Away With The Steiners

Detailed Delhi itinerary and best way to spend 1-, 2- or 3-days in Delhi. 

Sarah Steiner

If you are planning your Delhi itinerary, the biggest factor in planning your visit is the length of time you have available.  With one day in Delhi you can see the highlights of the old city and experience some of the bustle of the most famous marketplaces and food streets.  If you have more time, you can explore further into New Delhi and South Delhi and see some of the historic sites and fantastic museums and shopping markets. 

There is so much to see and things to experience in Delhi! 

In this guide, we have listed several ways to plan your Delhi itinerary for a fabulous one, two or three days in Delhi. 

Here we go! 

About Delhi, India 

New Delhi is the capital city of India and a part of the territory of Delhi. 

Colloquially Delhi and New Delhi are used interchangeably, although old Delhi is likely what you’re picturing in your mind when you imagine the chaos of India!  This is the bustling and busiest part of the city and thus the best part to visit early on the first day of your Delhi itinerary.   

Highlights and best things to do in Delhi 

There is so much to see in India’s capital city!  Here are our ten must-see things to do in Delhi.

You can see a more detailed list in our ultimate travel guide to Delhi. 

How much time do you need?

Obviously, as a country, India is enormous.  And Delhi is one of the largest and most populated cities in the world.  At a bare minimum, you need one day in Delhi.  With this time, you can explore the old and historic parts of the city and see the most famous highlights of Delhi.  

With two days in Delhi, you can take a bit more time and slow down at some of the more peaceful historic sites.  And with two days you have the chance to explore the interesting mix of two distinct locales – Old Delhi and New Delhi. 

If you have three days in Delhi you can spend the first day marvelling at Old Delhi, your second day exploring New Delhi, and your third day unwinding and or shopping in South Delhi.

Another thing to consider when planning your Delhi itinerary is that if you are starting and ending your India trip in Delhi, you could split your Delhi itinerary.  Spending one day in Delhi at the start of your trip is a good idea to find your feet and get a first taste of the city.  It is also a great chance to go shopping for an Indian outfit to wear in India.  And then it means you have either one or two days in Delhi at the end to look forward to. 

Albeit Delhi is as megacity as it comes.  But I know that being anywhere far away from home it is always nice to have a familiar place to return too.  Even if it is a megacity! 

See the Red Fort and Quila Fort on your Delhi itinerary.
Welcome to the incredible Indian capital city and the start of your Delhi itinerary.

Planning first on your complete India itinerary 

The biggest choice before getting into the nitty gritty and planning details on your Delhi itinerary is whether to schedule consecutive days in Delhi or break it up at the start and end of your trip. 

We suggest if you have the option to first spend one day in Delhi at the beginning and allow for two more days of exploring at the end of your itinerary. 

What is the best way of getting around in Delhi? 

Personally, we recommend hiring a taxi or auto-rickshaw and driver for the day to get around and travel at your own pace.  But it is possible to use public transport and many of the main sites are connected and close to Metro stations.  

Do you recommend a tour guide for Delhi?

We reckon the best way to get around Delhi is independently by auto rickshaw, hiring a driver for the full day. 

We have a fantastic driver contact to recommend in Delhi.  

Sunny and his brother Vinny are two of four brothers, who with their father all work in tourism and transport in Delhi driving rickshaws and taxis all over this megacity.  

It isn’t easy to narrow down a safe and trustworthy driver amidst the 100,000+ rickshaws in this huge city! But we can recommend Sunny and Vinny to take all the stress out of navigating around the busy city.  They will wait for you outside at each site and can wait for you at your hotel and go out again for dinner in the evening.

Send Sunny a message on WhatsApp for any bookings or transport for your Delhi itinerary. 

Out on an adventure again in Delhi with driver Sunny. 

Summary – One, Two or Three Day Delhi Itinerary 

First up here is a summary of what to see with one, two or three days in Delhi.  

DAY ONE – Delhi 

DAY TWO – Delhi 

DAY THREE – Delhi 

This is a busy three-day Delhi itinerary, but you can easily slow it down or change it up depending on which area of Delhi you are staying in.  

But for now, let’s assume that you have arrived in the country the day before and have settled into your accommodation in the city and have dinner in your hotel.  Welcome!

Welcome to the colours and chaos of this amazing megacity!

Detailed 1-, 2- and 3-Day Delhi Itinerary 

Here is the complete Delhi itinerary with details for each day, sites and stops to see and where we recommend to eat and stay. 

DAY 1 – Delhi Itinerary 

Stop 1 – Jama Masjid 

The Jama Masjid mosque is a fabulous example of Mughal architecture.  It was commissioned by emperor Shah Jahan (who built the Taj Mahal) between 1644 and 1658.  

Today it is still a functioning mosque and during the midday and late afternoon prayer times it gets seriously busy.  The morning is a quiet time of day to visit here first on your Delhi itinerary.  

Start with a visit to the magnificent Jama Masjid in the old city. 

Stop 2 – Red Fort 

The Red Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the early 1600’s.  The fort was also commissioned by Shah Jahan, and like the other iconic Mughal sites, it connects the dots and the story of the Taj Mahal before you visit. 

It is possible to walk here from Jama Masjid and in theory takes around 20 minutes.  However, if you have a driver it is easier to go by auto rickshaw.

Stop 3 – Chandni Chowk 

The Chandni Chowk area is one of the oldest and busiest markets in Delhi.  It is the centre of old Delhi and a fab stop to get a feel for the bustle of the historic heart of the city.  It is colourful, busy and exciting. 

Start with a walk or rickshaw down the main street towards Kari Baoli Spice Bazar.  And keep an eye out for some of the famous street foods to stop in for lunch (below). 

Cycle rickshaws are the best way to get around Chandni Chowk.

Stop 4 – Lunch in Chandni Chowk 

By now you might be getting peckish after a busy start to the day.  Chandni Chowk is famous for its street food in Delhi.  You can try some delicious options like parathas at Paranthe Wali Gali – a narrow food street – or chaat at Natraj or Ashok Chaat Bhandar.  And we always go for Jalebi at the Old Famous Jalebi Wala.

Try a Lassi in a clay cup from the Old Famous Favdi Lassi Wala. 
Jalebi from the Old Famous Jalebi Wala in Chandni Chowk.

Stop 5 – India Gate

India Gate is one of the most iconic stops on your Delhi itinerary today.  It is a magnificent sandstone arch dedicated to the Indian troops who died and fought in World War I.  

There is an underpass to get closer to India Gate with photographs displayed and information about the history of the memorial.  

Stop 6 – Agresen ki Baoli / Stepwell 

A ‘Baoli’ is a stepwell in India historically used for preserving water.  This is one of the (surprisingly) peaceful things to do during your one day in Delhi itinerary.  It is a quiet spot off the main road and despite not being used for its original purpose, the stepwell is in great condition for its age. 

A different type of Indian stepwell to the typical square shape in Rajasthan. 

Stop 7 – Humayun’s Tomb 

Humayun’s Tomb is thought to have inspired the Taj Mahal, which it predates by 60 years.  The style is magnificent in the iconic red sandstone of the Mughal era and the complex is now a UNESCO World Heritage structure and the first example of the garden-style tomb in India.

A first introduction to the iconic style of Indian Mughal era architecture.

Stop 8 – Dinner in Connaught Place

It’s time for dinner!  We suggest heading to Connaught Place where the selection of restaurants, cafes and familiar chain stores makes a great end to the day. 

See our complete list below of recommended restaurants around the city. 

DAY 2 – Delhi Itinerary 

Stop 1 – Akshardam Temple  

This is a relatively new Hindu temple since 2005 that has been built using ancient techniques to create a breathtakingly lavish temple, exhibition and museum.  It is a little further out from the city but a great start to the second day of exploring on your Delhi itinerary.  

While many of the famous sites in India are from the Mughal heritage. Askshardam Temple and the museum complex showcases Indian and Hindu culture that is otherwise harder to experience.

The complex is well set up for tourists and includes the option for a 20 minute slow-boat ride through a story museum sharing 10,000 years of Indian history and life from the different eras and regions of India.

The temple opens at 10:00am so head here first on day two in Delhi. 

Stop 2 – Lunch at Akshardam Food Court 

Inside the fabulous Akshardam complex is a large food court.  You can expect to spend 1 – 2 hours at the temple and then we recommend a light and early lunch there.  It is a modern and clean food complex with different dishes from around the varied regions of India. 

Prices are very reasonable for food.  

Stop 3 Option #1 – National Gandhi Museum

After lunch you have the option to choose a visit to the Gandhi Museum or (see below) to the Sikh Temple in New Delhi. 

This is an interesting museum and one of the quieter things on your Delhi itinerary (truly).  The museum preserves some of Ghandi’s personal belongings – including his spectacles and two of his teeth(!) – and it is here that he spent the last years of his life before he was assassinated. 

The National Gandhi Museum is a peaceful and interesting spot in the city. 

Stop 3 Option #2 – Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Sikh Temple 

The Sikh Gurudwara is a magnificent, white-marble temple and the most prominent Sikh house of worship in Delhi.  Delhi is an amazing mixture of culture, heritage and religion and if you haven’t yet experienced the Sikh culture while in India this is a good opportunity right in the heart of Delhi. 

It was built to honour the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Hari Krishan, and stands on the site where the guru performed a small miracle tending to victims of Delhi’s cholera and smallpox epidemic, distributing sanctified water to the sick.  

Thus the waters of the large tank are said to have healing powers and today people still treat the contents of as holy water.  

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is a great opportunity to experience Sikh culture and religion in India. 

Stop 4 – Lodi Gardens 

Head next to the Lodi Gardens.  This is another of my favourite things to do in Delhi and especially in the late afternoon before the golden hour of sunset.  

The Lodi Gardens are the surrounding to a series of Lodi-era tombs that predate even the Mughal empire in India.  But these days, they are a popular oasis of calm in the busy capital city.  

The grounds are spread out over a huge green area with large lawns, manicured gardens, pathways and small ponds.  And in the afternoons they come alive with people exercising, relaxing in the beautiful green spaces, playing football and just generally enjoying the city.

Stop 5 – Dinner and Dessert in Connaught Place

Connaught Place is a good destination for a nice dinner after another busy day on your Delhi itinerary. 

And if you’ve saved room for dessert tonight there is one simple but highly recommend Kulfi store in Connaught Place serving a whole range of traditional ice creams and treats.  Check out Crème n Crisp and especially the saffron (kesar or zafran) and pistachio Kufli! 

Have you tried Kulfi yet? 
Kulfi at Creme and Crisp in Connaught Place is a great way to end Day 2 on your Delhi itinerary. 

DAY 3 – Delhi Itinerary 

Stop 1 – Laxminarayan Mandir / Hindu Temple 

Start today’s Delhi itinerary in the centre of town before heading to see the main sites in the south of the city.  

Laxminarayan Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to the presiding deity of Vishnu and honouring Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. The temple is famous today for having been inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi who ensured that members of all castes would be allowed in the temple.

Stop 2 – Qutab Minar 

Head next to South Delhi to the Qutab Minar tower which lies at the site of Delhi’s oldest fortified city, Lal Kot. 

The tower is an unmissable, soaring Afghan-style minaret, erected in 1193 to proclaim supremacy over the vanquished Hindu rulers of Qila Rai Pithora.   

It is the tallest masonry tower in India, measuring 72.5 metres high and has been made a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The complex is interesting to visit with the tower surrounded by intricately carved stone mausoleums and tombs.  

Qutab Minar tower and complex (that just doesn’t quite fit in the photo). 
A close up showing the scale at the base of Qutab Minar. 

Stop 3 – Lunch at Haldiram’s or a South Delhi Mall 

It will be lunchtime by now but we recommend staying in the South Delhi area of the city as the next stop on today’s Delhi itinerary is nearby. 

For lunch today we recommend trying a casual lunch at a Haldiram’s.  This is one of India’s most popular franchised restaurants.  Or head to one of the many large shopping malls for a simple lunch in the food court. 

Stop 4 – Lotus Temple 

The famous Lotus Temple is a Bahai House of Worship.  It is a practicing temple and open to all regardless of religion and was created to bring faiths together according to their own beliefs.  The temple’s shape is inspired by a half-open floating lotus flower shaped with delicate-looking white marble petals. 

Stop 5 – Dilli Haat Market 

This market takes souvenir shopping to a whole new level and is the perfect way to finish the last day on your Delhi itinerary. 

Dilli Haat is a paid-entrance open-air market, food plaza and craft bazaar and it truly is the best market for showcasing handicrafts and beautiful souvenirs of India that we’ve seen. 

We definitely recommend this market for some seriously good souvenir shopping. And it is more relaxing than the open markets due to the 100 INR entry fee. 

Shopping for souvenirs at Dilli Haat Market is one of the essential things to do in Delhi. 

Stop 6 – Dinner in Hauz Khas or Connaught Place 

Finish your day with a relaxing dinner in Hauz Khas district (the epicentre of Delhi’s most vibrant social life).  

Hauz Khas Social and Mia Bella are both well reviewed and recommend for good food and drinks.  Or if you want to try one of the most famous restaurants in Delhi, book a table at Indian Accent and enjoy the tasting menu and modern twist on classic Mughali cuisine. 

Have more time in Delhi? 

There is lots more to see!  Plus, as well as the famous sites, one of the coolest things to do in Delhi is to visit the markets.  Main Bazar, Sarojini Market and Khan Bazar are very different areas of the city and each offer a different experience. 

Getting to and from Delhi 

Most travellers begin and end their India trip in Delhi because of the large, international airport there. It is easy to find flights to Delhi from all over the world with connections in the Middle East and South Asia. 

Delhi is also extremely well connected by train with the extensive Indian Railway network arriving and departing to the four main Delhi stations to all directions of the country. 

Riding the trains in India is our favourite experience.

Where to eat / Cafes and restaurants in Delhi

Thali at the family friendly Kaleva restaurant in Connaught Place. 
Delicious Lal Maas at Lazeez Affaire restaurant in Connaught Place.

Where to stay in old Delhi, New Delhi and South Delhi or near the airport 

Checking in to our spacious room near the airport at Taurus Sarovar Portico Hotel. 

Read more about Delhi and itinerary inspiration for India

Tips for travel planning to Delhi and beyond

These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel. 

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