Delhi or Mumbai: which vibrant Indian metropolis should you explore?

Should you head straight to Delhi or take a trip to Mumbai first? We asked two writers to present their cases for each city.

India is a tapestry of life in its vibrant, chaotic, and breathtaking splendor. Often overwhelming yet beautiful, few places captivate travelers quite like this.

When considering major cities, should you visit the historic capital of Delhi or the 19th-century newcomer Mumbai? We asked two writers to champion one city each.

Jump right into the heart of Delhi

Puneetinder Kaur Sidhu now resides in Chandigarh, but her heart forever belongs to Delhi, the city of her youth.

Let’s be honest: by the time Mumbai emerged as a major city in the early 19th century, Delhi had already served as the hub of power for seven influential empires. (Eight, if you consider its time as Indraprastha, the capital of the Pandava kingdom in the legendary Hindu epic Mahabharata. The historic 16th-century remains of Purana Qila are believed to mark its location.)

Years of upheaval, including the fight for independence from colonial rule, have given Delhi the resilience to rise repeatedly. How else do you think Dilliwalas embraced their carpe diem mindset or their passion for la dolce vita? While the Indian capital may feel fast-paced and contemporary, it’s deeply entwined with a rich, complex history. This contrast draws me to Delhi: a lively city that thrives alongside its past, both coexisting harmoniously.

No other Indian city rivals Delhi’s rich heritage. Alongside iconic landmarks like the Red Fort and the Jama Masjid, architectural treasures are tucked away in the bustling streets of Shahjahanabad and line the expansive, tree-lined avenues radiating from India Gate, including the grand former residence of the British Viceroy, Rashtrapati Bhavan, atop Raisina Hill. History lingers behind the chic malls of Saket and stands proudly in Mehrauli’s Qutb Minar Complex, surrounded by the lush Aravalli woodlands. Sorry, Mumbai, this is unmatched!

Then there's Delhi’s dynamic food scene, a delectable fusion of historical and contemporary influences. Embracing a melting pot of cultures, the capital showcases some of the best flavors of Indian cuisine. From the Mughlai-inspired chaats, niharis, and kebabs of Old Delhi to the esteemed dining experiences at iconic places like Bukhara or Dum Pukht, the city is brimming with fantastic eateries. High-end dining is also available at spots like Indian Accent, alongside international cuisines including Peruvian, Ethiopian, Japanese, and beyond. Culinary enthusiasts can explore tailored food tours that feature the Khari Baoli spice market or offer cooking classes with home chefs and meals with local families.

Regional Indian cuisines have taken the spotlight in Delhi. You can savor fine Naga pork at Dzukou Tribal Kitchen, enjoy various Bihari thalis at The Potbelly Rooftop Café, or indulge in Tamil and French specialties at Chateau De Pondicherry. And while I admit that no one does a vada-pao (deep-fried potato dumpling in a bun; my ultimate street snack) quite like Mumbai, Delhi surpasses the Maximum City when it comes to culinary delights.

Even nature has its charm. Unlike Mumbai’s towering skyscrapers, Delhi unfolds beneath one of India's most verdant canopies; the city is vibrant and hosts hundreds of tree species, including the ancient 600-year-old Khirni evergreen. Expansive public parks, such as the 15th-century, tomb-laden Lodi Garden near the upscale Khan Market and the recently revitalized Sunder Nursery next to Humayun’s Tomb, provide Dilliwalas with ample room to relax.

As a global travel hub and politically vibrant city-state, Delhi stands out as a cultural hotspot and shopping paradise. You can hunt for fantastic bargains at Janpath and Sarojini Nagar markets or indulge in luxury shopping at the city's upscale malls. Breakaway India offers textile and sustainability tours, allowing visitors to purchase directly from talented artisans.

There's no need to go anywhere else.

Head directly to Mumbai

Having been born and raised in Mumbai, Meher Mirza has dedicated her life to writing about the city. As a passionate Mumbai advocate, she can’t envision living anywhere else and constantly tries to convert others to her perspective.

Volumes have been written about Mumbai’s allure: its colonial Gothic, Indo-Saracenic, and Bombay Deco architecture; its UNESCO World Heritage Sites; the captivating view of ‘the Queen’s Necklace’; its sun-drenched beaches; its bustling bazaars; its temples, mosques, dargahs, churches, and synagogues; its restored Art Deco cinemas; and the magnetic draw of its Bollywood scene. This is indeed the City of Dreams.

Yet the Mumbai I adore reveals its treasures in the quaint East Indian and Goan neighborhoods of Khotachiwadi, Ranwar, and Matharpacady. In Rajgriha, which honors one of history’s great thinkers—the Dalit leader, scholar, and nation builder, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. In quirky shops like Davar & Co that showcase vibrant syrups and soft drinks. At cultural festivals like Mood Indigo, where indie rock and metal bands unite; in Matunga’s Tamil cafés that once nurtured Carnatic musicians.

Delhi likes to flaunt its history, but a closer look reveals a Mumbai that has long stood at the intersection of ancient cultures. The city is filled with pre-colonial cave architecture—150 and counting—such as the 2000-year-old Buddhist Mandapeshwar caves. Not to mention the Jogeshwari, Kanheri, and Magathane caves. The list goes on…

At the Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum, you may discover age-worn edicts, statues, and stelae from Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim rulers spanning thousands of years. Keep an eye out for Emperor Ashoka’s 2500-year-old edict carved in basalt, urging his citizens towards liberalism and non-violence. In the heart of bustling Malabar Hill, the medieval Banganga Tank and temple complex serve as extraordinary evidence of the city’s religious tapestry and a chronicle of ancient empires' rise and fall.

But if you find yourself weary of the cacophony of car horns and concrete, remember that while Delhi has its manicured parks, we enjoy untamed mangroves and waterways weaving through the city, attracting flamingos, ibises, and painted storks to our wetlands in winter. Though urbanization surrounds us, patches of forest still exist, including Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the Peru Baug hills, the Dharavli Adivasi village, and the IIT campus.

I cherish the stone-gray sea, the lifeblood of Mumbai’s native Koli fishing communities, which also reflects the city’s rich multiculturalism. Sandy beaches are plentiful, but I’m especially fond of its coastal forts, once proud sentinels of the city, now draped in mildew.

What I adore most is the food. The multicultural essence is woven into Mumbai’s very fabric, sparking incredible culinary creativity. From the hearty vada-pao (a staple of mill workers and the working class) and bhel (a puffed rice and vegetable snack created by wandering migrants from Uttar Pradesh or possibly Gujarat, which quickly became synonymous with Mumbai) to the unique Chinese dosa (a mix of spiced noodles, spring onions, cabbage, and carrots wrapped in a dosa), the sizzler (akin to teppanyaki-style cooking), and Manchurian chicken (pan-fried with garlic, ginger, green chilies, and soy sauce), reportedly crafted by a Kolkata-born son of a Chinese immigrant living in Mumbai.

Mumbai is also home to the unique Irani cafés, established by 19th-century migrants from Iran, which have long served a diverse clientele—Hindus, Muslims, Parsis, Jews, and Christians from all walks of life. Additionally, there’s exceptional seafood served fresh off the boats. Tiny, crunchy Mandeli fish, eaten whole. Crisp-fried Bombay duck resting on a bed of semolina. Delicate teesrya (clams) in a vibrant coconut gravy. Parsi-style red pomfret curry served with rice.

These delights are found in humble eateries, but Mumbai also boasts a range of upscale, world-class restaurants where chefs and bartenders, unbound by traditional constraints, craft modern, ingredient-driven dishes that celebrate Indian fruits and vegetables.

Moreover, the city offers shops to suit every budget, a vibrant nightlife, and streets that feel safe enough for a stroll even after enjoying a drink or two. Why would anyone choose to visit anywhere else?