Delhi or Mumbai first?
Delhi for north India gateways (Rajasthan, Agra); Mumbai for west coast and Bollywood energy.
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Delhi Travel Guide
Things to do in Delhi — Explore Delhi
Photo: Marcin Białek · CC BY-SA 4.0
Why visit Delhi
Delhi spans millennia — Mughal Red Fort grandeur, Humayun's Tomb symmetry, Chandni Chowk chaos and New Delhi's wide Rajpath boulevards in India's capital region.
Delhi is a stop in India, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 3 days. If time is short, prioritise Taj Mahal day trip to Agra, Red Fort, Qutub Minar instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 50–100 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: October–March for cooler weather. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
October–March for cooler weather
Weather
Varies from tropical to temperate depending on the season
Getting around
Delhi Metro with smart card; auto-rickshaws with meter or app; Uber/Ola widely
Experiences
Things to do in Delhi
1
Taj Mahal day trip to Agra
2
Red Fort
3
Qutub Minar
4
Humayun's Tomb
5
India Gate and Rajpath
6
Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk
7
Lotus Temple
8
Akshardham Temple
Budget travel
Free things to do in Delhi
India Gate and Rajpath
Lotus Temple
Akshardham Temple
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Delhi itinerary (3 days)
- 1
Day 1
Old Delhi
- Red Fort and Jama Masjid
- Chandni Chowk rickshaw and spice lanes
- Raj Ghat memorial
- Karim's or Old Delhi kebab dinner
- 2
Day 2
New Delhi icons
- Humayun's Tomb
- Qutub Minar complex
- India Gate and Rajpath drive
- Khan Market evening
- 3
Day 3
Day trip
- Early Taj Mahal visit in Agra
- Agra Fort afternoon
- Return to Delhi via Yamuna Expressway
Prefer a full 6-day trip with costs and FAQs? Read the Delhi itinerary guide.
Budget
Delhi trip cost
Budget
USD 20–50
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 50–100
per person / day
Luxury
USD 150+
per person / day
Metro and street food are bargains — heritage hotels and fine dining raise mid tiers. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Delhi
Estimated total (USD)
$1,725
≈ $863 per person · $246 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $50/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Delhi mid-range ground costs (budget 20–50 · mid 50–100 · luxury 150+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Neighbourhoods
Where to stay in Delhi
Connaught Place
Best for: Central access
Metro hub with colonial-circle architecture
South Delhi (Hauz Khas / GK)
Best for: Dining
Younger crowd, boutiques and restaurants
Karol Bagh
Best for: Budget
Hotel cluster with metro access west of CP
Where to eat
Local favourites
- $
Karim's
Mughlai · Old Delhi legend since 1913 — locals' pick
- $
Paranthe Wali Gali
Paratha · The famous stuffed-paratha alley
- $$$$
Indian Accent
Modern Indian · Delhi's most acclaimed contemporary kitchen
- $
Saravana Bhavan
South Indian · Reliable dosa favourite across the city
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $$$$
The Imperial New Delhi
Janpath · Art Deco colonial landmark
- $$$$
The Lodhi
Lodhi Road · Modern luxury with large suites
- $$$$
Taj Palace New Delhi
Diplomatic Enclave · Classic Taj hospitality
- $$$
Haveli Dharampura
Chandni Chowk · Restored Mughal haveli in Old Delhi
Travel tips
- Dress modestly at mosques and temples — carry a scarf
- Use metro in rush hour — road traffic is unpredictable
- Stay hydrated; air quality dips in November
In pictures
Delhi gallery
Photos: Marcin Białek, Muhammad Mahdi Karim, A.Savin, Nikhilb239 — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Delhi travel FAQs
Is Delhi safe for solo women?
Use registered cabs at night, dress conservatively in crowded areas and prefer metro over empty autos.
What are the best things to do in Delhi?
Top picks in Delhi include Taj Mahal day trip to Agra, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb. See the full list and itinerary on this Delhi travel guide.
When is the best time to visit Delhi?
October–March for cooler weather.
How many days do I need in Delhi?
Plan at least 3 days in Delhi for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Delhi?
Base yourself in Connaught Place (Central access), South Delhi (Hauz Khas / GK) (Dining), Karol Bagh (Budget). Pick the area that matches your trip style, then book within walking distance of transit or main sights.
Keep exploring
