New Delhi India 2 Day Itinerary

Two Days in Delhi: A Taste of History & Culture

This itinerary focuses on exploring the rich history and diverse culture of New Delhi. It’s designed for those who want a balanced experience of historical landmarks and local flavor.

Day 1: Old Delhi Charm & Modern Marvels

  • Morning (8am - 12pm):
    • Activity: Immerse yourself in the history of Old Delhi with a visit to the magnificent Red Fort. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers stunning views and a glimpse into the city’s imperial past. Explore the sprawling complex and marvel at its Mughal architecture, including the Red Fort’s museum which showcases artifacts from the Mughal era.
    • Food: After your visit to the Red Fort, head to Chandni Chowk for a delicious lunch at one of the many street food stalls. Try the famous parathas at Parathe Wali Gali or indulge in a traditional Delhi breakfast like aloo paratha (potato stuffed flatbread) and chhole bhature (spicy chickpea curry served with fried bread).
    • Accommodation: Check into your hotel, ideally located in the heart of Old Delhi.

Things to know:

  • The Red Fort: This is a popular tourist destination, so expect crowds, especially during peak season.
  • Delhi’s Old City: This is a bustling area with lots of foot traffic and noise. It’s a great place to experience the vibrant culture and energy of Delhi, but be prepared for the sensory overload!

Tips for this part of the day:

  • Visit early in the morning: The Red Fort is less crowded in the morning, allowing you to enjoy its grandeur and history without rushing.
  • Hire a guide: To get the most out of your visit to the Red Fort, consider hiring a guide who can share insights about its history, architecture, and significance.

Afternoon (12pm - 6pm):

  • Food: Enjoy a refreshing glass of lassi at Karim’s in Old Delhi, a legendary restaurant known for its authentic Mughal cuisine.

  • Transportation: Explore the area around the Red Fort using rickshaws, the quintessential Delhi experience!

  • Things to eat:

    • Aloo Tikki: Crispy potato patties served with chutney and yogurt.
    • Chaat: A variety of savory snacks, often topped with spicy sauces and chutneys.
    • Paratha: Enjoy a delicious aloo paratha (potato-stuffed) or paneer paratha (cheese-stuffed)

Evening (6pm - 10pm):

  • Explore Connaught Place: Wander through this iconic colonial-era market and soak in the lively atmosphere. Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, from traditional Indian to international fare.
  • Try something new for dinner: Paranthe Wali Gali is a great option!

Things to do:

  • Visit the Jama Masjid, a breathtaking mosque with a rich history.
  • Explore the narrow lanes and hidden treasures: discover local shops and markets in the evening, enjoy delicious street food, and experience the vibrant culture of Old Delhi.
  • Enjoy a traditional Indian meal at a restaurant with a view of the Red Fort:**

Restaurants to try:

  • Karim’s (near Jama Masjid): For a taste of history, grab a table at this iconic restaurant in the heart of Old Delhi for their mouthwatering chicken biryani, mutton korma, and kababs.
  • Al Jawahar Restaurant (near Jama Masjid): A popular option for its affordable and flavorful mughlai dishes like biryani and kebabs.

Evening Activities:

  • Enjoy a rickshaw ride through the vibrant streets of Connaught Place, experiencing the bustling nightlife and taking in the unique architecture and history of this area.
  • Have dinner at Al Jawahar Restaurant, which offers a variety of delicious options, including chicken korma, mutton korma, paneer tikka, and vegetable biryani.

Day 2: Delhi’s New Soul & Modern Marvels

  • Explore the India Gate: A majestic war memorial, visit the nearby Amar Jawan Jyoti (flame of the immortal soldier) for a solemn moment.
  • Enjoy a meal at a modern eatery: This afternoon, try something different like Chaat at Dilli Haat, a vibrant cultural center that showcases traditional crafts and cuisines from across India.

Things to do:

  • Visit the Qutub Minar: This ancient minaret is a testament to Delhi’s rich history and offers a chance for stunning views and photos.
  • Explore Khan Market: Experience the trendy cafes, restaurants, and boutiques.
  • Enjoy a traditional Indian meal at Karim’s:

Other things to know:

  • Transportation: Delhi has a good public transportation system, including the metro, buses, and auto-rickshaws.
  • Shopping: This is a great place to find souvenirs and experience the local markets.

Day 2: Delhi’s Modernity & Mughal History

  • Enjoy a traditional Indian meal:

Enjoy a modern meal at the food court:

  • Visit the National Museum: Explore India’s rich history with artifacts from ancient civilizations to modern art.

  • Explore the bustling atmosphere of Connaught Place: A lively area for shopping and dining, but be prepared for crowds and traffic noise.

  • Enjoy a delicious aloo tikki (a fried potato patty) or a sweet jalebi (crispy deep-fried batter swirls): Enjoy this unique experience in the heart of Delhi’s history while you enjoy a modern meal!

  • Visit the Lotus Temple, a stunning architectural marvel: Explore the serene and symbolic structure.

Enjoy:

  • Explore the vibrant atmosphere of a bazaar, like Dilli Haat, and try authentic dishes like chole bhature (chickpea curry with fried bread) and delicious snacks from different regions of India.
  • Enjoy the modern amenities and diverse offerings:

Try the variety of street food stalls at the National Museum’s cafeteria:

  • Visit the nearby markets:

  • Enjoy a traditional thali meal, a platter with small portions of various dishes, served on a round plate with a variety of flavors.

  • Shop for souvenirs: The bazaar near the India Gate is a great place to find traditional Indian crafts and souvenirs.

Transportation:

  • Travel by metro:

  • Explore Delhi’s culinary scene:

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Delhi’s streets:

  • Enjoy a variety of cuisines:

  • Enjoy the modern amenities and street food,

Note: This itinerary focuses on experiencing the “Old Delhi” aspect of the city. For a more comprehensive experience, consider adding other activities like visiting Humayun’s Tomb, exploring Old Delhi’s historical sites, or taking a cooking class to learn about traditional Indian cuisine.

Day 2:

  • India Gate: This iconic monument is a must-visit. Enjoy its beauty and the vibrant atmosphere of this area.

  • Enjoy a colonial experience at the restaurants near the Qutub Minar.

  • Explore the variety of cuisines available in the bazaars, such as:

Transportation:

  • The food court scene is a great way to try different types of Indian street food and dishes.
  • Take a trip to Chandni Chowk:

Enjoy the bustling atmosphere and historical sights:

  • Qutub Minar:

Experience the beauty of the city:

Things to enjoy:

  • Explore the bustling markets and experience the history of the Chandni Chowk market:

Explore the rich tapestry of Delhi’s culture:

  • Enjoy a traditional thali meal:

Day 2:

  • Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Dilli Haat, a popular tourist destination showcasing the beauty of India’s diverse cultures.

  • Experience the flavors of different regions, from the spicy chaats to the rich

  • Enjoy the variety of local cuisines:

Traditional Indian dishes:

  • Travel by:

  • The metro is an efficient and affordable way to get around.

  • Explore the bustling streets, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere while you learn about the history of Delhi’s food.

  • Enjoy the hustle and bustle of the markets, browsing for souvenirs and experiencing the local culture.

  • Enjoy a variety of delicious and traditional dishes like biryani, tikka masala, and chicken tikka.

  • Experience the hustle and bustle of the city while learning about the history of the spices and ingredients used in them.

  • Enjoy the unique sights, sounds, and smells of this historical marketplace, a cultural hub for centuries.

  • The food court:

Enjoy a delicious meal and experience the variety,

  • Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and diverse offerings.

  • Enjoy the delicious diversity:

  • Enjoy a traditional chaat from one of the many street food vendors.

Day 2:

  • The food stalls near the Red Fort:

  • Enjoy a cultural experience:

  • Visit the Qutub Minar, a world-renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Explore the bustling streets of Old Delhi, a vibrant cultural hub.

  • Enjoy the unique sights and sounds of Dilli Haat, a place where you can find traditional Indian crafts and food.

Enjoy a variety of local crafts and souvenirs:

  • Enjoy the deliciousness of the local markets:

  • The spice market in the heart of Old Delhi is a great place to enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city’s cultural heritage.

  • Enjoy the unique atmosphere of this bustling hub, with its vibrant culture and history.

Things to remember:

Enjoy the variety of traditional dishes,

  • Stay in a hotel near Chandni Chowk. This is where you’ll find the best Indian food in Delhi.

  • Explore the local markets during the day.