New Delhi - Post Report Question and Answers
What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Lots of clubs, groups, bars, opportunities to host events, meet at restaurants, etc. The social scene is good and Indians are welcoming and friendly. - Sep 2020
There is SO MUCH to do in Delhi. Anyone who is bored here, or says there’s nothing to do, isn’t looking hard enough. And, you may have to look. There’s no perfect one-stop resource to learn about all the possible activities, groups, or clubs in Delhi. If you have a certain interest, you should Google it and ask everyone you meet if they know about it. Eventually, you’ll find it. I recommend InterNations as a way to make some initial contacts, although many expats only go to a few events before deciding that the audience is often very Indian-heavy and single-male-heavy. But if I meet one interesting person at an event, I count that as a success! Sports are a great way to meet people, and there are plenty to choose from - frisbee (Ultimate), soccer, rugby, softball, Gaelic football, ice hockey, etc. The British, Canadian, and American embassies host a dart league that is open to all – diplomats, expats, and locals. There’s a Gin Club organized by some Aussies – you have to find a current member to recommend your membership. A lot of socializing revolves around eating and drinking, which is also a great way to experience Delhi’s many restaurants and bars. - Jul 2020
You can find all sorts of adventure and people that share interests if you get out and about enough. - Jul 2019
It's not easy. There are diplomatic functions at various embassies very often. There are women's clubs as well, but most members are rich Indian woman. - Oct 2017
Lots of embassy activities (of course we live in the diplomatic enclave, Chanyakapuri), but other options exist for getting to know local friends and doing other activities. - Nov 2016
Big malls and shopping areas, lots of places to eat, lots of receptions to attend, lots of tourism things to see. - Sep 2014
Plenty if you are interested. - Aug 2013
Delhi folks are social in a different way than Mumbai folks. You need to cultivate people, and throwing a good dinner party and learning to entertain is important. The various festivals and cultural events are a godsend. People will often invite you to parties away from Delhi at their farm houses, so it isn't as simple as going to a bar and going dancing, On most days, and weekends, you will actually have more invites than you can realistically attend. Bookshops and cafes are great places to hang out. - May 2013
Pretty good. I just had a baby, so that is all the entertainment I need. - Oct 2012
Lots of parties. - Sep 2012
As a married couple: dinners, movies, some dancing. - Aug 2011
usually seemed to consist of house parties or dinners out. the bar scene can be annoying unless/because you are affiliated with bollywood-ish scene - Aug 2011
Same old elite bars and pubs, Mumbai is better for a nightlife. Great cultural events, though. - Aug 2011
Good restaurants, limited clubbing and bars, good movie theatres, some theatre, malls. - Jan 2011
Lots of melas (open air fairs for shopping). Most embassies have "balls" as open social events. Alliance Frances and the Indian Intl Center have good programs. The school has a growing community arts program. Some concerts and international artists visit - but rarely. Mostly home parties. - Sep 2010
Mostly in super expensive trendy bars and restaurants or at home with friends. If you expect bar-hopping here...forget about it. Bars are only for the affluent people. - Aug 2010
Lots of house parties, dinners, etc. Delhi has an active social scene. - Aug 2010
People tend to stay home and watch TV. - Aug 2010
People tend to eat out a lot or have people over for dinner. There are many things to keep you busy, from the museums to art galleries, music nights etc.. Many theaters have movies shown in English. - Mar 2008
