Perfect 1 Day Delhi Itinerary: See the Best of India's Capital

Perfect 1 Day Delhi Itinerary: See the Best of India's Capital

Quick Summary

8 min read
Best For
First-time visitorsBusiness travelersDay trippers
Difficulty
Moderate
Budget (1 day)
₹2,500 - ₹5,000
Best Season
October, November, February, March
Highlights
  • Majestic Red Fort exploration
  • Iconic India Gate at sunset
  • Ancient Qutub Minar
  • Historic Chandni Chowk food walk
  • Humayun's Tomb gardens
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Short on time but want to experience the magic of Delhi? This carefully crafted 1-day itinerary covers the essential highlights of India's capital. From the majestic Red Fort to the iconic India Gate, you'll experience Mughal grandeur and modern India at its finest.

While one day is limited, this optimized route ensures you see Delhi's top attractions without the overwhelm. We've included exact timings, transportation tips, and insider advice to make every hour count.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

45 km
5 stops
₹2,500 - ₹5,000

An action-packed day covering Delhi's most iconic attractions. Start early at Red Fort, explore Old Delhi's charm, marvel at ancient monuments, and end with stunning sunset views at India Gate.

9:30 AM•2 hours

Red Fort (Lal Qila)

Must See

Begin at the magnificent Red Fort. Explore the Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, and the beautiful Mughal architecture. Take in the stunning red sandstone walls and rich history.

Details
  • Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM (Closed: Mondays)
  • Entry: Indians ₹35, Foreigners ₹500 (Camera: Free)
  • Best Time: Early morning (9:30-11 AM) to avoid crowds
Nearby Food
  • Karim's (legendary Mughlai cuisine)
  • Paranthe Wali Gali
  • Chandni Chowk street food

Pro Tips

  • Arrive when gates open to avoid crowds
  • Closed on Mondays - plan accordingly
  • Hire a guide for rich historical context

Red Fort (Lal Qila)

Netaji Subhash Marg, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi 110006

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UNESCOFortMughalHistory
12:00 PM•2 hours

Chandni Chowk

Must See

Walk through the vibrant lanes of Chandni Chowk. Sample legendary street food at Paranthe Wali Gali and experience Old Delhi's bustling atmosphere.

Details
  • Hours: Daily except Sunday, 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • Entry: Indians Free, Foreigners Free
  • Best Time: Morning or evening (avoid midday heat)
Nearby Food
  • Paranthe Wali Gali
  • Karim's
  • Natraj Dahi Bhalle

Pro Tips

  • Must try the paranthas and jalebis
  • Visit Karim's for authentic Mughlai food
  • Keep belongings secure in crowds

Chandni Chowk

Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi 110006

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MarketFoodShoppingOld Delhi
2:30 PM•1.5 hours

Humayun's Tomb

Must See

Visit the stunning Humayun's Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that inspired the Taj Mahal. Explore the beautiful Mughal gardens and architecture.

Details
  • Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Entry: Indians ₹35, Foreigners ₹550
  • Best Time: Early morning or sunset
Nearby Food
  • Nizamuddin Dargah area eateries
  • Karim's (Nizamuddin)
  • Khan Market nearby

Pro Tips

  • Afternoon light is perfect for photography
  • Explore the surrounding garden tombs
  • Peaceful atmosphere after busy Old Delhi

Humayun's Tomb

Mathura Road, Nizamuddin East, New Delhi 110013

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UNESCOTombMughalGardens
4:30 PM•1.5 hours

Qutub Minar

Must See

Explore the Qutub Minar complex, home to the world's tallest brick minaret. See the mysterious Iron Pillar and other historical monuments.

Details
  • Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Entry: Indians ₹35, Foreigners ₹550
  • Best Time: Morning or late afternoon for best light
Nearby Food
  • Olive Bar & Kitchen (nearby)
  • Mehrauli street food
  • Garden of Five Senses cafes

Pro Tips

  • The Iron Pillar hasn't rusted in 1600 years
  • Great photo opportunities
  • Allow time for the full complex

Qutub Minar

Mehrauli, New Delhi 110030

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UNESCOMonumentArchitectureHistory
6:30 PM•1 hour

India Gate

Must See

End your day at the iconic India Gate. Watch the monument light up at sunset and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Kartavya Path.

Details
  • Hours: Daily, Open 24 hours
  • Entry: Indians Free, Foreigners Free
  • Best Time: Evening (after sunset for illumination)
Nearby Food
  • Pandara Road restaurants
  • Khan Market eateries
  • Ice cream vendors nearby

Pro Tips

  • Best time is just after sunset
  • Great for evening walks
  • Ice cream and snacks available nearby

India Gate

Kartavya Path, New Delhi 110001

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MonumentMemorialPhotographyFree Entry

Where to Eat

Breakfast
Hotel breakfast or Haldiram's

Quick start

₹200-400

Try: Chole Bhature, Aloo Paratha

Lunch
Karim's

Traditional Mughlai

₹400-700

Try: Mutton Korma, Seekh Kebab, Biryani

Dinner
Pandara Road

North Indian

₹600-1000

Try: Butter Chicken, Dal Makhani

Pro Tips for Your Trip

Hire a Car for the Day

Book a private car with driver (₹2000-2500) for the most efficient sightseeing. Delhi's attractions are spread out.

Start Early

Reach Red Fort by 9:30 AM when it opens. The morning is cooler and less crowded.

Use Delhi Metro

Delhi Metro connects most attractions. It's fast, cheap, and beats traffic. Download the DMRC app.

Stay Hydrated

Carry water bottles and wear sunscreen, especially in summer. Rest during the hottest hours (12-2 PM).

Check Closure Days

Red Fort closes Mondays. Plan your itinerary accordingly to avoid disappointment.

Book Online Tickets

Purchase entry tickets online to skip long queues at popular monuments.

Was this itinerary helpful?

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, with efficient planning you can cover Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar, and India Gate in one day. Start early (by 9:30 AM) and hire a car for the day. While rushed, you'll experience Delhi's top highlights.
Start at 9:30 AM at Red Fort when it opens. This gives you enough time to cover 5-6 major attractions before sunset at India Gate. Note: Red Fort is closed on Mondays.
Budget approximately: Entry fees (₹500-1000), Car hire (₹2000-2500), Meals (₹800-1200), Shopping (variable). Total: ₹4000-6000 per person. Budget travelers can manage with ₹2000-3000 using Metro.
A guide enhances the experience at major monuments like Red Fort and Humayun's Tomb. Government-approved guides cost ₹500-1000 for the day. At minimum, use audio guides available at monuments.
Absolute must-sees: 1) Red Fort (2 hours), 2) Chandni Chowk food walk (1.5 hours), 3) Humayun's Tomb (1.5 hours), 4) India Gate at sunset (1 hour). If time permits, add Qutub Minar.

About the Author

Priya Sharma

Written by

Priya Sharma

A Jaipur native and travel writer with over 10 years of experience exploring Rajasthan. Priya has guided thousands of travelers through the Pink City and is passionate about sharing authentic local experiences.

Jaipur LocalLicensed Guide10+ Years ExperiencePublished Travel Writer

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