Roberta Aguirre
Delhi Airport, also known as Indira Gandhi International Airport, is a hub of activity with plenty of things to do within its premises. The airport itself boasts a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and bars offering a variety of cuisines, from Indian delicacies to Western favourites. Terminal 3 stands out with its array of options, including Indian tea cafes and Western chains. For those seeking a quiet environment, airport lounges provide a one-stop solution for food, drinks, WiFi, and relaxation. Additionally, the airport features convenience stores, duty-free areas, and shops ranging from technology to souvenirs. But if you're feeling adventurous and wish to explore beyond the airport, nearby attractions include the historic Qutub Minar, the India Gate, and the Red Fort in Old Delhi, easily accessible by bus, train, or the Delhi Metro.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Try the local cuisine
If you're looking to try the local cuisine, Delhi Airport has a lot to offer. The airport boasts a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars serving up delicious Indian cuisine, as well as Chinese, French, and Italian options. If you're looking for a taste of India, you can sample traditional chai at one of the many Indian tea cafes, or indulge in some spicy street food like chole bhature or gol gappa. For those with a sweet tooth, there are also plenty of dessert options to choose from, including traditional Indian sweets like burfi, peda, and gulab jamun.
While the airport has a lot to offer in terms of dining options, if you're looking for a more authentic local food experience, it might be worth venturing outside. Delhi is known for its delicious street food, and there are several markets and food stalls throughout the city that offer a variety of cheap and tasty options. However, keep in mind that traffic in Delhi can be unpredictable, and getting out of the airport and through security can take a significant amount of time. So, if you're on a tight schedule, it might be best to stick to the airport.
One option for trying local cuisine without leaving the airport is to visit one of the food courts or cafes in Aerocity, which is just one metro stop away from Terminal 3. Here, you can find a variety of Indian and international cuisine, and you can get a taste of the local culture without having to deal with the hassle of leaving the airport. If you do decide to venture out, Old Delhi in the city centre is a great place to sample authentic local cuisine. You can take the Delhi Airport Metro Express to get there quickly and easily. Once you're in Old Delhi, you can try some of the famous street food, such as chaat (a type of savoury snack) or jalebi (a sweet, syrupy treat).
If you're looking for a sit-down meal, there are also plenty of mid-range restaurants in the city that serve delicious Indian food. Connaught Place is a popular destination for both shopping and dining, and it's easily accessible from the airport. There, you can find a variety of restaurants serving everything from traditional North Indian cuisine to modern fusion dishes. No matter what your taste or budget, Delhi has something to offer when it comes to food. So, whether you stay at the airport or venture out into the city, you're sure to find some delicious local cuisine to enjoy.
Luton Airport: A Guide to Getting There
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$15.9 $21.99
$19.65 $24.99
Visit the Air Force Museum
If you're an aviation enthusiast, the Indian Air Force Museum is the place for you. Conveniently located just a 5-7 minute drive from the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel at Delhi International Airport, it is easily accessible via cab. The museum is open to the public and offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the Indian Air Force.
The museum features both indoor and outdoor displays, showcasing a range of aircraft and aviation artefacts. One of the highlights is the Vintage Aircraft Flight, which includes rare aircraft maintained in airworthy condition. These aircraft are typically not accessible to the public, so this is a unique opportunity for enthusiasts. Large transport aircraft are stored on the apron of the airbase and are displayed annually on Air Force Day, 8 October.
The Indian Air Force Museum also has a small souvenir shop, offering IAF-insignia collectibles and other memorabilia. Visitors are permitted to take photographs, so you can capture your favourite exhibits and moments to remember your visit.
When planning your visit, keep in mind that the museum is located near the domestic terminal of the airport, and you can easily access it from Terminal 1D of the airport. The museum is a great option if you have a long layover at the airport, as it is located nearby and offers a unique cultural experience.
Cheyenne, Wyoming: Airport Accessibility and Convenience
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Explore Old Delhi
If you're looking to explore Old Delhi during your layover, there are a few transport options available to you. Buses are a cheap and cultural experience, but the Delhi Airport Metro Express will get you downtown faster. Taxis are also an option, and once you're in the city, you can try a tuk-tuk for a unique traffic experience.
Old Delhi is a great place to explore, with its rich history and culture. Start your exploration at the Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved architecture. This red sandstone tower stands at 73 metres tall with five stories, and you can climb its 379 spiral staircase steps to the top for a small fee. The entrance gate, Alai-Darawaza, is an example of Indo-Islamic architecture. Here, you can also enjoy sunset views, verdant environs, and the fort ruins.
Next, head to the famous market of Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest bazaars in India, constructed in the 17th century by the Mughal emperor Shah Janahn. It is a food and shopping paradise, with a vast array of options to choose from.
For history enthusiasts, the National Museum of India is a must-visit. It is located just 16 kilometres from the airport and houses antiques dating back 5,000 years, along with historical remains from various periods of Indian history.
If you're looking for a secluded spot, the Tomb of Mohd. Quli Khan is an alluring structure that stands alone in the Archaeological Park of Mehrauli. It offers breathtaking views and is a great place to spend time with friends and family.
Finally, end your exploration at Lal Qila, also known as the Red Fort, a mere 16 kilometres from the airport. This Mughal fort was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 and houses several attractions, including Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas, and a museum of Mughal weaponry. Don't miss the light and sound show organised every evening in both English and Hindi.
Kochi's Air Gateway: Exploring India's Aviation Hub
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Experience a flight simulator
If you're looking for an exhilarating experience during your layover in Delhi, why not try a flight simulator? First Cockpit offers a state-of-the-art, cutting-edge flight simulation experience, perfect for those who have always dreamed of taking the captain's seat.
Their attention to detail and advanced technology ensure that every flight feels incredibly authentic, from calm skies to challenging weather conditions. The instrument panel and controls are highly realistic, allowing you to master handling the plane just as a pilot would in real life. This experience is perfect for student pilots aiming for their private pilot's license, as well as seasoned flyers looking to enhance their skills further.
First Cockpit's flight simulators replicate an actual flight deck, providing an excellent learning opportunity for those pursuing a career in aviation or aviation enthusiasts seeking a thrilling experience. You'll get to understand how to fly a plane, execute manoeuvres, and feel the thrill of being in control.
Located near Delhi Airport, First Cockpit is easily accessible, and with their variety of offerings, you're sure to find an option that suits your interests and aspirations. Whether you're an aspiring pilot or just curious about the experience, their introductory flight package is an excellent place to start your aviation journey. So, if you're looking for something unique to do during your layover, why not give First Cockpit a try and experience the thrill of flight simulation?
Uber's Airport Operations: A Guide to Seamless Travel
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Shop at the airport
If you're looking to shop at Delhi Airport, Terminal 3 is the place to be. With high-end brands, luxury products, and a wide range of shops, it's a shopper's paradise. You'll find everything from chocolates and perfumes to apparel and accessories. For skincare and personal grooming products, Forest Essentials and The Body Shop are excellent choices. Tanishq and Amrapali offer elegant and beautifully crafted jewellery. If you're looking for apparel and accessories, you can choose from brands like Go Colors, Brooks Brothers, Accessorize, and United Colors of Benetton.
For health supplements and medicines, there's Holland & Barrett, Patanjali, and Guardian Pharmacy. The domestic arrivals terminal also has a range of stores, including WH Smith for books and convenience items, Hamleys for toys, and Haldiram's for snacks and meals. But that's not all—Delhi Airport is also home to India's largest duty-free retail store! You can pre-book your duty-free purchases online up to 30 days before your international flight and browse from over 1,000 brands and 43,000 products.
The duty-free area offers a wide range of products, including liquor, chocolates, perfumes, cigars, makeup from brands like MAC, Estee Lauder, Clinique, Bobbi Brown, Gucci Beauty, and YSL, and alcohol like whiskey, wine, rum, cognac, vodka, and champagne. You'll also find top brand stores like Hugo Boss, Levi's, Armani Exchange, Victoria's Secret, MINISO, Steve Madden, Croma, Taneira, Superdry, Michael Kors, and Polo Ralph Lauren.
If you're looking for a more relaxed shopping experience, Terminal 3 inside security might be the best spot, with couches in the main shopping area and armrest-free seating. However, some travellers have reported being asked to stay off the carpet. So, whether you're browsing the shops or looking to splurge, Delhi Airport has something for everyone!
TSA PreCheck: Is It Available at Albany Airport?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Delhi Airport has plenty to keep you entertained during a layover. You can shop at stores like Armani, Fabindia, Marks & Spencer, and Tommy Hilfiger, or eat at one of the many restaurants, cafes, and bars, which offer a range of Indian, Chinese, French, and Italian cuisines. If you fancy something more relaxing, you can book a spa treatment or shower at one of the airport's hotels. If you want to leave the airport, many people recommend taking a trip to the city centre, where you can visit the Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or the Red Fort, a castle for Mughal emperors dating back to the 1600s.
There are several transport options for getting from Delhi Airport to the city centre, including buses, trains, taxis, and the Delhi Airport Metro Express. However, be aware that traffic in Delhi can be terrible, so if you're thinking of leaving the airport during a layover, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get back.
Yes, Delhi Airport is home to a Cockpit flight simulator, which gives you the chance to experience what it's like to fly a Boeing 737. The airport also has an Air Force Museum, which houses a large collection of historical aircraft and pays tribute to the bravery of the Indian Air Force.
Yes, if you want to get some rest during your layover, you can book a room at the Holiday Inn Express, which is accessible from the domestic and international transit areas of Terminal 3. There are also sleeping pods available in the international departures at T3, and Sam's Snooze at My Space offers guests the opportunity to sleep on an hourly basis.
