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Delhi vs London
The series on where Delhi stands when compared to cities abroad.
When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life,” said 18th century author Samuel Johnson. Despite the overcast skies and over-the-top prices, London remains an international cultural hub. However, had Dr Johnson ever lived in Delhi, he may have revised his opinion. With a super cool Metro, cultural vibrancy, thrift shops and glorious sunny days, the Capital could easily give London a run for its money. Here’s a look at how the two cities fare in a face-off.
Metro/Tubes
Delhi: Thumbs up
Started in 2002, the Delhi Metro is clean and punctual. It has won awards for being environment-friendly from the United Nations, and became the first metro in the world to be ISO 14001 certified for eco-friendly construction. It is also the first railway to earn carbon credits. Some stations conduct rain water harvesting.
London: Thumbs up
It’s dirtier than our Metro. People leave used bottles and trash all over. But, every platform has a story: the Charing Cross station near the National Gallery has large Renaissance paintings, Baker Street station is dedicated to Sherlock Holmes and King’s Cross station even has a faux platform 9-3/4 for Harry Potter fans.
Street Food
Delhi: Thumbs up
Chaat, golgappas, momos, Chinjabi noodles, pav bhaji, channa kulcha and even roadside pasta — there’s no food you can’t find on Delhi’s streets, and nothing that will cost you more than Rs 60, tops. A small plate of peanuts here will cost Rs 5-10 while hot dogs from authorised vendors in fancy locations cost less than Rs 100.
London: Thumbs down
It may be called Street Food but it doesn’t come cheap. A small helping of roasted or caramelised peanuts, sold by hawkers alongside the London bridge, costs £2 (Rs 160) and a hot dog would cost £4 (Rs 320). The iconic street food of London is Fish & Chips (£8 or Rs 640), but it’s no longer available at every nook and cranny.
Museums
Delhi: Thumbs Down
Delhi has its fair share of museums — the Doll Museum, Railway Museum, Toilet Museum, Science Museum and of course, National Museum to name a few. However, most of these have dilapidated walls, unexciting displays, boring canteens and weary tourists.
London: Thumbs up
London probably has as many museums as it does pubs, but the most exciting is the British Museum. Besides the eerie mummies and crypts, it has a cafeteria that serves special delicacies of the day, and two souvenir shops, one of which has quirky history-based toys.
Movie Watching
Delhi: Thumbs up
Though you can’t get front row tickets for Rs 20 anymore, movie buffs can still catch a film and popcorn within Rs 200 per head. In fact, the most expensive ticket costs Rs 500.
London: Thumbs down
Without discount cards, a ticket costs £10 (Rs 800) per head, popcorn costs £6 (Rs 480) while a cola would cost another £4 (Rs 320). Where would you rather take your date?
Weather
Delhi: Thumbs down
Delhi’s weather may be extreme, but it is predictable. There’s glorious sunshine even in the peak of winters. One can wear sexy summer dresses and own a suave winter wardrobe.
London: Thumbs down
“Nothing is permanent but change... and the London rain”, goes a popular saying in the city, because the London skies are usually grey and heavy with the threat of rain.
