Delhi itinerary

Plan 01

1 day in Delhi

1. 01

   Day 1: Red Fort morning, New Delhi afternoon and evening

   Start very early and head to Red Fort before the crowds and heat peak. Spend about two hours exploring the palace rooms, the Diwan-i-Aam and the walls. Exit onto Chandni Chowk for a quick walk (it is very crowded and chaotic, so keep it brief unless you are a street-food explorer). Break for a late breakfast or early lunch in a quieter part of Old Delhi, or head south. In the afternoon, visit India Gate, walk past Rajpath and the government buildings, then spend an hour in the National Museum if energy allows. Rest during the hottest hours if possible. In the late afternoon and evening, visit Raj Ghat (the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi) for reflection, or head to a temple such as Birla Mandir if you prefer a spiritual space. End with dinner in a restaurant in Khan Market or Connaught Place.

Guides for the stops on this route

Plan 02

2 days in Delhi

1. 01

   Day 1: Old Delhi and the Red Fort

   Begin very early at the Red Fort; arrive by 8 a.m. if possible. Spend two to three hours inside, taking time to see the Diwan-i-Khass and walk the ramparts. Exit carefully into Chandni Chowk and walk towards Jama Masjid, one of India's largest mosques. Respect prayer times and dress codes (remove shoes, women cover shoulders and legs). If you are not visiting inside, admire the courtyard from the outside. Return to Old Delhi's lanes for a light lunch or street snacks at a place that caters to families. Rest in your hotel through the afternoon. In the late afternoon, head to Raj Ghat or Jama Masjid's courtyard again at sunset, which is quieter. Dinner in Old Delhi near the Red Fort or in a central area like Connaught Place.

2. 02

   Day 2: New Delhi's grandeur and museums

   Spend the morning at India Gate, strolling the lawns and enjoying the breeze. Walk along Rajpath to see the vista of government buildings (or visit them if you have a guide and time). Stop at the National Museum, a cool, indoor refuge with galleries on Indian sculpture, textiles and history; it is level and manageable. Have lunch in a restaurant near the museum or in Khan Market. In the late afternoon, visit Humayun's Tomb, a beautiful Mughal garden monument and UNESCO site; it is well maintained and less crowded than the Red Fort. End with a sunset walk or tea at a café nearby. If energy allows, visit Lodi Gardens for an evening stroll among the ruins and green spaces.

Guides for the stops on this route

Plan 03

3 days in Delhi

1. 01

   Day 1: Old Delhi's monuments and chaos

   Arrive early at the Red Fort and spend the morning exploring. Walk to Jama Masjid nearby, respecting dress codes. Tour the interior courtyard and, if visiting inside, remove shoes and cover yourself appropriately. Exit to Chandni Chowk and spend an hour in the spice market if you have an interest in textiles or food; the crowds are intense, so move purposefully. Lunch at a heritage restaurant like Karim's (famous for Mughlai cuisine) or a quieter café. Rest in the afternoon. In the late afternoon, visit Raj Ghat for a quiet reflection, or explore Jama Masjid's courtyard at sunset. Dinner in Old Delhi or Connaught Place.

2. 02

   Day 2: New Delhi's palaces, museums and gardens

   Begin at India Gate and walk the surrounding lawns. Visit the National Museum for its sculpture and textiles galleries. Have lunch at or near the museum. In the afternoon, head to Humayun's Tomb, a serene Mughal garden site. If you have time, add Lodi Gardens for a walk among 15th-century tombs and green spaces. End with tea or dinner in Khan Market or Lodhi Road, a trendy area with restaurants and galleries.

3. 03

   Day 3: Temples, modern Delhi and craft

   Start with an early visit to Laxmi Narayan Temple (Birla Mandir), which is ornate, well maintained, and less overwhelming than some others. Spend time in the courtyard and sanctum if you are comfortable entering. Break for breakfast. Visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a Sikh temple in central Delhi, known for its free langar (community meal) and open courtyard; remove shoes and cover your head. Have lunch at the langar if you would like to experience this tradition. In the afternoon, explore modern Delhi: visit a craft studio in Lodhi Colony, a gallery in Hauz Khas Village, or a bookshop like Full Circle (in Khan Market). End with an evening walk in Hauz Khas or dinner in a rooftop restaurant with a view. Alternatively, if you prefer temples and spiritual sites, visit the large Iskcon Temple or the quiet Chattarpur Temple complex.

Guides for the stops on this route

Pacing

Make the plan work for everyone

• Delhi is hot, crowded and can be exhausting. Plan one major sight per morning, rest in the afternoon, and take an evening stroll or light activity. Do not try to cram too much into one day.
• Hire a car and driver for the entire stay. It gives you a cool space to rest between sights, avoids the trauma of navigating crowds and heat on foot, and is often cheaper than taxis for full days.
• The Red Fort has stairs and uneven stone floors inside; if you have mobility concerns, rest in the courtyard or skip this sight. Jama Masjid also has stairs to the minarets, but the courtyard is level.
• India Gate, the National Museum, Lodi Gardens and Humayun's Tomb are the most level and senior-friendly sights. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib has a langar (free meal) that is a worthwhile experience and usually calm.
• Stay in Lodhi Road, Khan Market or Hauz Khas areas, not Old Delhi. You need a hotel with a lift, good room ventilation and a reliable driver drop-off. Old Delhi hotels are usually old haveli conversions with no lifts and labyrinthine lanes.
• Carry water, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes. Marble floors in temples and tombs can be very hot underfoot. Bring socks for temple visits.