What are the best things to do in New Delhi?
Top picks in New Delhi include Taj Mahal day trip to Agra, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb. See the full list and itinerary on this New Delhi travel guide.
Photo: Ronakshah1990 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Why visit New Delhi
Travel guide for New Delhi, India — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
New 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 25–80 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: November–March for cooler, drier conditions. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
November–March for cooler, drier conditions
Weather
Varies from tropical to temperate depending on the season
Experiences
Things to do in New 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 New 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
New Delhi itinerary (3 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Taj Mahal day trip to Agra
- Visit Red Fort
- Visit Qutub Minar
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Humayun's Tomb
- Visit India Gate and Rajpath
- Visit Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk
- 3
Day 3
More highlights
- Visit Lotus Temple
- Visit Akshardham Temple
Budget
New Delhi trip cost
Budget
USD 15–35
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 25–80
per person / day
Luxury
USD 90–150+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in New Delhi, India. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for New 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 New Delhi mid-range ground costs (budget 15–35 · mid 25–80 · luxury 90–150+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
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
In pictures
New Delhi gallery
Photos: Ronakshah1990, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Ministry of Culture, Subhashish Panigrahi, Whoeverblocksmeisamotherfu*ker — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
New Delhi travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit New Delhi?
November–March for cooler, drier conditions.
How many days do I need in New Delhi?
Plan at least 3 days in New Delhi for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in New Delhi?
Popular stays in New Delhi include The Imperial New Delhi, The Lodhi, Taj Palace New Delhi. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to New Delhi cost?
On the ground in New Delhi (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 15–35 per person per day, mid-range about 25–80, and luxury about 90–150+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in New Delhi, India. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
