Delhi is India’s capital and its storyteller—an unbroken chronicle from ancient Indraprastha to the Mughal empire and the seat of modern democracy. You’ll stride between UNESCO World Heritage sites, Mughal tomb gardens, colonial-era vistas, and a culinary scene that runs from timeless kebabs to inventive tasting menus.

In three days, you can savor Old Delhi’s spice-scented lanes, tour New Delhi’s leafy boulevards, and still make a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to the Taj Mahal. Mornings are for monuments and markets; evenings glow with temple lights, rooftop views, and North Indian feasts.

Practical notes: Major monuments (like Red Fort, Lotus Temple, and Akshardham) close on Mondays. The Metro is fast and affordable; Uber and taxis fill the gaps. Dress modestly for religious sites, carry small bills for street-food stops, and in winter months consider a mask for air quality.

Delhi

Delhi rewards curiosity. Highlights include the Red Fort’s sandstone ramparts, Jama Masjid’s sweeping courtyard, Humayun’s Tomb (a prelude to the Taj), Qutub Minar’s soaring tower, and the reflective calm of Lodhi Gardens. In the evening, Akshardham’s temple complex and fountain show add a dazzling coda.

• Top sights: Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate & Kartavya Path, Jama Masjid, Red Fort, Lotus Temple, Lodhi Gardens, Hauz Khas Village, Dilli Haat.
• Food to try: Parathas at Paranthe Wali Gali, kebabs at Karim’s, chaat at Natraj, butter chicken and dal makhani at Gulati, jalebi at Old Famous Jalebi Wala, and contemporary Indian at Indian Accent.
• Getting there: Search international and domestic flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Typical flight times: Dubai–Delhi ~3.5 hours, Singapore–Delhi ~5.5 hours, London–Delhi ~8.5–9 hours.
• Getting around: Delhi Metro Airport Express to New Delhi/Shivaji Stadium (20–25 minutes; ~INR 60–100). Taxis/Uber fill last-mile gaps. For Delhi–Agra trains, check schedules on Trip.com Trains (Gatimaan Express ~1h40 each way; AC Chair ~INR 750–1,000).

Where to stay (curated picks):

• The Imperial, New Delhi (Janpath): Heritage grandeur, colonial art, and a serene spa—ideal for history lovers who value central convenience.
• The Leela Palace New Delhi (Chanakyapuri): Opulent rooms, stellar service, and a rooftop pool; great for a celebratory stay.
• ITC Maurya, a Luxury Collection Hotel (Diplomatic Enclave): Home to Bukhara (iconic tandoor cooking) and Dum Pukht—two destination restaurants in one address.
• The Suryaa New Delhi (New Friends Colony): Solid value base for South Delhi and Noida sights.
• Bloomrooms @ New Delhi Railway Station (Paharganj): Bright, budget-friendly, walkable to the Airport Express link via New Delhi Station.
• Browse more stays: Hotels.com – Delhi | VRBO – Delhi

Day 1: New Delhi Welcome, Boulevards, and Temple Lights

Morning: Travel day. If you arrive early, fuel up with South Indian filter coffee and idli at Sagar Ratna (various outlets) or grab masala chai and poha at Triveni Terrace Café (Mandi House), a beloved artsy canteen with a leafy terrace.

Afternoon: Check in, freshen up, then stroll India Gate and Kartavya Path for the grand view toward Rashtrapati Bhavan. Continue to Lodhi Gardens to wander tombs and banyan-shaded paths—Delhi at its most contemplative. Coffee break at Perch Wine & Coffee Bar (Khan Market) or a Blue Tokai café for small-batch espresso.

Evening: Experience the spiritual artistry of Akshardham. Book this guided visit with pickup, temple walkthrough, and the evening fountain show (note: closed Mondays; no phones/cameras inside the complex).

Akshardham Temple Evening Tour Light and Musical Fountain Show

Dinner: Reserve Indian Accent (The Lodhi) for inventive tasting menus—blue cheese naan, duck khurchan, and thoughtful wine pairings. For classic North Indian, book Gulati (Pandara Road) for butter chicken, dal makhani, and roomali rotis. Nightcap at Sidecar (GK II), repeatedly ranked among Asia’s 50 Best Bars, known for elegant, spirit-forward cocktails.

Day 2: Taj Mahal Day Trip by First-Class Train

Today is your bucket-list excursion to the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. The trip is streamlined door-to-door with reserved train seats, guided sightseeing, and lunch included—so you’re back in Delhi by evening without the driving hassle.

Royal Taj Mahal Day Experienc From New Delhi By First Class Train

• Typical plan: Early pickup from your hotel, board the Gatimaan Express (~1h40). In Agra, sunrise or morning visit to the Taj Mahal, guided tour of Agra Fort, and time for marble-inlay handicrafts. Return train gets you back around early evening.
• DIY option: Book trains on Trip.com Trains (AC Chair ~INR 750–1,000; Executive Chair ~INR 1,500–2,000). Prefer a car? Consider a private transfer (3.5–4 hours each way on the Yamuna Expressway):

Private transfer Delhi to Agra

Dinner back in Delhi: If energy remains, hunt for smoky tandoori at Karim’s (Jama Masjid area) or buttery, charred chicken at Aslam Butter Chicken. For something lighter, grab a bowl at Burma Burma (Cyberhub/Gurugram or Noida) or sushi at Guppy (Lodhi Colony).

Day 3: Old Delhi Bazaars, Mughal Tombs, and Farewell

Morning: Plunge into Old Delhi. Start at Jama Masjid (cover shoulders/knees; shoe drop and camera fee apply) and climb a minaret for city views if open. Eat your way through Chandni Chowk: crispy jalebi at Old Famous Jalebi Wala, stuffed parathas at Paranthe Wali Gali, tangy dahi bhalla at Natraj, and kulfi at Kuremal Mohan Lal. Hop an e-rickshaw to the Red Fort for a photo stop (closed Mondays; exterior views still great).

Afternoon: Head to Humayun’s Tomb, whose Persian-style charbagh gardens inspired the Taj’s architecture. If time allows, detour to the Lodhi Art District to see open-air murals. Early lunch options nearby: Andhra Bhavan Canteen (legendary thali line; go early), or Lakhori at Haveli Dharampura for a refined Old Delhi meal in a restored haveli. Aim to reach the airport ~3 hours before an international flight; the Airport Express is often faster than road traffic.

Evening (if you depart late): Make a final stop at Qutub Minar and the adjoining Mehrauli Archaeological Park for crumbling tombs and stepwells. Dine at Olive Bar & Kitchen (near Qutub) for alfresco Mediterranean plates under fairy-lit trees, or at Bukhara (ITC Maurya) for the iconic dal and massive naan-e-Bukhara—book ahead.

Prefer a guided city day? Swap today’s self-guided plan for this comprehensive private tour covering both Old and New Delhi’s icons with a driver-guide.

New Delhi and Old Delhi Tour Full Day

Coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner—quick picks by area:

• Connaught Place: Indian Coffee House (retro filter coffee, dosas), Wenger’s Deli (since 1926; puffs and pastries), Zen (Pan-Asian classics).
• Khan Market/Lodhi: Perch Wine & Coffee Bar (daytime espresso, evening wine), Lodi – The Garden Restaurant (lush garden setting), Jamun (regional Indian plates).
• Hauz Khas/South Delhi: Blue Tokai (specialty coffee), Olive Bar & Kitchen (romantic dinner), SodaBottleOpenerWala has mostly wound down—choose Sidecar for drinks instead.
• Pandara Road: Gulati (butter chicken, kebabs), Have sweet paan nearby to finish.

Final logistics tips: Many monuments sell timed tickets at the gate—carry a card or UPI. Mondays see several closures (Red Fort, Lotus Temple, Akshardham), so reshuffle Day 1/3 if needed. For European flight searches, try Omio; for most global routes, compare on Trip.com (link above) and Kiwi.com.

Estimated costs per person (typical): Metro rides INR 30–100; Uber across town INR 200–600; casual meals INR 300–800; upscale dinners INR 2,000–5,000; Taj day trip tour varies by inclusion; DIY trains INR 750–2,000 each way.

Three days in Delhi will tune your senses to the city’s rhythm: the clang of temple bells, the scent of cardamom and smoke, the hush of gardens after the day’s bustle. With smart routing, standout meals, and a swift Taj Mahal dash, you’ll leave with head, heart, and palate full—and every reason to return.