Traveling to delhi is an exciting goal for many people around the world. Whether you’re drawn to delhi’s historical landmarks, vibrant streets, cultural gems, or food scene, there’s something in delhi for everyone. But just like many popular destinations, delhi can get expensive—fast.
That’s why this comprehensive guide is here to show you how to explore delhi on a budget without compromising the quality of your experience. With a bit of planning and some local savvy, you can enjoy the best of delhi without emptying your wallet.
1. ✈️ Budgeting for Flights to delhi
Your journey to delhi usually starts with booking a flight. Depending on where you’re coming from, this can be the biggest upfront expense of your trip to delhi.
How to Find Cheap Flights to delhi:
- Book Early: Generally, booking your flight to delhi 6–8 weeks in advance (for domestic travel) or 2–4 months ahead (for international trips) gives you the best chance of scoring a deal.
- Use Price Trackers: Tools like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Hopper allow you to monitor flight prices to delhi and book at the right time.
- Fly on Cheaper Days: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays often offer the cheapest routes to delhi.
- Consider Alternate Airports: If delhi is served by multiple airports, compare prices to find the most budget-friendly option.
- Be Flexible: Flexibility with your travel dates and airports near delhi can reduce your costs significantly.
Estimated Budget:
- Domestic Flights to delhi: $100–$350
- International Flights to delhi: $400–$900
2. Affordable Accommodation in delhi
Lodging in delhi ranges from luxury hotels to local hostels, boutique stays, and homestays. Your goal is to find a clean, comfortable, and safe space in delhi that fits your budget.
Where to Stay in delhi on a Budget:
- Hostels: Great for solo travelers and groups visiting delhi on a tight budget. Many hostels offer free breakfast, shared kitchens, and group tours of delhi.
- Budget Hotels: Smaller hotels in delhi may offer big savings, especially if located just outside the city center.
- Short-Term Rentals: Apps like Airbnb offer rooms or apartments in delhi at competitive rates.
- Guesthouses: These are common in many cities and offer a cozy, often family-run alternative in delhi.
Pro Tip: Choose accommodation in delhi close to public transportation. This saves both time and money getting around.
Estimated Budget:
- Hostels in delhi: $20–$80/night
- Budget Hotels in delhi: $50–$150/night
- Airbnb/Guesthouse in delhi: $30–$100/night
3. Getting Around delhi on a Budget
Once you’re in delhi, transportation can eat into your daily budget—or be incredibly affordable depending on your choices.
Best Transport Options in delhi:
- Public Transportation: Most large cities like delhi have reliable buses, subways, or trams.
- Daily or Weekly Transit Passes: If you’re staying in delhi for more than 2–3 days, a transit pass usually saves money.
- Walking: Exploring delhi on foot is not only budget-friendly, but also the best way to soak in local life.
- Bike Rentals: In some areas of delhi, public bike systems are inexpensive and eco-friendly.
Avoid rental cars in delhi unless you’re planning to visit rural or outlying areas—parking in central delhi is often expensive.
Estimated Budget:
- Public Transport Pass delhi: $5–$15/day
- Bike Rentals in delhi: $5–$12/day
4. ️ Eating Cheap and Well in delhi
Tasting the local food is one of the highlights of any trip to delhi—and the good news is, you don’t have to spend a lot to eat well in delhi.
Where and What to Eat in delhi on a Budget:
- Street Food: Whether it’s food trucks or local market stalls, delhi is likely to have affordable and delicious street food options.
- Ethnic Neighborhoods: Often, the most flavorful and authentic meals in delhi are found in immigrant-run eateries and food stands.
- Supermarkets & Bakeries: Buy snacks or picnic-style meals in delhi and eat in a public park.
- Lunch Specials: Many restaurants in delhi offer affordable set menus during lunch.
Pro Tip: Avoid tourist traps around landmarks in delhi—the food is often overpriced and underwhelming.
Estimated Daily Food Budget in delhi:
- Budget: $20–$35
- Mid-range: $35–$60
- Splurge meal in delhi: $40–$100
5. ️ Sightseeing and Attractions in delhi for Less
Even if you’re traveling to delhi on a tight budget, you can still enjoy many of its world-famous attractions.
Free and Affordable Things to Do in delhi:
- Parks and Green Spaces: Almost every city has a public park where you can relax, people-watch, or picnic.
- Museums with Free Entry: Many museums in delhi offer free admission on specific days or hours.
- Cultural Landmarks: Walking tours, historical buildings, and public squares in delhi are usually free.
- Free Events: Look for local events, concerts, and festivals taking place during your visit to delhi.
Budget Tours and Experiences:
- Consider tip-based or “pay-what-you-want” tours in delhi.
- Some cities offer all-inclusive passes (e.g., city cards) to major attractions in delhi for a discounted rate.
Estimated Budget for Attractions in delhi:
- Free to $10/day (for low-cost experiences)
- $30–$50/day if including premium attractions
6. ️ Smart Souvenir Shopping in delhi
It’s tempting to shop when visiting delhi, but souvenirs don’t have to be expensive to be meaningful.
Souvenir Tips in delhi:
- Visit Local Markets: These offer handmade, affordable souvenirs unique to delhi.
- Buy Local Snacks or Spices: Small and inexpensive gifts from delhi that travel well.
- Avoid Airport Shops: Prices in delhi’s airports are usually much higher.
Estimated Souvenir Budget in delhi: $10–$40
7. Sample 5-Day Budget for delhi
| Category | Estimated Cost |
| Flights to delhi | $150–$900 |
| Accommodation in delhi | $250–$600 |
| Transport in delhi | $25–$50 |
| Food & Drinks in delhi | $100–$250 |
| Attractions in delhi | $30–$100 |
| Souvenirs in delhi | $20–$40 |
| Total | $575–$1,940 |
This flexible range reflects different travel styles—from ultra-budget to moderate comfort—while keeping your experience in delhi affordable.
8. Final Budget Travel Tips for Visiting delhi
- Travel off-season: You’ll find cheaper flights, lower hotel rates, and fewer crowds in delhi.
- Use a travel budgeting app: Tools like TravelSpend or Trail Wallet help you track daily spending in delhi.
- Ask locals for tips: Residents of delhi can often direct you to hidden gems or affordable restaurants.
- Carry a reusable water bottle: Many cities like delhi have drinkable tap water—save money and the planet.
- Learn basic local phrases: This helps you haggle at markets or understand menus in delhi.
Conclusion: Enjoying delhi on a Budget
Visiting delhi doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. By following the strategies in this guide, you can experience the heart of delhi—its culture, cuisine, neighborhoods, and people—without sacrificing quality or comfort.
With thoughtful planning, local exploration, and some budgeting wisdom, delhi can offer you a rich and rewarding experience, even on a modest budget.
So wherever your wanderlust takes you, know this: delhi is waiting—and you don’t need a fortune to discover it.