Delhi hits you fast—with blaring horns, spicy chaat, and sandstone grandeur. But once you’ve checked off Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb, a quieter question surfaces: Where do the locals go?
This isn’t your average Delhi guide. It’s a curated walk through the corners not found on glossy brochures—where chai replaces champagne, alleys tell stories, and beauty blooms in the everyday. Whether you’re a first-timer or a Dilliwallah at heart, these offbeat gems offer a deeper taste of the city.
Sunder Nursery – A Local’s Central Park
📍 Where: Near Humayun’s Tomb
🕒 When to Go: Early morning or golden hour
💸 Entry Fee: ₹50 (locals), ₹200 (foreigners)
☕ Nearby Food: Roots Café in the Park (try the paratha platter)
✨ Extra Tip: Attend a weekend plant market or heritage walk.
Majnu Ka Tilla – Delhi’s Little Tibet
📍 Where: North Delhi, near ISBT Kashmere Gate
🍽️ Must-Try: Thukpa at Dolma House, pancakes at AMA Café
📷 Instagram: #MajnuKaTilla #DelhiFoodDiaries
💸 Avg. Meal Price: ₹250–₹400
🎁 What Not to Miss: Tibetan prayer items, silver jewelry, indie bookstores.
Bahrisons Bookstore, Khan Market
📍 Where: Inner lane of Khan Market
📚 Why Locals Love It: Old-world charm, curated recommendations
💸 Avg. Book Price: ₹500+
☕ Combo Stop: Get a cold coffee from Chai Point or a croissant from L’Opera.
Bikaner House – Art, Culture & Coffee
📍 Where: Near India Gate
🖼️ Go For: Art exhibits, book launches, creative pop-ups
🍽️ Café Tip: Dig into shakshuka at Café Lota nearby
📷 Instagram: #BikanerHouseDelhi
💸 Entry: Usually free for exhibitions
🎵 Bonus: Watch for rooftop gigs and poetry evenings.
Matia Mahal – Jama Masjid’s Backstreets
📍 Where: Behind Jama Masjid, Old Delhi
🔥 Local Eats:
- Aslam’s Chicken: Buttery grilled chicken (₹400/plate)
- Qureshi Kebab Corner: Seekh kebabs (₹150)
- Cool Point: Shahi tukda & kheer (₹60)
🕒 Best Time: 7 PM onward
💡 Tip: Come hungry, and wear comfy shoes.
Shankar Market – The Designer’s Bazaar
📍 Where: Near Connaught Place
🎨 For What: Fabrics, trims, boutique tailoring
💸 Avg. Spend: ₹300–₹2,000 depending on fabric
🧵 Hidden Gem: Shop No. 50 for Banarasi silks
👀 What’s Special: Bargaining is expected—bring your best smile.
Kunzum Travel Café & Indie Screenings – HKV
📍 Where: Hauz Khas Village
🎤 Local Scene: Open mics, poetry, travel meetups
🎬 Nearby Events: Indie cinema nights hosted by ‘The Cine Tribe’
📷 Instagram: #HKVNights #KunzumCafe
💸 Avg. Coffee Price: ₹180–₹250
📚 Extra: Browse the bookshelf—leave a book, take a book.
Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal – Haunted Heritage
📍 Where: Ridge Road, near Karol Bagh
🌙 What’s the Deal: 14th-century hunting lodge turned urban legend
🕯️ Best Time: Sunset (but be cautious!)
⚠️ Tip: No signage, no lights—go with a group and a flashlight.
💡 Local Lore: Locals claim strange sounds at night, but it’s also a serene spot for introspection.
Delhi, If You Know Where to Look
The real Delhi isn’t hiding. It’s living quietly—between a cup of street chai, an unmarked fabric shop, or the aroma of butter-drenched kebabs. These are the places where the city exhales.
With Mony, you don’t just explore like a local—you pay like one. No awkward cash scrambles, no worries. Just scan, eat, wander, repeat.
So take the path less charted. That’s where Delhi’s soul lives.
And now—you know where to look.