Itineraries for Your Trip to New Delhi
3 Days in New Delhi for First Timers
I must admit that, like many travelers, I wasn’t too fond of New Delhi the first time I visited. While I enjoyed the overwhelming busyness of it all, I found it less charming than other Indian destinations. And yet, just over a year after my first visit, I moved to the capital region—and ended up sticking around for six years.
In my second year living in New Delhi, I was hired as a staff writer and editor at a local travel and entertainment magazine, which forced me to quickly get familiar with—and fall in love—with the quirky old city. I’ve put together this itinerary in hopes that it will help you find a space for Delhi in your heart, too.
Be prepared for strong sun, even in cooler months.
If you only have time for one thing, make it Lodhi Gardens.
Must-visit spots include the city's three UNESCO World Heritage sites (Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and Humayun's Tomb) as well as the bustling markets of Old Delhi.
Start your second day in the capital with a private yoga and meditation class in the beautiful Lodhi Gardens, a massive greenspace filled with ancient, well-preserved tombs dating back hundreds of years.
After your class, hop in an autorickshaw and head up to central Delhi to visit Connaught Place and the nearby Jantar Mantar, a collection of massive astronomical tools dating from the 18th century. Wrap your day up learning how to make Indian fare in an immersive cooking class.
Delhi is known for its shopping opportunities and myriad markets. Spend your final day in the city picking up souvenirs or simply browsing—and photographing—colorful street markets by heading out on a private, customizable shopping tour tailored specifically to your needs and interests.
Once you've shopped to your heart's content, wrap up your stay sampling some of the city's finest street food, which can be found in the charming lanes of Old Delhi. You may want to go with a guide who can lead you to the tastiest spots.
