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.

Old Delhi around Chandni Chowk is sensory overload - 17th-century Mughal history, narrow lanes jammed with pedestrians, cycle rickshaws weaving through crowds, overwhelming energy from one of Asia's oldest functioning markets. The main Chandni Chowk road is safe during the day until around 7 PM with constant crowds and tourist police near Jama Masjid and Red Fort. But this is daytime-only. Once vendors pack up and the sun sets, the area empties and safety drops fast. Avoid the side alleys and narrow gallis even during the day - stay on main roads only. Modest dress is essential - cover shoulders and knees minimum, longer looser clothing is better to avoid attention in this conservative area. English is limited except at major tourist sites. Rickshaws work best for the narrow lanes. Street food is legendary but pick busy stalls where you see food being made. Old Delhi is the most authentic historic experience but demands maximum vigilance and strict timing. Come before 5 PM, stay on main roads, dress conservatively, leave well before dark.