15 Unique Ways to Get Cultural in Delhi
There are plenty of ways to get cultural in Delhi, but these are the most authentic experiences you won’t see many tourists doing.
I lived in Delhi for years, so I’ve done all the tourist things and seen all the sites. But I’ve also been to places tourist don’t go – places that locals and expats know about.
I’m going to get you away from the well-worn path of Old Delhi street food tours, and into some places you probably hadn’t considered for a taste of Delhi culture.
These are my favourite ways to get cultural in Delhi:
- Attend a concert or performance at India Habitat Centre
- See the local art scene at Bikaner House, a former prince’s palace
- Eat where the locals eat at state bhawans
- Be a guest at an Indian wedding
15 Unique Ways to Get Cultural in Delhi
Because Delhi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, and has so many different communities living together, the culture is very diverse and rich.
These are the most authentic, but unique ways to experience that culture:
1. Attend an Event at India Habitat Centre
India Habitat Centre is a semi private arts conference centre in New Delhi. It is membership based, but the public are welcome to explore the art galleries and attend exhibits and performances.
There are two art galleries, the Stein Auditorium, and an amphitheatre where you can see theatre, dance or music performances. The last time I was at the Stein Auditorium I saw a wonderful Indian classical music recital.
For performances in the Stein Auditorium check the calendar of events on the Habitat World website. You can buy tickets online through BookMyShow or in person at the India Habitat Centre.
The atriums and art galleries are free and open to all. While you’re there, have a meal at the retro diner Habitat Hub, or a more unique Delhi food experience at the premium food court Habiteria.
2. Visit Bikaner House
This is one of those places that only Delhiites and the expat community seem to know about. Bikaner House was the palace of the Maharaja of Bikaner, and it’s now a wonderful Indian art and cultural centre.
You can stroll around the gardens, explore the palace, and view the art exhibits. It’s a unique opportunity to get into a real palace in Delhi.
There are 3 excellent restaurants on site, and there’s often a handicraft market. If you are going to India Gate, stop in here – it’s just across the street. Free.
3. Eat Regional Food at a State Bhawan
If you want to eat delicious food at bargain prices, eat at a state bhawan. Delhi has state bhawans (government buildings) from every state in India, and most have a canteen serving regional foods.
These canteens are very popular with government workers and locals, and are often packed at lunchtime, but off the tourist trail.
If there’s a thali tray on offer (a mixed tray with regional specialties), order that. It’s always good value and often all you can eat.
Bhawans are usually closed between meal times. Typical hours (these can vary) are breakfast: 8-10:00 am, lunch: 12:30-3:00 pm and dinner: 7:30-10:00 pm.
My favourite ones are Andhra Pradesh Bhawan, Gujurat Bhawan and New Sikkim House. They’re all centrally located.
4. Be a Guest at an Indian Wedding
Weddings are not an event in Delhi, they are a season. Attending an Indian wedding in Delhi is the crème de la crème of ways to get cultural.
If you are lucky enough to be invited to a Delhi wedding, attend as many of the events as you can. Indian weddings are multi-day affairs with many events, each one full of ritual and tradition.
It will be an unforgettable immersion in authentic Indian culture. And Indian weddings are so much fun!
Don’t know anyone getting married in Delhi? You can buy a ticket to attend a wedding through JoinMyWedding. These are real Indian couples that open up their weddings to foreign visitors to help offset the costs. You’ll be treated as a guest of honour. I highly recommend it!
5. Go See Local Theatre
Delhi is the nation’s capital and the hub of Indian performing arts. You can expect to see everything from Shakespeare, Chekhov (I saw a Sophocles tragedy), to notable Indian playwrights. Many plays are in English.
The best theatre in Delhi is the Kamani Auditorium, but there are many other smaller venues. One of the best theatre companies is Little Theatre Group.
Attending a live play is one of the most authentic ways to experience culture in Delhi and it’s not expensive. Check upcoming performances and book tickets on the BookMyShow website.
6. Volunteer in the Langar Kitchen at a Gurudwara
Volunteering in a gurudwara kitchen is one of the most special ways to get cultural in Delhi. You’ll experience first hand the generous nature of the Sikh community.
A gurudwara is a Sikh temple, and langar is the free meal served to everyone, regardless of religion or nationality.
Delhi has two very prominent gurudwaras, Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Old Delhi and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib in New Delhi. Even famed chef Jamie Oliver visited Gurudwara Bangla Sahib to see the kitchen in action!
The kitchens and langar halls are entirely staffed by volunteers. Both welcome visitors who want to help in the kitchen. Make sure you stay and eat langar after – it’s a special and unique experience.
7. Enjoy a Musical or Dance Recital at India International Centre
India International Centre is a great place to see a traditional Indian dance or music performance. It’s membership based, primarily aimed at the educated and elite of Delhi society, but they do open up events to the public.
They host a very active schedule of film screenings, talks and live performances. Check the India International Centre website for events.
I love this centre, especially the government subsidized bar, but you do need to be the guest of a member to enjoy the bar or restaurant.
8. See a Film at the Habitat International Film Festival
Delhi’s premiere film festival is like a mini TIFF or Cannes. Each year the festival showcases 60 of the best international films from the past year. The films are award winning movies that have already received critical acclaim.
It’s hosted by India Habitat Centre and focuses on a different country each year, but cinema from over 30 countries is shown.
And if that wasn’t enough, it’s also free. A few days before the festival begins, tickets are available online to the public on the Habitat International Film Festival website.
Dates change each year, but it’s usually in March. Check the Habitat World FB page for information.
9. Enjoy the Art and Vibe of Delhi Art Week
I’m not sure what is about Delhi Art Week that gets the city so excited, but there is definitely a buzz when this festival rolls around.
Not only are there venues all across the city showcasing visual arts, there’s musical performances, bars and restaurants host Art Week events, Delhiites throw private parties – it’s a huge deal! The whole city gets involved.
Maybe it’s the timing – Delhi Art Week is in winter, which can be a dreary, cold time in Delhi. Delhi Art Week gives everyone a reason to get out, get cultural and socialize.
10. Shop and Eat at Central Market Lajpat Nagar
Central Market Lajpat Nagar is one of the most famous markets in Delhi. You won’t see a lot of tourists here, but it’s a favourite of locals.
This is the best place to pick up Indian clothing, wedding attire, jewelry and a host of other things at reasonable prices. It also has amazing street food stands, like Ram Laddu Food Corner and Dolma Aunty Momo’s.
11. Step Back in Time and Enjoy a Kathak Performance at Kathika
Kathika is a unique centre in historic Old Delhi. It’s located in a beautifully restored 19th century haveli in the heart of what was Shahjahanabad, the 7th medieval city of Delhi.
Every afternoon (except Monday when the centre is closed) there is a traditional music kathak performance. Kathak is the art of storytelling through dance and music. It is one of the most graceful forms of dance I have seen.
Visitors have the option of a half day program, which includes a walking tour of Old Delhi, the kathak performance and a traditional thali lunch. Check the Kathika Centre website for more information.
12. Join a Sacred Aarti at a Temple
I’m sure you’ll visit some of Delhi’s famous temples, but try to time one of your visits so you can witness an aarti.
An aarti is a sacred, religious ritual. Most Hindu, Jain and Buddhist temples have aartis at least twice a day, morning and evening. It’s a beautiful, devotional expression of faith. Everyone is welcome.
During an aarti devotees stand in front of the shrine while a temple priest recites prayers and lights a lamp in front of the deity. Devotees often make offerings of flowers and coconuts which are then blessed by the deity, and offered back to everyone in the temple.
All aartis are special, but the most fascinating one I ever witnessed in Delhi was at the ISKCON temple.
13. Drink Street Chai
Nothing could be more culturally true than drinking street chai in Delhi. India is a tea drinking nation, and chai (sweet milky tea, lightly spiced) is enormously popular. There are chai walas on practically every Delhi corner in the mornings.
Drinking chai is not one of the most unique ways to get cultural in Delhi, because it’s everywhere, but I almost never see tourists drinking it unless they’re with a group.
Chai is thoroughly boiled, so it’s safe to drink. Street chai is delicious, super cheap (INR 10 – $0.10 USD), and a very authentic Delhi experience.
14. Visit a Diplomatic Cultural Centre
Experience Delhi as the nation’s capital by visiting one of the international centres. New Delhi has over 170 diplomatic missions, including embassies, consulates, and high commissions. Many have their own cultural centres.
You don’t need to be a citizen or part of the diplomatic community to visit most of them.
Besides hosting their own festivals and events, lots offer classes. You can sign up for taekwondo at the Korean Cultural Centre or Spanish at the Instituto Cervantes, for example.
15. Stay in a Heritage Hotel
Staying in heritage hotel can give you that extra immersion in Delhi’s culture. These are the best hotels in Delhi which reflect its Mughal and British Raj past:
- The Imperial, New Delhi (luxury): Delhi’s finest heritage hotel. It’s beautiful, luxurious and has the most gorgeous hotel pool in the city. Excellent walkable location in Connaught Place just minutes from numerous sites, restaurants and shops. This is my favourite Delhi hotel.
- Maidens Hotel (luxury): Lovely intimate 5 star hotel in the Civil Lines area where the British Raj headquartered. It’s a very colonial hotel with large rooms and a beautiful terrace for breakfast. Not as central as the Imperial, but still easy to get around from for sightseeing.
- The Ambassador (luxury): Boutique hotel in a super location within walking distance of Khan Market and Lodhi Garden. This is a very green part of New Delhi. The hotel is luxury, but it’s a bit dated. However, the location is simply the best.
- Haveli Dharampura and Golden Haveli (luxury): Two beautifully restored traditional havelis in the heart of Old Delhi. They are sister properties, 50 metres apart. Old Delhi is very important historically, but it’s also congested, noisy and dirty. One or two nights here will probably be enough.
How to Get to Get Around Delhi
The best ways to get around to do these things in Delhi is by metro, Uber, auto rickshaw, or any combination of these.
The Delhi metro is really good – don’t be nervous about using it. And auto rickshaws are everywhere and super convenient. Uber is also good in Delhi, and very cheap.
I go into more detail in this article on how to get around Delhi.
Last Words on 15 Unique Ways to Get Cultural in Delhi
These are my top choices to get you off the well-worn culture path. You will see some foreigners at these places, but most of them will be expats and members of the diplomatic community living in Delhi.
