Looking for the ultimate itinerary for one day in Delhi? We have got your Delhi itinerary covered with the top things to see and do in Delhi with one day, how best to get around and where to eat and stay.
Here is the perfect one day in Delhi itinerary to get you started – though you may decide to stay longer!
- About Delhi
- Is one day in Delhi enough?
- What is the best time to visit?
- Do you recommend a guide?
- Summary – One Day in Delhi Itinerary
- Details – One Day in Delhi Itinerary
– Morning
– Afternoon
– Evening - More than one day in Delhi?
- What is the best way to get to Delhi?
- Getting around in Delhi
- Where to eat
- Where to stay
About Delhi. And is it New Delhi or just Delhi?
New Delhi is the capital city of India and a part of the territory of Delhi. New Delhi is an urban district located in the city 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 with one day in Delhi.
How long do you need? Is one day in Delhi enough?
Obviously the longer you have to explore a destination the more you can see. But in Delhi’s case it is literally enormous – a megacity – and one of the most populous cities in the world.
It can be overwhelming on a first time and so we usually suggest to anyone arriving in India for their first time, to start with one day in Delhi and then head off on your India itinerary.
One day in Delhi is enough to get a good feel for the rich history and busy culture of India’s capital. And it is enough time to go shopping and get some clothes to wear in India on your trip. Plus if you are circling back to Delhi on your India itinerary it is always a nice feeling when you are away from home to come full circle back to somewhere that feels even a little bit familiar.
With one day in Delhi you can see a good number of the most famous sights of the city.
What is the best time to visit?
Delhi is in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and experiences a subtropical climate.
The winter months from November to March are mild and sunny while the summer is scorching for May and June followed by a wet, humid monsoon season from July to September.
- Tip: The ideal time to visit is from November to February or March.
What is the best way of getting around the city?
Personally, we recommend hiring a taxi or auto-rickshaw and driver for the day to get around your choice of things to do in Delhi and travel at your own pace.
Albeit the city is well connected with a modern Metro system. So you can use public transport and many of the main sites are close to Metro stations. However in between the stations and the sites it is likely you will require a rickshaw at some stage.
To take the stress out of haggling, it’s much easier to hire a driver for the day.
Do you recommend a guide or tour for Delhi?
We reckon the best way to get around and see all the best things in Delhi is independently by auto rickshaw and hiring a driver for the day.
At each of the main sites there are registered guides available advertised at the entrance. There are a list of fixed prices on the board and guides waiting that will approach you. If you want to know more about a site or have a guided tour of somewhere specific, this is a good option.
Otherwise the best way to get around in Delhi is by auto rickshaw independently but with the same driver for the day.
We have a fantastic driver contact to recommend in Delhi that we use every year for our India Group Trips.
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 the city.
We know that trying to find a trustworthy and safe driver in the chaos of the city’s some 100,000 rickshaws is like searching for a needle in a haystack. But we can recommend Sunny and Vinny to take all the stress out of navigating transport around the busy city and they can wait for you outside at each site.
- Sunny
+91 95997 59259
Send Sunny a message on WhatsApp for any bookings or transport in Delhi.
Out on an adventure again in Delhi with driver Sunny.
Summary – One Day in Delhi Itinerary
First up here is a summary of what to see with one day in Delhi:
DAY ONE – Delhi
- MORNING – Old Delhi
Jama Masjid
Red Fort
Chandni Chowk - LUNCH – Old Delhi
Chandni Chowk - AFTERNOON – New Delhi
India Gate
Agresen ki Baoli Stepwell
Humayun’s Tomb
Lodi Gardens - EVENING – Connaught Place
Dinner – Lazeez Affaire
Dessert – Kaleva Crème ‘n Crisp
Detailed – One Day in Delhi Itinerary
Here is the complete suggested itinerary to make the absolute most with one day in Delhi.
Stop 1 – Jama Masjid
The historic Jama Masjid mosque is a fabulous example of Mughal architecture and a great place to start your first day in Delhi. It is a functioning mosque and during the midday and late afternoon prayer times it gets seriously busy. The morning is a quiet time of day in Delhi to visit here first on your itinerary.
The mosque was commissioned by emperor Shah Jahan (who built the Taj Mahal) between 1644 and 1658.
It was at the time of its construction, the largest mosque in the subcontinent and today it is exceeded in size only by the Friday Mosque of Lahore, Pakistan. It is India’s largest mosque and can hold up to 25,000 worshippers in the prayer hall and outside in the beautiful red sandstone courtyard.
Modest dress is required to enter the masjid. But if you don’t have appropriate attire you can borrow an abaya/gown and scarf from the entrance to the mosque.
A gown is 100 INR per person.
- Read about how to visit Jama Masjid in Delhi here.
- Cost: Free (if you are carrying a camera, it costs 300 INR for a foreigner).
- Timing: 7:00am to 12:00pm and 1:30pm to 6:30pm
- Location: Old Delhi
- Travel by auto rickshaw or metro.
Delhi Metro Yellow Line stops at Chawri Bazar 800 metres from Jama Masjid.
Stop 2 – Red Fort
The impressive Red Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the early 1600’s. The fort was commissioned by Shah Jahan, the emperor who built the Taj Mahal. And like the other iconic Mughal sites, this is a great early stop on your day in Delhi that 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, despite the mosque being a first and quiet stop on your one day Delhi itinerary, it is still busy out in the streets and likely easier to get an auto rickshaw.
- Cost: 500 INR
- Timing: Sunrise – sunset
- Location: In the heart of the old city at the entrance to Chandni Chowk
- Travel by auto rickshaw or metro.
Delhi Metro Yellow Line stops at Chandni Chowk near the Red Fort.
Stop 3 – Chandni Chowk
The Chandni Chowk (meaning Moonlight Square) is one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi, India. 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.
If you haven’t tried a cycle rickshaw yet, this is the most common means of transport down the main drag of Chandni Chowk. And paradoxically perhaps, but amidst the hawkers, touts, bicycles, motorcycles, and porters it is a neat way to see the busy marketplace without being right in it. 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).
- Location: Old Delhi
- Travel by auto rickshaw or metro.
Delhi Metro Yellow Line stops at Chandni Chowk.
Stop 4 – Lunch in Chandni Chowk
Chandni Chowk in the old city is famous for its street food! 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 in Chandni Chowk.
- Old Famous Jalebi Wala: This is the oldest and most famous Jalebi (sweet) wala and well worth a try!
- Old Famous Favdi Lassi Wala: A great place to try fresh Lassi with queues to confirm the delicious taste and popularity of this old shop serving yoghurt drinks in traditional clay cups.
- Paranthe Wali Gali: This is narrow (very) food street off Chandni Chowk that is famous for Chole Bhature (chickpea curry) and Parathas (fried bread). It is seriously popular and always busy with queues jamming the narrow lane!
- Karim’s: A busting Mughlai joint especially popular during Ramadan, with wide-ranging non-veg options and no-frills seating.
- Giani’s Di Hatti: Another simple but famous old Chole Bhature restaurant with a guaranteed line and crowds out the door slightly further out from Chandni Chowk.
- Kake Di Hatti: Perhaps the most iconic Dhabar of Delhi serving vegetarian north India Dal Makhani and stuffed Naans.
- Haldiram’s: The most popular chain of multi-cuisine family restaurants in the whole country. If you are nervous about street food try a bottled Lassi and snacks at Haldiram’s. (We do this with our Group Trips to ease into things on the first day in Delhi).
Stop 5 – India Gate
India Gate is a magnificent sandstone arch dedicated to the British Indian troops who died and fought in World War I.
It is a bustling place to visit day or night with market stalls and (lots of) people all around. There is an underpass to get closer to India Gate with photographs displayed and information about the history of the memorial.
A stop to see India Gate doesn’t take long and with one day in Delhi this is definitely an iconic site to see.
- Entry: Free
- Timing: 24 hours
- Location: New Delhi
- Travel by auto rickshaw or metro.
The closest metro station to India Gate is Khan Market Metro Station, which is approximately 1.7 km away.
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 day in Delhi and is easy to get to near the Connaught Place area.
It is a quiet spot off the main road and despite not being used for its original purpose, the stepwell is in amazing condition for its age.
- Entry: Free
- Timing: Sunrise – sunset
- Location: Hailey Road near Connaught Place
- Travel by auto rickshaw.
The nearest Metro station is Barakhamba Road or Rajiv Chowk.
Stop 7 – Humayun’s Tomb
There are many fabulous Mughal era sites in India but Humayun’s Tomb is a must on your first day in Delhi and ties together the more famous story of the Taj Mahal. 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 UNESCO World Heritage structure and the first example of the garden-style tomb in India.
Albeit the rickshaw ride to get there is a busy one. But the tomb is situated in the centre of the tranquil Chahar Bagh Gardens and makes for a peaceful place to explore once inside the grounds.
- Cost: 600 INR
- Timing: Sunrise – sunset
- Location: Nizamuddin, New Delhi
- Travel by auto rickshaw or Metro.
The nearest Metro station is JLN Stadium.
Stop 8 – Lodi Gardens
I love visiting the Lodi Gardens. They are a real highlight and the perfect way to end your day in Delhi.
The gardens are the surrounding to a series of Lodi-era tombs that predate even the Mughal empire in India with tombs dating back to the 15th century.
Nowadays the gardens extend over 90-acres with flowers, trees and green space that was opened as a park under the British-era rule. They are a popular oasis of calm in the busy capital city and one of the quiet places that feels somewhat surreally peaceful.
In the afternoons the park comes alive with people exercising, relaxing in the beautiful green spaces, playing football and just generally enjoying the golden hour of day in Delhi.
- Read about the quiet places to visit in Delhi away from the crowds.
- Entry: Free
- Timing: 5am – 8pm daily
- Location: Lodhi Estate, New Delhi
- Travel by auto rickshaw or Metro.
The nearest Metro station is Jor Bagh.
Stop 9 – Dinner at Lazeez Affaire in Connaught Place
It’s time for dinner! We suggest heading to Connaught Place where the selection of restaurants, cafes and fast food chain stores makes a great end to the day.
Lazeez Affaire is a mid-range, clean and licensed restaurant serving delicious North Indian cuisine.
- Tip: If you need to go back to your hotel first to freshen up this is easy to accommodate and your driver can wait for you outside and then again at dinner.
Stop 10 – Dessert at Kaleva Crème ‘n Crisp in Connaught Place
If you’ve saved room for dessert 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 more than one day in Delhi on your itinerary?
There is lots more to see if you have longer than one day in Delhi!
- Read more about the other best things to do in Delhi plus plan your itinerary for Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Udaipur, Pushkar, Ajmer, Varanasi, and Amritsar.
Other recommended cafes and restaurants in Delhi
There are plenty of restaurants in Delhi to suit all tastes, travellers and budgets.
- Kaleva: A family restaurant with booth-style seating in Connaught Place. Kaleva is our go-to on family Group Trips in India with very reasonably priced meals and likewise very clean tables and service.
- Sarabana Bhavan: A seriously popular vegetarian South Indian restaurant chain. In the weekend the wait for a table is huge with queues out the door.
- Indian Accent: This is a splurge dining experience that has been voted in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant List famous for a 6-course tasting menu with optional wine pairing. The ambiance is great and the service is awesome.
- Social Khas: A trendy, multi-level licensed restaurant in the Haus Khas district with Indian and international cuisine.
- Mia Bella: A trendy Italian restaurant with a splendid view of Haus Khaz Lake.
Getting to Delhi
Most travellers begin and end their India trip in the capital city 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.
- Read our travel guide to India including all about arriving at New Delhi International Airport, getting a SIM card for India and managing, exchanging and withdrawing money in India.
Where to stay in old Delhi, New Delhi and South Delhi or near the airport
- Mahipalpur (Airport) / Mid-Range: Taurus Sarovar Portico [beautiful hotel only a few km’s from Delhi International Airport. A great first stop arriving in India with buffet breakfast included and a restaurant onsite.
- South Delhi / Mid-Range: Haveli Hauz Khas
A homestay style Haveli in the popular Hauz Khas area of South Delhi. - Connaught Place / Mid-Range-Luxury: Shangri La’s Eros Hotel
The hotel has a few in house restaurants, including the signature Shang Palace and Sorrento. There’s also a gym, an outdoor pool and a spa. - Paharganj / Budget: Smyle Inn
Extremely basic hotel in small back alley but with very friendly, helpful staff and simple breakfast included. Just off Main Bazaar.
Read more about travel in North India
- 10 Things to do in Varanasi
- Everything about visiting the Taj Mahal
- 10 Other things to do in Agra
- Epic 10 Day Rajasthan Itinerary
- Things to do in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
- Taking a bus in Rajasthan, India
- Overnight train Delhi to Jaisalmer
- Taking the train Jaipur to Jaisalmer
- Leaving Jaisalmer to Jaipur (and Jodhpur too) by overnight train
- Choosing the best camel safari in Jaisalmer
Tips for travel planning to India 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.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere in Asia through 12Go.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have travel insurance before riding those trains in India!
