IndiaStarter
Delhi, Agra (Taj Mahal) & Jaipur (Golden Triangle) · Ideal Stay: 2–3 days · Best Season: October–March (Best Weather in Feb–Mar & Oct–Nov)

Delhi (Old & New Delhi) Travel Guide (2026): 2–3 days · ₹5,500–₹15,000 ($65–$179) / day

A city of seven historic imperial capitals layered over 1,000 years, Delhi contrasts the spice-scented Mughal lanes and red-sandstone Jama Masjid of 17th-century Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad) with the leafy boulevards, Lutyens bungalows, and UNESCO garden tombs of New Delhi—linked by one of the world's cleanest, most modern metro systems.

Daily Budget₹5,500–₹15,000 ($65–$179) / day
Ideal Duration2–3 days
Best MonthsOctober–March (Best Weather in Feb–Mar & Oct–Nov)

Top Highlights in Delhi (Old & New Delhi)

  • Humayun's Tomb (1570 CE — UNESCO) & Sunder Nursery — The red-sandstone-and-marble garden tomb that inspired the Taj Mahal (₹600 foreign admission / ₹550 online at `asi.payumoney.com`), right next to 90 acres of restored Mughal gardens and cafés at Sunder Nursery.
  • Qutub Minar Complex (1193 CE — UNESCO) & Mehrauli — Soaring 72.5-meter fluted sandstone victory tower and the rust-free 4th-century Iron Pillar (₹600 / ₹550 online).
  • Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad): Jama Masjid, Red Fort & Khari Baoli Spice Market — Ride the Delhi Metro Violet Line to Jama Masjid or Chandni Chowk to explore India's largest mosque (₹300 camera ticket) and Asia's largest wholesale spice market.
  • Lodhi Garden (15th-Century Tombs — Free!), India Gate & Gurudwara Bangla Sahib — Visit the golden-domed Sikh house of worship to witness the massive community kitchen (Langar) feeding 20,000+ people daily for free.
  • IGI Airport Express Metro Line Hack — Never get stuck in Delhi highway traffic: take the orange Airport Express Metro from Terminal 3 directly to New Delhi Station in 19 minutes for just ₹60 ($0.72 USD)!

Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Delhi (Old & New Delhi)

Delhi (Old & New Delhi) Historic Center & Old Quarter: Best for first-time visitors; walkable to Humayun's Tomb (1570 CE
Delhi (Old & New Delhi) Waterfront & Cultural District: Boutique hotels, evening dining promenades, and museum access
Delhi (Old & New Delhi) Central Station & Transit Hub Quarter: Convenient early-morning rail connections via Indian Railways Vande Bharat Express (AC Chair

Getting There & Around (Indian Railways Vande Bharat Express & IRCTC Foreign Tourist Quota)

Arrive via Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL — 19m Airport Metro to New Delhi, ₹60) or high-speed rail/intercity service into Delhi (Old & New Delhi) Central Station via Indian Railways Vande Bharat Express (AC Chair & Executive Class), Gatimaan Express (Delhi–Agra in 1h 40m at 160 km/h) & IRCTC Foreign Tourist Quota (FTQ — Code 'FT'). Local transit works seamlessly with IRCTC Foreign Tourist Quota.

Use IRCTC Foreign Tourist Quota across local metro, trams, buses, and regional rail around Delhi (Old & New Delhi). Stay within a 10-minute walk of Delhi (Old & New Delhi) Central Station or Delhi (Old & New Delhi) Historic Center & Old Quarter for effortless morning starts.

Sample 3-Day Delhi (Old & New Delhi) Itinerary

Day 1 — Historic Core & Iconic Landmarks of Delhi (Old & New Delhi): Start early at Humayun's Tomb (1570 CE — UNESCO) & Sunder Nursery — The red-sandstone-and-marble garden tomb that inspired the Taj Mahal (₹600 foreign admission / ₹550 online at `asi.payumoney.com`), right next to 90 acres of restored Mughal gardens and cafés at Sunder Nursery. before 08:30 to beat tour groups. Walk through Delhi (Old & New Delhi) Historic Center & Old Quarter, pause for Old Delhi Butter Chicken (₹504–₹1,512) at a neighborhood market, and spend late afternoon at Qutub Minar Complex (1193 CE — UNESCO) & Mehrauli — Soaring 72.5-meter fluted sandstone victory tower and the rust-free 4th-century Iron Pillar (₹600 / ₹550 online)..
Day 2 — Cultural Quarters, Waterfronts & Evening Gastronomy: Explore Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad): Jama Masjid, Red Fort & Khari Baoli Spice Market — Ride the Delhi Metro Violet Line to Jama Masjid or Chandni Chowk to explore India's largest mosque (₹300 camera ticket) and Asia's largest wholesale spice market. in the morning, ride local transit with your IRCTC Foreign Tourist Quota to Delhi (Old & New Delhi) Waterfront & Cultural District, and enjoy an unhurried dinner featuring Chole Bhature (₹504–₹1,512).
Day 3 — Scenic Viewpoints & Half-Day Excursion: Visit Lodhi Garden (15th-Century Tombs — Free!), India Gate & Gurudwara Bangla Sahib — Visit the golden-domed Sikh house of worship to witness the massive community kitchen (Langar) feeding 20,000+ people daily for free. or take a morning train from Delhi (Old & New Delhi) Central Station for a half-day trip (IGI Airport Express Metro Line Hack (45–75 mins by regional transit)), returning to Delhi (Old & New Delhi) Central Station & Transit Hub Quarter for sunset drinks.

Best Day Trips from Delhi (Old & New Delhi)

  • IGI Airport Express Metro Line Hack (45–75 mins by regional transit)
  • Delhi, Agra (Taj Mahal) & Jaipur (Golden Triangle) Culinary & Heritage Trail