Raj GuptaDelhi is not just a city in India, it’s an experience.
Navigating a new location for the first time can be challenging. Where to go, what to do, what not to do? To help you out, I have put together a 3-day itinerary for your trip to Delhi.
I was born in Delhi, but I never imagined myself writing about it on my blog. I am thrilled to write this blog because I love the city. Delhi is a massive metropolis, With a population of over 20 million people.
The city is a blend of ancient forts, temples, markets, and modern metro, mega shopping malls, finance, and technology centres. It has over 5000 years of history and three world heritage sites that you can’t find anywhere else.
Delhi, in my opinion, is not just a city in India, It’s a unique experience. For many people, Delhi is the starting point of their journey and their first introduction to India. If you have never visited South Asia, you may be surprised by the packed marketplaces, noisy roads and streets, and diverse cultures.
Delhi has a lot to offer; you could easily spend a week here, but if you only have three days to spend in this massive city, that is the minimum time.
So, take a look at my 3-day Delhi Itinerary, which will show you the best places to visit in Delhi.
Table of Contents
Delhi Itinerary Day 1 (Old Delhi)
Jama Masjid
The Jama Masjid is a grand mosque in the city of Delhi, India. It is one of the largest mosques in India and outside of Saudi Arabia.
The Jama Masjid was originally built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan between 1650 and 1656. The design of the mosque was influenced by Mughal architecture like the Taj Mahal. The prayer hall inside the mosque can easily accommodate 25,000 worshipers.
Three domes and four towers each with a star on top, giving it a beautiful look from all directions!
Don’t forget to go to the top of the Minar for a stunning view of the Red Fort, Chandni Chowk and Old Delhi.
Tips:- Women need to rent a robe to get inside the Masjid. in reality, this robe is for women who are not wearing modestly, If you dress modestly, you won’t need to rent a robe.
You need to remove your shoes outside of the masjid. There will be people at the entrance who will take care of your shoes in exchange for a tip. You can also store your shoes in your bag.
Your next stop should be Red Fort, which is about a 15-minute walk from Jama Masjid.
Timings:- 7 AM to 12 PM and 1.30 PM to 6.30 PM
Nearest Metro Station:- Chawri Bazaar
Red Fort
Red Fort is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Delhi. And one of the best place to include in Your Delhi Itinerary. Your visit is incomplete without visiting the red fort.
It’s a massive red sandstone wall structure that served as the Mughals’ main residence for 200 years. The monument is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is well-known for its rich history.
You will enter through the Lahori gate, and inside the fort, you will see. Diwan-I-Aam,( Hall of public audience) Diwan-I-Khaas, (hall of private audience) ‘Hammam; Place for royal bath, Pearl mosque. And the Palace of Color was most admirable to me because of its fascinating architecture.
The Next destination is Raj Ghat, which is about 3 km from the red fort, a 35-minute walk or 7 to 10 minutes by Auto or taxi.
Timings:- 6 AM to 6 PM . Closed on Monday.
Nearest Metro Station:- Red fort
Raj Ghat
Raj Ghat is a memorial for Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of the Indian independence movement. It is a commemoration of the spot where Gandhi was cremated on the 31st of January 1948. He was famous for his highly peaceful protests against the British rule in India.
There is a quiet green space around Raj Ghat, People come here for a picnic and take some rest. You can also stop here for a short break before continuing to your next destination.
The following stop is Chandni Chowk, which is about 3.5 km from Raj Ghat, a 35-minute walk, and 7 to 10 minutes by Auto or Taxi.
Timings- 5 AM to 7 PM.
Nearest Metro Station:- Delhi Gate Metro Station
Chandni Chowk
The Chandni Chowk market is an iconic part of Old Delhi. Mughal emperor Shah Jahan originally built it as part of the Red Fort complex in the 17th century. The market has a rich history and home to some of the city’s oldest buildings.
Despite being one of Delhi’s busiest and largest wholesale markets, the market has retained its identity over the years.
This market is well-known for its delicious food. And some shops and restaurants are serving yummy food from generations. My visit to Chandini chowk used to be incomplete without eating some delicious food.
Because this is where you will find the most delicious food in all of Delhi.
There are several little streets in Chandni Chowk, each of which is like a market known for something. I am sharing with you some of them which you should visit.
Paranthe Wali Gali
Paranthe wali Gali is famous for the shops that sell popular sweets and Paranthe’ which means lentil wafers. This place is home to many varieties of these wafers.
Popular varieties include gobhi, Kaju, and methi paratha. Pt. Kanhaiyalal Durgaprasad Dixit outlet serving Paranthe since 1875.
Kinari Bazaar
Kinari Bazaar is one of the most popular shopping destinations for Indian brides. You will see beautiful Indian Bridal dresses and other accessories.
Chawri Bazaar
Chawri Bazaar is an iconic wholesale market specialized in brass, copper, and paper products such as wedding and greeting cards.
Khari Babri Spice Market
Khari Baoli is widely regarded as one of the biggest and most popular markets for spices in India. This is the only Bazaar in Delhi that still has maintained its traditional architecture with many winding lanes of shops selling all sorts of spices, herbs, and food items.
Timing:- 10:00 to 7 PM. Markets closed on Sunday.
Nearest Metro station:- Chandni Chowk metro station
Delhi Itinerary Day 2 ( New Delhi)
India Gate
The India Gate is a war memorial located astride the Rajpath, and built-in 1931. This is considered the largest war memorial in India. It was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and built as a monument for 90,000 soldiers who died in World War I.
The design of India Gate is frequently compared to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The structure is surrounded by plenty of green space and is a popular picnic spot for Delhi residents.
India Gate is usually crowded with tourists and many street vendors. I also went there many times with family and friends for picnics.
The next stop is the National Museum, which is about 2 km from India Gate. and takes about 23 minutes to walk or 5 minutes by taxi.
Timing:- 24 hours
Nearest Metro station:- Central Secretariat
National Museum
The National Museum was founded in 1949 and is one of the oldest and largest museums in India. The museum has a diverse collection of more than 200,000 objects and artworks. And some objects are over 5000 years old.
The Museum was built to provide a repository for all that is beautiful and awesome in human culture and creativity. If you simply enjoy visiting museums and are keen on history then check out the National Museum of Delhi, because this is one of India’s most impressive museums.
Your next stop is Safdarjung Tomb, which is about 3.5km from The National Museum and takes about 42 minutes to walk or 7 to 10 minutes by taxi or auto.
Timing:- 10 AM to 6 PM, closed on Mondays and public holidays
Nearest Metro station:- Central Secretariat (the museum is around 4 km from the metro station)
Safdarjung Tomb
The Safdarjung Tomb is a sandstone and marble monument that was built in 1754. The monument is the last Mughal structure in Delhi.
The Tomb’s gate with two floors and various inscriptions was very appealing to me, and the ceiling was a beautiful piece of artwork with carvings and decorations. Plus, from the gate, you can get an excellent view of the tomb.
The monument has a similar look to Humayun’s tomb complex, but gets fewer tourists.
The following stop is Lodhi Garden, which is about 500 metres from Safdarjung Tomb and takes about 6 minutes to walk.
Timing:- 7 AM TO 6 PM.
Nearest Metro station:- Jor Bagh metro station
Lodi Garden
This is another one of my favourite places in Delhi.
Lodi Garden or Lodhi Gardens is a city park, Spreads over 90 acres of land, As you stroll around the garden you will notice interesting monuments to the Mughal and Lodi dynasties.
This Garden is a popular quiet and peaceful green space where Delhiites come in the mornings and evenings to walk, run, and exercise. And also a lot of young couples come to the Garden to spend time in a quiet area inside the tomb.
The next destination is Humayun’s tomb, which is about 3 km from Lodhi Garden and takes about 40 minutes to walk and 6 minutes by taxi or auto.
Timing:- 6 AM TO 8 PM.
Nearest Metro Station:- Jor Bagh metro station
Humayun’s Tomb
Humayun’s tomb was built as a memorial to the second Mughal Emperor Humayun in 1562. This was the first great Mughal structure in India, and historians regard it as one of the country’s most important heritage sites. Also, The monument was the first garden-tomb in India.
Therefore, take a walk around the beautiful garden. Because this is a peaceful garden to spend some relaxing time. Whenever I wanted to spend some calm time with my girlfriend I used to go to Humayun’s Tomb. So don’t forget to include it in your Delhi itinerary.
There is also a nice shop situated near the tomb, Anokhi’s discount store, which Sells women’s traditional clothing at reasonable prices. If you enjoy shopping and have the time, go check it out.
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, around 7 km from Humayun’s Tomb and 10 to 15 minutes by cab or vehicle, is your next stop.
Timing:- 6 AM TO 6 PM.
Nearest Metro Station:- JLN Stadium
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is a Sikh temple, situated in Connaught Place. This was constructed to commemorate the occasion of eight Sikh Guru Har Krishan’s visit. in 1664. Bangla Sahib complex includes the Main prayer hall, a holy Sarover or lake, a Hospital, and a langar Hall.
Sikh priests sing sacred songs in the main prayer hall almost 24 hours a day. And I use to feel calm and relaxed inside the main prayer hall.
The Sarovar, or Lake, in the Gurudwara complex is considered holy. You will see colourful fish in the lake, as well as people bathing in holy water and walking around the lake.
The Gurudwara Langar hall serves free food to thousands of people of all faiths and castes. There is a large and impressive kitchen. I recommend that you go to the kitchen because it’s incredible to see how they prepare food for thousands of people.
Note:- You need to cover your head and remove your shoes. Before entering the gurdwara complex, It is mandatory for everyone. There is a shoe storage area where you can leave your shoes without fear of losing them.
Connaught Place is the next stop, about 1km from Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and takes 10 to 12 minutes to walk.
Timing:- 24 Hours
Nearest Metro Station:- Rajiv Chowk
Connaught Place
Connaught Place is the most famous shopping district, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Delhi for both international and domestic travellers
This place is unique in that it houses the most expensive showrooms and all major brands, as well as a flea market where you can find nice clothes, shoes, jewellery, and much more for a low price.
There is also a well-known underground market called Palika Bazar, which is similar to a flea market. But you must be skilled at bargaining for Palika Bazaar because their prices are 5 to 10 times higher, which means that if they can sell something for $10, they will charge you $100, so you must bargain a lot.
Connaught Place is also famous for cafes, clubs, pubs and restaurants. So, if you want to go to some nice restaurants, popular cafes, clubs, or pubs, you’ve come to the right place.
Timing:- 24 Hours
Nearest Metro station:- Rajiv Chowk
Delhi Itinerary Day 3 ( South Delhi )
Qutub Minar
The Qutub Minar is the most popular tourist destination in India and the most visited tourist attraction in Delhi. A Unesco world heritage site, Built-in 1192 by Qutb-ud-din Aibak.
The Minar is also known as the world’s tallest brick Minaret, standing at 73 meters in height.
This Monument is an excellent example of Indo-Islamic architecture and historical brilliance. The carvings on the minar and throughout the complex are mind-boggling. If you look closely, you will notice that each floor of the minar has a unique feature.
There are also some Hindu and Jain carvings in the complex. The Qutub complex includes a mosque, an iron pillar, tombs, and plenty of green space.
The next stop is Lotus Temple, which is about 12 km from Qutub Minar and takes about 20 minutes by taxi or auto.
Timing:- 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Nearest Metro Station:- Qutab Minar.
Lotus Temple
The Lotus Temple is one of the most sacred places for Bahá’à followers. Built in the shape of a lotus flower in 1986.There are only seven Baha’i temples in the world, and this one is the only one in Asia.
The entire temple is made of white marble, with 9 pools and plenty of green space. Plus, There is no scripture in the temple.
This architectural masterpiece has received numerous awards for its design and architecture over the years. The temple is the best place to meditate to calm one’s mind.
Any person of any caste or religion is welcome to visit this temple. I recommend that you spend a few minutes inside the temple to reset your mind and body.
The next stop is Hauz Khas Village, which is about 9.5 Km from Lotus Temple and takes about 20 minutes by taxi or auto.
Timing:- 9:30 AM to 5.30 PM. Closed on Monday
Nearest Metro Station:- Kalkaji Mandir Metro
Lunch at Hauz Khas Village
Hauz Khas Village is a historically rich and happening place in south Delhi. This place has been the talk of the town for ages. And got its name from a water tank built in the 13th century.
This historic party destination is also well-known for its numerous cafes, pubs, clubs, restaurants, and art galleries. As well as, this is one of the most happening areas in town. While touring Hauz Khas village, you will see tombs, a water tank, an Islamic cemetery, and a park.
Hauz Khas Village has its own charm, and it is a popular destination for both tourists and locals.
The following destination is Dilli Haat, which is about 3.5 km from Hauz Khas Village and takes about 10 minutes by taxi or auto.
Timing:- Till Midnight.
Nearest Metro Station:- Hauz Khas
Dilli Haat
Dilli Haat is a place where people from all over the country come to sell their goods and to buy goods.
It was originally set up as a market for craftsmen from rural India who brought their wares to sell at Dilli Haat in Delhi so that they could earn an income. However, with time, This Place became more than just a crafts market.
At Dilli Haat, you can find and buy clothes, jewellery, textiles, handicrafts and much more. You can also taste some of the most delicious cuisines of India. It is a vibrant place with lots of colours and happy people.
The speciality of Delhi Haat is that you can find handicrafts and cuisines from every state in India. Plus this is also the best place to buy souvenirs. However, keep in mind that to get a good deal, you must bargain.
Timing:- 10AM to 10pm.
Nearest Metro Station:- INA.
Map of Delhi Attractions
To make your travel and route planning easier, I’ve included all of the places mentioned in this 3-day Delhi itinerary on this map.
Is It Delhi or New Delhi?
Delhi is divided into 11 districts, one of which is known as New Delhi. When the British relocated their capital from Calcutta to New Delhi in 1911, they gave it this name. Since then, New Delhi has been regarded as India’s capital.
So Delhi is the city in India. And New Delhi is India’s capital, which is located in Delhi.
How Long Should You Spend in Delhi?
Delhi has a complex cultural landscape and a lot to offer to tourists. If you have enough days in hand, spend a minimum of 3 days in Delhi. In order to make your trip memorable.
This will allow you to explore and enjoy what Delhi has to offer. as well as to indulge in the local flavours that are hard to find elsewhere. You should not rush through the different places as you can find themselves missing out on something amazing.
When is The Best Time To Visit Delhi?
The weather is cooler and drier from October to March. If you are visiting in September or April, then you will find that it is too hot and humid outside. The monsoon season lasts from June to September and the city can get quite muddy and dirty.
The relatively cool, dry season makes for excellent travel. It is largely free of the stagnant air, heat and dust that cover India for almost half the year.
How to Reach Delhi?
Air-Delhi has India’s largest and busiest airport. Which connects to major cities around the world. There are two main terminals. Terminal 3 is used for international as well as some domestic flights. And terminal 2 is for low-cost domestic flights.
Train– Trains arrive in Delhi from all over India. By train, you can easily reach Delhi. The City has 3 Main Railway stations: Old Delhi Railway Station, New Delhi Railway Station, And Nizamuddin railway station. If you are arriving in Delhi from another city or Departing to any other city. In most cases, you will start or end your journey at one of these railway stations.
Road– A network of roads and national highways connects Delhi to the rest of the country.
Where to Stay in Delhi
Tatvamasi Homestay
BloomRooms Hotel Janpath ( 3star)
The Imperial, New Delhi (5 stars)
How to Get Around Delhi
The Delhi Metro is one of the best ways to get around the city because Metro is the quickest, cheapest, and safest mode of transportation. The big advantage of using a metro is that it will drop you almost right outside your destination, so you don’t have to worry about getting lost or taking a wrong turn.
The first coach of the Delhi metro is reserved exclusively for women, If you are a solo female traveller, you can travel comfortably there.
To avoid standing in line, you can buy a Metrocard for Rs 200. However, if you dislike crowded transportation, you should avoid taking the metro.
If you only need to travel a short distance, a tuk-tuk (auto-rickshaw) or an air-conditioned taxi is a good option. You can also book taxis through the Uber or Ola apps.
If you want a completely hassle-free way to get around Delhi, hire a taxi for the entire day, which is not expensive. The best part about hiring a taxi for the whole day is that you don’t have to wait for taxis or tuk-tuks all the time, and you can leave your belongings in the car. Your hotel is the best place to book a taxi for the entire day.
I personally enjoy walking around the city because going from one location to another can surprise you.
What to Wear in Delhi?
The climate in Delhi is quite extreme – Weather is hot and humid during the summers, but cold during the winters. So, it’s best to dress in light fabrics that are soft against the skin, like cotton or linen. Avoid anything too heavy or too tight-fitting as these will make you feel uncomfortable and irritable.
Women should avoid wearing short clothes. Because they are not popular in India. People will stare at you if you walk down an Indian street wearing shorts.
In addition, you will not be permitted to enter a temple, masjid, or gurudwara. In some religious buildings, you must cover your head too. So you want to cover at least your legs and shoulders.
According to me, the best clothes to wear in India are Indian. You can easily buy salwar kameez or you can buy only a long Indian style top(kameez) and wear it on jeans. Indian clothes are more comfortable in Delhi weather. And you will feel safer.
Is Delhi Safe to Visit?
Yes, Delhi is safe. There is a crime in every city in the world, but you should be aware of the precautions that must be taken to avoid it.
If you’re in a crowded market or on a metro train or bus, take extra care with your belongings because thieves can steal your valuables. So you want to keep your bag in front of you all the time. Also, keep your wallet in your front pocket and avoid flashing large amounts of cash while shopping in public.
If anyone offers you a tour or a special deal in a hotel room or a stay in a palace or fort, simply ignore them. Because there are people in Delhi who try to defraud tourists.
I don’t recommend travelling at night, especially if you’re a solo female. So Try to return to your hotel before dark.
If you want to go to a restaurant or a club at night, make a wise choice, such as going to tourist-friendly areas. Connaught Place, Hauz Khas Village, and Khan Market are a few examples. And book a taxi from the hotel to the restaurant or bar you want to visit, as well as a taxi back to the hotel.
This was all about Delhi, Now you know how to spend 3 days in Delhi, as well as Best things to do in Delhi. So I hope this Delhi Itinerary will help you to easily plan your trip. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments section and I will do my best to answer them.
More India Travel itineraries.
- JAIPUR ITINERARY: 10 Best Things to Do in Jaipur in 2 Days.
- PUSHKAR ITINERARY: 8 Best Things to Do in Pushkar in 2 Days
Downloadable image of day by day Delhi Itinerary.
Sharing is Caring
