Cheap and cheerful: These are the best places in Delhi for pocket-friendly dates

Delhi has made it to the list of the cheapest cities in the world for a date. And we have a list of five date ideas that would not only be the lightest on your wallet, but also romantic enough to impress your bae.

According to a new special report published by Deutsche Bank, New Delhi is one of the cheapest cities in the world for a date. Milan, Madrid, Paris and London aren’t even close when it comes to making young lovers happy on a very small budget.

A couple enjoys a date at Lodi Garden.(Arun Sharma/HT PHOTO)

Delhi may be a city with some of the most expensive retail spaces in the world, and some of the most luxurious hospitality and entertainment spaces, too, but this great city also has alternatives for couples who have relatively less spending power. As always, we’ve got your back. Here are five kinda spots (read ideas) that can make for a pretty interesting (and unusual) date without burning a hole in your pocket.

EXPLORE OLD DELHI

A view of the Jama Masjid from Haveli Dharampura. (Facebook/ Haveli Dharampura)

It might be easy to diss Chandni Chowk, thinking that it’s mostly crowded and dirty streets with a lot of traffic issues. But it’s also a world by itself, and the food is fantastic, and not the least because it is so cheap. Take the Delhi Metro (yellow line) and spend an evening discovering the best of the Walled City. Unexplored by the fancy lot, this one is a gold mine when it comes to old-world culture and heritage structures. Haveli Dharampura is a great option for those who still like it fancy, but the street offerings are still unparalleled. You could also sign up for a food or heritage walk if you aren’t familiar with the area. Approximate cost of a date: Rs 400 or less for street food; Rs 1,500 for a meal at Haveli Dharampura, but the place is also open to visitors who don’t come for a meal.

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THE MONUMENT TRAIL

A view of the monument at Hauz khas Village, a popular spot for dates in the city. (Sanchit Khanna/HT Photo)

There is something so very romantic about Delhi monuments, and while ‘basic’ couples would choose to visit one and spend a day there, we suggest you plan a trail for your beloved. Choose a bunch of scenic (or nearby monuments) and maybe brush up on your knowledge of history. Not only does the trail guarantee some Instagram triumph, but will also have the bae impressed by how much you know about the monuments you’re visiting. You get brownie points for putting in all the effort, too! Approximate cost of a date: Rs 200 or so, for whatever snacks you pick up on the way.

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STREET SHOPPING IN PAHARGANJ

A view of the Las Vegas-like illumination at Paharganj. (Sanjeev Verma/HT Photo)

Sarojini Nagar and Lajpat Nagar aren’t really date-worthy, but if your darling loves shopping as much as spending time with you, we have the perfect idea. Paharganj, in central Delhi, is a treasure trove of all boho fashion and has some pretty interesting eating options, too. Whether she loves jewellery, leather goods or the beautifully crafted dreamcatchers, you can score it all for cheap. The food ranges from popular Indian dishes (think chhole bhature and bedmi poori) to Korean and Japanese options (bulgogi, bibimbap, sushi). Shopping + food = Win-win! Approximate cost of a date: Rs 500 or less for tea, cake, and a small dish at any cafe.

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MUSEUM-HOPPING

An exhibit at the National Gallery of Modern Art. (Saumya Khandelwal/HT Photo)

This one is for those who want to pick something different from the usual shop-and-chug kinda dates. Delhi has a variety of museums that give us the best of art, culture, history and science. You could pick the National Gallery of Modern Art, Railway Museum, National Museum and more, according to what really piques your interest. Have a fun day and maybe learn something while you’re at it. Approximate cost of a date: Rs 100 or less if you do two museums in a day. Tickets to the National Museum are Rs 20 per head.

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OLD-SCHOOL PICNIC

Lodi Gardens is always a popular pick for young lovers. (Saumya Khandelwal/HT Photo)

There is an undeniable charm about old-school picnics, and the Capital has some very interesting options. Lodi Gardens, Garden of Five Senses, Deer Park, Japanese Park and Nehru Park are all great for just the perfect date picnic. Pack some food, organise your baskets, and impress the bae with a surprise picnic. The Garden of Five Senses also offers some interesting activities like rock climbing, zip lining and more, so you can spice up your date with those. Approximate cost of a date: The bill for whatever you put in the picnic basket. The scenery is free!

Have a place you can add to the list? Tell us in the comments below!

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