Delhi is a city of cities—layers of empires, poetry, and appetite. From the Mughal capital in Old Delhi to Lutyens’ monumental New Delhi and leafy South Delhi, the metropolis rewards curiosity. Three UNESCO World Heritage sites—Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and Humayun’s Tomb—anchor the narrative, while bazaars, murals, and gardens fill in the texture.

Food here is an obsession. Follow the aroma of butter-lacquered kebabs near Jama Masjid, sip specialty coffee in Khan Market, and linger over contemporary Indian tasting menus that reimagine classic flavors. Markets like Chandni Chowk and Dilli Haat present India in miniature—spices, textiles, and crafts from every corner of the country.

Practical notes: winters (Dec–Jan) can be foggy and chilly mornings; summers (Apr–Jun) are hot. Air quality sometimes dips—carry a mask if sensitive. Religious sites require modest attire and head coverings where noted. Many museums and temples close on Mondays—swap days as needed.

Delhi

Once called the “City of Seven Cities,” Delhi is in fact many more—Mehrauli’s ruins, Shahjahanabad’s walled lanes, and Lutyens’ axial avenues. It’s a city of contrasts: domes and metro lines, kebab smoke and jasmine, chaos and quiet gardens.

• Top sights: Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk’s Khari Baoli spice market, Qutub Minar complex, Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Humayun’s Tomb, Sunder Nursery, Lodhi Gardens and Lodhi Art District, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Akshardham Temple, National War Memorial, Partition Museum (Dara Shikoh Library).
• Can’t-miss eats: Kebabs and nihari near Jama Masjid (Karim’s, Al Jawahar), stuffed parathas in Chandni Chowk, chole bhature at Sita Ram Diwan Chand, coastal fare at Mahabelly, modern Indian at Indian Accent, legendary dal at Bukhara.
• Neighborhood vibes: Old Delhi for heritage and street food; Connaught Place and Khan Market for shopping and cafés; Mehrauli & Hauz Khas for ruins-meet-design; Nizamuddin for qawwali; Aerocity for ultra-convenient pre-flight dining.

Where to stay (Hotels.com affiliate picks): Classic heritage at The Imperial, New Delhi (museum-caliber corridors, central); iconic North Indian dining at ITC Maurya, a Luxury Collection Hotel (home of Bukhara, diplomatic enclave); modern opulence at The Leela Palace New Delhi (rooftop pool, Chanakyapuri). Great-value bases: design-forward Bloomrooms @ New Delhi Railway Station (efficient, bright) and The Suryaa New Delhi (South Delhi access, rooftop views).

Prefer apartments or villas? Browse verified stays on VRBO Delhi or compare hotels on Hotels.com Delhi.

Getting in and around: Fly into DEL; compare fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. The Airport Metro Express gets you to New Delhi station in ~20 minutes. Buy a rechargeable Metro card (load ~INR 200–400) and use ride-hailing for late evenings.

Day 1: Arrival, Kartavya Path Sunset, and Connaught Place Classics

Morning: Fly into Delhi. If arriving early, drop bags and freshen up at your hotel. Grab specialty coffee at Blue Tokai (Khan Market) or a flat white and croissant at Perch Wine & Coffee Bar nearby.

Afternoon: Check in and take an orientation walk along Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath). Pay respects at the National War Memorial, admire India Gate, and photograph Rashtrapati Bhavan’s dome from Vijay Chowk.

Evening: Dinner in Connaught Place: sample Southern Indian dosas at Sagar Ratna (crisp, ghee-kissed) or queue at the beloved Andhra Bhawan Canteen for a hearty thali. For dessert, stop at Wenger’s for old-world pastries, then sip masala chai at Cha Bar in Oxford Bookstore.

Day 2: Old Delhi—Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Spice Market, Red Fort

Morning: Start at Jama Masjid (modest attire; head covering available). Climb the minaret for hazy city views. Dive into Chandni Chowk: try stuffed parathas at Pt. Gaya Prasad Shiv Charan, jalebis at Old Famous Jalebi Wala, and lassi at Amritsari Lassiwala.

Afternoon: Walk or rickshaw to Khari Baoli, Asia’s largest spice market—cumin, star anise, and chili perfuming the air. Lunch near Jama Masjid: Karim’s (seekh kebabs, mutton korma) or Al Jawahar (nihari when available). Tour the Red Fort (light and sound show available in the evening on select days). Note: Red Fort is closed Mondays—swap with Day 3 if needed.

Evening: Continue snacking: Dahi bhalla at Natraj, kulfi at Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi Wale. Consider a guided Old Delhi food walk with a reputable operator to navigate lanes and legends. End with aromatic Kashmiri kahwa or spiced chai before heading back.

Day 3: New Delhi Axis, Museums, Bangla Sahib, Khan Market, Indian Accent

Morning: Stroll the ceremonial heart of New Delhi: Rashtrapati Bhavan (exteriors), Secretariat buildings, and memorials. Visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib—remove shoes, cover head, and listen to the soothing kirtan; peek into the community kitchen (langar) where volunteers cook for thousands daily.

Afternoon: Explore the Partition Museum at Dara Shikoh Library for moving oral histories and artifacts. Lunch at Triveni Terrace Cafe (light North Indian plates, leafy courtyard). Wander Lodhi Art District to see world-class murals, then browse Khan Market boutiques (Anokhi textiles, Good Earth homeware, Bahrisons books).

Evening: Splurge dinner at Indian Accent (at The Lodhi)—inventive plates like blue cheese naan, meetha achaar ribs, and seasonal tasting menus; reserve ahead. Nightcap at Sidecar (GK2), frequently ranked among Asia’s best bars—try the Sidecar or their Indian-origin cocktails.

Day 4: Qutub Minar, Mehrauli Archaeology, Hauz Khas Fort & Lake, Qawwali

Morning: Beat the crowds at Qutub Minar complex (UNESCO): the 73-meter minaret, intricately carved Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, and the famous Iron Pillar. Walk next door through Mehrauli Archaeological Park—tombs, stepwells, and crumbling gateways under kikar trees.

Afternoon: Brunch at The Grammar Room overlooking Mehrauli’s greenery (shakshuka, pancakes, excellent coffee). Continue to Hauz Khas Village: explore the 14th-century madrasa and fort ruins above the water reservoir, then sip hot chocolate at Colocal or coffee at Blue Tokai (Saket).

Evening: Head to Nizamuddin Dargah for soul-stirring qawwali (most resonant on Thursday evenings; dress modestly). Dine nearby at Lodi—The Garden Restaurant (alfresco kebabs and mezze) or try Afghan fare at Mazaar in the Nizamuddin area.

Day 5: Crafts, Humayun’s Tomb, Sunder Nursery, Akshardham Light Show

Morning: Immerse yourself at the National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy—watch artisans at work and shop high-quality textiles and handicrafts. Brunch at the on-site Café Lota (millet-cheese dosa, pumpkin paratha, seasonal regional dishes).

Afternoon: Explore Humayun’s Tomb (prototype for the Taj Mahal) with its charbagh gardens, then stroll to Sunder Nursery, a restored heritage park with lakes, butterflies, and Mughal pavilions. Pause for tea and a light bite at the garden café.

Evening: Visit Akshardham Temple—ornate pink sandstone carvings and a captivating evening water show (closed Mondays; arrive early for security). Post-show dinner at Pandara Road near India Gate: Havemore (butter chicken, tandoori platters) or Gulati (rich North Indian gravies).

Day 6: Optional Day Trip—Agra by Train to the Taj Mahal

Make a dawn-to-dusk pilgrimage to the Taj Mahal. Board the Gatimaan Express from Hazrat Nizamuddin to Agra Cantt (~1h40; typical round-trip INR 1,500–3,000 / $18–36; check schedules and book on Trip.com Trains). In Agra, see the Taj Mahal’s marble filigree up close, explore Agra Fort’s red sandstone halls, and cap with sunset views from Mehtab Bagh. Lunch ideas: Pinch of Spice (reliable North Indian) or, for a splurge, Esphahan at The Oberoi Amarvilas (advance reservation). Return to Delhi for a light supper near your hotel. Alternatively, hire a car via the Yamuna Expressway (3.5–4.5 hours each way; start early, especially in winter fog).

Day 7: Gardens, Last-Minute Shopping, and Departure

Morning: Sunrise walk in Lodhi Gardens among domed tombs and joggers. Breakfast at Fig & Maple (GK2) for fluffy pancakes and eggs, or Indian Coffee House (Connaught Place) for filter coffee and omelets with a retro vibe.

Afternoon: Pick up souvenirs: Dilli Haat INA (handicrafts from across India; bargain respectfully) or Janpath and Cottage Emporium for curated textiles. If you prefer contemporary art, swing by Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (Saket) for rotating exhibitions.

Evening: If your flight is late, consider an Aerocity pit stop near the airport for convenience and dining variety. For a memorable finale, book Bukhara at ITC Maurya (legendary dal bukhara and kebabs) or unwind in style at your hotel—consider a day-use booking if you have a red-eye. Head to DEL via the Airport Metro Express or a ride-hail (~20–45 minutes depending on traffic).

Where to book your stay: Browse handpicked hotels on Hotels.com Delhi or apartments on VRBO Delhi. Top choices include The Imperial (heritage), ITC Maurya (culinary icon), The Leela Palace (sumptuous), great-value Bloomrooms, and The Suryaa.

How to get here: Compare flight deals to Delhi on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Within India/Asia, long-distance trains are widely used—search schedules on Trip.com Trains.

In a week, you’ll taste Delhi’s storied kitchens, wander its Mughal and colonial legacies, and discover green refuges that locals swear by. Come hungry, carry curiosity, and let the city’s many “old souls” share their tales—one fort, one mural, one sizzling kebab at a time.