MAJOR DHYAN CHAND STADIUM 

India Gate Hexagon, between Purana Qila Road and Shershah Road

Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, located in the heart of British-era central Delhi, will host the hockey competitions for men's and women's hockey.

1. SEE: India Gate 

You can't miss this monument at the center of this gigantic traffic circle as you head the stadium, but if you have time, try and get a closer look. It was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens—this part of the city is familiarly known as Lutyens Delhi after him, and built to honor Indians who died fighting for the British empire. From the arch, you get a view all along Raj Path (King's Way) to the sandstone North and South Block government headquarters that flank Rashtrapati Bhavan, the prime minister's residence, on Raisina Hill. Until a few months ago youngsters used to flock here in the evening, when the arch is lit up, to stroll around and sample the wares of the scores of ice cream carts. But the ice cream vendors have had to leave as part of new security precautions in recent months. 

2. EAT: Imperial Hotel (www.theimperialindia.com) 

Delhi's most distinctive luxury hotel takes pride in—and derives much charm from—its Raj-era heritage. Double rooms can easily exceed $500 a night in the high season (November-March); deals are available at other times. The Spice Route restaurant (Southeast Asian food, open for lunch and dinner) is one of the Delhi's most beautiful and most pricey eateries. The hotel's wine list, available in its many restaurants and bars, is excellent and extensive. A good place for a blowout and an oasis in the city center, even if only for English-style afternoon tea. Janpath, just south of Tolstoy Marg. Spice Route is open for lunch from 12:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. and for dinner from 7 p.m. to 11:45 p.m. Phone: +91 11 2334 1234 / 4150 1234.

3. BUY: Central Cottage Industries Emporium (www.cottageemporium.in) 

A government-run department store chock full of Indian handicrafts, artwork, rugs, pottery, clothes, jewelry, and much more. The prices are fixed at about 25% more than you'd pay after a successful haggle elsewhere. But the ease of purchase (you select an item, get a slip from the attendant, pay on the ground floor and pick up everything at the exit), the quality and the range under one roof make it ideal for gifts to take home. Ignore the touts on the street outside who will try to persuade you the store is closed -- they're just trying to hustle you into their shop. If you have time, check out the Khadi store on the opposite side of the road, another government-run outfit that offers a line of clothing in the rough spun cotton fabric associated with India's freedom struggle. State Trade Corporation Building, corner of Janpath and Tolstoy Marg. Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Sunday (closing time has been extended by an hour for the Games) . Phone: +91 11 2332 6790; 2332 1546.

JAWAHARLAL NEHRU STADIUM 

Off Bhisham Pitamah Road

This is one of the main venues for the Games, where the opening and closing ceremonies will take place. It's near several bustling neighborhood markets, where most restaurants and shops tend to clustered, as well as a lovely park.

1. SEE: Lodhi Gardens 

This pleasant park in central Delhi is a lovely place for a walk or run. In addition to a rose garden, lake and jogging track, the park has several medieval tombs worth exploring. Walking around the park you will likely see families out picnicking, dragonflies, chipmunks, birds of prey—and, in quiet corners, courting couples. Open 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. April-September, and 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. October-March.

2. EAT: Colonel's Kababz (Colonelskababz.net) 

Colonel's is not fancy. But it is a guarantee of basic, popular, delicious north Indian food. The murg (chicken) reshmi kebab, dal tarka and naan bread make a good lunch for two for about $12 total. The dining room is tucked away up a flight of dingy stairs, but it's cozy once you're in. Many visitors just drive up, honk, and get served in the car or order kebabs to take away. No alcohol. 29 Defence Colony Market. Open from 11a.m. to 12 a.m. +91 11 2433 3124/8137/0136. 

3. SHOP: Soma (http://www.somashop.com/home.html) 

This small shop is part of a chain that, like more expensive rival Anokhi, specializes in fine blockprinted cotton from Rajasthan. Clothing is downstairs -- but it's better for women than men. They've got home furnishings, including fluffy brightly printed quilts, upstairs. 46 - 47 Meher Chand Market, Lodi Colony. Open from 10 a.m to 8 p.m. + 91 – 11-2462 7046/45.
 

SHYAMA PRASAD MUKHERJEE SWIMMING COMPLEX AND TALKATORA INDOOR STADIUM 

Mother Teresa (formerly Willingdon) Crescent

The two sports complexes are located next to each other and abut Delhi's Ridge, a swathe of forest in the middle of the city, but are also near Connaught Place. The boxing events take place at Talkatora stadium.

1. SEE: Gurudwara Bangla Sahib 

With its golden dome, this 18th century shrine is one of the most prominent Sikh temples in Delhi and offers a moment of astonishingly tranquility, given its location, in its large inner courtyard, which features a large rectangular pool. A series of arching marble pillars, each studded with a lion's head, creates a shaded arcade in the courtyard, complete with ceiling fans, around the pool. Baba Kharak Singh Marg, at the intersection with Ashoka Road.

2. EAT: Sakura (hotelmetdelhi.com) 

For a bit of a retreat from the hustle and bustle of Connaught Place (and Delhi in general) step inside the Metropolitan Hotel, around the corner from the Gurudwara for lunch or dinner at Sakura, one of the city's few Japanese restaurants. Like most hotel restaurants, it's not cheap. But it's where many of the city's Japanese go for some authentic fare and it serves Japanese beer if you tire of Kingfisher. Reservations recommended. The Metropolitan Hotel, Bangla Sahib Road, New Delhi 110 001. Lunch 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Dinner 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Phone: +91 11 4250 0200.
 

A popular place to stroll, next to the Hauz Khas village boutique district, this pleasant park is home to tombs and a reservoir that date back to the 14th century as well as a rose garden. There are precious few places in Delhi to walk in the open air; this is one of the nicest. Hauz Khas Village.

2: EAT: Naivedyam 

People rave about this little South Indian restaurant. Try the south thali–a range of small dishes served with rice or puris (fritters) on a large plate. And drink a fresh lime soda, an all-India staple of fresh lime juice, soda water and either sugar syrup, salt, or both (ask for "mixed"). The lemon rice is also exceptional here. The restaurant has a classier and more interesting air than its reasonable prices might suggest. No. 1, Hauz Khas Village. Open daily 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Phone: +91 11 26236364. 

3: BUY: Hauz Khas Village boutiques 

This urban village is home to antique furniture shops, art galleries, sellers of Indian kitsch, like old Bollywood posters, and a kids clothing store full of gorgeous but exorbitant wee outfits. This urban village is home to antique furniture shops, art galleries, sellers of Indian kitsch, like old Bollywood posters, and a kids clothing store full of gorgeous but exorbitant wee outfits. The place is very popular with foreigners and prices are set accordingly, except perhaps for Dastkar, which sources products from small artisanal groups.
 

SIRI FORT SPORTS COMPLEX 

Siri Fort Road, New Delhi

This sports complex, where the badminton and squash competitions will take place, was built the last time India hosted a major international sporting event—the 1982 Asian Games.

1. SEE: Nature Morte (www.naturemorte.com) 

This modern art gallery, transplanted from New York to New Delhi, bills itself as "championing conceptual, photographic, and installation genres within a commercial market that remains fixated on painting." It's prominent in the Indian art scene and, since Indian art is so hot these days, you may find the next star lurking in its exhibition space. A-1 Neeti Bagh, New Delhi 110049. Open 10 p.m.to 6 p.m., closed Sundays and national holidays. Phone: +91 11 41740215; 

2. EAT: Chopsticks 

This restaurant has been around since the Asiad Games too, and it's an old-school Indian Chinese restaurant that was probably the first "fine dining" experience for Delhi residents growing up in the 1980s. The village restaurant complex also has an Indian restaurant, Angeethi, and a bar and lounge called Tonic. Asiad Games Village Complex, enter from Khel Gaon Marg. Lunch: 12:30 p.m. to 3.30 p.m., Dinner, 7.30 p.m. to 11.30 p.m. Phone: +91 11 26492348, extension 31.

3. BUY: Shahpur Jat Village