Old Delhi

Quintessential Delhi

Word to the wise: This is one of Delhi's more conservative, predominantly Muslim areas. Dress conservatively.
Popular plate: Old Delhi is famous for its chaat bhandars (sweet shops). And don't forget to take a turn down Gali Paranthe Wali, a street named for its delicious paratha (stuffed fried rotis) trade.

Delhi is one of the world's truly ancient cities, with a history dating back to 1000 BC. Nowadays, when people mention 'Old Delhi', they are generally referring to Chandni Chowk and the arterial roads stemming from it.
The medieval walled city of Old Delhi fell into disrepair after being partly destroyed by the Indian uprising of 1857 and Chandni Chowk, once one of the grandest thoroughfares in India, is now a rather scruffy wholesale market. Still, its 400-year-old lanes house a tangle of colourful bazaars and many of the city's primary sights, including Digambar Jain Temple, Gauri Shankar Temple and Khari Baoli, Asia's biggest spice market. The Red Fort and Jama Masjid are also close by. To miss out on visiting Old Delhi is, in many ways, to miss Delhi altogether.