Quick Summary
- Complete Red Fort exploration
- Old Delhi food walk
- UNESCO Qutub Minar complex
- Stunning Humayun's Tomb
- India Gate sunset
- Akshardham Temple experience
Two days in Delhi hits the sweet spot between thoroughness and efficiency. This itinerary separates Old Delhi's Mughal heritage from New Delhi's modern landmarks, allowing you to fully immerse in each area without rushing.
Day 1 takes you through the historic lanes of Old Delhi - Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and the vibrant Chandni Chowk. Day 2 explores the grand monuments and gardens of New Delhi. You'll leave with a complete picture of India's magnificent capital.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Explore the heart of Mughal Delhi. Start with the magnificent Red Fort, witness the grandeur of Jama Masjid, lose yourself in Chandni Chowk's lanes, and indulge in legendary street food.
Red Fort (Lal Qila)
Begin at Red Fort when it opens. Explore the Lahori Gate, Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, the Royal Baths, and the beautiful Mughal gardens. Hire a guide for the fascinating 400-year 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
- Closed Mondays - plan accordingly
- Audio guide available at entrance
- Spend at least 2 hours exploring
Red Fort (Lal Qila)
Netaji Subhash Marg, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi 110006
Jama Masjid
Walk to nearby Jama Masjid, one of India's largest mosques. Climb the minaret for panoramic views of Old Delhi. The courtyard is stunning.
Details
- Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM - 6:30 PM
- Entry: Indians Free, Foreigners Free (Camera: ₹300)
- Best Time: Morning (avoid prayer times)
Nearby Food
- Karim's (right outside)
- Al Jawahar
- Street food stalls
Pro Tips
- Dress modestly - cover arms and legs
- Remove shoes before entering
- Camera fee applies for photography
Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid Road, Jama Masjid, Delhi 110006
Chandni Chowk
Dive into the chaos and charm of Chandni Chowk. Start at Paranthe Wali Gali for legendary stuffed paranthas, then explore the spice market, jewelry lanes, and more.
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: Paranthas, Jalebi, Dahi Bhalle
- Visit Karim's for Mughlai feast
- Bargain hard when shopping
Chandni Chowk
Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi 110006
Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib
End Day 1 at the serene Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib. Experience the peaceful atmosphere and partake in langar (free community meal) if time permits.
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
- Cover your head - scarves available
- Peaceful end to a busy day
- Langar (free meal) available to all
Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib
Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi 110006
Where to Eat
Haldiram's
North Indian
₹200-400
Try: Chole Bhature, Puri Sabzi
Karim's
Mughlai
₹500-800
Try: Mutton Korma, Seekh Kebab, Biryani
Moti Mahal
Mughlai/North Indian
₹600-900
Try: Butter Chicken, Dal Makhani
Explore the grand monuments of New Delhi. From UNESCO World Heritage sites to modern architectural marvels, today showcases the city's diverse heritage.
Humayun's Tomb
Start at the stunning Humayun's Tomb. This UNESCO site inspired the Taj Mahal. Explore the Persian-style gardens and surrounding tombs in the morning light.
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
- Opens at 6 AM - morning light is magical
- Don't miss Isa Khan's tomb nearby
- Allow time for the beautiful gardens
Humayun's Tomb
Mathura Road, Nizamuddin East, New Delhi 110013
Lotus Temple
Visit the architectural marvel of Lotus Temple. The stunning lotus-shaped Bahá'í house of worship welcomes people of all faiths for prayer and meditation.
Details
- Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM (Summer till 7 PM) (Closed: Mondays)
- Entry: Indians Free, Foreigners Free
- Best Time: Early morning or evening
Nearby Food
- Nehru Place food court
- GK-1 M Block Market
- Nearby cafes
Pro Tips
- Closed Mondays
- Maintain silence inside
- Beautiful architecture for photos
Lotus Temple
Lotus Temple Road, Bahapur, New Delhi 110019
Qutub Minar
Explore the Qutub Minar complex, home to the world's tallest brick minaret. See the Iron Pillar, Alai Darwaza, 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
- Combine with lunch at Olive or nearby
- Explore surrounding Mehrauli area
Qutub Minar
Mehrauli, New Delhi 110030
India Gate
Drive along Kartavya Path to India Gate. Walk around the war memorial, enjoy the gardens, and wait for the stunning sunset illumination.
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 late afternoon to sunset
- Walk along Kartavya Path
- Great ice cream vendors nearby
India Gate
Kartavya Path, New Delhi 110001
Connaught Place
End your trip at Connaught Place. Shop, dine, and explore this colonial-era marketplace at the heart of New Delhi.
Details
- Hours: Daily, Open 24 hours (shops 10 AM - 9 PM)
- Entry: Indians Free, Foreigners Free
- Best Time: Evening
Nearby Food
- Wenger's (iconic bakery)
- Saravana Bhavan
- United Coffee House
Pro Tips
- Great for shopping and dining
- Try Wenger's iconic bakery
- Perfect for evening stroll
Connaught Place
Connaught Place, New Delhi 110001
Where to Eat
Hotel breakfast
Various
Included
Try: Full breakfast
Olive Bar & Kitchen
Mediterranean
₹1000-1500
Try: Wood-fired pizzas, Pasta
Saravana Bhavan
South Indian
₹300-500
Try: Dosa, Filter Coffee, Thali
Pro Tips for Your Trip
Day 1: Walk or Metro
Old Delhi attractions are close together. Walk between sites or use Metro. Avoid driving in narrow lanes.
Day 2: Hire a Car
New Delhi monuments are spread out. Hire a car for Day 2 (₹2000-2500) for comfort.
Buy Tickets Online
Book monument tickets online to skip queues. Works for Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and Humayun's Tomb.
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees for religious sites. Carry a scarf for mosque and temple visits.
Stay Hydrated
Carry 2 liters of water per person, especially in warmer months. Delhi can get very hot.
Evening at India Gate
Time your India Gate visit for sunset. The illuminated monument against the evening sky is magical.
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About the Author
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.
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