Delhi, India
National Capital Territory
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- Delhi is India's capital - a sprawling mix of ancient history and modern chaos. The city divides roughly into Old Delhi (congested, traditional, harder to navigate) and New Delhi/South Delhi (more modern, easier for visitors). The metro is clean and reliable with women-only coaches during rush hours.
- In upscale areas like Khan Market, Hauz Khas, and Greater Kailash, you'll find cafes where working alone on a laptop is normal, and most people speak English.
- That said, Delhi requires more awareness than most capitals. Harassment and staring happen, particularly in markets and tourist areas. Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered, especially in Old Delhi), use Uber or the metro instead of random taxis, and don't walk alone after dark anywhere.
- Women Helpline (1091) runs 24/7, and tourist police are around major sites. If you stick to South Delhi neighborhoods for accommodation and evenings, Delhi is manageable - just exhausting and intense.
Daytime Safety
GoodNight Walking Safety
PoorHarassment Risk
HighTransportation
GoodPickpocketing Safety
ModerateScam Safety
ModeratePolice Visibility
GoodEmergency Services
GoodEvening Venues
GoodSolo Dining
GoodDrug Activity
ModerateHomelessness Visibility
ModerateYour Free Personal Delhi Safety Guide
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- South Delhi (Hauz Khas, Greater Kailash, Saket, Defence Colony)
- Khan Market
- Connaught Place (central area)
- Mehrauli (near Qutub Minar)
- Karol Bagh (market areas during day)
- Paharganj (especially at night)
- Old Delhi side streets and narrow lanes (after dark)
- Isolated areas in any neighborhood after sunset
- Chandni Chowk side alleys
- Empty metro stations late at night
Hindi and English work in tourist areas, upscale neighborhoods, and with metro staff. Tourist Helpline (1363) operates 24/7 in English, Hindi, Arabic, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Russian. Women's Helpline (1091) in Hindi and English.
- Cover your shoulders and knees everywhere - that's baseline. In Old Delhi and at religious sites, wear long pants or skirts and loose tops. South Delhi areas like Hauz Khas and Khan Market are more relaxed, but modest clothing still reduces unwanted attention.
- English works in upscale areas, hotels, and tourist spots. Learn a few Hindi phrases though: 'Namaste' (hello), 'Dhanyavaad' (thank you), 'Kitna?' (how much?), 'Nahi chahiye' (I don't want it - useful for touts). South Delhi restaurant menus are usually in English.
- People will stare. It's not always threatening but it's uncomfortable - sunglasses help. Don't engage with anyone who approaches you in Connaught Place or Paharganj - lots of fake tour offices and ticket scams operate there. Book trains and tours only through official government websites.
- The Delhi Metro is the best way to get around - clean, efficient, cheap (10-60 INR depending on distance). Women-only coaches during peak hours are marked with pink signs. Download the DMRC app for routes.
- Uber and Ola work well here and are safer than flagging down random auto-rickshaws or taxis. Share your ride details with someone. Auto-rickshaws through the apps are cheaper than cars, just make sure the driver uses the meter or sticks to app pricing.
- Don't walk alone after dark, even in areas that feel safe during the day. The change from day to night is stark. If you have to walk at night, stay on lit main roads where other people are around.
- If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.
- For peace of mind on arrival, book your airport pickup in advance.
Explore Delhi with local guides and curated experiences.
- Protect yourself against unexpected medical emergencies and trip disruptions in Delhi.
- For shorter trips, VisitorsCoverage is a good option.
- For long-term travel or remote work, we recommend Ekta.
- October through March is when Delhi's weather is actually tolerable, with temperatures around 20-25°C (68-77°F). Best specific months are October, November, February, and March - pollution is somewhat better and it's not freezing.
- Late December to mid-January can have serious smog and nights drop to 5°C (41°F).
- April to July is miserably hot - 45-50°C (113-122°F) in May and June, genuinely dangerous if you're not used to it.
- Monsoon from July to September cools things down but brings humidity and sudden heavy rain.
Help other women explore Delhi safely
Safe Accommodations in Delhi
Carefully vetted accommodations trusted by solo female travelers, with female-friendly features and safety amenities.
Safety Features
- Female-only facility
- 24-hour security
- Government operated
- Safe central location
Walking Distance
Highlights
- Government-run facility with security
- Central Connaught Place location
- Accommodates 168 women
- Affordable pricing
Social Atmosphere
Low - professional working women's hostel
Safety Features
- Female-only dormitories
- 24-hour reception
- CCTV security
- Lockers provided
Walking Distance
Highlights
- Female-only dorm options available
- Social atmosphere, good for meeting other travelers
- Safe South Delhi location
- Well-reviewed by women traveling alone
Social Atmosphere
High - backpacker social environment
Safety Features
- Female-only dorm options
- Secure building access
- 24-hour staff presence
- Safe deposit boxes
Walking Distance
Highlights
- Popular with backpackers traveling alone
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Budget pricing
- Female-only dorms available
Social Atmosphere
Medium - friendly backpacker vibe
Great for meeting other travelers.
Filter by female-only dorms and safety ratings.
Private rooms with more amenities.
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Neighborhoods in Delhi
Explore the different areas of Delhi and find the perfect neighborhood for your stay.
Hauz Khas
Creative hub with galleries, rooftop cafes, and medieval ruins. Young, cosmopolitan crowd makes it one of the more comfortable Delhi neighborhoods during the day and early evening. Good cafe culture.
Khan Market
Upscale shopping and dining area popular with diplomats and expats. Very safe with good restaurants and cafes, but expensive and not particularly Indian in character.
Connaught Place
Colonial-era commercial center with constant activity. Relatively safe during day and early evening due to crowds and police presence, but heavy with scams. Requires awareness.
Saket
Modern shopping and residential area centered on a big mall. Safe and comfortable with good amenities, but no real character. Good if you want modern comforts and lower stress.
Greater Kailash (GK)
One of Delhi's wealthiest residential areas with good cafes, restaurants, and boutique shopping. Very safe and sophisticated, but expensive and away from tourist zones. Shows you how upscale Delhi lives.
Defence Colony
Residential area with a market focused on dining. Popular with locals, not tourists. Safe and comfortable, shows where middle-class Delhi eats.
Mehrauli
Ancient area centered on Qutub Minar with upscale rooftop restaurants. Safe during day for sightseeing, good dining at night in the restaurant district. Use transportation between areas after dark.
Karol Bagh
Massive middle-class shopping district with budget accommodation. Safe during market hours due to crowds and police, but more conservative than South Delhi. Good for shopping and budget stays, go elsewhere for dining and evenings.
Old Delhi (Chandni Chowk)
Most authentic historic Delhi experience with Mughal monuments, legendary street food, and old bazaars. Daytime only, requires vigilance, conservative dress, and staying on main roads. Leave before dark. Essential for culture but demanding.