India's capital · Culture, cuisine & heritage
Delhi Travel Guide:
A city of many stories.
Walk through Mughal history, discover Old Delhi's lively lanes, and slow down in New Delhi's gardens. Build a Delhi sightseeing trip around the places and experiences that interest you.
Discover Delhi
Old-world lanes.
A modern Indian capital.
Delhi rewards a little curiosity and an unhurried plan. In Old Delhi, the Red Fort and Jama Masjid stand close to busy bazaars, spice shops and neighbourhood eateries. New Delhi brings broad avenues, India Gate, museums and the arcades of Connaught Place.
Further south, Qutub Minar and Humayun's Tomb reveal different chapters of the city's architectural history. Give each area time rather than racing between monuments. Our suggested two- to three-day stay leaves room for heritage, food and a slower afternoon.
Make Delhi the start of a longer journey with our private and customised India tours, or explore more travel destinations in India.
The essential sights
Best places to visit in Delhi
Choose a mix of landmarks and neighbourhoods. These stops work best when grouped by area, with time for traffic, security checks and breaks.
Red Fort
Explore the imperial setting of Shah Jahan's Mughal capital. The Red Fort's monumental walls, gateways and palace spaces make it a natural starting point for understanding Old Delhi.
Plan your visit: Combine it with Chandni Chowk and Jama Masjid. The fort is normally closed on Mondays; check current entry arrangements and any evening-show bookings before travelling.
Qutub Minar
The approximately 72.5-metre minaret rises above an archaeological complex of carved stone, gateways and historic buildings. Look beyond the tower to the Iron Pillar and the surrounding monuments.
Plan your visit: Allow time to explore the complex on foot and photograph the architectural details. Wear comfortable shoes for the outdoor paths.
India Gate & Kartavya Path
Dedicated in 1931, India Gate is one of New Delhi's most recognisable landmarks. The war memorial and surrounding ceremonial avenue offer a different perspective on the capital.
Plan your visit: Choose a cooler part of the day for a walk. Access can change around official events, so keep your route flexible.
Jama Masjid & Chandni Chowk
Visit the grand mosque, then explore the lanes of Chandni Chowk, where textiles, jewellery and food stalls fill the streets. A guided walk can help put the neighbourhood's history in context.
Plan your visit: Respect prayer times, dress modestly and follow the mosque's entry instructions. Ask before photographing people or places of worship.
Swaminarayan Akshardham
Detailed carvings, gardens and cultural exhibitions make Akshardham a substantial visit in its own right. Allow a generous half-day if you want to include the exhibitions or evening water show.
Plan your visit: Closed Mondays. Phones and cameras are not permitted inside. Check the official visitor information for dress rules, entry and show timings.
Connaught Place & Janpath
Browse the colonnaded shopping streets of Connaught Place, pause at a café, then visit Janpath for clothing, accessories and souvenirs. Nearby Palika Bazaar offers an indoor shopping alternative.
Plan your visit: Compare quality and prices, agree on costs before buying, and leave room in your day for a relaxed meal.
Make room for Humayun's Tomb
This UNESCO-listed garden tomb is another Delhi highlight, especially if you enjoy Mughal architecture. Pair it with a quieter garden stop rather than adding several distant monuments to the same afternoon.
A well-paced first visit
A suggested 3-day Delhi itinerary
Use this as a starting point, then adjust for arrival times, the season and your interests. Two days can cover selected highlights; a third gives you more breathing room.
Travelling on a Monday? Rearrange the Red Fort and Akshardham visits around their usual closures. Keep airport and railway transfers separate from a packed sightseeing schedule.
Customise this itinerary →Old Delhi & the historic heart
Start with the Red Fort, then visit Jama Masjid outside prayer times. Explore Chandni Chowk with a lunch break and time for the bazaars. Keep the evening light after a busy day on foot.
South Delhi & imperial gardens
Visit Qutub Minar, pause for lunch, then continue to Humayun's Tomb. Add a garden stop only if energy and traffic allow. Plan transfers between the two areas.
Choose your Delhi
Spend a relaxed day around India Gate, Connaught Place and Janpath. If Akshardham is a priority, reserve a half-day for it and reduce the other stops rather than squeezing everything in.
Plan with the seasons
Best time to visit Delhi
October to March is generally the more comfortable period for sightseeing. Conditions vary within that window, so check the forecast and local air-quality information before your trip.
October–March
Cooler days suit outdoor sightseeing. Pack layers for winter mornings and evenings, and allow flexibility for fog, reduced visibility or poor air quality.
April–June
Expect hot weather. Start outdoor visits early, take breaks indoors and avoid a demanding midday walking schedule. Build in time to rest.
July–September
Monsoon weather brings humidity and rain. Carry rain protection, allow longer transfer times and have an indoor alternative for wet afternoons.
Before you arrive
Practical Delhi travel tips
Getting there & getting around
Delhi is served by Indira Gandhi International Airport and major railway stations. Confirm your terminal or station name before arranging a pickup, and allow extra time for city traffic.
The Metro can be useful between well-connected areas; a pre-arranged vehicle can make a day with several scattered stops easier. In Old Delhi, expect walking and narrow streets that vehicles cannot always reach.
Choose accommodation around your sightseeing plans and onward journey. A shorter transfer can be more valuable than adding another attraction to the day.
Small details that make a difference
- Confirm current monument hours, closures and ticket prices before each visit; fees can vary by nationality and booking method.
- Carry comfortable walking shoes, sun protection and clothing suited to the season.
- Follow dress codes at religious sites and remove footwear where requested.
- Keep valuables secure in crowded markets and use agreed pickup points.
- Discuss walking distances, steps and accessibility needs before finalising your itinerary.
- Check photography and baggage rules, especially at Akshardham and other religious sites.
Beyond the capital
Start a bigger journey in Delhi
Delhi pairs naturally with Agra and Jaipur for a Golden Triangle route. If you prefer time in the mountains, discuss an onward journey to Himachal Pradesh with travel days built into your schedule.
Browse our India tour packages for route ideas, or explore our Himalayan treks to add an outdoor chapter to your holiday.
Manu Adventures India
Turn your ideas into a travel plan
Share the places you most want to see, your preferred pace and your budget. We can discuss how Delhi fits into your wider India journey, with arrangements and inclusions confirmed in your quotation.
Learn more about our team and approach or read traveller reviews.
Your questions, answered
Delhi travel FAQs
How many days should I spend in Delhi?
Allow two to three days for a first visit. Two days can cover selected Old Delhi and New Delhi highlights, while a third allows more time for markets, gardens or Akshardham. Add separate time for arrival and onward transfers.
What are the best places to visit in Delhi for the first time?
Start with the Red Fort, Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi, then choose Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, India Gate and Connaught Place. Add Akshardham if its temple architecture and cultural exhibitions match your interests.
What is the best time of year to visit Delhi?
October to March is generally more comfortable for sightseeing than the hot summer months. Winter can bring cold mornings, fog and poor air quality. Check local conditions and keep outdoor plans flexible.
Can I see Delhi in one day?
Yes, but choose a short list. Focus on one area or a few priority sights with realistic transfer time. An Old Delhi walk and a New Delhi landmark can make a rewarding day without trying to cover the whole city.
Are Delhi attractions open on Mondays?
Some are, but the Red Fort and Akshardham are normally closed on Mondays. Check each attraction's official visitor information before booking and rearrange your itinerary accordingly.
What should I wear when visiting Delhi's religious sites?
Wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees, and follow each site's specific dress code. You may need to remove shoes or cover your head. Check phone, camera and bag restrictions in advance.
Can Delhi be combined with Agra and Jaipur?
Yes. Delhi, Agra and Jaipur form the Golden Triangle, a popular route for a first India trip. Allow several additional days and plan sightseeing around travel times and attraction closures. Ask us to suggest a route for your available dates.
How do I enquire about a customised Delhi trip?
Contact Manu Adventures India with your dates, number of travellers, preferred sights and any onward destinations. Include your preferred pace and guide language so we can discuss availability, arrangements and a suitable itinerary.
Let's plan your visit
Make time for your kind of Delhi.
From a focused city stop to the start of a longer India journey, tell us what you have in mind. We'll help you work out the next steps.
Prefer email? manuadventures@gmail.com
Visitor information can change. Check official sources when planning your visit:
Red Fort visitor guideUNESCO: Qutb MinarUNESCO: Humayun's TombAkshardham visitor informationDelhi Tourism