#DateWithDelhi: A perfect date, the Delhi way

Romance is always in the air in dilwalon ki Dilli. It is a place where love can unfold over winter picnics in Lodhi Gardens, quiet moments at Humayun’s Tomb, laughter at a theatre performance, or a cinematic late-night drive past India Gate. In Delhi, a date isn’t just an outing – it’s a mood, a memory, a little bit of theatre and sometimes something as simple as bird-watching. And for those who call the city home, the perfect date reflects exactly that.

‘I like places where you don’t feel rushed’
Manika Batra, Table Tennis player
Since I travel for tournaments most of the year, when I’m finally home, I just want peace and quiet. I would start with coffee at Fig at Malcha. It’s tucked away and calm – perfect for sitting and talking properly without checking our phones every two minutes. I like places where you can slow down and not feel rushed. For shopping, I would skip the malls. I see enough of those abroad. I would much rather walk around Connaught Place. There’s something about those white pillars and the nostalgia of growing up here that I love. By evening, I would head to Nehru Park. I genuinely love bird-watching – sitting on the grass, talking, and simply being quiet for a while. Dinner would be somewhere cosy in Khan Market – nothing loud or flashy, just a place where we can hear each other properly. And before heading home, I would definitely stop at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib. That’s my kind of Delhi date – simple and real.

Heritage meets luxury in a cinematic date
Charu Parashar, fashion designer
For me, a perfect date in Delhi is where heritage meets luxury – because that is the real soul of the city. I would start with a quiet walk at Sunder Nursery or Lodhi Garden. Delhi feels most romantic when you are surrounded by history, architecture, and nature. There’s something timeless about it – almost like you are walking through a frame of an old film. After that, I would head to Khan Market. It is stylish and intimate, with the perfect balance of old Delhi charm and modern elegance. A dinner at a beautiful restaurant there feels effortless yet special – the kind of place where you can dress up, feel glamorous, and still be completely at ease. I would end the evening with a late-night drive past India Gate. That’s the most cinematic part of Delhi – soft lights, quiet roads, and that nostalgic feeling only this city can give. Delhi, to me, is romance with a little drama – bold, beautiful, and unforgettable

Marvelling at majestic architecture
Adil Hussain, actor
My idea of a date in Delhi would be going to Humayun’s Tomb on a winter morning. If it’s a Sunday, I would also visit the Farmers’ Market at Sunder Nursery. The majestic architecture and sheer scale of the monument is extremely humbling. If there’s more time, I would go to The Piano Man for a concert or to India Habitat Centre to watch a play or listen to classical music. That would be my ideal Delhi date.

A nostalgic outing
Sanjana Sanghi, actress
For me, in the Delhi I grew up in, it would be a picnic date at Lodhi Garden. Surrounded by beautiful trees and stunning heritage architecture, and located close to all my favourite eating spots, it feels simple, nostalgic, and romantic.

Experiencing Delhi’s art and culture
Dhruv Vaish, fashion designer
I would begin my date with a visit to an art or cultural space like the Crafts Museum or an art gallery. I believe a date should be about experiences that touch our souls, and anything related to art feels perfect for that. I would follow it up with a theatre performance or a stand-up comedy show – nothing beats sharing a good laugh. I would end the evening with dinner at Orient Express at the Taj Hotel.

Bonding over shared hobbies
Shivani Wazir Pasrich, educationist
When people talk about date spots, why do they always think about restaurants and pet pooja? For me, a date is about spending time together doing something we both enjoy – and for us, that’s golf. Amir (her husband) brought me a special driver, a wood that you use to tee off with. For me, that is the most special gift. A nice round of golf followed by a good breakfast is the perfect date