easy to use. See my guide on how to ride the Delhi metro. All riders must go through security, and the first carriage in the moving direction of the train is for women only.
Delhi auto rickshaws are also safe for tourists during the day, and can be used for short trips or in conjunction with the metro to reach door to door.
Are Taxis Safe in Delhi?
Flagging taxis and using taxis off the street is not a safe option in Delhi for tourists. I recommend using the ride share programs Uber, Ola or BluSmart. Uber is more widely used and that’s the one I utilize the most. BluSmart is great if you want to hire a car for several hours and make a few stops.
Before entering the vehicle confirm the plate number on the car with the vehicle information provided by the ride-share service. Make sure the OTP for the ride matches the one the driver has.
Women With Wheels (Sakha Cabs) is a cab company with female drivers for female passengers. They also offer chauffeur services by the hour or day, and have a booth at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Terminal 3 for airport transfers.
Is it Safe to Drive in Delhi?
No, it is not safe for tourists to drive in Delhi. Not only is it one of the most difficult cities in the world to navigate, traffic is terrible and normal rules of the road do not seem to apply.
Motorcycles, overburdened lorries, trucks, private cars, bicycles and rickshaws, cows, dogs and pigs often share the roads. Most drivers do not signal, but use their horn to indicate intent to pass or change lanes. There’s a lack of traffic lights and no stop signs, and many drivers plow right through them anyway. It’s just not safe to drive yourself in Delhi.
Instead, use a ride share program like Uber, Ola or BluSmart, hire a driver for a half day or day, or use the metro to get around. The Delhi metro is excellent and by far the fastest way to navigate city.
Is it Safe to Cycle in Delhi?
Delhi is not a pedestrian or cyclist friendly city. There are very few bike lanes, and traffic is horrendous with some truly awful drivers. I do not recommend cycling in the city. Joining a bike tour is a good alternative, Delhi By Cycle offers cycle tours that start early in the morning before traffic really takes off.
Where to Stay in Delhi
South and Central Delhi are the best and safest areas to stay in. They are also close to many of the monuments and attractions.
Neighbourhoods like Greater Kailash, Vasant Vihar, Hauz Khas, Golf Links, Shanti Niketan, Nizamuddin East, Saket, Chanakyapuri, Connaught Place and Defence Colony are all good options. Aerocity has many hotels by the airport.
Look for accommodation with good reviews, and inquire about their security measures if in doubt. There are many safe options for where to stay in Delhi.
Is the Food Safe in Delhi?
There is always a risk of contamination at any restaurant or public eatery but generally speaking, food in restaurants that cater to tourists have higher hygiene standards and will be safe to eat at. The Indian restaurant chain Haldiram’s serves traditional food and chaats (snacks), and is also very hygienic.
Delhi grocery stores sell safe food items, and local markets have all kinds of produce, which is safe for tourists to eat once washed in filtered water.
Street Food
Delhi has a vibrant street food scene, and I personally think that’s where the best food is. There is a higher risk of food borne bacteria when eating on the streets, but you can dramatically lower that risk if you know how to eat local and stay healthy.
Street food is a huge part of the culture in Delhi and it would be a shame not to experience it. See my beginner’s guide to the famous street foods of Delhi.
Tips on How to Safely Eat Street Food
- Choose busy stalls with a lineup or steady flow of customers
- Do not eat or drink anything with unfiltered water like gol gappa or lassi
- Do not eat meat
- No ice
- Drink water from a sealed bottle
- Wash your hands or use antibacterial wipes before eating
- Roasted and cooked foods are okay
- Chai (milk tea) is safe from a paper cup
Is Delhi’s Water Safe to Drink?
Delhi’s water is not safe for tourists to drink. Never drink the water straight from the tap. Always drink filtered or branded, bottled water.
Hotels and guest houses will provide bottled water. High end hotels and many Airbnbs will have a water filtration system (commonly called an RO system), and you should ask about this before booking. Use bottled or filtered water for cooking, making coffee or tea and brushing teeth.
Beware of the Bottled Water Scam
Some vendors package water in the same bottles with almost identical labels as branded bottled water. The only difference is the brand name will have a very slight change. It’s basically knock off water. This water may not be filtered.
While visiting the Qutub Minar once, I purchased a bottle of water from a vendor just outside the entrance. I thought I was buying Bisleri water. This water was labelled Bliseri. It wasn’t until I had drank most of it that an Indian friend noticed and explained the scam to me. I was fine, but be wary of this trick.
The most popular brands of water and their correct names are:
- Bisleri
- Kinley
- Aquafina
- Himalayan
- Pure Life
How Much Pollution is There in Delhi?
Unfortunately the answer is a lot. Delhi is one of the most polluted capitals in the world. The air is bad all year round, but air quality really tanks in the winter months of November, December, January and February.
The air becomes extra toxic in these months because of fireworks from Diwali (in December) and stubble burning of farmers’ fields in neighbouring states. The government often shuts down schools and factories during the worst days.
Many luxury hotels and private residences use air purifying systems. If you plan to come to Delhi between November and February you should inquire if your accommodation has air purifiers.
Other Irritants… Mosquitos and Heat
Keeping Mosquitos at Bay
Mosquitos in Delhi can carry dengue, chikungunya and malaria. They are worse in the summer, when temperatures are routinely above 35 degrees Celsius and humidity rises.
Many Delhi visitors take malaria pills, and I strongly recommend using a mosquito repellent like Odomos which is safe for tourists. Odomos is one of the best brands and widely available. It does not contain dangerous chemicals, but works by masking the body odour that mosquitos detect on humans.
I also use a product called 4 Dots. It’s a citronella fabric roll on that is applied to clothing at the shoulders and ankles. It can also be rolled onto the 4 corners of bedding. There are also many plug in repellents you can buy at local shops. All of these products can be purchased at local shops and are not expensive.
Avoiding Heat Stroke
Heat stroke can be a real danger in Delhi when temperatures soar to 45 degrees Celsius during the summer. May and June are the hottest months and most people avoid spending time outside during the day. The best time to visit Delhi is February, March, October and November.
Tips on Avoiding Heat Stroke
- Wear loose, light weight clothing (Indian clothing is excellent for this)
- Wear a hat and sunglasses
- Use sunscreen
- Keep hydrated (coconuts are great because they replace electrolytes and are hygienic – skip the straw and just tip the water into your mouth)
- Take it easy during the hottest parts of the day
The Wrap-up on Is Delhi Safe for Tourists
Delhi is safe for tourists, or as safe as a city of 33 million people can be. Like any major metropolis, there is crime and travellers should take precautions. By following safety tips, erring on the side of caution, and respecting local cultural norms you can have a very safe visit.
Don’t forget travel insurance! It’s always a good idea to carry travel insurance just in case something goes wrong. I really like and use SafetyWing
