Delhi, the capital of India, is a tapestry of empires layered across 2,000 years—Mauryan, Sultanate, Mughal, and British—each leaving structures, stories, and flavors. Today it’s a pulsating megacity where stately government buildings share airspace with neon bazaars and cutting-edge galleries.

Expect soaring UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar, the lantern-lit alleys of Chandni Chowk, and serene green lungs such as Lodhi Gardens. Food is half the adventure: kebabs still sizzle near Jama Masjid as they have for generations, while inventive kitchens reimagine regional plates for the modern palate.

Practical notes: Many major sites (e.g., Red Fort, Lotus Temple, Akshardham) are closed on Mondays—plan accordingly. The Delhi Metro is fast, inexpensive, and air-conditioned; modest attire is appreciated at temples and mosques. Air quality can dip in winter—check forecasts and pack a light mask if sensitive.

Delhi

Delhi swings from the sandstone grandeur of the Rajpath (now Kartavya Path) to the aromatic chaos of Old Delhi in a few metro stops. Mornings can start with parathas or a quiet walk amid medieval tombs; nights might end with jazz, craft cocktails, or a plate of kulfi in a humming bazaar.

• Top sights: Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk & Khari Baoli spice market, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar complex, Lodhi Gardens, India Gate & National War Memorial, Akshardham Temple, Agrasen ki Baoli (stepwell).
• Signature experiences: Old Delhi rickshaw ride, langar service at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, boutique browsing in Khan Market or Shahpur Jat, crafts and regional eats at Dilli Haat INA.
• Food highlights: Mughlai grills near Jama Masjid, chaat in Chandni Chowk, South Indian filter coffee and dosas, modern Indian tasting menus, and seasonal kulfi.

Where to stay (curated picks):

• The Imperial, New Delhi — Heritage elegance, museum-worthy corridors, and a central location for quick access to Connaught Place and Rajpath.
• The Leela Palace New Delhi — Plush rooms, standout service, and refined dining; convenient for embassies and south Delhi sights.
• ITC Maurya, a Luxury Collection Hotel — Home to the iconic Bukhara; great for gourmands and business travelers in Chanakyapuri.
• The Suryaa New Delhi — Good value base in south Delhi for Lotus Temple and Humayun’s Tomb.
• Bloomrooms @ New Delhi Railway Station — Clean-lined, budget-friendly, and Metro-accessible for fast city hops.
• Search vacation rentals on VRBO (Delhi) or compare hotels on Hotels.com (Delhi).

Getting to Delhi: Most travelers fly into IGI Airport (DEL). Check competitive fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Typical domestic routes: Mumbai–Delhi ~2 hrs (~$40–$90), Bengaluru–Delhi ~2.5 hrs (~$50–$110). From Jaipur/Agra/Amritsar, swift trains (e.g., Shatabdi, Vande Bharat) take ~2–6 hrs (roughly ₹500–₹1,800)—search schedules on Trip.com trains.

Local transport: The Airport Express connects DEL to New Delhi Station in ~20–25 minutes (about ₹60–80). The Delhi Metro’s color-coded lines cover most sights; autos and taxis fill the gaps. Keep small cash for markets; UPI mobile payments are widely accepted.

Day 1: Arrival, Old Delhi Bazaars, and Red Fort by Night

Morning: Travel to Delhi. If you land early, drop bags and recharge with specialty coffee at Blue Tokai (multiple outlets; try the Lodhi Colony roastery for single-origin pour-overs) or grab a classic North Indian breakfast—chole bhature at Sita Ram Diwan Chand (Paharganj) for fluffy breads and spiced chickpeas.

Afternoon: Check in, then head to Old Delhi. Start at Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest mosques; dress modestly and consider climbing the minaret (small fee) for a sweeping view of domes and bazaars. Dive into Chandni Chowk on a cycle-rickshaw toward Khari Baoli, Asia’s largest spice market—cardamom, saffron, and dried fruits stack into fragrant walls.

Snack smart between sights: Natraj Dahi Bhalle for cooling yogurt chaats; Jung Bahadur Kachori Wala for a spicy lentil-filled crunch; and Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi Wale for stuffed mango kulfi in season. For a sit-down early dinner, pick Karim’s (since 1913) for smoky seekh kebabs and mutton korma, or Al Jawahar for robust nihari and tandoori favorites just across from the mosque.

Evening: Stroll past the illuminated Red Fort (note: the fort and many museums close Mondays; evening sound-and-light show runs most nights—check timing locally). Cap the night with a short Metro ride to Connaught Place: try United Coffee House for old-world desserts and cold coffee, or head to Perch Coffee & Wine Bar (Khan Market) for a crisp Riesling and small plates. If cocktails call, Sidecar (GK2) frequently ranks among Asia’s best—order the eponymous with in-house infusions.

Day 2: Tombs, Gardens, Qutub Minar, and Craft Shopping

Morning: Sunrise walk in Lodhi Gardens amid 15th-century tombs and banyans; watch Delhiites jog past Indo-Islamic arches. Breakfast nearby: Perch (Khan Market) for eggs with sourdough and a Chemex, or Triveni Terrace Café (Mandi House) for poha, palak chaat, and terrace views over an arts courtyard.

Head to Humayun’s Tomb early to beat crowds; its Persian charbagh layout inspired the Taj Mahal (foreign visitor entry typically ~₹600). Continue to India Gate and the National War Memorial along Kartavya Path for a quick photo stop and a glimpse of Lutyens’ Delhi symmetry.

Afternoon: Ride south to the Qutub Minar complex (UNESCO), a 73-meter victory tower ringed by intricately carved pillars from the earliest Delhi Sultanate era. If time allows, pop into the adjoining Mehrauli Archaeological Park for quiet ruins and stepwells. Break for lunch in Mehrauli: The Grammar Room (leafy brunch plates with a view) or Olive Bar & Kitchen (Mediterranean classics in a vine-draped courtyard) both deliver relaxed, sunlit meals.

On your way airport-bound, make a swift stop at Dilli Haat (INA) for curated crafts from across India—think Kutch textiles, Pashmina shawls, and hand-thrown pottery—plus regional snack stalls (entry fee nominal). Aim to leave central/south Delhi 2–2.5 hours before your flight; by Metro, the Airport Express from New Delhi Station is ~20–25 minutes (₹60–80), and by car Aerocity is ~30–60 minutes depending on traffic.

Evening: Departure window. If you have a late-night flight and extra time, consider a serene visit to Akshardham Temple for the gardens and evening fountain show (closed Mondays), or dine near Aerocity’s Worldmark complex—options range from Japanese tasting menus to contemporary pan-Indian—before rolling into the terminal.

Alternative eats and extras (save for whichever day fits):

• Café Lota (at the crafts museum) for regional Indian plates—ragi dosas, jackfruit cutlets, and seasonal specials—perfect after browsing handlooms.
• Gurudwara Bangla Sahib for a peaceful visit; observe or volunteer in the langar kitchen serving thousands daily regardless of background.
• Bukhara (at ITC Maurya) for legendary dal and tandoor—book well ahead; or Indian Accent (tasting menus with inventive flair) for a modern Indian finale.
• Shopping: Khan Market for bookshops and boutiques; Shahpur Jat for indie designers; Chandni Chowk for jewelry, spices, and wedding finery.

How to book your trip: Secure flights on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com, trains on Trip.com trains, and stays via VRBO (Delhi) or Hotels.com (Delhi).

Two days in Delhi fly by, but you’ll leave with the scent of cardamom in your bag and sandstone silhouettes in your camera roll. From Mughal marvels to market mazes and modern dining, this itinerary hits the city’s greatest hits while leaving room for serendipity.