| Day | Focus Area | Key Attractions | Must-Try Food |
| Day 1 | Old Delhi & Mughal Grandeur | Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Raj Ghat. | Parathas at Paranthe Wali Gali, Kebabs at Karim's, Jalebi. |
| Day 2 | New Delhi & Colonial Core | India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan (external view), Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Connaught Place. | Butter Chicken, Chaat/Golgappas, Chhole Bhature. |
| Day 3 | Historical & Spiritual South | Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, Lotus Temple, Dilli Haat. | Momos, Biryani, Kathi Rolls. |
Travel & How to Reach Delhi
-
By Air: The main airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL). You can reach the city centre easily using the Airport Express Line (Orange Line) of the Delhi Metro, which is the fastest and most efficient way. Taxis (Uber/Ola/prepaid) are also readily available.
-
By Train: Delhi is a major rail hub with several stations. The main ones are New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS), Old Delhi Railway Station (DLI), and Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station (NZM). All are connected to the Metro network.
Transportation Options in Delhi
The Delhi Metro is the best way to get around the city. It is clean, efficient, and air-conditioned.
| Option | Best For | Tips |
| Delhi Metro | Long distances, crossing the city, avoiding traffic. | Buy a Smart Card for convenience and discounted fares. Use Google Maps for route planning. |
| Auto-Rickshaw (Tuk-Tuk) | Short distances, last-mile connectivity. | Always insist on the meter or negotiate a fair price before starting the journey. |
| App-Based Taxis (Uber/Ola) | Comfort, late-night travel, and door-to-door service. | Highly recommended for non-Metro areas or when traveling with luggage. |
| Cycle-Rickshaw | Exploring narrow lanes (e.g., in Old Delhi). | Essential for the Old Delhi experience. Negotiate the fare. |
Day 1: Old Delhi & Mughal History
This day is all about heritage, bustling markets, and street food.
| Time | Activity | Food/Drink | Transportation |
| Morning | Red Fort (Lal Qila): Explore this massive UNESCO World Heritage site and former seat of the Mughal Empire. | Light breakfast at your hotel. | Metro (Violet Line) to Lal Quila station. |
| Late Morning | Jama Masjid: Visit one of India's largest mosques. Climb the minaret for a spectacular view of Old Delhi. | Fresh Jalebi from the Old Famous Jalebi Wala. | Cycle-rickshaw or walk (very close to Red Fort). |
| Lunch | Karim's Restaurant: A legendary spot near Jama Masjid for authentic Mughlai cuisine. | Try their famous Mutton Nihari or Mutton Burra. | Walk. |
| Afternoon | Chandni Chowk Exploration: Wander through the chaotic and vibrant market lanes (e.g., Dariba Kalan for silver, Khari Baoli for spices). | Street food (Chaat, Golgappas). | Cycle-rickshaw. |
| Evening | Raj Ghat: Pay respects at the simple, serene memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. | Dinner at a local Old Delhi eatery for Kebabs or Parathas at Paranthe Wali Gali. | Auto-rickshaw or Metro (Violet Line) to ITO, then auto-rickshaw. |
Day 2: New Delhi & The Heart of India
Focus on the planned, majestic architecture of New Delhi and cultural sites.
| Time | Activity | Food/Drink | Transportation |
| Morning | Humayun's Tomb: Visit the precursor to the Taj Mahal. A stunning example of Mughal architecture in a tranquil garden setting. | Breakfast (try Chhole Bhature from a popular spot like Sitaram Diwan Chand). | Metro (Pink Line) to JLN Stadium or Uber/Ola. |
| Late Morning | India Gate & Rashtrapati Bhavan: Drive past or walk around the imposing war memorial (India Gate) and get a view of the President's House (Rashtrapati Bhavan) from a distance. | Fresh coconut water near India Gate. | Auto-rickshaw or Metro (Yellow Line) to Central Secretariat. |
| Lunch | Connaught Place (CP): Head to CP for a modern lunch experience. | Try the original Butter Chicken at Moti Mahal (Daryaganj is the original, but CP has good options) or an upscale cafe. | Metro (Yellow/Blue Line) to Rajiv Chowk. |
| Afternoon | Gurudwara Bangla Sahib: Visit this prominent Sikh house of worship. Witness the community kitchen (Langar). | Have a taste of the Kada Prasad (sweet halwa) offered at the Gurudwara. | Walk from Connaught Place. |
| Evening | Agrasen ki Baoli: Visit this fascinating 14th-century stepwell near Connaught Place for photos. Free time for shopping in Janpath Market or Connaught Place. | Dinner at a restaurant of your choice in Connaught Place. | Walk/Metro (Yellow Line) to Barakhamba Road. |
That sounds like an amazing trip! Delhi, a city of historical depth and vibrant modern life, offers a fantastic 3-day experience by dividing it into Old Delhi, New Delhi, and South Delhi/Religious Hubs.
Here is a comprehensive 3-day itinerary:
🗺️ Delhi 3-Day Itinerary Summary
| Day | Focus Area | Key Attractions | Must-Try Food |
| Day 1 | Old Delhi & Mughal Grandeur | Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Raj Ghat. | Parathas at Paranthe Wali Gali, Kebabs at Karim's, Jalebi. |
| Day 2 | New Delhi & Colonial Core | India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan (external view), Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Connaught Place. | Butter Chicken, Chaat/Golgappas, Chhole Bhature. |
| Day 3 | Historical & Spiritual South | Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, Lotus Temple, Dilli Haat. | Momos, Biryani, Kathi Rolls. |
✈️ Travel & How to Reach Delhi
-
By Air: The main airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL). You can reach the city centre easily using the Airport Express Line (Orange Line) of the Delhi Metro, which is the fastest and most efficient way. Taxis (Uber/Ola/prepaid) are also readily available.
-
By Train: Delhi is a major rail hub with several stations. The main ones are New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS), Old Delhi Railway Station (DLI), and Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station (NZM). All are connected to the Metro network.
🚌 Transportation Options in Delhi
The Delhi Metro is the best way to get around the city. It is clean, efficient, and air-conditioned.
| Option | Best For | Tips |
| Delhi Metro | Long distances, crossing the city, avoiding traffic. | Buy a Smart Card for convenience and discounted fares. Use Google Maps for route planning. |
| Auto-Rickshaw (Tuk-Tuk) | Short distances, last-mile connectivity. | Always insist on the meter or negotiate a fair price before starting the journey. |
| App-Based Taxis (Uber/Ola) | Comfort, late-night travel, and door-to-door service. | Highly recommended for non-Metro areas or when traveling with luggage. |
| Cycle-Rickshaw | Exploring narrow lanes (e.g., in Old Delhi). | Essential for the Old Delhi experience. Negotiate the fare. |
📅 The 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Old Delhi & Mughal History
This day is all about heritage, bustling markets, and street food.
| Time | Activity | Food/Drink | Transportation |
| Morning | Red Fort (Lal Qila): Explore this massive UNESCO World Heritage site and former seat of the Mughal Empire. | Light breakfast at your hotel. | Metro (Violet Line) to Lal Quila station. |
| Late Morning | Jama Masjid: Visit one of India's largest mosques. Climb the minaret for a spectacular view of Old Delhi. | Fresh Jalebi from the Old Famous Jalebi Wala. | Cycle-rickshaw or walk (very close to Red Fort). |
| Lunch | Karim's Restaurant: A legendary spot near Jama Masjid for authentic Mughlai cuisine. | Try their famous Mutton Nihari or Mutton Burra. | Walk. |
| Afternoon | Chandni Chowk Exploration: Wander through the chaotic and vibrant market lanes (e.g., Dariba Kalan for silver, Khari Baoli for spices). | Street food (Chaat, Golgappas). | Cycle-rickshaw. |
| Evening | Raj Ghat: Pay respects at the simple, serene memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. | Dinner at a local Old Delhi eatery for Kebabs or Parathas at Paranthe Wali Gali. | Auto-rickshaw or Metro (Violet Line) to ITO, then auto-rickshaw. |
Day 2: New Delhi & The Heart of India
Focus on the planned, majestic architecture of New Delhi and cultural sites.
| Time | Activity | Food/Drink | Transportation |
| Morning | Humayun's Tomb: Visit the precursor to the Taj Mahal. A stunning example of Mughal architecture in a tranquil garden setting. | Breakfast (try Chhole Bhature from a popular spot like Sitaram Diwan Chand). | Metro (Pink Line) to JLN Stadium or Uber/Ola. |
| Late Morning | India Gate & Rashtrapati Bhavan: Drive past or walk around the imposing war memorial (India Gate) and get a view of the President's House (Rashtrapati Bhavan) from a distance. | Fresh coconut water near India Gate. | Auto-rickshaw or Metro (Yellow Line) to Central Secretariat. |
| Lunch | Connaught Place (CP): Head to CP for a modern lunch experience. | Try the original Butter Chicken at Moti Mahal (Daryaganj is the original, but CP has good options) or an upscale cafe. | Metro (Yellow/Blue Line) to Rajiv Chowk. |
| Afternoon | Gurudwara Bangla Sahib: Visit this prominent Sikh house of worship. Witness the community kitchen (Langar). | Have a taste of the Kada Prasad (sweet halwa) offered at the Gurudwara. | Walk from Connaught Place. |
| Evening | Agrasen ki Baoli: Visit this fascinating 14th-century stepwell near Connaught Place for photos. Free time for shopping in Janpath Market or Connaught Place. | Dinner at a restaurant of your choice in Connaught Place. | Walk/Metro (Yellow Line) to Barakhamba Road. |
Day 3: Architectural Wonders & Local Flavor
Explore the contrasting modern and ancient architectural styles of South Delhi and enjoy a taste of local culture.
| Time | Activity | Food/Drink | Transportation |
| Morning | Qutub Minar: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage complex, featuring the world's tallest brick minaret and early Islamic architecture. | Local Indian breakfast at your accommodation or nearby. | Metro (Yellow Line) to Qutub Minar. |
| Late Morning | Lotus Temple: Visit this stunning temple of the Baháʼí Faith, known for its distinct lotus flower shape. | Fresh fruit juice. | Auto-rickshaw or Metro (Violet Line) to Kalkaji Mandir. |
| Lunch | Hauz Khas Village: Head to this trendy urban village with a medieval reservoir and ruins. | Lunch at a cafe/restaurant in Hauz Khas. Try Momos from a street vendor. | Metro (Yellow Line) to Hauz Khas and then an auto-rickshaw. |
| Afternoon | Dilli Haat: Explore this permanent open-air food plaza and craft bazaar that offers cuisine and handicrafts from all Indian states. Great for souvenir shopping. | Sample a regional dish like Rajma Chawal or Kathi Rolls from a state stall. | Metro (Yellow Line) to INA. |
| Evening | Akshardham Temple (Optional): Visit this massive, beautifully carved temple complex for the evening light and water show (Closed on Mondays). | Dinner near Akshardham or back in your chosen area. | Metro (Blue Line) to Akshardham. |