Most Western tourists planning a trip to India use Delhi as an overnight stop on route to the Taj Mahal or as part of a longer visit to Jaipur. They want to get in and out of Delhi as quickly as possible. But this Delhi itinerary will show you why India’s capital deserves more than a quick stop.
Beyond the chaos, you’ll discover incredible history, vibrant culture, beautiful temples, modern India, unforgettable street food, and some of the country’s most fascinating markets. We’ve all heard the stories about scams, crowds, smells, and warnings about getting sick. But if you give Delhi a chance, you’ll discover a city far more rewarding than many travelers expect.
In this guide, I’ll share how to spend 3 days exploring India’s capital, whether you’re a first-time visitor, a solo traveler, a backpacker, or looking to experience the best of what this incredible city has to offer.
👉 To ensure an incredible experience in Delhi, I recommend researching common scams in India. This will help keep you safe and navigate the chaos. Read about the 14 scams I encountered in India to help you avoid the same mistakes I made.
👉 If you’re planning a trip to India and haven’t sorted out your visa, I’ve put together a comprehensive guide: Indian Tourist eVisa Guide: My Application Tips and Fixes. It walks you through the process step by step and helps you avoid common frustration
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through one of them at no extra cost to you. I only promote travel brands that I use myself.
Delhi Itinerary Map
3 Day Delhi Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Explore Old Delhi’s Hidden Gems
- Join a free walking tour of Old Delhi
- Visit Lal Mandir Jain Temple and Jain Bird Hospital
- Explore Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib Sikh Temple
- Enjoy lunch at Paranthe Wali Gali
- Wander through Khari Baoli Spice Market
- Experience Paharganj nightlife
Day 2: Discover Delhi’s History & Culture
- Visit the Red Fort
- Explore nearby markets and street food
- Learn about India’s independence at the Gandhi Museum
- Watch a cricket match at Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium (if in season)
- Visit India Gate at sunset
Day 3: Experience Delhi’s Food & Local Life
- Explore Delhi’s famous street food scene
- Try local dishes throughout Old Delhi
- Shop at markets like Dilli Haat, Janpath Market, or Sarojini Nagar
- Enjoy more of Delhi’s unique neighbourhoods and experiences
subscribe to my newsletter for Hidden Gems, Smart Tips, travel guides and Honest Reviews
Getting to Delhi
Most people visiting Delhi will fly into Indira Gandhi International Airport from their home country. This is the most common way to arrive.
I took a different path, flying into India via Mumbai and working my way up the coast to Amritsar. From there, I took a domestic flight. You can fly in from any major city in India, such as Mumbai, Jaipur, Goa, or Varanasi.
From the airport, it’s about a 40-minute taxi ride to the city center. It will cost about $6-$8 USD. Just be aware that the Delhi airport is a hotbed for taxi scams. Make sure you read my India Scams blog before arriving. I booked a shuttle through my hostel, which cost the same as an airport taxi.
There is also a Metro from the airport to the city, which is the fastest and cheapest option. It costs 60 rupees and takes about 20 minutes.
I used Skyscanner to book my domestic flights across India, and it made comparing prices quick and easy. Instead of searching multiple websites, Skyscanner compares flight deals from airlines and travel providers in one place, giving you the flexibility to book the option that works best for you.
👉 If you’re planning your trip to India, you can use my Skyscanner affiliate link to compare prices, set fare alerts, and find the best flight deals.
Arriving in Delhi via Train
Rail travel is a very popular way to get around India. They have a comprehensive train system throughout the country, and it’s something I highly recommend. They even have overnight trains with beds for longer journeys, which are pretty comfortable, even for me, and I’m 6’2. And with the train, they drop you off in the city so you can walk to your hotel or take a tuk-tuk.
The only tricky part with the Indian train system is booking. Booking trains from outside the country can be confusing, and popular routes often sell out well in advance. I use the transportation booking app 12Go, which handles the booking process, making it much easier for international travelers. In many cases, you can still secure a seat even after trains appear sold out on the official booking system.
👉This is my 12Go affiliate link.
If you are coming from Amritsar, like I did, check out my Amritsar travel guide, which includes how to visit the Golden Temple.
Best Areas to Stay for Your Delhi Itinerary
Paharganj (Budget & Backpackers)
Full disclosure: I knew nothing about the area I was staying in, other than the hostel I chose. Upon arrival, I quickly realized this was not one of Delhi’s more desirable neighbourhoods. Winding back alleys, unkempt roads, large crowds, chaos, high energy, and shady characters walking the streets. There are many bars (more on that later), restaurants, street food, markets, and a rundown vibe. It was clear this was a popular backpacker destination, and honestly, right up my alley.
If you plan to take the train to your next destination, such as Agra, this is a perfect location. The train station was only about a 10-minute walk from my hostel. Another plus is that the heart of Old Delhi is easily walkable from Paharganj.
I stayed at Yes Boss by Backpackers Heaven in a private room down a hidden back alley in Paharganj. It wasn’t fancy, but the rooms were clean, there was a tour desk, and it was centrally located. The price was right for 3 nights at just $42 USD.
👉 This is my Yes Boss by Backpackers Heaven affiliate link
👉 I often stay in hostels when I travel. It’s not that I can’t afford fancy hotels cause I can. It’s more about meeting like-minded travellers, location, better tours and a more local, authentic travel experience. To learn more, check out my blog, Why I Stay In Hostels for Solo Travel
My hostel in Delhi in the Paharganj neighbourhood.
Airport Area (Convenience)
For the second part of my Delhi itinerary, I stayed at a hotel in the airport area. It was a nice area, a welcome change from Paharganj. The streets were quiet, with many restaurants, stores, and plenty to explore. If you are flying out of Delhi, I highly recommend staying here, given the chaos throughout the city.
The only way to the airport is by taxi. I tried to book an Uber 3 times, to no avail. My recommendation is to book an airport transfer through your hotel; then you should be good. Also, make sure the driver is clear on the price, and pay him when you get in the taxi. They are known to raise the price when you get close to the airport, and they never have change.
I stayed at Olivia Hotels near Indira Gandhi International Airport. It was a very nice hotel on a quiet street, with a great breakfast and comfortable rooms. There were restaurants nearby, and it was safe to walk at night. This is my affiliate link for Olivia Hotels, where I stayed.
Other Popular Areas to Stay
If backpacking and budget stays are not your thing, these are the best areas in Delhi to stay in Delhi for your itinerary.
- Connaught Place – Connaught Place is one of the best areas to stay in Delhi, offering a central location with excellent Metro connections, historic charm, and an incredible selection of restaurants, cafés, bars, and shops. Whether you’re sightseeing during the day or enjoying the city’s nightlife, everything you need is right at your doorstep.
- Karol Bagh is a great choice for travelers looking for affordable accommodations, lively markets, and an authentic local atmosphere. With excellent Metro connections, countless street-food stalls, and some of Delhi’s best shopping, it’s an ideal base for exploring the city without breaking the bank.
- Hauz Khas – Hauz Khas is one of Delhi’s trendiest neighbourhoods, known for its stylish cafés, restaurants, bars, and vibrant nightlife. Blending modern attractions with centuries-old monuments, including the scenic Hauz Khas Fort and Deer Park, it’s an ideal place to stay for travelers looking for a lively and unique side of the city.
- South Delhi – South Delhi is a great option for travelers looking for a quieter, more upscale side of the city while still being close to many of Delhi’s top attractions. With green spaces, excellent restaurants, trendy cafés, historic landmarks, and a more relaxed atmosphere, it’s an ideal choice for travelers who want comfort away from the busy streets of central Delhi.
Getting Around Delhi
The best ways to get around the city are the metro, taxis, auto rickshaws/tuk-tuks, and walking in Old Delhi.
Delhi Metro
Due to the chaos and large crowds in the city, the metro is the fastest and cheapest way to get around. Whenever I was within a 10-minute walk of a metro station, it was one of my top choices. It’s clean, efficient, safe, easy to navigate, and costs only 20–50 rupees on average per trip.
Taking Taxis in Delhi
Taxis are generally easy to find, but they are a hassle. They don’t generally run meters for travelers and will overcharge you. You need to negotiate up front, and you will always end up paying more than locals for taxis.
They do have Uber throughout India, and this is my recommendation for taxis. You’ll get a competitive fare, the rides are safe, and you can usually find a ride through the app no matter where you are.
Auto Rickshaws for Short Trips
For short trips up to 5 km, if I need to get there quickly, I use auto rickshaws/tuk-tuks. If you find one on the street, expect a hassle and be ready to use your best negotiating skills. Tuk-tuks are also a hotbed for scams in Delhi. You can also book auto rickshaws through your Uber app, which is what I do to avoid being overcharged and scammed. To learn about the most common tuk-tuk scams in India, check out my India Scams blog.
Walking in Delhi
My favourite way to get around, explore, and learn a new city is always to walk. If where I’m going is less than a 1-hour walk, that’s what I do.
It’s amazing how many street food stalls, attractions, markets, cafés, and random encounters you find when walking a city like Delhi. Download Google Maps and explore the city.
It’s generally safe, especially during the day, though at night be sure to stay aware of your surroundings. For female solo travellers, order an Uber at night to make sure you’re safe.
There are many tip-based free walking tours in Delhi on Guru Walk. If you want to check them out, here is my Guru Walk affiliate link.
3 Day Delhi Itinerary
Day 1 of Your Delhi Itinerary: Discover Old Delhi’s Hidden Gems
Free Walking Tour of Old Delhi
I recommend doing a free walking tour of Old Delhi on your first day. I always do this in a new city to get familiar with my surroundings. Another reason I suggest a walking tour in Delhi is that you may only have a couple of days in the city. This will ensure you get to the spice market, enjoy a cheese paneer paratha at a traditional restaurant, visit some temples, and get a sense of the city’s vibe, culture, energy, and chaos.
These were the stops on the free walking tour I did through GuruWalk.
Lal Mandir Jain Temple
When people think of religion in India, they most often think of Hinduism and Islam. But Jainism is one of the world’s oldest religions, dating back more than 2500 years. Its followers believe in non-violence toward all living beings, which is why many Jains follow a strict vegetarian diet and even operate places like the Jain Bird Hospital in Old Delhi to care for injured birds and animals.
Our first stop was the Lal Mandir Jain Temple in Old Delhi. It gave us a firsthand look at how important religion is to Indians across faiths. There are no parts of the temple off-limits; just be respectful, as many Jain worshippers visit. We even had the opportunity to receive an offering, which was cool. And don’t forget to take off your shoes and socks, which is required for entry to all temples in India. I always wear long pants when visiting temples in India, just to be safe.
👉 If you are interested in other Jain temples, check out my Top Temples in the World blog, which features the Dilwara Jain Temple in Mount Abu, India.
Jain Bird Hospital
Right next to the Jain temple, they run a bird hospital. The hospital is supported by donations and by dedicated volunteers from the Jain community, who help care for thousands of injured and sick birds each year. I’ve never seen anything like this: a fully functioning hospital for birds. They were treating everything from pigeons to rare owls.
Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib Sikh Temple
Visiting a Sikh temple is a must in Delhi, especially if you aren’t planning to visit Amritsar. The Golden Temple is the most spiritual experience I’ve had. Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib is not the Golden Temple, but it’s still an incredibly spiritual experience.
You need to cover your head to enter, so our guide took us to the entrance, where we were given bandanas. This is an active temple where Sikhs pray to Waheguru (the one supreme God and creator). You can cross your legs and observe, or just sit on a bench at the back.
We also had the opportunity to walk through the community kitchen, which is impressive. All Sikh temples provide free meals to anyone, regardless of race, religion or social status. It’s really impressive how many free meals a temple like Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib serves each day. Although we didn’t eat at the temple, you can come back anytime to experience it for yourself. The temple is open 24 hours, 7 days a week. This is a memory that will last a lifetime.
If you love visiting temples, you should consider traveling to Vrindavan, one of India’s most important Hindu temple cities. Check out my Vrindavan Temple Itinerary and Travel Guide.
Lunch at Paranthe Wali Gali
No visit to Old Delhi is complete without lunch at Paranthe Wali Gali, the city’s famous lane of century-old paratha restaurants. We chose to eat at Pt. Kanhaiya Lal Durga Prashad Dixit Paranthe Wala, one of the street’s most iconic eateries, established in 1875.
The lane is in the heart of Chandni Chowk, known for its authentic markets, food stalls, and the world-famous spice market. Other markets to add to your Delhi itinerary in this area include Dariba Kalan, Fatehpuri, Tiraha Bazaar, and other nearby Old Delhi bazaars.
I had a classic cheese paratha, and it was one of the best things I ate in Delhi. Without the GuruWalk tour, I’m not sure I would have found this street, and I would have missed out.
Khari Baoli Spice Market
For most people, if they do one thing in Delhi, they visit the spice market. You will never see a collection of spices like this anywhere in the world. Spices you didn’t even know existed. The place is massive and loaded with spices. And I mean huge barrels of spices on display for purchase.
Make sure your phone is charged, as this area features some incredible photo opportunities. Not only the colourful spice barrels that you will never see again, but also some of the most amazing Streetview backdrops. This is where you will likely get your best Delhi photos that scream I’m in Delhi.
The highlight for me, aside from the street vibes, was the chilli section. You may want to bring a mask! Everyone in my group, except me, was gagging from the chillis. They were so strong it was insane. I do love spice, and maybe my lungs are just used to it.
The mix of smells at the spice market is very strong, but it’s an experience you will never forget. A Delhi itinerary top highlight.
👉 I found all of this on a free walking tour through GuruWalk, which I highly recommend. Here is the link to the tour.
👉 If you are planning to visit Jaipur, I recommend doing a tuk-tuk tour, which was a day I will never forget. Check out my blog, My Jaipur Tuk-Tuk Tour: Temples, Palaces and Hidden Gems.
Evening: Experience Paharganj Nightlife
If you are staying in Paharganj, or even if you aren’t, this is an interesting area for nightlife. Because I was staying here, it was an easy decision for me. It’s not fancy and has a backpacker vibe, so if that’s your thing, definitely check it out.
There are many dinner options, from street food to sit-down restaurants to rooftop dining, with international and Indian cuisine. I had everything from vegetarian curries to lasagne to chicken dishes.
After dinner, the rooftops are a great spot to sit, have a cocktail or a King Fisher, and admire the Paharganj cityscapes. There is an active nightlife as the sun goes down, with many bars, dancing, and people having fun. It really is a fun area to go out in at night.
Having dinner and drinks on a rooftop in Paharganj.
Paharganj Dance Bars
There are dance bars throughout the area, and they’re not what you might expect. These are Bollywood-style dance bars where women dance for money. Men throw money on the floor to attract the dancers, who then come over and dance for them. I didn’t partake, but I found it interesting to observe this part of the local culture.
👉 Watch my Instagram video sharing my Paharganj dance bar experience.
One did, however, come over and ask me to buy her an overpriced drink. It’s similar to what you see in Thailand, where bar girls work for the bar, just there to drive up sales. If you haven’t been to an Indian dance bar, they are worth a visit, as it’s an experience I haven’t seen anywhere else in the world.
The dance bar district in Paharganj. It’s not fancy, but definitely an interesting and fun night out.
Day 2 of Your Delhi Itinerary: Delhi’s History & Culture
Red Fort
Located in the heart of Old Delhi, the Red Fort is one of India’s most iconic landmarks. Built in 1648 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, this UNESCO World Heritage Site served as the Mughal emperors’ main residence for nearly 200 years. Today, its impressive red sandstone walls, grand courtyards, and fascinating museums offer a glimpse into India’s rich history, making it one of Delhi’s most popular attractions.
I walked from my hostel in Paragahanj to the Red Fort, which took about 50 minutes. I passed many markets, street-food areas, and chai stalls along the way. It really is a nice walk through Old Delhi to the Red Fort.
I stopped by the Cotton market on my way to the Red Fort and found one of the best chais I had in India. Check out the Instagram video.
I went for the evening light-and-sound show, but it was closed that night, so I admired the Red Fort from the outside, which was still amazing. This can happen in India, where you show up and an attraction is closed for no apparent reason, even though it’s supposed to be open.
If you are planning to attend the light and sound show, it projects the history of the Mughal Empire and India’s past onto the fort’s historic walls. It’s presented through colourful lights, music and narration. It’s a unique way to experience one of Delhi’s most famous landmarks after dark.
An easy way to get tickets for the Red Fort Sound and Light show and other events in India is through the BookMyShow app. Download the app before you travel, and thank me later.
Eating and Shopping Near the Red Fort
Right outside the Red Fort, you will find street-food stalls and tuk-tuks. I had some spicy Indo-Chinese noodles that were incredible.
There are also markets that stretch for a long way throughout the area. You could spend hours shopping and eating near the Red Fort. I bought a T-shirt on my walk back to my hostel.
I also found this incredible chai tea stall on my walk back, at the Cotton Market Jama Masjid. It was lined up with locals, and they had an assembly line with 20-plus chais being made at a time. This is how you know you’ve found a great spot. And the chai was one of the best I had in India.
Gandhi Museum
Adding the Gandhi Museum to my Delhi itinerary was a no-brainer. I remember my mother taking me to see the movie at the theatre. Throughout my life, I have been curious about this incredible human.
The museum takes you through Gandhi’s life and India’s independence movement from British rule. It tells Gandhi’s story from birth to his death. You’ll see artifacts like his walking stick and sandals, and they even have a set-up of his room so you get a sense of how he lived.
Left: Gandhi’s walking stick
This is an opportunity to learn about a very important part of India’s history and its path to independence. Not to mention one of the greatest humanitarians the world has ever seen.
I took a tuk-tuk from the Paharganj area because it was a bit too far to walk. Remember, be wary, as this was another scam I encountered in Delhi. The Gandhi Museum is closed today scam. You can read about it on my India Scams blog.
Watch a Cricket Match (If Season Allows)
After visiting the Gandhi Museum, I walked past the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium while the Cricket World Cup was going on. I wasn’t able to attend, but this is something I would have loved to see, being the huge sports nut that I am.
The main cricket season runs from October to May, and it would be cool to watch the country’s main obsession while in Delhi. There are also local games in July and August. This would be a great experience, as the country is absolutely crazy about the sport.
If you can’t make it to a professional match, stop by one of the many cricket fields to watch local games, and you’ll quickly see how important the game is to Indians. I did this every chance I had across the country and loved every minute of it. The Brits taught Indians how to play before taking over the sport, and they have been the best in the world for decades. Cricket is baked into Indian culture.
India Gate
One of the most impressive structures I visited during my Delhi itinerary was India Gate. It’s a huge arch, or “gate,” that comes alive at night, lit in the colours of the Indian flag.
It’s a war memorial honouring more than 70,000 soldiers of the British Indian Army who died fighting in World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. It’s located in a modern area surrounded by government buildings, boulevards, and wide open green spaces. It’s one of the city’s most scenic places for an evening stroll. It’s a great escape from the chaos of Old Delhi.
It’s open during the day, but the best times to go are at sunset or in the evening when it’s lit up.
To get there, I took a short taxi ride from Paharganj as I didn’t feel like walking after a long day. The taxi couldn’t drop me off in front of the gate, so I had to rely on Google Maps for the rest of the way. When I entered India Gate into Google Maps, it took me to the back entrance. This is a military area, and they made it clear this was not the entrance. If this happens to you, just walk around the perimeter until you see the crowds and follow them.
When you enter, many photographers with cameras want to sell you professional portraits in front of the gate. They take you far away for the “perfect” shot, but I’d avoid it. They tell you it’s 100 rupees for the shoot, but it’s actually 100 rupees per photo. To be honest, it’s a bit of a scam, which I discuss in my scams blog.
Day 3 of Your Delhi Itinerary: Food & Local Experiences
So you have seen many of Delhi’s attractions. Now it’s time to relax and enjoy Delhi’s food and markets. Delhi offers a wide variety of Indian cuisine, with dishes from all over the country to try.
Explore Delhi’s Street Food Scene
The Delhi street food scene is a must for any India itinerary. My favourite way to explore it is to get lost in the Old Delhi food lanes. They are literally everywhere. When you see one, go check it out. The Chawri Bazaar is another popular spot for street food.
Some popular foods to try include parathas (remember the Paranthe Wali Gali food lane?), chaat, jalebi, and kebabs. But there is so much more; I suggest you sample as much as you can.
Delhi Street Food Safety
There is a lot of talk about food safety in Delhi and across India. In Delhi, street vendors often wear gloves, and from my experience, it’s generally safe. I never got sick from street food in Delhi, so take that for what it’s worth.
Best Street Food to Try in Delhi
Bread Omelette
The bread omelette is a classic Indian street-food breakfast made with spiced fried eggs folded over toasted white bread and served with a ketchup packet. This is the perfect way to start your day. I found this in Paharganj on the main street leading to the train station. A bread omelette with a chai will set you back about 30 rupees, and I quite enjoyed this classic.
Aloo Tikki Chaat
Aloo Tikki Chaat consists of crispy fried potato patties smashed open and topped with green mint/coriander chutney, sweet tamarind sauce, and spiced peas/chickpeas. What’s most important is that it’s an incredible snack and one of the best things I tried in Delhi. I found this amazing snack down one of the Old Delhi food lanes.
Fresh Orange/Mosambi
Directly across the street from where I tried the chaat, there was a vendor with a fruit cart selling oranges. These aren’t regular oranges; the vendor slices them up in front of you and seasons them with chaat masala. They also sell fresh, sweet limes (mosambi) seasoned with chaat masala. What a perfect snack on a hot day in Delhi.
Tandoori Fried Chicken
Another of my Delhi and India favourites. If you like hot chicken wings, you need to try the Tandoori fried chicken in Delhi. India does spicy chicken better than anyone.
It’s spicy roasted or fried chicken served with raw onions and a lemon. Add a chai, and you’ve got the perfect Indian lunch. I found this on the street-food lane in Paharganj, but the dish is easy to find throughout Old Delhi.
Cold Coffee with Ice Cream
I’m not one for cold coffee, but the cold coffee with ice cream in Delhi hits different. This is a chilled, creamy coffee float topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It reminded me of the Coke floats my grandmother used to make me when I was a kid, but this was much better. I found this near the airport, close to Olivia Hotels, where I was staying.
Paneer Butter Masala & Naan
Paneer Butter Masala is a rich, creamy paneer-based gravy, typically served with naan. It’s made with tomatoes, butter, cream, and spices such as garam masala, cumin, and cardamom.
If you aren’t into extreme spice, it’s a pretty mild dish by Indian standards. But if you do want to add more spice, just tell the waiter to make it mild, medium, or, if you’re really adventurous, “Indian spice”. The naan is the perfect pairing for dipping into the curry and balances out any mild spice.
This is a very popular dish and can be found almost anywhere in the city.
Street Chowmein
These were the Indo-Chinese noodles I had near the Red Fort. They are spicy stir-fried noodles topped with cabbage and green peppers. Find a nearby curb and enjoy this very spicy dish while admiring the Red Fort. This was one of the best street-food dishes I had in Delhi. That spice though, oh my.
More Markets to Add to Your Delhi Itinerary
If you want to hit up more markets, you can try Dilli Haat, Janpath Market and Sarojini Nagar.
Dilli Haat
If you’re looking for authentic Indian handicrafts, textiles, jewellery, and regional cuisine, Dilli Haat is one of the best places to visit. This open-air market showcases traditional crafts from across India, making it a great spot to shop for unique souvenirs while supporting local artisans.
Janpath Market
Located near Connaught Place, Janpath Market is famous for its colourful stalls selling clothing, accessories, handicrafts, and souvenirs at bargain prices. It’s the perfect place to practice your bargaining skills while hunting for unique gifts and fashionable finds.
Sarojini Nagar Market
A paradise for budget shoppers, Sarojini Nagar Market is one of Delhi’s most popular places to score incredible deals on clothing, shoes, accessories, and home goods. Many items are surplus exports or overstock from well-known brands, making it a favourite destination for bargain hunters.
Delhi Itinerary Travel Tips
What is the best time to visit Delhi?
The best time to visit Delhi is between October and March, when cooler temperatures make exploring the city’s markets, temples, and historic landmarks more pleasant. Daytime temperatures typically range from 20–30°C (68–86°F), making it the ideal season for sightseeing.
If possible, avoid visiting between April and June, when temperatures regularly exceed 40°C (104°F). The monsoon season from July to September brings cooler weather but also frequent rain and high humidity, making outdoor sightseeing less comfortable.
How many days do you need in Delhi?
2-3 days are enough for a Delhi itinerary. If you have time, I would recommend 3 days to travel at a more relaxed pace.
Delhi Metro Tips
The Delhi Metro is one of the fastest, cleanest, and most affordable ways to get around the city. Purchase a Metro Card for multiple trips, or simply use a contactless credit or debit card at the fare gates for added convenience. During rush hour, trains can become very crowded, so try to travel outside peak commuting times if possible. Women travelling alone can also use the designated women’s coach at the front of each train.
How to Dress in Delhi
Delhi is a modern city, but dressing respectfully will make your experience more comfortable, especially when visiting temples, mosques, and other religious sites. Lightweight, breathable clothing is best for the heat, and covering your shoulders and knees is recommended when entering places of worship. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as exploring areas like Old Delhi often involves navigating busy streets, markets, and uneven sidewalks.
Carry Cash For Small Vendors
Always make sure you have small bills, especially when you are out shopping at markets and bazaars.
Beware of common scams
Delhi is a hotbed of tourist scams. Doing your research before arriving in Delhi will help you prepare for common scams. Check out my blog, India Tourist Scams Every First-Time Visitor Should Know.
Essential Delhi Itinerary Apps
- Google Maps – This is a no-brainer for every traveller, but it’s worth mentioning if you don’t already use it.
- Uber – So you don’t have to hassle with taxis and auto rickshaws on the street.
- Zomato – For food delivery to your hotel room. It’s India’s Uber Eats.
- BookMyShow – For booking events such as the Red Fort Sound and Light Show.
Final Thoughts on This Delhi Itinerary
Delhi is a city that challenges, surprises, and stays with you long after you leave. It’s loud, crowded, chaotic, and at times overwhelming, yet that’s also what makes it one of India’s most unforgettable destinations.
With three days in Delhi, you have enough time to experience the best of what the city has to offer — from exploring the historic streets of Old Delhi and visiting ancient temples to tasting incredible street food, wandering through colourful markets, and learning about India’s rich history and culture.
Many travellers arrive in Delhi only to pass through on their way to the Taj Mahal or other destinations, but I hope this itinerary shows you why India’s capital deserves your time. Embrace the chaos, stay curious, and give Delhi a chance. You may discover, as I did, that what seems overwhelming at first is often what makes the city so special.
If you’re continuing your journey through India, be sure to check out my other India travel guides for more tips, itineraries, and unforgettable experiences.
👉 Interested in visiting one of India’s oldest temple towns with temples dating back to the 4th century? Bhubaneswar, known as India’s temple city, has over 500 ancient temples in the Old Town. Check out my one-day temple walk through Old Town Bhubaneswar.
Interested in packing light? Check out what goes in my backpack.
Follow my travel blog
Follow me on Social Media
TikTok – for quick travel tips and shorts
Instagram – for daily updates and photos
Spotify – listen to my solo travel podcast
YouTube – subscribe for full travel videos
Globe Digger AKA Geoff Josey is a travel blogger and solo traveler from Canada. I am a former corporate executive who realized there had to be more to life than just work, running the hamster wheel, and sleep. After exploring the world for 12 months, I never returned to my old life, now with a new outlook, and I share my journey through my blog, socials, and my podcast.
Leave a Reply