Key Takeaways
Blend of Old and New: From the historic Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb to the modern buzz of Khan Market and Connaught Place, Delhi offers the perfect mix of heritage and contemporary life.
Cultural Immersion: Visit Sanjay Colony to see the spirit of local life, resilience, and community beyond the city’s tourist façade.
Foodie’s Paradise: Don’t miss sampling authentic street food — whether it’s chole bhature in Old Delhi or momos near metro stations.
Perfect for First-Time Visitors: This one day in Delhi itinerary helps you experience the city’s highlights without feeling rushed or missing its soul.
Tip for Travellers: Start early, use the Delhi Metro to avoid traffic, and keep your camera ready – every corner has a story!
If you’re short on time but want to see the best of India’s capital, this one day in Delhi itinerary is your perfect start.
Delhi has a lot to offer. Be it mesmerising sites, mouthwatering food, rich history, and the attractive chaos that it carries with pride. However, the capital city has many places of calm right in the midst of chaos. Planning a perfect one-day itinerary can be tiring, and you may be overwhelmed in the process. Here’s a roadmap that you can follow, covering the must-see, calm, chaotic, and unique experiences that this city of contrasts offers.
Morning: Old Delhi – Red Fort, Chandni Chowk & Khari Baoli (One Day in Delhi Itinerary)
Begin at one of the must-visit sites, where the city’s story begins for many travellers- the Red Fort, now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Witness the fort complex, which is a mini-city of palaces, halls, and gardens.
Further, hop into a rickshaw and ride through Chandni Chowk: narrow lanes, shops, bells, and everything you want to buy. Visit Khairi Baoli- Asia’s largest wholesale spice market and learn about the spices and chilies that various invaders of India brought to the country, and which are now so prominent in Indian cuisine.
Do not forget to try crispy kachoris or a plate of jalebi from a decades-old stall; kind of a mini Old Delhi street food tour.
Optional nearby stop: Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest mosques, built by Emperor Shah Jahan. If you have time, it is a short walk and offers a wide view of the old city from its minarets.
Late Morning: New Delhi - Metro, India Gate, and Rashtrapati Bhavan
Travel like a local, hop on the metro to Central Delhi. The closest metro station to India Gate is the Central Secretariat station on the Yellow Line of the Delhi Metro. From the station, you can take a short auto-rickshaw ride or enjoy a pleasant walk that leads to a different side of the city.
Grand government buildings, green spaces, and planned boulevards- New Delhi feels like a modern era. Pause at India Gate (the city’s war memorial) and glance at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
P.S.: If you think this might be too heavy for the morning, you can skip it now, as you can surely cover it in one of your days in Delhi.
Midday Pause: Humayun’s Tomb - A Mughal Garden of Calm
Head to Humayun’s Tomb for a breather. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is a 16th-century mausoleum that served as the first great garden tomb of the Mughal Empire and was the precursor to the Taj Mahal. Walk the charbagh gardens, and let the quiet be a counterpoint to the morning’s chaos.
A Different Story: Sanjay Colony (Educational Slum Tour)
After the memorial, take a short detour to Sanjay Colony – a small, thriving, and tightly knit community in South Delhi. Spend a couple of hours walking around and visiting small-scale businesses, a small temple, a mosque, and residential areas. Learn about working and residential life and witness how, despite the challenging living conditions, it remains an area charged with positive energy and a strong community.
Lunch: Khan Market- A Hearty, Satisfying Pause
Hungry yet? Stop for a hearty lunch at Khan Market. From North Indian thalis to international plates, the area is stylish, friendly, and full of mouthwatering options. Make your you recharge yourself for the afternoon here.
A few of our favourites in the area:
- The Big Chill Cafe for Italian, Cafe, and Desserts.
- The Chatter House for North Indian, American, burgers, and pizza.
- Town Hall for Japanese, Thai, and Italian cuisine.
- Wok in the Clouds for Asian, Chinese, and more.
Late Afternoon: Qutub Minar – Sunset Stop on Your One Day in Delhi Itinerary
In the late afternoon, visit one of the must-visit tourist sites in the south of Delhi – the Qutub Minar. Standing at 237.8 feet, this UNESCO World Heritage site is the tallest masonry tower in India. Visit the Qutub Minar Complex just before sunset to further enjoy the golden hour, where the structure is bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun.
Evening: Relax at Hauz Khas
After a full day, head to Hauz Khas Village complex to wind down. The area surrounds a historic water tank, featuring small cafes and open courtyards where you can relax and enjoy a refreshing drink. It’s a gentle end to a busy day of experiencing this great city.
Quick Practical Tips
- Timings: Start early- Old Delhi is best before the late morning heat and crowds
- Transport: The metro connectivity in Delhi is excellent. Rickshaws and short cab rides can help keep your day less tiring.
- Dress, comfort, and etiquette: Wear comfortable but modest clothes, especially when visiting religious sites. Wear comfortable shoes.
- Cash and pockets: Carry small notes for market snacks and tips.
For up-to-date information on festivals, events, and travel tips in Delhi, visit Delhi Tourism.
Finally, Experience Delhi the Way You Want To
Delhi has a lot to offer. For some, it is easy to travel all the tours in one day, while others need to spend minimum two days experiencing the city, at their own pace. You can tweak the one-day itinerary, add or subtract attractions, and make your experience enjoyable, and just don’t tick off must-visit places. And if planning this much excitement in one day sounds like a lot, you don’t have to do it alone; our private tours with a local guide can make your day effortless, so you can enjoy and relax.
