The 42m high India Gate — a WWII memorial likened to the Arc de Triomphe — is a great place to start exploring the city’s historic attractions. After that, don’t miss Delhi landmark and Unesco World Heritage Site, Qutub Minar: the world’s tallest brick minaret, built in 1192. For a sight to marvel at, check out Humayun’s Tomb, built by a grieving widow, this was one of the main inspirations behind the Taj Mahal and among India’s best-preserved Mughal monuments.

Delhi’s temples are nothing short of spectacular. Located in downtown Dehli, Chattarpur Temple is dedicated to the goddess Katyayani, who slayed the demon Mahishasura. Nestled in the historical Mehrauli area, this 70-acre architectural marvel is the second largest temple in India. The modern Lotus Temple is just a short drive away, and as the name suggests, is shaped like a floating lotus set amidst gardens and pools. It is the only Bahai temple of worship in all of Asia.

Uncover India’s rich heritage at Rashtrapati Bhavan (the Presidential Palace), where certain areas are open to the public, allowing you to admire its rooms and the famous Mughal Gardens as you explore the president’s official residence. At the nearby National Museum, learn about Indian culture through the artwork and relics housed within. And of course, no Delhi holiday is complete without visiting the Red Fort: a majestic palace built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.

There’s more to Delhi than temples and museums, and a trip to this South Delhi neighbourhood proves just that. By day, this cosmopolitan area is one of the most popular hangouts thanks to its amazing food, great coffee, modern art, boutique shops and handcrafted goods. And when the sun sets on Delhi, Haus Khaz transforms into a fun, buzzy night-time district, filled with cocktail lounges, rooftop bars and live music.

Located in the heart of New Delhi is Connaught Place: the city’s central business district and thriving hub filled with activity and shopping. The white Georgian-style buildings of this bustling market are filled with countless bars, bookshops, eateries, cinemas and more, some of which date back before independence. It was once the largest circular market in India and is said to be shaped like a horseshoe to bring luck to shoppers and shopkeepers alike.

No trip to the capital is complete without savouring the delectable street food on offer – especially in Old Delhi. Local dishes include chole bhature (chickpea curry combined with a fried bread made from refined wheat flour), dahi bhalla (curd-soaked deep fried lentil balls covered in spice powders and chutneys), and the king of street foods: golgappa (a hollow crisp ball filled with flavoured water, mint, spices, potatoes and chickpeas).

The capital’s bustling markets are among the top tourist attractions in Delhi. Chandni Chowk, a busy Old Delhi area also known as Moonlight Square, is home to shops selling dried fruit, jewellery, vibrant saris and Asia’s largest spice market, Khari Baoli. Embrace the wonderful chaos of Sarojini Nagar Market and its colourful clothes stalls, or explore the winding boutique-lined streets of Janpath Market selling everything from cushions to scarves.

There are many attractions in Delhi, but it’s also the gateway for India’s Golden Triangle. Named due to the triangular shape on a map when joining Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, which are all culturally and historically significant destinations. Head to Agra to marvel at the Taj Mahal (sunrise is when it’s at its most breathtaking) before immersing yourself in India’s royal past in Jaipur – known as the ‘Pink City’.

It’s easy to dismiss Delhi as a concrete jungle, but the Asola-Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary begs to differ. Seated amid the Aravalli hill range and spanning nearly 33 square kilometres, keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, vultures, jackals and storks – if you’re lucky, you might even spot a leopard. Don’t forget to take mosquito repellent and a good camera along with you.