Delhi is one of the world's great historical cities.
It is a place where Mughal-era monuments stand alongside British-era boulevards, centuries-old markets operate beside modern shopping centres, and historic mosques, temples and gurdwaras exist within one enormous metropolitan landscape.
The city has served as the capital of powerful empires and has been India's national capital for more than a century in its modern form. Delhi Tourism describes the city as a place where ancient and modern India meet, with major heritage sites including the Red Fort, Qutub Minar and Humayun's Tomb.
A seven-day itinerary gives you enough time to experience both Old Delhi and New Delhi, rather than seeing the capital as simply a collection of monuments.
This itinerary combines:
Mughal history
Old Delhi
New Delhi
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Religious landmarks
Museums
Markets
Indian food
Gardens
Contemporary neighbourhoods
Shopping
A possible day trip to Agra
Delhi at a Glance
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Destination | Delhi, India |
| Recommended stay | 7 days / 6 nights |
| Country | India |
| Currency | Indian Rupee (INR) |
| Main airport | Indira Gandhi International Airport |
| Language | Hindi, English and other Indian languages |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 |
| Famous for | Mughal heritage, markets, food, monuments and Indian history |
| Best for | History, culture, food, architecture and shopping |
| Main transport | Delhi Metro, taxis, auto-rickshaws and buses |
| Recommended travel style | Heritage + food + culture + city exploration |
Before You Travel to Delhi
1. Book Your Flight
Delhi's main international gateway is Indira Gandhi International Airport.
When comparing flights, consider:
Arrival time
Departure time
Baggage allowance
Number of connections
Airport transfer
Hotel location
Compare Flights to Delhi
For this seven-day itinerary, arriving earlier in the day gives you more time to settle in and begin exploring.
2. Book Your Delhi Hotel
Delhi is large, and choosing the right neighbourhood can make a major difference to your trip.
Compare Delhi Hotels
Connaught Place
One of the most convenient bases for first-time visitors.
Good for:
Restaurants
Shopping
Central Delhi
Metro access
Nightlife
Old Delhi
Ideal if your priority is:
Chandni Chowk
Red Fort
Jama Masjid
Street food
Historic atmosphere
South Delhi
A good choice for travellers interested in:
Qutub Minar
Humayun's Tomb
Lodhi Garden
Upscale restaurants
Quieter neighbourhoods
Aerocity
Convenient for travellers who want to stay close to the airport, particularly for an early departure.
3. Check India's Entry Requirements
Entry requirements depend on your nationality.
India requires most foreign nationals to have a valid passport and appropriate visa or eVisa unless an exemption applies. The official Indian government visa portal also states that the e-Arrival Card is separate from the visa and must be completed within 72 hours before arrival.
Eligible nationalities can apply for India's e-Tourist Visa online.
Check India's Official Visa Portal
Do not use unofficial visa websites that add unnecessary intermediary charges. India's official portal specifically warns that the government does not authorize agents to charge emergency or express fees for eVisas or the e-Arrival Card.
4. Complete the e-Arrival Card
Foreign nationals and OCI cardholders are required to complete India's e-Arrival Card online within 72 hours before arrival, according to the current official portal. It is an arrival-information requirement, not a visa.
Complete/check India's official arrival information
5. Get Travel Insurance
Travel insurance can protect against covered situations such as:
Medical emergencies
Lost baggage
Flight disruption
Cancellation
Delays
Get Travel Insurance
6. Get an eSIM
Mobile data is extremely useful in Delhi.
You'll likely use it for:
Google Maps
Ride-hailing
Metro navigation
Hotel communication
Restaurant searches
Online bookings
Airalo
Alternative eSIM
7. Arrange Your Airport Transfer
If you're arriving after a long international flight, arranging your first transfer in advance can simplify your arrival.
Airport Transfer
Arrange Your Delhi Airport Transfer
Delhi also has an Airport Express Metro connection, and the Delhi Metro system provides extensive coverage of the city.
Where to Stay in Delhi
Luxury — Central Delhi / Lutyens' Delhi
Suitable for travellers looking for:
Luxury hotels
Large rooms
Fine dining
Central location
High-end services
Mid-Range — Connaught Place
One of the most practical choices for a first visit.
You are close to:
Metro stations
Restaurants
Shopping
India Gate
New Delhi Railway Station
Budget — Paharganj
Convenient for travellers prioritising affordability and proximity to New Delhi Railway Station.
The area is busy and chaotic, so it is more suitable for travellers comfortable with a very energetic urban environment.
South Delhi
Consider areas such as:
Greater Kailash
Hauz Khas
Saket
Defence Colony
These provide access to restaurants, shopping and southern attractions.
Compare Accommodation
Complete 7-Day Delhi Itinerary
Day 1 — Arrival, Connaught Place & India Gate
Your first day is intentionally lighter.
Morning/Afternoon — Arrival
Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Transfer to your hotel and check in.
If your flight arrives late, simply make this a hotel and dinner evening.
Late Afternoon — Connaught Place
Explore Connaught Place.
Walk around:
Inner Circle
Outer Circle
Central Park
Janpath
Local shops
Restaurants
The white colonnaded architecture makes this one of the most recognizable areas of central Delhi.
Evening — India Gate
Head towards India Gate.
Spend time around the lawns and surrounding avenues.
Delhi Tourism lists India Gate among the city's major attractions and highlights the grand avenues and monumental architecture of central Delhi.
Dinner
Start your Delhi food experience.
Try:
Butter chicken
Tandoori chicken
Chole bhature
Kebabs
Paneer dishes
Naan
Day 2 — Old Delhi: Red Fort, Jama Masjid & Chandni Chowk
This is one of the most important days of the itinerary.
Morning — Red Fort
Arrive early at the Red Fort.
The massive Mughal-era fort is one of Delhi's defining landmarks.
Explore:
Lahore Gate
Diwan-i-Aam
Diwan-i-Khas
Palace areas
Gardens
Museum displays where open
Delhi Tourism identifies the Red Fort as one of Delhi's three UNESCO World Heritage monuments, alongside Qutub Minar and Humayun's Tomb.
Late Morning — Jama Masjid
Continue towards Jama Masjid.
The enormous mosque is one of Old Delhi's best-known architectural landmarks.
Dress respectfully and check visitor arrangements before entering.
Afternoon — Chandni Chowk
Now comes the food and market portion of the day.
Walk through:
Chandni Chowk
Kinari Bazaar
Spice Market
Paranthe Wali Gali
Old Delhi lanes
Expect:
Spices
Jewellery
Fabrics
Sweets
Street food
Religious goods
Traditional clothing
Food Experience
Try a combination of:
Paratha
Chole bhature
Jalebi
Samosa
Kachori
Kulfi
Chaat
Book a Delhi Food Experience
Browse Delhi Tours & Experiences
A guided food walk is particularly useful in Old Delhi because many of the best food streets are crowded and easy to navigate poorly on your first visit.
Evening — Return to Hotel
Rest.
Old Delhi is intense, and there is no need to schedule another major attraction tonight.
Day 3 — Humayun's Tomb, Lodhi Garden & Lotus Temple
Today moves south.
Morning — Humayun's Tomb
Begin at Humayun's Tomb.
The monument is one of Delhi's UNESCO World Heritage Sites and an important example of Mughal garden-tomb architecture. Delhi Tourism describes it as the first garden tomb in India and an important precursor to later Mughal architectural development.
Spend time exploring:
Main tomb
Charbagh gardens
Gateway structures
Surrounding monuments
Late Morning — Sunder Nursery
Walk or transfer to Sunder Nursery.
This landscaped heritage park provides a quieter contrast to Old Delhi.
Afternoon — Lodhi Garden
Continue to Lodhi Garden.
Explore the historic tombs surrounded by landscaped gardens.
This is a good place to slow down after several hours of sightseeing.
Late Afternoon — Lotus Temple
Continue towards the Lotus Temple.
Delhi Tourism lists the Lotus Temple among the city's principal attractions and religious sites.
The building's lotus-inspired architecture makes it particularly interesting for architecture and photography enthusiasts.
Evening — South Delhi Dinner
Have dinner around:
Greater Kailash
Defence Colony
Hauz Khas
Day 4 — Qutub Minar, Mehrauli & Hauz Khas
Today focuses on Delhi's southern historical landscape.
Morning — Qutub Minar
Arrive early at Qutub Minar.
The UNESCO-listed complex contains the famous minaret as well as several surrounding monuments.
Delhi Tourism identifies Qutub Minar as one of the city's three World Heritage monuments.
Allow enough time to explore the entire complex rather than photographing the tower and leaving immediately.
Late Morning — Mehrauli Archaeological Area
Explore more of the historic Mehrauli area.
Delhi's history extends far beyond the Mughal period, and this part of the city contains layers of earlier architecture.
Afternoon — Lunch
Have lunch in South Delhi.
Choose either:
Traditional Indian restaurant
Modern Indian restaurant
Café
Late Afternoon — Hauz Khas
Explore Hauz Khas.
The area combines:
Medieval ruins
Boutiques
Cafés
Restaurants
Art spaces
Evening — Rooftop Dinner
Finish the day at a rooftop restaurant.
Delhi's skyline becomes particularly atmospheric after sunset.
Day 5 — New Delhi: Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament Area & Museums
Today explores the political and institutional heart of India's capital.
Morning — Rashtrapati Bhavan Area
Explore the monumental central avenues around:
Rashtrapati Bhavan
Parliament area
India Gate
Kartavya Path
Access to certain government buildings and areas may be restricted or require advance arrangements, so check official visitor information before planning an interior visit.
Late Morning — National Museum
Visit the National Museum if you want a deeper understanding of Indian history and art.
Allow several hours rather than treating it as a quick stop.
Afternoon — Jantar Mantar
Continue to Jantar Mantar.
The historic astronomical observatory is located close to Connaught Place.
Late Afternoon — Agrasen Ki Baoli
Visit Agrasen Ki Baoli.
This historic stepwell is one of Delhi's more unusual architectural attractions and provides a completely different experience from the city's enormous Mughal monuments.
Evening — Connaught Place
Return to Connaught Place.
Have dinner and explore the area after dark.
Day 6 — Akshardham, Bangla Sahib & Delhi Food
Today combines spirituality, architecture and food.
Morning — Akshardham Temple
Begin at Akshardham.
The enormous complex is known for its elaborate architecture and cultural presentation.
Check the current visitor rules before arriving, particularly regarding prohibited items and photography.
Afternoon — Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
Visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib.
Observe the peaceful environment and learn about Sikh traditions.
Dress respectfully and follow visitor instructions.
Late Afternoon — Delhi Food Tour
This is your dedicated food day.
Try dishes you may not have encountered earlier in the itinerary.
Consider:
Butter chicken
Nihari
Kebabs
Chaat
Dahi bhalla
Chole bhature
Aloo tikki
Lassi
Indian sweets
Book a Food Tour
Browse Delhi Food & Cultural Experiences
Evening — Final Delhi Night
Choose between:
Rooftop restaurant
Fine dining
Live cultural performance
Café
Connaught Place nightlife
Day 7 — Agra Day Trip or Relaxed Delhi Day
You have two good options.
Option A — Agra Day Trip
If this is your first trip to northern India, use Day 7 for an early journey to Agra.
The principal attraction is the Taj Mahal.
A private or organised tour can simplify:
Transport
Entry
Local guide
Timing
Return journey
Book an Organised Experience
Start extremely early and confirm the attraction's current opening/closing schedule before booking.
This option gives the seven-day trip a second major Indian heritage destination.
Option B — Stay in Delhi
If you prefer a slower trip, remain in Delhi.
Morning
Visit:
Dilli Haat
Local markets
A museum
Café
Delhi Tourism highlights Dilli Haat as a place to experience Indian arts, crafts and food from different regions.
Afternoon — Shopping
Buy:
Indian textiles
Handicrafts
Jewellery
Spices
Tea
Home décor
Traditional clothing
Final Evening
Have one final Indian dinner.
Return to your hotel, collect your luggage and prepare for departure.
10 Delhi Experiences Worth Booking
1. Old Delhi Food Walk
Explore Chandni Chowk with a local guide.
2. Red Fort Guided Tour
Learn the history behind the Mughal complex.
3. Qutub Minar Tour
Combine Qutub Minar with Mehrauli's historic sites.
4. Humayun's Tomb & Mughal Heritage Tour
A useful way to understand the development of Mughal architecture.
5. Delhi City Heritage Tour
Combine major monuments with a local guide.
6. Street Food Tour
Explore Delhi's legendary food culture.
7. Agra & Taj Mahal Day Trip
A long day, but an option worth considering for first-time visitors.
8. Market & Shopping Tour
Useful for travellers who want help navigating Old Delhi's markets.
9. Photography Tour
Delhi offers exceptional architectural and street photography opportunities.
10. Private Full-Day Delhi Tour
Useful for visitors who want to cover multiple districts without dealing with the logistics themselves.
Book Delhi Experiences
Getting Around Delhi
Delhi Metro
For many visitors, the Metro is the most useful way to move around Delhi.
Delhi Metro provides an extensive network and an official journey planner with route and fare information.
Official Delhi Metro
Airport Express
The Airport Express provides a connection between the airport and central parts of Delhi.
Check the current fare and timetable before travelling because fares and operating arrangements can change.
Ride-Hailing
App-based taxis are convenient, particularly when:
Carrying luggage
Travelling late
Visiting attractions far from Metro stations
Travelling as a group
Auto-Rickshaws
Auto-rickshaws are useful for shorter journeys.
Agree on the fare or use an app where available.
Delhi Tourism Hop-On Hop-Off
Delhi Tourism also operates sightseeing options, including a full-day city tour covering several major landmarks. Its current online booking page lists a full-day tour operating every day except Monday and covering locations including Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple, Red Fort, Rajghat and Humayun's Tomb.
This can be useful for travellers who prefer a structured sightseeing day.
Should You Rent a Car in Delhi?
For most visitors, no.
Traffic can be heavy, parking can be difficult and the Metro covers many useful routes.
A driver or organised tour can make sense for:
Agra
Outlying attractions
Multi-stop sightseeing
Families
Travellers who prefer private transport
If you specifically need a rental vehicle:
Delhi Food Guide
Delhi is one of India's great food destinations.
Butter Chicken
A rich tomato-based chicken dish associated strongly with Delhi's restaurant culture.
Chole Bhature
Spiced chickpeas served with fried bhature bread.
Paratha
Old Delhi is famous for stuffed parathas.
Kebabs
Delhi has a long kebab tradition, particularly in Old Delhi.
Nihari
Slow-cooked meat stew traditionally eaten as a hearty meal.
Chaat
A broad family of spicy, tangy street-food dishes.
Aloo Tikki
Spiced potato patties served with chutneys and other toppings.
Jalebi
Crispy, syrup-soaked sweets.
Kulfi
Traditional Indian frozen dessert.
Lassi
A yoghurt-based drink available in sweet and savoury variations.
Delhi Tourism specifically highlights the city's curries, tikkas, kebabs and diverse food culture.
Estimated 7-Day Delhi Budget
Approximate costs excluding international airfare:
| Travel style | Approximate 7-day budget |
|---|---|
| Budget | INR 25,000–45,000 |
| Mid-range | INR 60,000–110,000 |
| Luxury | INR 180,000+ |
These are planning ranges rather than fixed prices. Accommodation, season, dining, tours and shopping can change the final amount substantially.
Budget Traveller
Consider:
Budget hotel/guesthouse
Metro
Local restaurants
Street food
Self-guided sightseeing
Mid-Range Traveller
Consider:
3–4-star hotel
Ride-hailing
Guided food tours
Paid attractions
Restaurants
Luxury Traveller
Expect:
5-star accommodation
Private driver
Private guides
Fine dining
Premium experiences
Compare Delhi Hotels
Best Time to Visit Delhi
Delhi experiences significant seasonal variation.
October–November
Generally pleasant for sightseeing, although air quality can vary considerably.
December–February
Cooler conditions make daytime sightseeing comfortable, but winter mornings can be cold and foggy.
March–April
Temperatures begin rising, but outdoor sightseeing can still be manageable.
May–June
Very hot conditions can make midday sightseeing uncomfortable.
July–September
The monsoon season can bring rain and humidity.
For most sightseeing-focused visitors, the cooler months are generally easier for walking and outdoor exploration.
What to Pack for Delhi
Clothing
Pack according to season:
Lightweight clothing for hot periods
Layers for winter
Comfortable trousers
Comfortable walking shoes
Sandals
Religious Sites
Bring clothing that allows you to dress respectfully at:
Mosques
Temples
Gurdwaras
Some sites may require shoes to be removed.
Winter
Bring:
Light jacket
Sweater
Warm layer
Scarf
Monsoon
Bring:
Compact umbrella
Waterproof bag
Quick-drying clothing
Waterproof phone protection
Electronics
Bring:
Phone
Power bank
Universal adapter
Charging cables
Camera
Get Connected
Delhi Travel Tips
1. Group Attractions by Area
Delhi is enormous.
Don't schedule Qutub Minar, Old Delhi and Akshardham as if they were next door to one another.
2. Start Early
Early mornings are useful for:
Major monuments
Photography
Avoiding some crowds
Avoiding midday heat
3. Use the Metro
The Metro can save significant time compared with road transport on congested routes.
4. Keep Your Itinerary Flexible
Traffic, weather and attraction schedules can change your day.
5. Dress Respectfully
Especially at religious sites and in traditional neighbourhoods.
6. Carry Small Notes
Small denominations can be useful for:
Street food
Small purchases
Tips
Short rides
7. Be Careful With Street Food
Street food is part of the Delhi experience, but choose vendors with good hygiene practices and high turnover.
8. Don't Try to Photograph Everything
Delhi is better experienced when you occasionally put the camera away and simply observe the city.
Useful Delhi Booking Links
Flights
Hotels
Travel Insurance
Airalo eSIM
Alternative eSIM
Airport Transfer
Tours & Activities
Book Delhi Tours & Experiences
Car Rental
India Visa
Delhi Tourism
Delhi Tourism Official Website
Delhi Metro
Frequently Asked Questions About Delhi
Is seven days enough for Delhi?
Yes. Seven days allows you to combine Old Delhi, New Delhi, Mughal monuments, religious sites, museums, food, markets and southern Delhi.
How many days should I spend in Delhi?
Three to five days can cover many major attractions. Seven days allows a slower itinerary and leaves room for a food tour, shopping and an optional Agra excursion.
What is Delhi famous for?
Delhi is famous for its historical monuments, Mughal heritage, markets, food, religious sites, government district and its role as India's capital.
What are Delhi's most important historical monuments?
Among the major sites are:
Red Fort
Qutub Minar
Humayun's Tomb
Purana Qila
Safdarjung Tomb
Jantar Mantar
Delhi Tourism lists these among the city's major heritage attractions.
Is Delhi expensive?
Delhi can accommodate different budgets. Public transport and local food can keep costs relatively low, while luxury hotels, private guides and fine dining can make a trip substantially more expensive.
Is Delhi safe for tourists?
Delhi is a huge metropolitan city, so visitors should use normal urban precautions, particularly in crowded markets, stations and busy tourist areas.
Is Delhi good for first-time visitors to India?
Yes, particularly for travellers interested in history, architecture, food and Indian culture.
Should I stay in Old Delhi?
Old Delhi is fascinating, but its streets are extremely busy. Many first-time visitors prefer staying elsewhere and visiting Old Delhi during the day.
Should I stay in Connaught Place?
Connaught Place is a practical base for visitors who want central access to restaurants, shopping and Metro connections.
Can I visit the Taj Mahal from Delhi?
Yes. Agra can be visited as a long day trip, although travellers who want a more relaxed experience can spend a night in Agra.
Can I explore Delhi without a car?
Yes. Delhi Metro, taxis, auto-rickshaws and walking can cover much of a tourist itinerary. Delhi Tourism and DMRC both provide information on city transport.
What food should I try in Delhi?
Start with:
Butter chicken
Chole bhature
Parathas
Kebabs
Nihari
Chaat
Aloo tikki
Jalebi
Kulfi
Lassi
What is the best time to visit Delhi?
The cooler months are generally more comfortable for extensive sightseeing, while May and June can be very hot. Monsoon months bring rain and humidity.
Do I need an Indian visa?
Requirements depend on your nationality. Many foreign visitors need a visa or eVisa. Check the official Indian government portal for the rules applicable to your passport.
Final Delhi Booking Checklist
Before travelling, make sure you have:
Passport
Indian visa/eVisa if required
e-Arrival Card
Flight
Hotel
Airport transfer
Travel insurance
eSIM/SIM
Red Fort visit
Old Delhi food experience
Qutub Minar
Humayun's Tomb
Lotus Temple
India Gate
Connaught Place
Akshardham
Food tour
Shopping day
Agra/Taj Mahal decision
Restaurant bookings where necessary
Copies of important documents
Emergency contacts
Final Thoughts
Delhi is not simply a capital city filled with monuments.
It is a city built layer upon layer.
The Mughal city survives in the Red Fort, Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk.
The garden-tomb tradition survives at Humayun's Tomb.
The medieval history of Delhi appears around Qutub Minar and Mehrauli.
The colonial capital appears along the monumental avenues of New Delhi.
Modern Delhi emerges in its restaurants, shopping districts, Metro network, cafés and contemporary neighbourhoods.
And then there is the food.
A seven-day trip gives you enough time to experience these different identities without reducing Delhi to a list of photographs.
The best approach is to divide the city geographically and thematically: Old Delhi for history and food, South Delhi for monuments and gardens, Central Delhi for the modern capital, and the wider city for religion, shopping and contemporary culture.
If you have never visited India before, Delhi can also serve as an excellent starting point for a wider North India itinerary linking Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.
Delhi is not a city you simply visit. It is a city you gradually decode.
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