3 Days in Delhi
Delhi can overwhelm on first arrival, and that is part of its character. India's capital layers centuries of history against a fast, loud present, and three days lets you sample both the grand monuments and the everyday street life without trying to see everything. Go with patience, an open mind and a flexible plan.
Getting from the airport. Indira Gandhi International Airport sits southwest of the city and is well connected. The Airport Express metro line reaches central New Delhi in around 20 minutes and is clean and cheap. That said, after a long flight or with luggage, a prepaid or app-based taxi is far less stressful; it helps to know the usual airport taxi fares in advance so you can judge a fair price.
Day 1
Morning
Begin in Old Delhi. Visit the Jama Masjid, one of India's largest mosques, then brace yourself for the sensory rush of Chandni Chowk. A cycle-rickshaw ride through the lanes is the classic way to experience the density and energy of the old city.
Afternoon
Walk or ride to the Red Fort, the vast sandstone complex that anchors Old Delhi's skyline. Allow a couple of hours and carry water. Afterward, rest with a proper lunch; Old Delhi is famous for its street food, but choose busy, freshly cooked stalls if your stomach is unaccustomed.
Evening
Head to India Gate as the day cools. The war memorial and the surrounding lawns fill with families in the evening, and it is a relaxed place to end an intense first day.
Day 2
Morning
Devote the morning to Humayun's Tomb, a serene Mughal masterpiece and a clear precursor to the Taj Mahal. The gardens are calm and photogenic early in the day, before the heat and the crowds.
Afternoon
Continue to the Qutub Minar complex in the south, where a soaring medieval tower stands among atmospheric ruins. Nearby Mehrauli has quieter archaeological corners if you want to escape the main site.
Evening
Spend the evening in Hauz Khas Village, where a medieval reservoir and tomb sit beside cafes, boutiques and rooftop restaurants. It is a comfortable, modern counterpoint to the historic day.
Day 3
Morning
Visit the Lotus Temple, an architectural landmark open to all faiths, and the nearby Bahai gardens. If you prefer, the sprawling Akshardham complex to the east is remarkable, though it demands more time and bans phones and bags.
Afternoon
Explore New Delhi's colonial-era core around Connaught Place, a circular market district good for shopping and a sit-down lunch. Government buildings and wide avenues nearby show a very different Delhi from the old city.
Evening
Finish with a calm evening at Lodhi Gardens, where tombs, lawns and joggers coexist. It is a fitting, gentle close to a demanding but rewarding three days.
Where to stay
Connaught Place is central and well connected, ideal for first-time visitors who want metro access and plenty of restaurants. South Delhi, including areas like Hauz Khas and Saket, is greener, quieter and generally more comfortable, with good mid-range and upscale hotels. Paharganj, near the New Delhi railway station, is the budget backpacker hub; it is cheap and lively but chaotic, so set expectations accordingly.
Practical tips
- Use the metro where possible; it is efficient, air-conditioned and avoids traffic and fare haggling.
- Agree on a price or insist on the meter before any auto-rickshaw ride.
- Drink only bottled or filtered water and eat freshly cooked food to stay well.
- Dress modestly at religious sites and carry a scarf to cover your head where required.
- Air quality can be poor, especially in winter, so check conditions and consider a mask.
Three days in Delhi is intense, but it opens a window onto India's history, faith and daily life that few cities can match. For deeper neighbourhood guides, seasonal timing and more transport detail, see our full Delhi travel guide.