Delhi: History, Food & Culture with Kids – Quick Overview
Planning a family trip to Delhi with kids can be incredibly rewarding when you combine its rich history, food and culture with kid-friendly pacing, safety planning and practical logistics. As a Singapore-based traveller and real estate researcher who has visited Delhi multiple times with family, this guide focuses on how to enjoy Delhi’s highlights comfortably, safely and meaningfully with children – and how this experience compares to life and property opportunities in Singapore through Homejourney.
This cluster article supports our main pillar guide, Delhi Travel Guide: History, Food & Culture | Homejourney Delhi Travel Guide: History, Food & Culture | Homejourney , by going deeper into Delhi: History, Food and Culture with Kids: Family Travel Guide – especially for Singapore families, expats and international investors exploring Asia.
Why Visit Delhi with Kids – and When to Go
Delhi is one of India’s most fascinating cities for families: ancient forts, colourful markets, interactive museums and some of the best food in the country. For Singapore-based families used to modern infrastructure and strong safety standards, Delhi offers a very different rhythm – more intense, but deeply educational for kids.
Best time to visit: For children, the most comfortable months are generally November to February, when daytime temperatures are cooler and walking around monuments like Red Fort and Qutub Minar is more pleasant.[1] Avoid May–June (extreme heat) and late June–August (monsoon) if travelling with young kids.
Getting there from Singapore: Direct flights from Changi to Delhi (IGI Airport – Terminal 3) typically take about 5.5–6 hours. If you’re familiar with travelling to Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City from Singapore, travel time to Delhi is only slightly longer, but remember the 2.5–3.5 hour time difference depending on daylight savings in your home country.
Currency tips: Delhi uses the Indian Rupee (INR). Many Singapore travellers change a small amount at Changi for arrival, then use ATMs at the airport or major malls (similar to using ATMs at Jewel or Suntec). For those later exploring Singapore property via Homejourney, our platform supports INR comparisons so you can quickly see how Delhi hotel or property budgets translate into Singapore Dollars (SGD) when browsing listings and mortgages Bank Rates Property Search .
Top Kid-Friendly Attractions & Cultural Experiences
To keep kids engaged, mix big-ticket historical sites with hands-on museums, green spaces and food stops. Think of it like planning a day that balances Singapore’s National Museum, Gardens by the Bay and Lau Pa Sat – varied and paced.
Historic Landmarks That Work Well with Kids
- Red Fort (Lal Qila)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site with massive red sandstone walls, spacious courtyards and gardens where kids can move around freely.[1] Go early (around 9–10am) to avoid crowds and mid-day heat. Plan 1.5–2 hours. - Qutub Minar
Another UNESCO site, famous for its 73m minaret and surrounding ruins.[1][3] The open lawns make it easier with strollers than the tighter lanes of Old Delhi. Combine with lunch nearby for a half-day outing. - India Gate & Children’s Park
Wide lawns, an evening stroll, and a playground area at Children’s Park make this feel like a more relaxed outing – similar to a family evening at Marina Barrage or East Coast Park, but with a World War I memorial as backdrop.[1][2]
Interactive Museums & Learning Experiences
- National Rail Museum
A top favourite for families, with life-size locomotives, a toy train ride and indoor exhibits.[2][3] Plan 2–3 hours. It feels a bit like the Singapore Science Centre vibe – hands-on and very appealing to younger kids. - Museum of Illusions (Connaught Place)
High-energy, air-conditioned and fun for older kids and teens, with optical illusions and Instagram-worthy rooms.[2] A good afternoon option when it is hot outside. - Nehru Planetarium
Great for space-loving kids; combine with a walk around the leafy surrounding area.[2]
Parks, Gardens & Gentle Walks
- Lodhi Gardens
A local favourite, with historic tombs, shaded walking paths and lawns.[1] Many Delhi families come here for morning walks much like Singaporeans use Botanic Gardens. Good for a calmer morning or late afternoon. - Sunder Nursery
A beautifully restored heritage park with Mughal-era monuments, water features and picnic spots.[1] This works very well as a low-key day with kids after more intense sightseeing.
Food & Dining in Delhi with Kids
Delhi is one of Asia’s great food cities – but with kids, you’ll want to balance authentic flavours, hygiene and spice levels. If you’re used to Singapore’s hawker centres, think of Old Delhi as the ultra-intense version of a night market: amazing, but needs more preparation with children.
Kid-Friendly Delhi Dishes to Try
- Butter chicken & naan – rich but mild, usually a hit with Singapore kids who like prata and curry.
- Paneer tikka – grilled cottage cheese; great vegetarian option.
- Parathas – stuffed flatbreads, often served with yoghurt; easy breakfast or snack.[1]
- Kulfi & lassi – traditional ice-cream and yoghurt drink; choose reputable shops to minimise tummy issues.[1]
For deeper food recommendations, see our dedicated guide Best Food & Restaurants in Delhi: History, Culture & Tips | Homejourney Best Food & Restaurants in Delhi: History, Culture & Tips | Homejourney .
Street Food vs Restaurants – Safety-First Approach
If your kids have sensitive stomachs, start with established restaurants and cleaner-looking outlets in malls or well-known markets (e.g. Connaught Place), then gradually introduce street food. Many Singapore parents follow rules similar to those for travelling in Vietnam or Indonesia: avoid raw salads, choose cooked-to-order hot food, and drink only bottled or filtered water.
For snack runs, large air-conditioned malls like Select Citywalk or DLF Promenade can feel familiar – comparable to VivoCity or ION Orchard – and offer a mix of Indian and international chains.
Practical Travel Tips: Visas, Transport & Safety
Visa Requirements & Entry
Most foreign travellers can apply for an Indian e-Visa online before departure; always check the latest requirements with the official Indian government portal or your local High Commission, as rules can change. For Singapore citizens, the process is usually straightforward, but verify validity, number of entries and permitted stay before booking flights.
Getting Around Delhi with Kids
- Private car with driver – For families (especially with young kids), hiring a trusted car and driver for day tours is the most convenient and safest-feeling option.[1][5] It’s similar to booking a full-day car with driver for Johor or Bintan trips – you control the pace.
- Delhi Metro – Modern, fast and air-conditioned. Older kids often enjoy the experience, especially on lines with elevated tracks. Avoid peak office hours when possible (like avoiding MRT at Raffles Place at 8:30am).
- Auto-rickshaws & app cabs – Fun for short hops in less crowded times; always confirm fares (or use metered rides and reputable apps), and insist on seatbelts where available.
Safety Considerations for Families
Compared with Singapore’s very low-crime environment, Delhi feels busier and more chaotic, but many families travel safely with sensible precautions:[5][9]
- Keep valuables close and use hotel safes where possible.
- Dress modestly, especially in Old Delhi and religious sites.
- Carry hand sanitiser and wet wipes; brief kids about not drinking tap water.
- Pre-book airport transfers with your hotel or a reputable provider.
- For young children, set a meeting point in crowded areas and use ID wristbands or cards with hotel details.
