Building a one day in Delhi itinerary is tough, as there’s so much to see and do. So we’ve narrowed down all the best parts, into how to do Delhi in a day.
How To Get Around Delhi
Delhi is a large city and you have a few different options to get around it.
On Foot
With a population of over 32 million people, Delhi is a city full of pedestrians.
And with the population density bursting at the seams, this means traffic, congestion, and crowds.
So there are many times you will get to places faster on foot, than by vehicle. Especially if you haven’t got far to go.
Taxi/Tuk Tuk
Jumping in a rickshaw (tuk tuk) is a great option if your legs are feeling tired.
Quick trips are usually cheap and shouldn’t cost more than 50 rupees, but be sure to negotiate a price before getting in the vehicle.
Regular taxi’s are available and should operate on a metre.
App-based taxi services like Uber and Ola also operate in Delhi.
Metro
The Delhi Metro is a fast and reliable mode of transport that connects all areas of the city. Making it a popular choice with locals and tourists.
It provides a great way to explore the city’s iconic landmarks such as the Red Fort and India Gate, which are all easily accessible via the metro.
One Day Metro Card : 150 Rupees.
Driver
A perfect example of this is the Private Tour: Old And New Delhi City Sightseeing Tour.
With this option you get an air conditioned vehicle and a driver for the day, and get to see the best of Delhi in a private, customisable 8-hour tour.
Simply tell your driver which sites you’d like to visit, and enjoy complete flexibility as you visit museums, bazaars, and anything else that interests you.
Tour
Some of the best days out we’ve had have been on private tours.
For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.
From food tours, to river rides and walking tours, there’s plenty to keep you busy in this bustling city!
Best Time To Visit Delhi
Delhi lies between the Himalayas and the Thar Desert which means it experiences some quite extreme weather.
The most popular time to visit is during the winter, which starts around mid November through until the end of February.
This is when temperatures are generally at what some people would call a pleasant 24°C during the day and it’s cool at night for sleeping.
Remember, this is just a guide, so you may want to mix it up and add/subtract different attractions.
What To Pack
1 Day In Delhi Itinerary
The Red Fort
The first stop on your one day in Delhi itinerary, has to be The Red Fort.
One of the most historic forts in India, The Red Fort served as the main residence of the Mughal Emperors for nearly 200 years and now remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.
Built from 1639 – 1648, (it took a total of 8 years, 10 months and 25 days) this private house was constructed by Shah Jahan for private residence of his daughter.
Now The Red Fort can be visited by tourists and locals from Tuesday to Sunday between 9.30am – 4.30pm. The Fort is closed on Mondays.
Tickets for the Red Fort can be combined with a 3-Hour Old Delhi Heritage Walking Tour With Rickshaw Ride.
Also, every year on the Independence day of India (15 August), the Prime Minister hoists the Indian “tricolour flag” at the main gate of the fort and delivers a nationally broadcast speech from its ramparts.
Walk around, take photos, and dive into the culture of one of the top things to see in Old Delhi in a day.
Chandni Chowk
From The Red Fort it’s just a 5 minute walk to explore the streets of Chandni Chowk!
Chandni Chowk is a busy market area full of spices, dried fruit, silver jewellery and vivid saris. And while the narrow side streets are crowded, they make for one hell of an experience!
From the spice markets to the rooftops this is the rawest places you’ll see on your one day in Delhi itinerary.
A great way to experience both The Red Fort and Chandni Chowk is to combine them with the: 3-Hour Old Delhi Heritage Walking Tour With Rickshaw Ride.
This tour allows you to walk through the streets and bazaars of Old Delhi in a day, and experience traditional Indian lifestyles. Then visit the Jama Masjid mosque, Red Fort and the Chandni Chowk market. Before enjoying a short ride by rickshaw back to the spice market.
Otherwise, if you would like a a more in depth food tour, there’s the: Eat Like a Local: Chandni Chowk Street Food and Walking Tour.
Designed for the foodies, this walking tour is the perfect way to sample the best street food and snacks Delhi has to offer. Allowing you to taste over ten different traditional drinks and dishes, including seasonal specials!
Try Indian Street Food (Chaat)
The first thing you’re going to want to do in India is try the cuisine!
So we recommend exploring the streets on your one day in Delhi itinerary, and getting stuck into the local snacks.
But what is Delhi Chaat? – Chaat is a savory snack originated in India, typically served at the road-side from stalls or food carts.
With its origins in Uttar Pradesh, chaat has become immensely popular in the rest of the Indian subcontinent.
From the traditional samosas, to the Asian inspired momos, go out and grab some cheap street food!
One of the top ways to do so is on an Old Delhi Street Food Tasting Tour. You’ll experience the culture of India through the vibrant street food scene of Old Delhi, with this tasting tour of local on-the-go snacks.
Plus you get to travel from location to location by rickshaw and experience the city like a local.
We couldn’t get enough of the Indian spices, and we’re sure you’ll love them too on your Delhi in a day tour!
Experience The Nightlife
If you’re one day in Delhi itinerary ends up on a weekend, then we recommend heading out to experience the Delhi nightlife.
We are not party goers at all when we travel, but after speaking to some friends at our accommodation we thought why not give it a go.
It was such a random experience, but we ended up dancing to Punjabi music until the early hours. Don’t ask us where, but it was an evening of laughs and certainly rounded off the madness of exploring Delhi in a day.
Many of Delhi’s best bars are centrally located on the Outer Circle of Connaught Place, so jumping in a rickshaw or taxi is easy enough.
Partying in one of the most populated cities in the world – why not? If you’re in Delhi then this has to be one of the best things to do in India.
Where To Stay In Delhi
Luxury
A 5-minute drive from Place, The Metropolitan Hotel & Spa features an and 3 dining options.
Situated in New Delhi’s city centre, it also offers a fitness centre and spa.
The Metropolitan Hotel & Spa is 0.6 miles from New Delhi Railway Station, 550 yards from Airport Express Metro Station (Shivaji Stadium) and 7.5 miles from Delhi International Airport.
Stylish air-conditioned rooms feature Indian motifs. Equipped with an iron and a flat-screen TV with cable channels, they also come with a minibar.
Private bathrooms feature bath and shower facilities, free toiletries from NeoVeda and a hairdryer.
Mid-Budget
Located just 100 yards from the New Delhi Railway Station, The Prime Balaji Deluxe @ New Delhi Railway Station operates a 24-hour front desk to assist guests at all hours.
It provides complimentary airport pick-up. Free WiFi access is available.
Each room here will provide you with a TV, air conditioning and a seating area. There is also a refrigerator.
Featuring a shower, private bathroom also comes with free toiletries. Extras include satellite channels.
Budget
Joey’s is located in , just 400 yards from the Laxmi Metro Station. Free WiFi access is available.
Each room here will provide you with air conditioning. It comes with shared bathroom.
At Joey’s Hostel you will find a terrace and a shared kitchen.
Other facilities offered at the property include a shared lounge, a ticket service and a tour desk. The property offers free parking.
For more places to stay in Delhi, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.
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Rajat Kumar
Sunday 22nd of November 2020
You can't really miss visiting Chandani Chowk. That's a real essence of Delhi.
I hope you had amazing stay in Delhi during your journey.
Charlie Pauly
Thursday 28th of January 2021
Agreed! I had an epic time in Delhi, thank you!
Bharat
Friday 27th of December 2019
Wonderful Image!! Nice list of places to explore near Delhi. Thanks for a marvelous posting I really enjoyed reading it, this post is very interesting and informative.
Charlie Pauly
Friday 27th of December 2019
Thank you!