A hub of business, culture and creativity, Delhi, the most populous city in the world until overtaken by Tokyo in 2014, is home to more than 24 million. A center for both business and leisure travel, Delhi attracts visitors with an extensive historic cityscape dotted with mosques, forts and monuments left over from the Mughal rulers who once occupied the city. The British built New Delhi as the imperial capital of India, while Old Delhi functioned as the capital of Islamic India. Beyond its historic beauty lies a host of eclectic pleasures waiting to be discovered.

GETTING THERE
Indira Gandhi International Airport, India’s busiest airport, serves Delhi, located approximately 10 miles from city center. The Delhi Metro provides the fastest commute from the airport to city center; the 20-minute ride costs about $2.50. To catch a cab, step outside your terminal and use the newly introduced post-paid radio taxi service. The airport has a relationship with three taxi operators — Meru Cabs, Mega Cabs and Easy Cabs — that provide air-conditioned cabs with GPS technology and digital meters integrated with the GPS to ensure every fare is tracked. Find Meru Cabs and Mega Cabs outside Terminal 3 and Easy Cabs outside Terminal 1C.

GETTING AROUND
Public transportation is extensive in Delhi, where more than half the population commutes on the metro trains, local trains, buses and taxis. The Delhi Metro is modern, user-friendly and clean with a large route network throughout the city. Fares range about 15–50 cents. A Tourist Card offers unlimited use for approximately $1.70 for one day or $4.20 for three days, with an 85-cent refundable deposit. Yellow and black taxis, available across the city, cost about 45 cents for the first 0.62 mile and 25 cents for each subsequent 0.62 mile (without air-conditioning) or 30 cents (with air-conditioning). Visitors can also travel via auto-rickshaws, about 42 cents for the first 1.24 miles and 15 cents for each additional 0.62 mile.

9–5
1911
In December 1911, New Delhi was declared the capital of India. At The Imperial, 1911 offers all-day dining spread over three areas overlooking the grounds and decorated in the grandeur of the Art Deco period. Talk business over breakfast here, beginning at 6 a.m. daily.

Machan
Impress clients with lunch at Machan, a fine-dining restaurant in Taj Mahal New Delhi. The extensive à la carte menu features a range of culinary types, from Southeast Asian to Western and Indian cuisine. Its safari décor is reminiscent of, as the name suggests, wildlife and the temporary structures built atop trees to spot game.

Set’z
Open for lunch and dinner, Set’z offers a viable option to host clients over either meal. Serving a combination of Chinese, Japanese, Mediterranean and Thai, lunch is available 12 p.m.–4 p.m., dinner 7 p.m.–12 a.m. Its relaxing ambience is highlighted by a rooftop, bar service and a stellar Sunday brunch.

AFTER 5
Freeze Lounge
The only ice bar in Delhi and made entirely of crystal-clear ice, Freeze Lounge attracts both locals and tourists. Bundled in a winter coat and gloves, kick off the night with different flavored vodka shots and cocktails. Outside of the minus 10-degree bar, the lounge offers a cool hangout with an extensive cocktail menu.

Red Fort
The red sandstone walls of the Red Fort were built in 1638 to discourage invaders; today, they still tower over Old Delhi as a reminder of the Mughal Empire. Open every day except Monday from sunrise to sunset, travelers can visit after the working day winds down and stay for the evening sound and light show that recreates events in India’s history, beginning at 6 p.m.

Veda
Touted as a “dining experience,” Veda’s cuisine is an interpretation of classic Indian cooking with a modern twist. The décor is simple yet refined, harking back to a forgotten era — as subtle and elegant as the cuisine itself. Locations in Mumbai and Kolkata join two New Delhi restaurants.

RESOURCES
For more information, visit delhitourism.nic.in