Delhi has been the seat of empires for a millennium, a palimpsest where Mughal domes, colonial arches, and contemporary glass towers all share the skyline. In its lanes you’ll trace the stories of sultans and saints, freedom fighters and poets—and then, minutes later, sip a perfect South Indian filter coffee.

Come for UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb, stay for Old Delhi’s intoxicating bustle—Chandni Chowk’s jalebi stands, spice markets, and cycle rickshaws that weave through history. By evening, Delhi exudes another mood: leafy boulevards, artful dining rooms, secret cocktail bars, and quiet gardens such as Lodhi and Sunder Nursery.

Practical notes: Winter (Nov–Feb) is cool but can be smoggy—check air quality and consider an N95 mask. Summers are hot; pace yourself and carry water. Many major sites close Mondays (notably Red Fort, Lotus Temple, and Akshardham), and the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays. Dress modestly for religious sites, and bring cash for small vendors even as UPI/mobile payments are widely accepted.

Delhi

Delhi is a city of layers. Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad) is a tapestry of Mughal-era mosques, markets, and havelis, while New Delhi, planned by Lutyens, unfurls with ceremonial avenues, embassies, and museums. South Delhi threads in medieval reservoirs, modern cafés, and designer boutiques.

• Icons: Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, Jama Masjid, Red Fort, Lodhi Gardens, Akshardham Temple.
• Neighborhoods to savor: Chandni Chowk for street food and textiles; Khan Market for boutiques and cafés; Mehrauli and Hauz Khas for ruins-meet-modern nightlife.
• Food you can’t miss: Parathas in Paranthe Wali Gali, kebabs at Karim’s, paneer and butter chicken on Pandara Road, South Indian thalis at Andhra Bhavan, and kulfi from Kuremal.

Where to stay (curated picks + search tools):

• Classic heritage: The Imperial, New Delhi — colonial-era grandeur, art-filled corridors, and a storied bar.
• Top-tier luxury: The Leela Palace New Delhi — plush rooms, rooftop pool, and standout dining.
• Powerhouse dining: ITC Maurya, a Luxury Collection Hotel — home to Bukhara and Dum Pukht.
• Great value: Bloomrooms @ New Delhi Railway Station — bright, clean, design-forward.
• South Delhi comfort: The Suryaa New Delhi — convenient for the old-city-meets-new circuit.
• Browse more stays: Hotels.com: Delhi | VRBO: Delhi

Getting in and around: Fly into DEL (Indira Gandhi International). Compare fares on Trip.com Flights and Kiwi.com; international fares vary widely by season, but $700–1,300 roundtrip from North America is common in shoulder season. From the airport, use the Airport Express Metro (fast and affordable), pre-paid taxis, or ride-hailing. The Delhi Metro is extensive; a day pass is roughly a few dollars.

Delhi–Agra day trip (for the Taj): The Gatimaan Express train takes about 1h40m each way; expect ~$10–25 per person depending on class when searching via Trip.com Trains. Private car transfers are ~3.5–4 hours each way, with flexibility for sunset/sunrise timing.

Day 1: Arrival, Connaught Place Stroll, and First Flavors

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Shake off jet lag with a gentle loop through Connaught Place’s colonnades. For great coffee, head to Blue Tokai (multiple outlets nearby) or Perch Wine & Coffee Bar in Khan Market for a cold brew and light bites.

Evening: Walk to India Gate at dusk to see the arch glow and families gathering on the lawns. Dinner options: United Coffee House (old-world continental and North Indian classics, iconic since 1942), or Pandara Road Market—try Gulati (butter chicken, rich gravies) or Havemore (tandoori platters). Nightcap at Sidecar (award-winning cocktails) or an easy lassi on the go.

Day 2: Old Delhi with a Guide—Mosques, Markets, and Mughlai Eats

Today, let an expert navigate the labyrinth of Old Delhi so you can immerse in history and food without the logistics. This full-day experience covers Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, spice markets, and key New Delhi landmarks with flexible pacing.

Featured activity (bookable): Old & New Delhi City Tour – Half or Full Day Options Available

Reserve on Viator

This customizable tour typically includes Jama Masjid (climb the minaret for a skyline view), Chandni Chowk by cycle rickshaw, Khari Baoli spice market, Raj Ghat, India Gate, Parliament House drive-past, and either Humayun’s Tomb or Qutub Minar. Ask your guide to weave in food stops: parathas in Paranthe Wali Gali; chole bhature at Sita Ram Diwan Chand; kulfi from Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi Wale.

Dinner: Near Jama Masjid, try Karim’s (legendary kebabs, mutton korma) or Al Jawahar for nihari. Prefer a modern sit-down later? Head to Indian Accent (at The Lodhi) for inventive takes on Indian flavors—book ahead.

Day 3: New Delhi’s Grandeur—Tombs, Minarets, and Tree-Lined Boulevards

Morning: Start at Humayun’s Tomb (Mughal symmetry that inspired the Taj). Coffee and regional breakfast at Café Lota (at the Crafts Museum)—think millet pancakes, ragi dosas, and filter coffee amid terracotta and textiles.

Afternoon: Explore Qutub Minar’s soaring 12th-century tower and ruined madrasa; then stroll Mehrauli Archaeological Park’s tombs and stepwells. If you’re an art lover, detour to the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (Saket) for contemporary Indian art.

Evening: Sunsets are lovely at Lodhi Gardens—peacocks sometimes strut near the tombs. For dinner, book Bukhara at ITC Maurya (famously smoky dal and tandoor meats) or Dum Pukht for slow-cooked Awadhi dishes. Both are destination dining; reserve early.

Day 4: Taj Mahal Day Trip from Delhi (avoid Fridays)

This is your Agra day—go by India’s fastest train for efficiency and comfort. It’s an early start and a late return, but the memory of the Taj’s marble changing hue through the day is worth every mile.

Featured activity (bookable): Taj Mahal Day Tour from Delhi by Superfast Train - TOP RATED TOUR

Reserve on Viator

Typical inclusions: roundtrip Gatimaan Express tickets, guided visits to the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, optional Baby Taj, and lunch. Expect 1h40m each way by train, and a full day door to door. Note: The Taj is closed on Fridays.

Alternative (if you prefer a private car or sunrise): Private Sunrise Taj Mahal Trip from Delhi all Inclusive

Day 5: South Delhi Slow Day—Reservoirs, Boutiques, and Café Culture

Morning: Begin with a lakeside walk in Hauz Khas Deer Park and the 14th-century madarsa ruins. Brunch at The Grammar Room (Mehrauli) for eggs, shakshuka, and great coffee; or Saravana Bhavan (Connaught Place) for classic South Indian dosas and idli.

Afternoon: Shop crafts and regional foods at Dilli Haat (INA)—from Pashmina to Nagaland smoked pork pickles, stalls rotate by state. If you prefer gardens, explore Sunder Nursery’s restored Mughal-era monuments and lotus ponds.

Evening: For sunset with a view of the Qutub complex treeline, book Olive Bar & Kitchen (Med-leaning, leafy courtyard) or Jamun (Indian regional classics with a twist) in Lodhi Colony. Post-dinner, sip a glass at Perch Wine & Coffee Bar in Khan Market.

Day 6: Temples, Textiles, and Modern Art

Morning: Visit Akshardham Temple (closed Mondays). Arrive early, dress modestly, and note no phones/cameras inside; the carvings and gardens reward the effort. Alternatively, the lotus-shaped Bahá’í House of Worship (Lotus Temple, also closed Mondays) offers serene symmetry.

Afternoon: Dive into design at the National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum (Crafts Museum)—don’t miss the village complex and weavers. Lunch at its Café Lota if you didn’t earlier—try bheet root kebabs and seasonal thalis.

Evening: Explore the National Gallery of Modern Art for 20th-century masters and contemporary exhibitions. Dinner on Pandara Road again if you crave North Indian comfort, or try Andhra Bhavan canteen for a lively, budget-friendly thali experience.

Optional guided day instead of DIY: Private Full Day New and Old Delhi City Tour

Day 7: Last Bites, Last Buys, and Departure

Morning: A relaxed breakfast at Triveni Terrace Cafe (airy terrace, seasonal plates, masala chai). Stroll Khan Market for books, artisanal foods, and handicrafts; or bargain at Janpath for scarves and souvenirs.

Afternoon: Check out, have an early lunch—try Moti Mahal (Daryaganj) for the birthplace lore of butter chicken, or Café Dori (Okhla) for lighter European-Indian plates—then head to the airport. For flights, compare on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Insider Eats: A Few More Can’t-Miss Stops

• Natraj Dahi Bhalla (Chandni Chowk): Tangy-sweet yogurt dumplings and crisp aloo tikkis—perfect between monuments.
• Rajinder Da Dhaba (Safdarjung Enclave): Bustling curbside kebabs and rolls—order the mutton seekh and chicken malai tikka.
• Khan Chacha (Khan Market): Iconic roomali rolls; the kakori kebab roll is a Delhi staple.
• Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi Wale (Old Delhi): Stuffed fruit kulfis—mango season is magic.

Ticketing and Timing Tips

• Closures: Taj Mahal (Fridays); Akshardham and Lotus Temple (Mondays); Red Fort (closed Mondays).
• Entries (approx for foreign visitors): Humayun’s Tomb ~$7; Qutub Minar ~$7; Red Fort ~$7. Carry a physical ID and some cash; card acceptance is improving.
• Best windows: Early mornings for Old Delhi and major monuments; late afternoons for gardens to escape midday heat.

Alternate Golden Triangle idea: If you’d like to convert part of this week into a short circuit, consider a 3–5 day Golden Triangle tour that bundles Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur with transport and guides: 3-Days Private Golden Triangle Tour: Delhi, Agra & Jaipur by Car

Across seven days, Delhi reveals itself in chapters—Sufi shrines and sandstone towers, afternoon thalis and candlelit dinners, chaotic bazaars and sylvan parks. With a day trip to the Taj Mahal, you’ll return having sampled both the capital’s daily rhythms and the subcontinent’s grand romance.