Start in the heart of Old Delhi with classic stuffed parathas and chai at Paranthe Wali Gali; the street food breakfast is iconic and gives you energy for the walking morning. Most shops open by 8:00am and remain open into the evening, but peak crowds are early.
A guided or self-led walk through narrow lanes gives a sensory tour of spice shops, saree stores and silverware; a short cycle-rickshaw ride (one rickshaw trip) lets you cover the busiest lanes quickly. Markets are active from early morning to late evening; best to do this before midday crowds.
Visit one of India’s largest mosques for its impressive courtyard and views over Old Delhi from the minaret; modest dress required and note visiting hours are divided around prayer times. Typical visiting hours: 7:00am–12:00pm and 1:30pm–6:00pm.
Savour Mughlai classics like mutton korma and kebabs at the legendary Karim's — a straightforward spot for hearty Old Delhi food. Karim’s is usually open from morning into late evening, but check current hours before you go.
Explore the Mughal-era Red Fort complex with its museums, halls and ramparts to understand Delhi’s imperial past; it’s a UNESCO site with audio guides and light-and-sound shows in evenings. Typical visitor hours: 9:30am–4:30pm (often closed on Mondays) — confirm before visiting.
Taste jalebi, rabri or chaat from recommended shops (try Old Famous Jalebi Wala or Ghantewala’s successors) and pick up spices or silver trinkets. Most market stalls stay open through the evening; bargaining is expected.
Finish Day 1 with another Old Delhi favourite — try a relaxed dinner of kebabs and biryani at Al Jawahar or a similar restaurant near Jama Masjid. Restaurants typically stay open late, but kitchen closing times vary, so check locally.
Enjoy a South or North-Indian style breakfast in Connaught Place to fuel a museum- and monument-heavy day; CP has many cafés and breakfast options that open from early morning. Check individual cafe timings (many open by 8:00–9:00am).
A short, peaceful morning walk around India Gate and the ceremonial Rajpath gives perspective on Lutyens’ Delhi; sunrise/morning is quieter and better for photos. Public lawns are accessible most of the day (Mon–Sun), and the site is effectively open 24/7.
Drive or walk past the Rashtrapati Bhavan and Parliament area to appreciate Lutyens’ architecture; the Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum and guided tours require advance booking, so plan ahead if you want interior access. Exterior viewing is free.
Choose the National Museum (broad archaeological and cultural collections) or NGMA (Indian modern art) depending on interest; National Museum hours are typically 10:00am–6:00pm (usually closed Monday) so start by mid-morning.
Return to CP for a relaxed lunch — multiple cuisines available from local dhabas to international cafés, making it easy to match preferences. Many restaurants open through lunchtime (11:30am–3:00pm).
Visit this precursor to the Taj Mahal — a beautifully restored garden tomb offering great architecture and photography; typical hours: 8:00am–5:00pm, so plan an afternoon visit before close.
A calming walk among Mughal-era tombs and landscaped lawns — perfect late-afternoon downtime and popular with locals for jogging and photography; the park is usually open early morning until around 7:00pm.
Dine in Khan Market for a smart, varied restaurant scene — from relaxed cafés to upscale bistros; many places are open into the evening but check reservations for popular spots.
Explore the Qutub Minar, iron pillar and surrounding monuments in the Qutub complex — a UNESCO site with impressive medieval architecture. Typical visiting hours: 7:00am–5:00pm (confirm seasonal timing), and onsite guides are available.
Walk the quieter archaeological park adjoining Qutub for layered ruins and the Jamali Kamali mosque & tomb; the park is generally open during daylight hours and rewards a slower pace.
Dilli Haat offers a rotating food-craft bazaar where you can sample regional foods and buy handicrafts; typically open from around 10:30am to 10:00pm, so lunch is easy to time.
Visit the Baháʼí Lotus Temple for its serene architecture and gardens — the temple is free to enter and best visited outside prayer hours; typical visiting hours: 9:00am–5:30pm (closed Monday).
Stroll the historic Hauz Khas complex (medieval water tank and madrasa ruins) and relax in Deer Park; the area combines heritage with boutique shops and cafés and is generally open through the day until evening.
Choose from rooftop bars, trendy bistros or traditional cooks in HKV; evenings are lively — make reservations for popular spots, especially on weekends.
If you want an evening spectacle, the Akshardham musical fountain and light show can be memorable; the temple complex generally runs exhibitions/fountain shows in the evening and closing/ show times change seasonally, so pre-book and confirm current schedules (the complex is often closed on Mondays).