Delhi (New Delhi)

Delhi's metro is one of the best arguments for the city. It is clean, air-conditioned, punctual, and covers virtually every sight a family would want to visit — Humayun's Tomb (JLN Stadium station, a 5-minute walk), Qutb Minar (Qutb Minar station), Red Fort (Chandni Chowk station), and Connaught Place (Rajiv Chowk station). Buy a Delhi Metro Smart Card for a small deposit and top it up as you go — it gives a 10% discount over single tickets and avoids queuing each time. Women-only carriages exist at the front of each train; families can ride together in standard carriages.

Uber and Ola both operate city-wide and are the most reliable, price-transparent option for journeys not served by the metro. App-based booking means no haggling; fares to most tourist sites are ~£1.50–£4 for shorter trips in central Delhi. Avoid flagging down auto-rickshaws without agreeing a price first — or use the Ola Auto option within the app, which meters the fare and removes the negotiation entirely.

The three-wheeled auto-rickshaw is Delhi's most atmospheric transport mode and, in lighter traffic, also one of the most enjoyable. For short distances in Old Delhi or South Delhi where the metro doesn't reach door-to-door, an auto is perfect. Always agree the fare before getting in, or insist on the meter. Teens tend to love the exposure and wind; parents may prefer Uber for longer journeys with bags.

Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses cover the city comprehensively, and the air-conditioned express services are comfortable. For most families on a first visit, however, the metro and ride-hailing apps are more practical — bus stops and route numbers require some familiarity with the city to use efficiently, and stops are announced in Hindi.

Delhi is not a walkable city in the European sense — distances between sights are large, air quality varies, and midday heat is intense for much of the year. Within specific areas, however, walking is rewarding: the garden complex of Humayun's Tomb is entirely on foot, Old Delhi's lanes must be walked, and Lodi Garden is a pleasant stroll. Wear closed shoes, carry water, and plan outdoor walking for mornings or after 4pm in warmer months.

Three days covers the three UNESCO sites, Old Delhi, and the National Museum comfortably — add a fourth if you want a day trip to Agra for the Taj Mahal (2.5 hours each way by fast train). Five days allows you to settle in, explore South Delhi's quieter neighbourhoods, and pace things for younger or less experienced family members. I usually recommend four nights as the sweet spot for first-time family visits.

Absolutely — and I'd argue it becomes more interesting, not less. Humayun's Tomb was built a century before the Taj and served as the direct architectural prototype: the double dome, the raised platform, the charbagh garden geometry were all pioneered here. Seeing Humayun's Tomb after the Taj Mahal reverses the chronological order, but it deepens your understanding of how that Mughal design language evolved. The garden here is also less crowded than Agra and genuinely beautiful.

Yes, with reasonable awareness. The main risks are tourist-targeted scams — unofficial travel offices, gem shop commissions, and inflated rickshaw fares — rather than anything more serious. Travelling by metro and app-based taxis, staying in established hotels, and keeping a mild scepticism toward unsolicited offers of help removes most risk. Many UK families visit Delhi every year without incident. I always advise booking the first day's activities through the hotel or a reputable tour operator so you arrive oriented rather than uncertain.

The metro handles two of the three well: Chandni Chowk station for the Red Fort, and a 10-minute walk or short auto-rickshaw from JLN Stadium station for Humayun's Tomb. Qutb Minar has its own metro station on the Yellow Line in South Delhi. A private car or driver for a full-day UNESCO circuit is a comfortable alternative — families often hire a driver for a day through their hotel and cover all three sites in sequence, typically starting with the Red Fort (cooler in the morning), then Humayun's Tomb, then Qutb Minar in the afternoon.

Delhi is one of the most teen-engaging destinations I know in Asia. The UNESCO sites carry a genuinely compelling story (especially Humayun's Tomb as the Taj prototype), Old Delhi is visceral and memorable in a way few cities are, and the food is adventurous without being unapproachable. Teens who are curious or have studied any South Asian history will find the Red Fort and Qutb Minar unexpectedly absorbing. The overwhelming quality of the city — the density, the noise, the scale — tends to be exciting rather than frightening for most teenagers, particularly with a guide for the first Old Delhi venture.

If you're in Delhi for four or more days, yes — a day trip to Agra is very manageable. The Gatimaan Express (Delhi Hazrat Nizamuddin to Agra Cantt) takes around 90 minutes and is by far the most comfortable option; book seats in advance through IRCTC or a hotel concierge. Agra can also be done as an overnight stay if you want to catch the Taj at sunrise without the pressure of a day-trip return. Delhi–Agra is the logical start of the Golden Triangle itinerary if your trip has the time.

Eat at busy stalls with high turnover, where fresh food is continuously prepared rather than sitting. Drink only bottled or properly filtered water — no tap water and no ice from unknown sources. Carry a hand sanitiser. Most families visiting Delhi experience no stomach issues if they follow these rules; some have a day or two of adjustment regardless. I recommend packing basic rehydration sachets just in case, and starting with milder dishes on the first day before working up to the full street food adventure. The upside is that Delhi's cuisine is extraordinary — the chaat, the kebabs, the parathas — and a bit of caution on process should not stop you from eating adventurously.

The main gateway for UK families is Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), located about 16 km southwest of the city centre. Direct flights from London operate year-round with Air India, British Airways, and Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow; flight time is approximately 8.5–9 hours. Indirect fares (via Gulf hubs such as Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi) are typically ~£400–£700 return per adult; direct fares are higher and frequently ~£600–£900 return from London. Book 6–10 weeks ahead for best pricing in the November–February peak window. The airport is modern, well-signed and manageable with children; immigration queues can be long on busy evenings, so factor in extra time.

The Delhi Metro Airport Express Line runs directly from Terminal 3 (international) to New Delhi Railway Station in around 20 minutes — clean, air-conditioned, and a genuinely excellent option for families with manageable luggage. Prepaid taxis are available at the arrivals hall and typically cost ~£10–£15 to central Delhi depending on time of day; Uber and Ola both operate from the airport and are often cheaper. Auto-rickshaws are available but not recommended with large luggage or as a first introduction to Delhi traffic.