Is New Delhi Safe For Tourists? A backpackers insights from summer 2025

Insights from a Backpacking Architect in Summer 2025

Its the big one, I am on the road in 2025 and my first stop has been New Delhi, India ... in June (we will talk about that mistake shortly) For those who don't know me, I am Jack, your backpacking architect friend, and I have just taken on the city that has built up the unfortunate reputation as the scam centre of the world.

So as someone currently on the ground in India, navigating the streets of the capital with DSLR in one hand and an action cam in another, I want to offer a fresh, honest take.

If you're asking, “Is New Delhi safe?”, the answer is: yes, but with HEAVY caveats.

Lets do this Blueprinters.

Stepping off the plane and into the heat of New Delhi is like stepping into another world. The noise, the chaos, the colour, and the heat; it hits you in waves.

But before all of that you are met by something else, a taxi and/ or rickshaw driver telling you the metro is out of action and they can get you to where you need to be for "cheap". Preying on the tired vulnerable human who has just had a long flight the though of an easy ride to your hostel or hotel bed can wash over you and before you know it you are already in trouble! Fortunately this first encounter can be easily tackled with Uber or simply by continuing onto the metro (read my blog on 'Day one in India' where you can find out how to tackle the Metro. Just don't get into the ride of an unknown as soon as you get off the plane. There are also taxi terminal inside the airport where you can book with legit operators.

What Does “Safe” Even Mean in New Delhi?

Safety isn’t black and white, especially not in a city of over 30 million people. Like any sprawling capital, Delhi has both warm hospitality and sharp edges. Most travellers won’t encounter major issues, but the culture shock, climate, and pace of Delhi can leave you feeling overwhelmed, especially if it’s your first stop in India. I have been to some places that I would say are questionable but after 7 days in New Delhi, I found myself questioning if I had done the right thing in heading to the heart of India.

In my first 48 hours in Delhi, I:

• Navigated the biometric scanners and immigration at the airport

• Grabbed rupees from a legit ATM

• Dodged persistent taxi touts

• Rode the metro to Laxmi Nagar

• Wandered through Chandi Chowk solo

• And checked into a hostel that felt like a gritty but genuine slice of Delhi life

I never felt threatened, but I did feel intensely alert. So let’s break it down.

📍 Safer Areas in New Delhi (and Ones to Navigate Carefully)

While no city is without risk, some areas in New Delhi are more backpacker-friendly than others:

Safer Neighbourhoods:

• South Delhi (Hauz Khas, Defence Colony, Greater Kailash): Leafier, quieter, and popular with expats.

• Connaught Place: Central, well-patrolled, and close to landmarks, but expect people trying to sell you something (shoe cleaning, new soles etc)

• Laxmi Nagar (with awareness): Urban and gritty, but manageable for seasoned travellers.

  
  

Use Caution In:

• Paharganj: Intense and chaotic. Often the first stop for budget travellers, but notorious for scams.

• Chandni Chowk & Old Delhi: Historic and stunning, but incredibly busy, keep valuables close.

🏨 Where to Stay: Grit or Grandeur?

Joey’s Hostel – Laxmi Nagar I stayed at Joey’s Hostel in Laxmi Nagar, and while the neighbourhood isn’t polished, the experience was brilliant. The staff were kind, helpful, and actually cared. They run daily tours and even helped a couple who had been scammed by a fake travel shop; without hesitation. The building is a bit rough around the edges and could used a bit of a freshen up, but access to the metro is nearby and when in a city like New Delhi for me, the team got it right!

Zostel Delhi – Paharganj Great for backpackers who want to be in the thick of it. Just steps from New Delhi Railway Station, this is an ideal base if you’re looking for budget, buzz, and quick access to landmarks.

J House – Sector 3 For those who need a soft landing J House offers a more comfortable retreat away from the chaos in the centre of Delhi. Whilst I did not stay here, I had a keen eye on it and will probably give it a shot if ever back in Delhi (once it has cooled down a bit)

The Leela Palace – Diplomatic Enclave If you have found yourself here as a luxury traveller then fear not because Delhi caters to you as well with some real top notch hotels! Think rooftop pools, lavish interiors, and five-star service. Pricey, but unbeatable for comfort and prestige.

🚨 Common Safety Challenges

1. Heat Exhaustion In summer, Delhi regularly hits 40°C+. Stay hydrated, pace yourself, and rest often. AC hostels help massively. I rocked up here on the 3rd of June, I am sitting in Rishikesh now writing this in 34 degree heat and its still hard, so apologies for typos and incoherent sentences. So do I regret it, slightly yes, I wish I had spent the summer in the UK and booked a ticket out come those winter months HOWEVER ... it does also bring opportunity to get to the mountain regions which can be washed out in the winter months!

My advice would be ... do not do the summer months in New Delhi or even Rishikesh where the dry heat turns humid and a pool does not seem to exist!

2. Scams Fake travel agents are a known issue. Always ask your hostel or hotel for trusted vendors, and when in doubt, book directly through them, its piece of mind.

3. Personal Boundaries As a solo male traveller, I was approached frequently by curious locals. It’s often friendly, but sometimes invasive; especially when you just want a quiet coffee. Or a moment to cool off. I had a moment at Humayun's tomb where I was wondering if I were about to collapse from heat exhaustion, fortunately I spotted a shady bench looked down at the floor for a moment then back up again and I was surrounded by locals wanting to know where I had come from and what I was doing in India. They started recording me without me at which point I felt I had to perform, so put on a happy face and splutter through 5-10 minutes of niceties before making my excuses and going to collapse on the floor under a tree! If you watch the Humayans Tomb Backpackers Blueprint episode (coming soon). You will see I am laying on the floor for the intro. That is not for effect that is due to pure exhaustion!

Yet heres the real kicker; women face a tougher challenge. A friend shared: “I wore more clothes than anywhere in my life, and still felt naked” (she was not here in June).

Exploring on Foot: What It’s Really Like

Walking Chandni Chowk alone was intense but rewarding. The sensory overload is part of Delhi’s charm, barking dogs, honking horns, chai vendors, and sudden architectural gems like the Jama Masjid appearing between alleyways.

Despite the chaos, I didn’t feel unsafe, I got to the market just after 9 and it felt reasonably quiet. I ironically felt better in this area than Humayans Tomb! A few people looked but no one tailed or stopped me, people smiled and nodded as if to say hello and some gestured towards their good as if you say "interested?" a polite smile and no thank you and that was that! I walked my way through one of the places you should be 'extremely careful in' with relative ease. I would like to say its because I am built like Arnold Schwarzenegger in his prime but I am not, I am just a 5'9 fella from the UK!

But its also worth noting its not all like this. There are some remarkably clean, safe and beautiful spots like the Faqir-Chand book shop found in at Khan Market. An area that makes you feel as though you have stepped into Japanese street with all the signs and restaurants to complete the look!

Its a city of contrasts and as I write this now I think this is going to be a country of contrasts, we will find out as we explore in the coming months. So lets ask that question.

Final Word: Is New Delhi Safe in 2025?

Yes, but you need eyes up your arse, patience and the ability to be slighly rude sometimes, ignoring those tapping you on the arm whilst walking next to you down the street! My final check list would be:

• Pick your neighbourhood wisely

• Stay hydrated

• Avoid late-night wandering alone

• Ask locals (or your hostel) for trusted contacts

• Embrace the grit, but protect your peace

Absolute essential for New Delhi

Make sure you have a portable charger for your phone, you do not want to get stuck in Delhi without Uber or a map!

A hat or buff of some sort. I was literally pouring cold water onto my buff and wearing it on my head to try and help with the heat

Water filter bottle, those who know me know I carry a Grayl, and that day at Humayans tomb was one of the first days I did not take it. The only water source was from a dodgy looking tap labeled drinking water! The tap was surrounded by people pushing to get to it, it took me over half an hour before I got to it and filled a plastic bottle I had with me, but in the unknown I did not dare drink thinking if it makes me vomit or gives me diarrhea I would be in a much worse place, so I simply poured the water over my head and battled through. How I missed the bottle in that moment!

I am sure this goes without saying but if you are going to India, please get travel insurance, I am currently using Safety Wing Nomad Insurance Its super easy to set up, I did mine the day before I was due to leave and in those moments wondering if I was going to wake up on a drip in a hospital bed, it has been piece of mind!

Make sure to lock your bag with a combination lock if you are wandering the streets with one on.

My final tips for New Delhi in June would be electrolytes and hand sanitiser, trust me you will be shaking more hands than you ever though you would given your new celebrity status.

Right I think thats all from me on the safety of New Delhi for backpackers and explorers. Make sure to subscribe as I backpack across India in search of its best architecture. Make sure to read my other posts on 'Arriving into New Delhi' and find me on Youtube @backpackersblueprint where I will be vlogging the adventure.

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