Historic heart of Delhi with famous street food and bazaars.

About Old Delhi (Chandni Chowk)

Chandni Chowk (\'Moonlight Square\') was designed by Jahanara, daughter of Shah Jahan, in the 1650s as the grandest market avenue of the Mughal capital, Shahjahanabad. Today it remains one of Asia\'s oldest and busiest markets, a labyrinth of narrow lanes specializing in specific trades—Dariba Kalan for silver jewelry, Khari Baoli for spices (Asia\'s largest spice market), Kinari Bazaar for wedding accessories, and Chawri Bazaar for paper goods.

The Red Fort (Lal Qila), Shah Jahan\'s massive sandstone palace and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, anchors the eastern end of the street. Jama Masjid, India\'s largest mosque, rises above the rooftops to the south. The food culture here is legendary—Paranthe Wali Gali (Lane of Parathas) has served stuffed flatbreads since the 1870s, Karim\'s restaurant near Jama Masjid has dished out Mughlai kebabs since 1913, and street carts sell jalebi, chaat, and kulfi. A recent redevelopment added better pedestrian areas and the Chandni Chowk Metro station.

Nearby Landmarks

Red Fort Jama Masjid Chandni Chowk Market Khari Baoli Spice Market Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost INR 500-700 ($6-8)
Time 45-90 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost INR 400-600 ($5-7)
Time 45-90 minutes

T3 arrivals rideshare area

Train (Airport Express + Yellow Line)

Cost INR 80
Time 40 minutes
Frequency Every 5-10 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Airport Express to New Delhi Station (20 min). 2. Yellow Line to Chandni Chowk (10 min).

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi INR 500-700 ($6-8) 45-90 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare INR 400-600 ($5-7) 45-90 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train INR 80 40 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Chandni Chowk shops close by 8:00–9:00 PM. The area is not recommended for late-night visits—it gets deserted and poorly lit after shops close. The metro runs until about 11:00 PM. Returning to the airport late, take the metro to New Delhi station and transfer to the Airport Express, or use Uber/Ola (INR 500–800).

Luggage Tips

Leave luggage at your hotel before visiting Chandni Chowk—the lanes are extremely narrow and crowded, making bags impossible to manage. Carry only a small crossbody bag or pocket wallet. Watch for pickpockets in the densest market areas. Camera bags should be worn in front.

Accessibility

Old Delhi is extremely challenging for wheelchair users. Streets are narrow, uneven, and choked with people, rickshaws, and carts. The Red Fort has some accessible areas via the main pathway. Jama Masjid requires climbing steep steps. The Chandni Chowk Metro station has elevator access. Cycle rickshaw rides through the lanes offer an alternative to walking.