Delhi is a land of multifaceted attractions, diverse cultures and colourful markets. On your 2-day trip to the city, you can explore an interesting mix of two distinct locales – Old Delhi and New Delhi. The ancient monuments, bustling bazaars, roadside eateries and narrow lanes of Old Delhi give a glimpse of the city’s rich history. In contrast, New Delhi displays a vivid picture of the colonial period with its tree-lined avenues, imposing buildings, fancy restaurants, pubs and lounges and shopping arcades.
Here’s how you can plan your itinerary to explore the best that Delhi has to offer, in just two days:
Time Slot | Things to Do | |
Day 01 | 7.00 am – 8.00 am | Capture the most iconic attractions on the Rajpath |
8.30 am – 1.00 pm | Indulge in gastronomic & cultural delights of Old Delhi | |
1.00 pm – 4.00 pm | Delve into the Mughal magnificence at Red Fort | |
4.30 pm – 7.30 pm | Enjoy a shopping spree at Connaught Place | |
7.30 pm onward | Relish scrumptious food, party or attend a live gig | |
Day 02 | 10.00 am – 11.30 am | Visit the centuries-old Qutub Minar Complex |
11.45 am – 2.00 pm | Explore the mystical ruins and quirky cafes of Hauz Khas | |
2.00 pm – 3.00 pm | Admire the architectural beauty of Lotus Temple | |
3.30 pm – 4.30 pm | Capture the grand setting of Humayun’s Tomb | |
4.45 pm – 5.30 pm | Take a stroll around the historical Lodhi Garden | |
5.45 pm – 8.00 pm | Indulge in street grubs and budget shopping | |
8.00 pm onwards | Experience the richness of Indian culture at Dilli Haat |
Day 01
7.00 am – 8.00 am : Capture the most iconic attractions on the Rajpath
Start your first day in the capital a little early to capture the true essence of the political seat that it is before the traffic hits the road. Take a morning walk or drive along the Rajpath to explore the best of the best in Lutyen’s Delhi and get the most amazing, sun-lit pictures in front of landmark buildings.
What to see?
- Rashtrapati Bhawan
- Parliament House
- India Gate
Once you have covered everything on the boulevard, proceed to the Dil of Delhi – Chandni Chowk.
- By road: Approx. 20 minutes’ drive
- By metro: Central Secretariat to Chawri Bazar/Chandni Chowk (Yellow Line)
8.30 am – 1.00 pm : Indulge in gastronomic & cultural delights of Old Delhi
Welcome to ‘food heaven’, just in time for breakfast! Go ahead and treat your taste buds with some ultimate desi flavours at any of the iconic food stalls hidden in the nooks and corners of Old Delhi. Old Delhi and Chandni Chowk is one of the must places to visit in Delhi.
Where to go and what to eat?
- Lotan Chole Kulche Wala – Chole kulche
- Shyam Sweets – Halwa Nagori
- Jung Bahadur Kachori Wala – Kachori aloo and lassi
- Shiv Misthan Bhandar – Bedmi poori
- Paranthe Wali Gali – Stuffed paranthas
Stuffed much? Now, continue your sightseeing tour with a visit to Old Delhi’s heritage structures.
What to see?
- Jama Masjid
- Havelisof Begum Samru, Mirza Ghalib & Zeenat Mahal
- Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib Ji
While you make your way through the madness to explore the many gems of Chandni Chowk, do not forget to take a break and sample some mouth-watering delicacies that every Delhiite swears by.
Where to go and what to eat?
- Natraj Dahi Bhalle Wala – Dahi bhalle and aloo tikka
- Ashok Chaat Corner – Gol gappe and papdi chaat
- Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi Wale – Flavoured kulfi
- Giani’s Di Hatti – Rabri falooda
- Kanwarji’s – Quick bites & desserts
Proceed to Red Fort (Lal Quila), which is located at a short walk from Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib Ji.
1.00 pm – 4.00 pm : Delve into the Mughal magnificence at Red Fort
It’s only fair to save the best for the last! Spend a few hours exploring the UNESCO-listed Red Fort.
- Entry Fee: INR 35 for Indians, INR 500 for Foreigners
- For Video Camera: INR 25
- Open till: 4.30 pm (Tuesday-Sunday)
End your trip through history and set out to explore CP – Delhi’s shopping & entertainment hub.
- By road: Approx. 20 minutes’ drive
- By metro: Chandni Chowk to Rajiv Chowk (Yellow Line)
4.30 pm – 7.30 pm : Enjoy a shopping spree at Connaught Place
When in Delhi, you definitely can’t miss out on shopping and there couldn’t be a better place to shop at than Connaught Place, popular as CP. Spend a few hours exploring its Inner Circle and Outer Circle that are lined with major brand outlets and finding some great buys at Janpath and Palika Bazar.
- Closed on: Sundays
7.30 pm onward : Relish scrumptious food, party or attend a live gig
With all the sightseeing and shopping, you would be tired by now so it is best to just kick back and go to any of the amazing nightlife places in Connaught Place for dinner, drinks or just hanging out!
Where to go?
- Ardor 2.1
- The G.T. Road
- Saravana Bhavan
- Parikrama – The Revolving Restaurant
- The Big Chill Café
- My Bar Headquarters
- Local
- Odeon Social
- Tamasha
- Farzi Café
Call it a day when you wish and then, retire to your hotel in Delhi to get charged up for the next day.
Day 02
10.00 am – 11.30 am : Visit the centuries-old Qutub Minar Complex
Start your second day in Delhi on a relaxing note; leave the hotel after breakfast and head straight to the world’s tallest brick minaret – Qutub Minar, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Entry Fee: INR 30 for Indians, INR 500 for Foreigners, Free for children below 15 years
- For Still Camera: INR 25 (Non-commercial use)
- For Video Camera: INR 25 (Non-commercial use)
- Open till: 5.00 pm (Monday-Sunday)
After exploring the monument, proceed to Hauz Khas to further fascinate the history buff in you.
- By road: Approx. 15 minutes’ drive
- By metro: Qutab Minar to Hauz Khas (Yellow Line)
11.45 am – 2.00 pm : Explore the mystical ruins and quirky cafes of Hauz Khas
Spend an hour taking a stroll around the historic Hauz Khas Complex and explore the many remnants from the past scattered across it like Hauz Khas Lake (Royal Tank), a Lodhi-era mosque and a tomb.
- Entry Fee: None
- Open till: 7.30 pm (Monday-Saturday)
Post your tryst with the area’s beautiful past, get acquainted with its revving urban present. Enjoy a sumptuous meal at any of the fancy restaurants or cafes lined along the lanes of Hauz Khas Village.
Where to eat?
- Hauz Khas Social
- Yeti – The Himalayan Kitchen
- Naivedyam
- Mia Bella – Romantic Kitchen & Bar
- Coast Café
- Matchbox
- Vapour Bar Exchange
- The Tea Room from Blossom Kochhar
- Elma’s Bakery & Kitchen
- Kunzum Travel Café
Once you’re done with lunch, leave Hauz Khas and proceed to Lotus Temple for some peaceful time.
- By road: Approx. 20 minutes’ drive
- By metro: Hauz Khas to Kalkaji Mandir (Magenta Line)
2.00 pm – 3.00 pm : Admire the architectural beauty of Lotus Temple
Witness the beautiful flower-shaped structure of Lotus Temple and spend some quiet time inside it.
- Entry Fee: None
- Open till: 5.30 pm (Tuesday-Sunday)
From here, head to Humayun’s Tomb in the eastern part of the city to continue with Dilli darshan.
- By road: Approx. 20 minutes’ drive
- By metro: Nehru Place to JLN Stadium (Violet Line)
3.30 pm – 4.30 pm : Capture the grand setting of Humayun’s Tomb
Explore the structure that inspired years of Mughal architectural innovations including Taj Mahal.
- Entry Fee: INR 30 for Indians, INR 500 for Foreigners
- For Video Camera: INR 25
- Open till: Sunset (Monday-Sunday)
After one of the best-preserved monuments, explore one of the most beautiful gardens in Delhi.
- By road: Approx. 10 minutes’ drive
4.45 pm – 5.30 pm : Take a stroll around the historical Lodhi Garden
Drive further along the Lodhi Road to reach Lodhi Garden, a historical park dotted with many age-old structures like Bara Gumbad, Shisha Gumbad and tombs of Mohammed Shah and Sikandar Lodi.
- Entry Fee: None
- Open till: 7.30 pm (Monday-Sunday)
Get ready to enjoy some authentic street food and street shopping now at South Delhi markets.
- By road: Approx. 10-15 minutes’ drive
- By metro: JLN Stadium to Lajpat Nagar (Violet Line)
Lajpat Nagar to Sarojini Nagar/South Ex (Pink Line)
5.45 pm – 8.00 pm : Indulge in street grubs and budget shopping
Before your final day in Delhi comes to an end, you must engage in some Delhi-style street shopping and sample some delicious street food items at any of the popular marketplaces of South Delhi.
Where to go?
- Lajpat Nagar
- South Ex
- Sarojini Nagar
Explore the colourful maze of shops and street food joints at the sprawling Central Market in Lajpat Nagar, head to South Ex for branded shopping or haggle your heart out at Sarojini Nagar market. End your Delhi tour at Dilli Haat to enjoy shopping, dining and cultural performances, all at one place.
- By road: Approx. 5-20 minutes’ drive
- By metro: Lajpat Nagar/Sarojini Nagar/South Ex to INA (Pink Line Metro Route)
8.00 pm onwards : Experience the richness of Indian culture at Dilli Haat
There could not be a better place to mark an end to your trip than Dilli Haat, a one-stop destination to enjoy shopping for handicrafts and tasting delightful local foods from different states of India. The time spent in this rural setting before you return to your hotel will be something to remember by.
This post was last modified on 04-Mar-2024