A Sunday in New Delhi

Lotus Temple, New Delhi, photo courtesy of saiko3p/ Shutterstock Inc

Sundays are sacred. Whether you spend the day exploring local art and architecture, browsing market stops, or indulging in culinary delights, there’s no denying the seventh and final day of the week is reserved for discovery as a ritual. This Sunday, we explore the best of New Delhi.

Sundays are just as much about looking forward as they are about reflection. In a city like New Delhi, a centuries-old treasure trove of history framed by modern innovation and industry, it’s possible to travel from the past to the future and back as you trace its ancient origins while enjoying the invigorated spirit of a global technology metropolis on the rise.

Farmhouse in the West End Greens

The capital city of India and an urban district in the state of Delhi, New Delhi has been a hub of culture and innovation for centuries. Start your morning here slowly: an expansive five-acre Westend Greens farmhouse with five spacious bedrooms allows every visitor an unhurried start to their day. A morning chai is best enjoyed on one of several stylish balconies overlooking the manicured property grounds before commencing your week the local way—with a laid-back round of golf at Delhi Golf Club, just a 25-minute drive away.

Weekends call for brunch, and a sumptuous menu with a side of palatial interiors can be had at United Coffee House. With a history as rich as the South Indian coffee blends on the menu, this legendary institution was established around the time of Delhi independence from British rule, a heritage reflected in its colonial ambiance and a menu that incorporates both Indian and British influences.

Afternoon

Humayun’s tomb in New Delhi, photo courtesy of Azhar_khan / Shutterstock Inc.

Afternoons are best spent weaving your way through New Delhi’s rich tapestry of past, present, and future. Make a stop at India Gate, a war memorial with echoes of Paris’ Arc de Triomphe, and walk Rajpath till you reach the official home of the President of India, the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Along the way, visit the National Museum for a breathtaking overview of the region’s art, jewelry, manuscripts, and costumes and textiles. Your historical cup almost full, a short drive brings you to Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage site whose structure inspired the Taj Mahal.

Indian Accent Restaurant at the Lodhi New Delhi, photo courtesy of Indian Accent

Delhi is home to some of the best cuisine in the country. From high tea to spice markets to North Indian to Japanese, culinary delights can be found around nearly every corner. For an outstanding lunch, it’s best to head to one of the capital’s five-star hotels. Chef Manish Mehrotra reinterprets nostalgic dishes with global influence at Indian Accent at The Lodhi New Delhi, while Shang Palace at the Shangri-La’s Delhi outpost is known for their famed dim sum lunch.

To discover some of the city’s finest shopping, take an Uber to DLF Emporio, where you’ll find established European powerhouses like Louis Vuitton and Gucci and top Indian designers like Tarun Tahiliani and Ritu Kumar. Or forego traditional browsing and visit Khari Baoli, Asia’s largest spice market, for an authentically local experience.

Evening

Blue Bar by Taj, photo courtesy of Taj Hotels

When it comes time for dinner, there is no dearth of options. A melting pot of ethnicities, New Delhi enjoys a smorgasbord of cuisines. Join the foodie crowd at the popular Akira Back for artful Japanese, or be stunned by the progressive presentation of traditional Indian at Masala Library. Cap off your Sunday with one of many impressive cocktails beneath the stars at the Kylin Sky Bar, a vibrant rooftop patio overlooking Delhi’s glitzy skyscrapers. Blue Bar at Taj Palace, The Piano Man, and The Electric Room are other popular destinations where you can cap off the evening with a refreshing drink amongst a chic crowd.

Steeped in ancient tradition and at the forefront of modernity, New Delhi is a dazzling blend of old meets new, with a vast portfolio of events and experiences to show for it. However you choose to spend a Sunday in the capital, it’s sure to be filled with discoveries at every turn.

Make New Delhi home with one of these refined listings, and experience the buzz of city life for more than just a Sunday.