Delhi is a city of empires where Mughal domes rise beyond neon bazaars and tree-lined boulevards from the British Raj. Founded across seven historic cities, it carries centuries of poetry, politics, and spice. In two days, you’ll sample Old Delhi’s heady chaos and New Delhi’s gracious symmetry—each thrilling in its own register.

Expect a feast of sights: the red sandstone grandeur of Humayun’s Tomb, the soaring Qutub Minar, and the broad ceremonial avenue around India Gate. Between monuments, you’ll slip into labyrinthine markets for jalebis and parathas, then unwind in garden cafés or at contemporary bars that define the city’s modern rhythm.

Practical notes: Delhi is best October–March; summers are hot and air quality can fluctuate—start early and hydrate. Dress modestly for temples and gurdwaras, and carry small cash for tips. The Delhi Metro and Airport Express are efficient; ride-hailing works well for cross-town hops. Mondays can impact some sites (e.g., Lotus Temple, Akshardham); we’ll flag alternatives.

Delhi

Delhi contains multitudes: the incense-and-ittar perfumed lanes of Chandni Chowk, serene Mughal gardens, graffiti-bright murals in the Lodhi Art District, and high-design restaurants that reimagine classic North Indian flavors. It’s a place to wander and taste, to peer up at minarets and down at sizzling tawas.

Top highlights include UNESCO-listed Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar, the monumental sweep of India Gate and the Presidential Estate, and the colossal courtyard of Jama Masjid. For art lovers, the Lodhi Art District is an open-air gallery; for shopping, browse Dilli Haat for handicrafts, Khan Market for curated boutiques, and Chandni Chowk for everything from wedding saris to silver.

• Where to eat: Karim’s (iconic Mughlai near Jama Masjid), Gulati on Pandara Road (butter chicken, kebabs), Café Lota (regional Indian plates at the Crafts Museum), Triveni Terrace Café (light, seasonal Indian with a leafy terrace), Rajinder Da Dhaba (legendary kebab rolls), Indian Accent (inventive tasting menus), Bukhara at ITC Maurya (dal and tandoor classics), and dessert at Kuremal Mohan Lal (stuffed kulfi).
• Cafés and bars: Blue Tokai (specialty coffee), Perch Wine & Coffee (elegant sips), The Piano Man Jazz Club (live jazz most nights), and Sidecar (award-winning cocktails in GK II).
• Good to know: Major ASI monuments are open daily, but some religious sites/museums close Mondays. Carry a scarf for temple visits; remove shoes when required.

Where to stay (handpicked):

• The Imperial, New Delhi — Heritage luxury, museum-worthy corridors, and an unbeatable central location.
• The Leela Palace New Delhi — Opulent rooms, superb service, and standout restaurants in Diplomatic Enclave.
• ITC Maurya, a Luxury Collection Hotel — Home to Bukhara; excellent for food-focused travelers.
• The Suryaa New Delhi — South Delhi base with easy access to temples and tombs.
• Bloomrooms @ New Delhi Railway Station — Clean, bright, great value for short stays.
• Browse more stays: VRBO Delhi or Hotels.com Delhi.

Getting to Delhi: Fly into Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL). Compare fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Sample times: Mumbai–Delhi ~2h; Dubai–Delhi ~3.5h; London–Delhi ~8–9h.

The Airport Express Metro runs to New Delhi Station in ~20 minutes (about ₹60–90). Taxis/ride-hailing to central areas take 30–60 minutes depending on traffic. Intercity trains are plentiful; check Trip.com Trains for options within India.

Day 1: Arrival, Imperial Boulevards, and Old Delhi by Night

Morning: Travel day. If you arrive early, ease in with specialty coffee at Blue Tokai (Vasant Vihar or GK II) and a stroll through the Lodhi Art District, Delhi’s open-air mural gallery. It’s a gentle, photogenic primer before diving into Old Delhi’s energy.

Afternoon: Check in, freshen up, then cruise past India Gate, the War Memorial, and the leafy Kartavya Path toward the Presidential Palace. Stop for a light lunch: Triveni Terrace Café (sabudana vadas, millet khichdi) or Café Lota (Rajasthani red chili chicken, bhapa doi cheesecake). If time allows, visit Humayun’s Tomb (UNESCO; around ₹600 for foreign visitors) to see the Persian-influenced gardens that inspired the Taj Mahal.

Evening: Plunge into Old Delhi on a guided food walk:

The Great Indian Food Tour: Old Delhi Food and Heritage Walk — Taste parathas at Paranthe Wali Gali, chaat, and creamy kulfi while threading through spice markets and havelis. It’s an atmospheric, safe way to sample the best bites with context.

Prefer a sit-down dinner? Try Karim’s near Jama Masjid (mutton qorma, seekh kebabs) or Gulati on Pandara Road (butter chicken, dal makhani). Cap the night with stuffed fruit kulfi at Kuremal Mohan Lal before heading back.

Day 2: Iconic Sights, Markets, and a Polished Farewell

Morning: See marquee sites efficiently on a half-day tour that blends Old and New Delhi highlights—ideal before your afternoon departure:

Old & New Delhi City Tour – Half or Full Day Options Available — Customize must-sees like Jama Masjid, a rickshaw through Chandni Chowk, and either Qutub Minar or Humayun’s Tomb. Guides help you navigate lines and share the stories behind each stop.

If your day is a Monday, consider swapping Lotus Temple/Akshardham (closed) for Gurudwara Bangla Sahib—visit respectfully, peek into the community kitchen, and listen to serene kirtan.

Afternoon: Early lunch near central Delhi: Café Lota (if not visited), Rajinder Da Dhaba (casual, brilliant kebabs), or Sitaram Diwan Chand for chole bhature if you crave an old-school classic. Pick up souvenirs at Dilli Haat (state handicrafts, handloom scarves, lacquerware). Allow 60–90 minutes to reach the airport by car; the Airport Express from Shivaji Stadium/New Delhi Station to DEL takes ~20 minutes.

Evening: Flying out today? If you’ve added an extra night, savor a refined farewell dinner: Indian Accent (blue cheese naan, melt-in-mouth pork ribs; book ahead) or Bukhara at ITC Maurya (famously rustic dal and raan). Nightcap at Sidecar (inventive Indian-accented cocktails) or smooth tunes at The Piano Man Jazz Club.

Optional Add-On (Extra Day): Taj Mahal by Superfast Train

If you extend your stay, devote a full day to Agra. The early start is worth it—the Taj at first light is unforgettable, and you’ll still fit in Agra Fort and local crafts before returning to Delhi in the evening.

Taj Mahal Day Tour from Delhi by Superfast Train - TOP RATED TOUR — Ride the Gatimaan Express, skip road traffic, and tour with a licensed guide. Smooth logistics and time-efficient routing maximize your day.

Insider tips: Start early to beat heat and lines; carry digital copies of ID for monument tickets. For photography, Lodhi Art District and Humayun’s Tomb glow in the golden hour. Vegetarian travelers will find abundant options everywhere; ask for “less spicy” if sensitive. For gifts, consider hand-block prints, brassware, and teas.

In just two days, you’ll taste Old Delhi’s spice-laden soul, admire New Delhi’s grand geometry, and dine exceptionally well. Delhi rewards curiosity—every alley and arcade offers a new story, a new aroma. Come hungry, walk lightly, and let the city’s centuries of craft and culture unfold around you.