Shoestring Budget Itinerary in Delhi, India

Day 1: Cultural Exploration

Delhi, India

8:30 AM

Breakfast at Chaat Corner

Start your day with an affordable yet delicious spread of aloo tikki chaat and masala chai at Chaat Corner, a well-known spot for street food.
Walk to the nearest metro station to Joy through Connaught Place.
INR100, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit India Gate

Stroll to the iconic India Gate, where you can take in the grandeur while enjoying a relaxed walk around this historical monument.
10 minutes walk from Chaat Corner.
Free, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Rashtrapati Bhavan Viewing

Just a short distance away, admire the stunning architecture of the President's House and snap some pictures from outside the gates.
5 minutes walk from India Gate.
Free, 30 minutes

12:00 PM

Lunch at Rajinder Da Dhaba

Savor a flavorful butter chicken and naan at this local dhaba; it's a favorite among budget travelers for its hearty portions.
Take an auto-rickshaw to Rajinder Da Dhaba, about 15 minutes away.
INR250, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Explore Humayun's Tomb

Wander through the beautiful gardens and admire the Mughal architecture at Humayun's Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Take a bus or auto-rickshaw, around 20 minutes away.
INR30, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Visit Lotus Temple

Move on to the serene Lotus Temple, a Bahá'í House of Worship known for its stunning flower-like architecture and peaceful atmosphere.
Take the metro to Kalkaji Mandir station, then a 10-minute walk.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at INA Market

Explore the vibrant INA Market, opting for some street food like dosa and vada pav at affordable prices from the various stalls.
Metro to INA station, about 20 minutes away.
INR150, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Evening at Lodhi Gardens

Finish your day with a leisurely stroll through Lodhi Gardens, soaking in the beauty of the landscaped gardens and historical tombs under the evening sky.
Take an auto-rickshaw, about 10 minutes away.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Street Food Adventures

Delhi, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Khan Chacha

Indulge in a filling naan roll or paratha at Khan Chacha, known for its street-style food that doesn't break the bank.
Metro to Khan Market station, then walk to the restaurant.
INR150, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Shopping at Sarojini Nagar Market

Explore the bustling Sarojini Nagar Market, famous for affordable clothing and accessories; perfect for souvenir shopping.
Metro from Khan Market to Sarojini Nagar station, about 30 minutes.
Free to browse, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Visit Qutub Minar

Head to the historic Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and climb up to have a panoramic view of Delhi.
Auto-rickshaw, approximately 20 minutes away.
INR40, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at the nearby Café Lota

Try modern Indian cuisine at Café Lota, where you can enjoy a delicious thali that will give you a taste of various local dishes.
10-minute walk from Qutub Minar.
INR350, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Explore Dilli Haat

Wander through Dilli Haat, where you can see handicrafts from different states of India and enjoy affordable snacks at the food stalls.
Metro to INA station, then 10 minutes on foot.
INR30 (entry fee), 2 hours

4:30 PM

Snack at Dilli Haat

Grab some delicious momos and chai from the food stalls within Dilli Haat, perfect for an afternoon energy boost.
In Dilli Haat.
INR100, 30 minutes

5:00 PM

Tour Purana Qila

Visit Purana Qila, an ancient fort with beautiful gardens, offering a glimpse into Delhi's historical past.
Take the bus or auto-rickshaw, around 10 minutes from Dilli Haat.
INR30, 1.5 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Haldiram's

Enjoy scrumptious vegetarian thali or fast food delights at Haldiram's, a popular spot among locals for a quick meal.
Metro or bus to Connaught Place, around 30 minutes.
INR200, 1 hour

8:00 PM

Evening walk in Connaught Place

Conclude your day with a leisurely evening stroll in Connaught Place, soaking in its vibrancy and perhaps grabbing a chai at a local stall.
5 minutes walk from Haldiram's.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Connaught Place and Surroundings

Delhi, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Delight in a traditional South Indian breakfast; dosa and filter coffee are a must-try at this budget-friendly eatery.
Take the metro to Connaught Place and walk to India Exchange Place.
INR150, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Explore Jantar Mantar

Visit Jantar Mantar, an astrological observatory with astonishing instruments used for celestial measurements.
10-minute walk from Saravana Bhavan.
INR50, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit the National Museum

Discover India's rich heritage by browsing through the vast collections at the National Museum, which accommodates various historical artifacts.
10-minute walk to the National Museum.
INR20, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Bengali Market

Relish a piping hot plate of fish curry or khichdi at hunger-satisfying prices in this lively market nearby.
Take an auto-rickshaw; it’s a short ride from the museum.
INR200, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit the National Gallery of Modern Art

Explore contemporary masterpieces that tell stories of India's thriving art scene at the National Gallery of Modern Art, enhancing your cultural experience.
5-10 minutes walk from Bengali Market.
INR20, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Tea break at the Café at the Gallery

Enjoy a refreshing tea and a biscuit in the café within the gallery, providing a cozy place to relax after the tour.
Still at the National Gallery of Modern Art.
INR100, 30 minutes

3:30 PM

Walk around India Habitat Centre

Spend your afternoon at the India Habitat Centre, walking around the lush premises and catching any ongoing exhibitions or art displays.
Take a bus or auto-rickshaw, around 20 minutes away.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Visit the Craft Museum

Explore the extensive collections of traditional crafts from across India at the National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum, a true gem for art enthusiasts.
Walk from the India Habitat Centre, approximately 10 minutes.
INR20, 1.5 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Karim's

Savor mouthwatering Mughal dishes at Karim's, renowned for its delectable kebabs and biryanis in a budget-friendly manner.
Travel by bus or auto-rickshaw, around 30 minutes away.
INR300, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Historical Landmarks

Delhi, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Jimis Burger

Start your day with a quick bite of tasty burgers and cold coffee at this ever-popular budget burger place before heading out.
Metro to Lajpat Nagar, 15 minutes, and a short walk.
INR120, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Explore Red Fort

Visit the majestic Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can delve into the Maratha and Mughal history of the region.
Take the metro to Chandni Chowk, and walk to the Fort, around 20 minutes total.
INR50, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Visit Jama Masjid

Admire the incredible architecture and step inside the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, located nearby the Red Fort.
Walk from Red Fort to Jama Masjid, approximately 15 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Karim’s

Enjoy a hearty lunch of mutton biryani and a refreshing drink at the famous Karim’s, known for its budget meals straight from Mughal kitchens.
Walk back to Karim's restaurant from the mosque, around 15 minutes.
INR300, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit Raj Ghat

Reflect at Raj Ghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, surrounded by beautiful gardens that create an ambiance of tranquility.
Take an auto-rickshaw, about 15 minutes away.
Free, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Explore the National Gallery of Modern Art

Visit the National Gallery of Modern Art to discover contemporary art pieces that highlight India's diverse artistry and culture.
Auto-rickshaw to the National Gallery, around 30 minutes away.
INR20, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Coffee at Café Coffee Day

Take a break and relax with a cup of coffee and some pastries at Café Coffee Day, a popular chain offering affordable options.
Walking distance from the gallery, about 10 minutes.
INR150, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at 24/7 Restaurant

Wrap up your Delhi adventure with a diverse buffet dinner at 24/7 Restaurant, which offers a wide range of dishes catering to every palate.
Auto-rickshaw to Connaught Place, around 20 minutes away.
INR500, 1.5 hours

7:30 PM

Explore Connaught Place's nightlife

End your day with a night walk in Connaught Place, indulging in people-watching or visiting any nearby pubs for some local entertainment.
Walking distance from 24/7 Restaurant.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability