Who this guide is for
This itinerary is for a first-time visitor who has 2 days in Delhi and wants to see the highlights without rushing every minute. It covers the must-sees in Old and New Delhi, with realistic pacing for the city's traffic.
Before you go
- Visa: Most nationalities need an e-Visa, which is straightforward to apply for online. Apply at least a week before travel.
- Cash and cards: Cards work in most hotels and mid-range restaurants. Carry cash for street food, auto-rickshaws, and smaller shops. ATMs are everywhere.
- SIM card: Pick up an Airtel or Jio SIM at the airport — cheap data, useful for Uber and Google Maps.
- Health: Drink only bottled or filtered water. Be cautious with street food at first — start with busy stalls where locals queue.
✦ Day 01
01
— Stage —
Old Delhi — history and food
Morning — Red Fort and Chandni Chowk
Start at the Red Fort early (around 9:30 AM) before the day heats up and the crowds build. Allow 1.5–2 hours. The audio guide is worth the small fee.
From the Red Fort, walk into Chandni Chowk — the chaotic main market of Old Delhi. The narrow lanes are best explored slowly, on foot. Stop at Paranthe Wali Gali for breakfast parathas, or grab a guided food walk if you want context and a safety net.
Midday — Jama Masjid
A short walk from Chandni Chowk takes you to Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. Climb the minaret for a view over Old Delhi (small fee). Cover your shoulders and legs; shawls are provided if needed.
Afternoon — Humayun's Tomb
Take a Metro from Chawri Bazaar to JLN Stadium, then a short auto ride to Humayun's Tomb. This is the architectural blueprint that inspired the Taj Mahal — quieter than the Red Fort, beautifully maintained.
Evening — Karim's or street food dinner
For dinner, return near Jama Masjid for Karim's, one of Old Delhi's most famous Mughlai restaurants. Alternative: a guided food walk through Chandni Chowk by evening covers chaat, jalebi, and kebabs.
✦ Day 02
02
— Stage —
New Delhi — gardens, tombs, and modern Delhi
Morning — Qutub Minar
Take the Metro to Qutub Minar station and walk to the complex. Allow 1.5 hours. Built in the early 1200s, this is one of Delhi's most photogenic monuments — try to be there by 9:30 AM for soft light and fewer crowds.
Midday — Lodi Gardens and lunch in Khan Market
Head north to Lodi Gardens — a sprawling park dotted with 15th-century tombs. Locals walk here in the mornings; it's an excellent place to stretch your legs.
Just next to it, Khan Market has cafes and restaurants for lunch. Try Khan Chacha for kebab rolls, or sit down at Big Chill for something Western.
Afternoon — India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan area
A short ride takes you to India Gate, the war memorial on Rajpath. The wide avenue toward Rashtrapati Bhavan (the presidential residence) is best in late afternoon when the light is golden.
Evening — Hauz Khas Village
Finish in Hauz Khas Village — a buzzy neighbourhood built around a medieval reservoir and ruins. Drinks and dinner here, with a sunset view over the lake.
Where to stay
Lodging
Where to stay in Delhi
- 01
Connaught Place
Central, business-leaning, well-connected by metro. Hotels span every price range. A short auto ride to most monuments.
First-time visitors, metro access
- 02
Hauz Khas / Saket
Upscale, leafy, full of restaurants and bars. Quieter mornings and more space than the centre.
Couples, longer stays
- 03
Karol Bagh
Mid-range hotels, busy markets, and good street food. A few stops on the metro from CP. Chaotic but well-priced.
Budget travellers, foodies
Always check current prices and availability directly with the hotel or booking platform.
Where to stay
Find hotels in Delhi
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Budget guidance
Estimated cost
Budget guidance
| Item | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (per night) | ₹800–₹2,000 (hostel/guesthouse) | ₹3,500–₹8,000 (mid-range hotel) | ₹15,000+ (heritage/luxury) |
| Meals (per day) | ₹400–₹700 | ₹800–₹2,000 | ₹3,000+ |
| Metro + autos (per day) | ₹150–₹300 | ₹400–₹700 (Uber/Ola) | ₹2,000+ (private driver) |
| Monument entry fees (total) | ₹500 (domestic) | ₹1,500–₹2,500 (international) | — |
| Guided food walk (optional) | — | ₹1,500–₹3,000/person | — |
Prices are approximate ranges. Entry fees differ for domestic and international visitors.
Getting around
- Metro: The fastest way across the city. Buy a Smart Card for the weekend.
- Uber / Ola: Reliable, cashless, and a few rupees more than the metro but worth it in summer.
- Auto-rickshaws: Cheaper than Uber for short hops. Always agree on a price first or insist on the meter.
- Walking: Great inside Old Delhi and parks; less practical for long distances due to traffic and air.
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What to pack
Delhi essentials
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light cotton clothing (covered shoulders for mosques and temples)
- Scarf or shawl — sun protection and temple etiquette
- Sunglasses and sun hat
- Hand sanitiser and tissues
- Stomach medicine (just in case)
- Sunscreen SPF 30+
- Universal travel adapter (Type D/C/M)
- Portable power bank
- Phone with offline maps downloaded
Plan ahead
Book in advance for Delhi
- 01Hotel (Connaught Place or Hauz Khas) — Book at least 2 weeks ahead for October–March peak season
- 02E-Visa for India — Apply at least 4 days before travel; longer is safer
- 03Guided food walk in Old Delhi — Reserve a few days in advance via GetYourGuide
- 04Airport transfer — Pre-book Uber/Ola or hotel pickup — arrival can be chaotic