India rewards curiosity. In three days based in New Delhi, you can trace empires—from the Sultanate to the Mughals and the Raj—through sandstone forts, marble mausoleums, and leafy boulevards. The city’s layers reveal themselves in markets perfumed with spice and incense, colonial avenues, and cutting-edge galleries and cafés.

Delhi pairs perfectly with a day trip to the Taj Mahal. Agra is under two hours away by India’s fast train, letting you marvel at the world’s most famous love letter in marble, then return to Delhi’s vibrant nightlife. Expect dazzling contrasts: serene tomb gardens in the morning, sizzling kebabs by night.

Practical notes: many major monuments are closed on Mondays (and the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays). Winter air can be hazy—check air-quality forecasts. Dress modestly for temples and mosques, carry small cash for tips, and use trusted rides (Uber/Ola or prepaid taxis). Street food is a highlight—choose busy, well-known stalls and ask for “less spicy” if needed.

Delhi

Delhi is a living museum: Qutub Minar’s 12th-century minaret, Humayun’s Tomb’s Persian-inspired symmetry, and Lutyens’ grand avenues coexist with the labyrinthine bazaars of Old Delhi. It’s also a culinary capital—home to buttery kebabs, chole bhature, and region-hopping vegetarian thalis.

• Top sights: Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan vistas, Jama Masjid, Red Fort (closed Mon), Lodhi Gardens, Lotus Temple (closed Mon).
• Experiences: Old Delhi rickshaw ride, spice market at Khari Baoli, contemporary galleries in Mehrauli, café-hopping in Khan Market, indie bars in Greater Kailash.
• Food heroes: Karim’s and Al Jawahar (Mughlai by Jama Masjid), Moti Mahal in Daryaganj (butter chicken origin story), Sita Ram Diwan Chand (iconic chole bhature), Paranthe Wali Gali (stuffed flatbreads).

Getting there and around: Fly into Indira Gandhi International (DEL). Book fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. The Airport Express Metro to New Delhi Station takes ~20 minutes (~₹60–80); taxis/Uber to central areas take 30–60 minutes (~₹500–1,000 depending on time). For intercity trains (including Agra), search and book via Trip.com Trains.

Where to stay (curated picks):

• The Leela Palace New Delhi (diplomatic enclave elegance; acclaimed restaurants, rooftop pool): Book on Hotels.com
• The Imperial, New Delhi (art deco heritage; museum-worthy corridors; central): Book on Hotels.com
• ITC Maurya (home of famed Bukhara; strong service, club floors): Book on Hotels.com
• Bloomrooms @ New Delhi Railway Station (bright, budget-friendly, great for train days): Book on Hotels.com
• Prefer an apartment? Browse vetted stays on VRBO New Delhi or compare hotels citywide at Hotels.com New Delhi.

Day 1: Arrival, New Delhi Icons, and Old Delhi Flavors

Morning: Travel day. If you arrive early, ease in with specialty coffee at Blue Tokai (multiple outlets) or Perch Wine & Coffee Bar (Khan Market). For a hearty start, try Saravana Bhavan (Connaught Place) for South Indian dosas and filter coffee.

Afternoon: Check in, then stretch your legs in Lodhi Gardens, a local favorite with 15th‑century tombs and shaded lawns. Continue to India Gate and the Rajpath axis for photos of Delhi’s grandest boulevard. If time allows, visit Humayun’s Tomb—the Taj’s red-sandstone forebear—just before golden hour.

Evening: Plunge into Old Delhi. Start at Jama Masjid (carry a shawl; modest dress required) and hop a rickshaw through Chandni Chowk and the spice-scented lanes of Khari Baoli. Dinner near the mosque at Karim’s (legendary nihari and kebabs) or Al Jawahar (butter chicken, mutton korma). Nightcap back in New Delhi at Sidecar (award‑winning cocktails in Greater Kailash) or a gelato stroll around Connaught Place.

Day 2: Taj Mahal & Agra Fort Day Trip (by Superfast Train)

Maximize time with a guided day trip that handles trains, transfers, and fast-track monument entries. Delhi’s Gatimaan Express reaches Agra in ~1h40m, making the Taj entirely feasible in a single day. Note: Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.

Recommended tour: Taj Mahal Day Tour from Delhi by Superfast Train - TOP RATED TOUR

What to expect: Early pickup, escorted boarding at Hazrat Nizamuddin, guided visits to the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and often Baby Taj (Itimad-ud-Daulah). Lunch is arranged at a trusted local restaurant. Return to Delhi by evening with hotel drop-off. Typical duration: ~12–13 hours; prices commonly range from ~US$90–140 depending on inclusions and season.

Food tips: If you prefer à la carte, ask your guide for a stop at Peshawri (northwest frontier cuisine, sister to Delhi’s Bukhara) or look for Agra’s petha (candied ash gourd) to bring back.

Alternative (by car): Same Day Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Baby Taj Tour from Delhi by Car

Driving allows an earlier Taj sunrise start and flexible pacing (plan ~3.5–4 hours each way with expressways and rest stops).

Day 3: Old & New Delhi Highlights, Markets, and Modern Eats

Morning: Fuel up with Old Delhi classics: Sita Ram Diwan Chand (celebrated chole bhature) or stuffed parathas at Paranthe Wali Gali (ask for the paneer or aloo mix; they’re shallow-fried and hearty). Then dive into a comprehensive city tour hitting the big-league UNESCO sites and vibrant bazaars.

Recommended tour: Private Full Day New and Old Delhi City Tour

Afternoon: With your guide, tick off Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, and—if it’s not Monday—an exterior pause at the Lotus Temple. Lunch ideas: Moti Mahal in Daryaganj (try the original butter chicken with roomali roti) or a vegetarian thali at Saravana Bhavan (swift service, bright flavors).

Evening: Browse Khan Market for indie bookstores and stylish boutiques, then dinner at Indian Accent (progressive Indian tasting menu; book ahead) or Bukhara at ITC Maurya (famously rustic dal and kebabs). For a relaxed finale, stroll the illuminated India Gate area or sip a final coffee at Blue Tokai.

If you have more time soon: Consider a guided Golden Triangle sprint (Delhi–Agra–Jaipur) to add palaces and pink-hued bazaars.

3-Days Private Golden Triangle Tour: Delhi, Agra & Jaipur by Car

Booking & logistics quick-glance:

• Flights: Compare fares to DEL on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Nonstops from major hubs can be 8–16 hours; 1-stop options are plentiful.
• Trains: For Agra and other routes, timetables and tickets via Trip.com Trains. Gatimaan Express: ~1h40m each way.
• Hotels: Browse Hotels.com New Delhi or VRBO New Delhi.

Where to eat (extra favorites): For lunch near Qutub, consider Olive Bar & Kitchen (Mediterranean courtyard vibes). Street-snack safely at busy counters like Natraj Dahi Bhalla (Old Delhi). For sweets, try Gulab Jamun at Haldiram’s or pistachio kulfi from a popular Old Delhi vendor.

In three days, you’ve captured Delhi’s soul: graceful tombs and living bazaars, refined dining and late‑night chai, plus a bucket‑list visit to the Taj. Keep this guide handy—the city rewards repeat encounters, each layer more vivid than the last.