Begin at Jama Masjid, ideally around 2:00pm; it is open outside prayer periods, though access can pause around prayers. Allow about 45 minutes for the vast courtyard and Mughal architecture. Modest clothing is essential, and photography or shoe-storage fees may apply—carry small notes and avoid unofficial guides. From here, walk or take a cycle rickshaw into Chandni Chowk; the lanes are crowded, so walking is often quicker, while a short rickshaw ride usually costs around ₹50–₹150 after agreeing the fare.
Spend roughly an hour wandering through the bazaar, keeping valuables secure and staying alert around traffic and e-rickshaws. Continue to Gali Paranthe Wali in the late afternoon for a simple Old Delhi snack; the famous paratha shops are compact and can be busy, with a meal costing approximately ₹150–₹400 per person. Vegetarian stuffed parathas are the specialty, but expect a traditional, no-frills setting rather than polished service.
After eating, head to the Red Fort, preferably by e-rickshaw or on foot if the weather is comfortable. Allow 1–1½ hours for the gates, courtyards, and palace remains; confirm the day’s ticketing and closing time before setting out, as entry is generally limited to daytime hours and September heat can make the exposed paths tiring. Indian visitors typically pay a modest fee, while foreign visitors pay more; online tickets through the Archaeological Survey of India can save time. Finish at Raj Ghat, about 15–25 minutes away by auto-rickshaw or taxi depending on traffic, and allow 45 quiet minutes for Gandhi’s memorial. Remove your shoes before entering the memorial area; the grounds are calmer near sunset, but leave enough daylight for the short walk from the drop-off point.
After breakfast in Old Delhi, take the Yellow Line from Chandni Chowk to Central Secretariat—about 15–25 minutes and ₹20–₹40. From there, an auto-rickshaw or short taxi ride to India Gate is easiest; arrive around 8:30am, before the lawns become busy and the September heat builds. Allow 45 minutes to walk around the memorial and landscaped avenues. There is no entry fee, though queues and security checks can slow you down on weekends; carry water and use the shaded paths where possible. A 10-minute auto ride or roughly 20-minute walk then brings you to the National Museum, New Delhi on Janpath. Plan about two hours here: the galleries cover everything from Harappan archaeology to Mughal art and Buddhist sculpture. Check the museum’s current Tuesday–Sunday hours before leaving—typically around 10:00am–6:00pm—and expect an entry ticket of roughly ₹20–₹650 depending on nationality and audio-guide choices.
For lunch, stay around Janpath or walk toward Connaught Place, where Saravana Bhavan is a dependable choice for South Indian thalis, dosas, and quick service at about ₹300–₹600 per person. Continue to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a 10–15-minute walk from Connaught Place. Spend an hour quietly exploring the marble complex, reflecting pool, and community kitchen; visitors of all faiths are welcome, but cover your head, remove your shoes, and wash your feet before entering. There is no admission charge. In the late afternoon, take a 10-minute taxi or auto-rickshaw to Khan Market for an hour of browsing and coffee. Perch is a pleasant café option for coffee and light food, while Khan Chacha is good for a casual roll; budget approximately ₹400–₹900 per person.
Finish at Lodhi Garden, about 10–15 minutes by taxi from Khan Market. Arrive around 5:00pm for a relaxed 90-minute walk among the medieval tombs, flowering beds, and broad lawns—the light is especially lovely on the domes near sunset. Entry is free, and the garden generally stays open until around 8:00pm, though timings can vary. Wear comfortable shoes and keep some water with you; this is the best place today to slow down rather than add another monument. From the nearby Jor Bagh or Khan Market Metro stations, you can return toward central Delhi, or use an app taxi if you are heading back to Old Delhi.
Start early at Qutub Minar, ideally arriving around 8:00am, before the stone courtyards become hot and tour groups arrive. The complex usually opens from sunrise to sunset; allow about 1½ hours for the minaret, Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, and the Iron Pillar. Entry is generally around ₹35 for Indian visitors and ₹550 for foreign visitors, with online tickets often the quickest option. From central Delhi, the Yellow Line to Qutub Minar followed by a short auto-rickshaw ride is practical; allow 45–60 minutes door to door. Wear comfortable shoes—the site involves uneven paving and very little shade.
A short auto ride or roughly 15-minute walk brings you to Mehrauli Archaeological Park, where you can spend the late morning wandering between Jamali Kamali, Balban’s Tomb, and other scattered medieval ruins. It is much quieter than the main monument and feels pleasantly untidy in the best way, with peacocks and old stone walls among the trees. Allow 1½ hours, carry water, and use maps offline because signage is limited. For lunch, stop at Dastkar Nature Bazaar in Andheria Mor if an exhibition is operating: spend about an hour browsing artisan textiles, pottery, and handicrafts, and look for a simple snack or lunch stall on-site. Exhibitions and opening days vary, so check the current schedule before setting out; an auto from Mehrauli generally takes 15–25 minutes.
In the late afternoon, take a cab or auto to Sanjay Van—allow 15–25 minutes depending on traffic—and follow one of the informal forest paths for about an hour. Go before dusk, stay on established trails, and avoid wandering alone into isolated sections; this is a nature break rather than a formal park visit, and mobile reception can be patchy. From here, a pre-booked cab to Indian Accent at The Lodhi on Lodhi Road usually takes 25–40 minutes. Reserve well ahead for the roughly two-hour dinner, and budget ₹4,000–₹7,000 per person before drinks. The restaurant’s modern Indian tasting-style menu is a polished finale, so dress smart-casual and allow extra time for Delhi traffic.
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