Delhi rewards the curious. Across millennia, it’s been the stage for empires—Hindu, Sultanate, Mughal, and British—each leaving stones, stories, and spices. Today’s New Delhi blends broad boulevards and leafy gardens with modern galleries, leading restaurants, and a metro that makes exploring surprisingly easy.

From the dazzling sandstone of Humayun’s Tomb to the layered lanes of Old Delhi’s Chandni Chowk, you’ll trace history you can touch and taste. Expect lavish forts, quiet stepwells, serene Sufi shrines, and the hum of bazaars selling everything from silver anklets to handloom saris. Food is a headline act—butter chicken with a Delhi origin story, chole bhature at legendary counters, and delicate South Indian breakfasts.

Practical notes: Winter (Nov–Feb) is peak season, but air quality can dip—carry an N95 mask on hazy days. Many museums and some temples close on Mondays, and Akshardham does not allow phones or bags. Dress modestly for religious sites, remove shoes when required, and carry small cash for tips. The Delhi Metro is clean, efficient, and safe; Uber and Ola are widely used.

New Delhi (Delhi)

India’s capital is really two cities in one: the planned, tree-lined New Delhi of the 20th century, and the older, mercantile heart of Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi), whose lanes promise the aromas of cardamom tea and frying jalebi. Together, they make a fascinating, food-forward city break with world-class heritage.

• Top sights: Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, Red Fort, Jama Masjid, India Gate and Kartavya Path, Lodhi Gardens, Sunder Nursery, Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, Akshardham Temple.
• Neighborhoods to explore: Connaught Place (colonnades and cafes), Mehrauli (Qutub complex and stylish dining), Hauz Khas (medieval reservoir and boutiques), Shahpur Jat (indie designers), Chandni Chowk (old-world markets).
• Food essentials: Butter chicken and dal makhani, kebabs near Jama Masjid, chaat in Chandni Chowk, South Indian dosa and filter coffee, craft coffee and modern Indian tasting menus.

Where to stay: For central access, base near Connaught Place or India Gate; for leafy calm, Lodhi Road and Sunder Nagar; for airport convenience, Aerocity. Browse a wide range of stays on VRBO (New Delhi) or compare hotels on Hotels.com (New Delhi). Notable properties include The Imperial (colonial-era icon), The Oberoi New Delhi (views over golf course and Humayun’s Tomb), The Lodhi (spacious rooms), The Claridges (heritage), and Andaz Delhi (Aerocity).

Getting there and around: Fly into DEL (Indira Gandhi International). Check fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com; typical roundtrips (USD) run ~$700–1,200 from the US and ~$450–900 from the UK, depending on season. The Airport Express Metro to New Delhi Station takes ~20–25 minutes. For intercity trains in India (e.g., Agra), browse Trip.com Trains. In town, use the Metro (buy a Tourist Card) plus Uber/Ola.

Day 1: Arrival, Connaught Place arcades, and a gentle Delhi welcome

Afternoon: Land, check in, and decompress with a stroll under the white colonnades of Connaught Place. Pop into United Coffee House for a storied cuppa or head to Perch Wine & Coffee for single-origin coffee and a light salad—ideal after a flight. Browse Janpath Market for cotton kurtas and juttis (bargain politely).

Evening: Walk or ride to Lodhi Gardens for sunset around 15th-century tombs and parakeet-filled trees. For dinner, choose one: Indian Accent (inventive tasting menu—blue cheese naan is a classic), Bukhara at ITC Maurya (front-row seat to North-West Frontier grills; the massive dal Bukhara is legend), or Daryaganj (butter chicken “inventors,” rich and smoky). Early night, or a nightcap at Sidecar (Vasant Vihar), one of Asia’s top cocktail bars.

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

Morning: Start with a classic Delhi breakfast: Sitaram Diwan Chand (chole bhature) or Saravana Bhavan/Sagar Ratna for crisp dosas and filter coffee. At Jama Masjid, climb the minaret for city views; modest attire is required. Dive into Chandni Chowk by cycle rickshaw—stop at Paranthe Wali Gali (try the potato or paneer paratha), Natraj Dahi Bhalla, and Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi Wale for stuffed kulfi.

Afternoon: Explore the Red Fort (closed Mondays). Its palaces and audience halls explain Mughal grandeur in sandstone and marble. Then wander to Khari Baoli, Asia’s largest spice market—peek from a rooftop for a sea of burlap sacks and turmeric-yellow dust in the air.

Evening: Stay for the Red Fort sound-and-light show (English nights vary; check schedules), or return to the food lanes for kebabs at Karim’s or Al Jawahar near Jama Masjid. If you prefer something gentler, dine at The Spice Route (The Imperial) for Southeast-Asian flavors in a hand-painted setting.

Day 3: New Delhi icons, Sunder Nursery, and a curated city tour option

Morning: Pay homage at Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO-listed precursor to the Taj. Walk next door in Sunder Nursery, a restored Mughal garden with lotus ponds, heritage pavilions, and a tranquil café for masala chai.

Afternoon: Drive down Kartavya Path from India Gate towards the Presidential Palace; then detour to the Lodhi Art District for colourful murals. For lunch, Café Lota (at the National Crafts Museum) riffs on regional Indian plates—bajra khichdi, beetroot chops, and seasonal thalis.

Evening: Consider a guided overview with the Old & New Delhi City Tour – Half or Full Day Options Available for context, photography help, and hassle-free logistics.

Wrap up with dinner in Khan Market: Khan Chacha (rolls and smoky tikka), Yellow Brick Road (all-day comfort food), or Town Hall (sushi and grills). Gelato at Amorino or a final espresso at Blue Tokai.

Day 4: Taj Mahal day trip from Delhi (Gatimaan Express)

Today is for Agra. The most time-efficient way is the superfast train—hotel pick-up, pre-arranged tickets, guides, and lunch handled on a top-rated small-group or private experience. Travel time is ~1h40 each way; expect a ~12–13 hour day door-to-door.

Recommended: Taj Mahal Day Tour from Delhi by Superfast Train - TOP RATED TOUR (typically includes transfers, fast train, guided visits to the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, and a quality lunch).

Alternative for sunrise lovers and photographers: Private Sunrise Taj Mahal Trip from Delhi all Inclusive by car (earlier start, magical light, more time at Mehtab Bagh for riverbank views).

If you prefer to self-plan trains, browse schedules and fares on Trip.com Trains (e.g., Gatimaan Express from Hazrat Nizamuddin to Agra Cantt, often ~INR 800–1,600 per sector in standard AC seats).

Day 5: South Delhi—Qutub Minar, Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Hauz Khas

Morning: Coffee and eggs at The Grammar Room (sunny terrace) or pastries at Café Dori. Explore the Qutub Minar Complex—the 12th-century minaret’s banded sandstone and the iron pillar’s rust-proof mystery make a compelling pair.

Afternoon: Cross into Mehrauli Archaeological Park for a quiet loop past stepwells (Rajon ki Baoli), tombs, and Mughal gardens. Lunch at Olive Bar & Kitchen (Mediterranean under a banyan tree) or contemporary Indian at Jamun (vibrant plates and cocktails).

Evening: Golden hour at the medieval reservoir in Hauz Khas, then dinner at Yeti (Nepalese/Tibetan momos and thukpa) or Coast Café (Kerala-inspired seafood). End with wine and live jazz vibes at Perch or crafted cocktails at Sidecar.

Day 6: Crafts, faith, and fountains—Crafts Museum, Bangla Sahib, Akshardham

Morning: Head to the National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy for living craft demonstrations, textile galleries, and one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Brunch at Café Lota right there—don’t miss the regional chaat and millet pancakes.

Afternoon: Visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, its marble sanctum and shimmering sarovar (pool) inviting quiet reflection. Cover your head (scarves provided) and, if time allows, volunteer briefly at the langar (community kitchen).

Evening: Make your way to Akshardham Temple for intricate carvings and the musical fountain show after dusk (closed Mondays; no phones or bags allowed—use paid lockers). Dinner back in town at Brahmaputra Restaurant (Assamese/Northeastern thali) or Rajinder Da Dhaba (casual, beloved kebabs and curries) near Safdarjung Enclave.

Day 7: Last tastes and treasures—Khan Market, Sunder Nagar, departure

Morning: Brunch in Khan Market at The Big Chill (comfort pastas and pastries) or Plats (seasonal European-Indian plates). Pick up artisanal teas, spices, and books at Bahrisons.

Afternoon: Quick stop in Sunder Nagar for antiques and handicrafts, or a final saunter through Lodhi Gardens if you missed it earlier. Airport transfer via Uber/Ola or the Airport Express from New Delhi Station. If you’ve not booked yet, compare stays on VRBO and Hotels.com for a late checkout venue near your terminal (Aerocity is 10–15 minutes away).

Local logistics and insider tips

• Metro savvy: A Tourist Card (1–3 days) saves hassle; typical rides cost INR 20–60. For Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk station puts you steps from the market (use Gate 5 for the spice bazaar).
• Closures to note: Many museums and Akshardham are closed Mondays; Red Fort is typically closed on Mondays as well. Double-check hours close to travel.
• Etiquette: Shoulders/knees covered at Jama Masjid and Bangla Sahib; remove shoes at temples and tombs when required. Ask before photographing people in markets.
• Air quality: In winter, consider morning sightseeing (clearer light) and indoor museums mid-afternoon; carry an N95 on high-AQI days.
• Safety & transport: Use registered taxis/Uber/Ola; avoid carrying large sums of cash in crowded bazaars; keep valuables zipped.

Optional upgrade: Golden Triangle sampler — If you decide to expand beyond Delhi midweek, consider a short Golden Triangle loop (Delhi–Agra–Jaipur) with a private driver. See one curated option here: Old & New Delhi City Tour combined with the Agra train day and, time permitting later in the week, a Jaipur day by car; or plan a future return for a full three-day Golden Triangle.

In seven days, you’ll have tasted both the sweep and subtlety of Delhi—Mughal vaults echoing with history, boulevards lined with heroes’ names, and meals that will linger long after you fly home. With a nimble metro, reliable rideshares, and well-vetted tours, this itinerary balances deep dives with downtime—leaving just enough mystery to bring you back.