Start easy at India Gate & Central Vista on Kartavya Path, which is one of the best first looks at Delhi if you’ve just arrived. This is the part of the city where everything feels broad, ordered, and a little ceremonial, so it’s a nice contrast to what comes later. A slow walk here usually takes about an hour; there’s shade in patches but April afternoons get hot fast, so go with water and keep it unhurried. If you need a quick coffee beforehand, Khan Market is close enough for a decent stop, but this day works best if you just keep moving. After that, head to the National Museum, New Delhi on Janpath for a solid crash course in India’s history and art. Plan around 1.5 hours, and don’t try to see every gallery — the highlights are enough on day one. Entry is usually in the low hundreds of rupees, and it’s an easy Uber or auto ride from India Gate.
From there, make your way to Lal Qila (Red Fort) in Old Delhi. This is where the day shifts from orderly capital to old imperial chaos, and it’s worth the change in pace. Expect a 15–25 minute cab or auto ride depending on traffic, a little longer if you’re coming through Connaught Place or along the edge of the walled city. Give the fort about 1.5 hours; the exterior, main gates, and key courtyards are the big draw, and in April the heat can be intense, so carry a cap and hydrate. Then continue to Jama Masjid in Chandni Chowk, one of the city’s great landmarks and a beautiful place to pause for a while. It’s usually around a 10-minute ride or a brisk walk if the lanes aren’t too crowded, and 45 minutes is enough to soak in the scale, climb up for the view if you feel like it, and watch the rhythm of Old Delhi from the steps.
For lunch, go straight to Karim’s on Gali Kababian, Chandni Chowk — this is the classic call, not the polished version, and that’s exactly the point. Expect a lively, slightly hectic room, very fast service, and rich Mughlai food that earns its reputation without trying too hard. A proper meal here usually lands around ₹400–800 per person, depending on how much you order; kebabs, korma, and biryani are the safe bets. Afterward, wander into Khari Baoli Spice Market, which is the perfect final stop for the day. It’s only a short ride or walk deeper into Old Delhi, and about 45 minutes is enough to take in the colors, bags of cardamom and chilies, nuts, tea stalls, and the general beautiful chaos. This part of the city is best experienced without rushing — just follow the lanes, step aside for cycle rickshaws, and let Delhi end the day with a little sensory overload.