Most often than not, for the first time visitor to India, Delhi is their starting point. But not many take the time out to explore this incredible city. Instead they head off on the Golden Triangle route.  Delhi has far more to offer, so next time you are in India follow our guide to get the most out of your weekend in Delhi and get to know this incredible city.

Many arrive in India with a laundry list of places to visit, restaurants to eat at, and bars to drink at! It’s a frantic schedule even for a local urbanite. If you are looking for the absolute best things to do in Delhi, this brief guide will help you negotiate your way across the capital and discover this fascinating city.

New Delhi is the capital city of the Republic of India, hosting the legislative, executive, and judiciary arms of the government. It also serves as the seat of authority for the National Capital Territory. If you are looking for iconic places to visit in Delhi, this area is a great place to start your first day by exploring the landmark sites of the Rajpath. To make good use of your time, use the local auto-rickshaws for short journeys between these sites.

Delhi is a city that bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis and formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings. Because the city was built, destroyed, and rebuilt over a millennium, the absolute best Delhi tour places are scattered across these distinct historical layers. Interestingly, a number of Delhi’s rulers played a dual role, first as destroyers of the old city and then as creators of the next, leaving behind a rich seat of power for travelers to explore.

The city’s importance lies not just in its past glory as the seat of empires and magnificent monuments, but also in the rich and diverse cultures. Delhi has captivating ancient monuments, fascinating museums and art galleries, architectural wonders, a vivacious performing-arts scene, fabulous eating places and bustling markets.

Delhi has been the political hub of India. Every political activity in the country traces its roots here. This was true even of the mythological era. The Pandavas of the Mahabharata had their capital at Indraprastha, which is believed to have been geographically located in today’s Delhi.

Start your Delhi journey at the magnificent Rashtrapati Bhavan — the crown jewel of Lutyens’ Delhi. Spread over 330 acres, this iconic structure was designed by the celebrated British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens as the official residence of the Viceroy of India during British rule. Today, it proudly serves as the official residence of the President of India — the First Citizen of the nation. The building took nearly 17 years to complete (1912–1929) and blends classical European architecture with traditional Indian elements, making it one of the finest examples of colonial-era architecture in the world.

After soaking in the grandeur of Rashtrapati Bhavan, take a stroll along Rajpath (now called Kartavya Path), the famous ceremonial boulevard that connects Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate. Jump into an auto and head towards the National Museum — the largest museum in India, home to over 2,00,000 works of art spanning more than 5,000 years of Indian civilisation. It is a must-visit for every history lover.

Just about 2 km away sits the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) at Jaipur House. Established in 1954, NGMA houses over 17,000 works of art from post-1850 Indian artists, including legends like Rabindranath Tagore and Amrita Sher-Gil. As one of the premier art institutions in Asia, incorporating a visit here adds incredible cultural depth to any Delhi tour itinerary.

Standing proudly in front of NGMA is the timeless India Gate — a 42-metre-high war memorial built in honour of approximately 84,000 Indian and British soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War I and the Afghan Wars (1919). Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, this memorial carries the names of over 13,000 soldiers inscribed on its walls. For anyone mapping out the essential things to do in Delhi, visiting this site is a profound experience. While it historically housed the Amar Jawan Jyoti, the tribute has since been integrated with the eternal flame at the adjacent National War Memorial, cementing the entire complex as one of the most emotionally powerful landmarks in the capital.

This will be a great time to head to Connaught Place for lunch.  Connaught Place is a hub for speciality and multi-cuisine restaurants and fast-food joints. You will find good places for any budget and preference. In keeping with the morning activity we suggest lunch at the Embassy. This restaurant is a great example of ‘if it aint broke don’t fix it’. The menu has remained unchanged for over 60 years. Embassy opened its doors just after independence and continues to serve the popular cuisines of that day—classic north Indian dishes and ‘Continental’ cuisine. But leave everything else aside and just order the chana bhatura, you can thank me later.

Post lunch you can go souvenir shopping at the many shops in Connaught Place,  good excuse to burn off some calories from lunch.

While at Connaught Place take a short walk from the Patel Chowk metro station to Jantar Mantar, one of the world’s oldest astronomical observatories.

Jantar Mantar – Delhi

A short walk from Jantar Mantar, off Hailey Road, in a lane just before the Consulate General of Malta, is Agrasen ki Baoli, a 14th century step-well.

As the sun begins to soften, relish your evening with a genuine slice of history in the timeless bylanes of Old Delhi. Jump into an auto and head towards Chandni Chowk, roughly 5 km away from India Gate. The ride itself gives you a beautiful glimpse of Delhi’s changing face — from wide, planned boulevards to the lively, buzzing streets of the old city.

Once you arrive, put the auto aside. The best way to truly experience Chandni Chowk is either on a cycle-rickshaw or simply on foot. There is no rush here. Let the streets pull you in.

When compiling your itinerary of iconic places to visit in Delhi, begin your exploration at the grand Jama Masjid — one of the largest and most magnificent mosques in India. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1644 and 1656, it took around 12 years and nearly 5,000 workers to complete. The mosque can hold up to 25,000 worshippers at one time. Its three massive domes, two 40-metre-high minarets, and a vast courtyard make it one of the most breathtaking pieces of Mughal architecture standing in India today. Climb the southern minaret for a sweeping, panoramic view of Old Delhi — it is absolutely worth it.

From Jama Masjid, Old Delhi opens up beautifully. Within walking distance, you will find a rare and wonderful mix of temples, churches, and mosques standing side by side — a living example of India’s deep-rooted tradition of religious harmony. Visit the Gauri Shankar Temple on Chandni Chowk Road, one of Delhi’s oldest Hindu temples. The St. Barnabas Church, quietly tucked in the lanes nearby, is another hidden gem with real colonial charm. This small stretch of Old Delhi tells the story of a city that has always welcomed every faith with open arms.

💡 Pro Tip: Visit Jama Masjid during the golden hour just before sunset. The warm light on the red sandstone walls is a sight you will not forget.

Jama Masjid – Old Delhi

While exploring Chandni Chowk, no visit is truly complete without tasting the legendary Jalebi at the iconic Old Famous Jalebi Wala at Dariba Kalan. This shop has been serving fresh jalebis for over 150 years — yes, since the 1880s. A jalebi is a deep-fried wheat flour pretzel soaked in warm sugar syrup, served hot and crispy. One bite of these golden, juicy jalebis and you will genuinely want to thank whoever invented them. They are that good.

If that first taste has fired up your appetite, head straight to Paranthewali Gali — one of the most beloved culinary delhi tour places. This narrow street has been serving deep-fried, stuffed paranthas since the early 1870s. You will find an incredible variety here — from classic aloo and paneer to more unique fillings like rabri and dry fruits. Every parantha comes with a generous side of pickle, curd, and chutney. Pair it with a tall glass of thick, creamy lassi — widely considered among the best in the entire city — and you have yourself a proper Delhi breakfast.

What makes Chandni Chowk special is that it feeds every kind of traveller. Not a street food fan? No problem. The area also has several sit-down restaurants serving traditional Mughlai and North Indian cuisine, along with popular fast-food outlets for familiar comfort food. But honestly, the street food here is a living piece of Delhi’s culinary history — and skipping it would be a real missed opportunity.

💡 Pro Tip: Visit early morning between 8 AM and 10 AM for the freshest jalebis and the shortest queues at Paranthewali Gali.

Jalebi – A Delicious Deep Fried, Sugar Soaked Treat

If you have some energy left and want to take in the nightlife, I would recommend heading to the bars in the numerous 5 star hotels.  Delhi’s drinking dens can be found concentrated around Connaught Place or in the prosperous southern suburbs. Many Delhi bars also double up as restaurants and nightclubs.

One of my personal favourites is the 1911 at the Imperial Hotel, it’s a great bar and an even better hotel.

The Imperial Hotel – 1911 Bar

When looking for the best things to do in Delhi, start your second morning with something truly calming and visually stunning — a visit to the Lotus Temple. Located in Bahapur, South Delhi, this architectural marvel belongs to the Bahá’í Faith and welcomes people of all religions without any discrimination. Completed in 1986 and designed by Iranian-Canadian architect Fariborz Sahba, the temple is shaped like a half-open lotus flower with 27 free-standing white marble petals arranged in clusters of three. It has won numerous architectural awards and attracts millions of visitors every year — making it one of the most visited buildings in the entire world. Step inside and experience a rare, peaceful silence in the middle of a busy city.

From there, make your way to Humayun’s Tomb — one of the most impressive and historically significant Mughal edifices in India. Built in 1572 by Humayun’s wife Empress Bega Begum, this stunning structure was the first garden-tomb ever built in the Indian subcontinent and directly inspired the design of the Taj Mahal nearly a century later. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it stands out as one of the absolute best places to visit in Delhi. The tomb sits at the centre of a vast, beautifully maintained Charbagh — a Persian-style garden divided into four equal squares by water channels. Take your time here to walk through the complex, explore the smaller monuments surrounding the main tomb, and appreciate the scale of Mughal craftsmanship up close.

Just 2 km north of Humayun’s Tomb lies one of the most spiritually powerful delhi tour places — the Nizamuddin Dargah. This is the shrine of the revered Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya (1238–1325), one of the most beloved figures in the Chishti order of Sufism. The dargah is a deeply moving place — always full of devotees, fragrant with rose petals and incense, and alive with the soul-stirring sound of Qawwali music, especially on Thursday evenings. The dargah complex also houses the graves of notable historical figures including the poet Amir Khusrau, a devoted disciple of Nizamuddin Auliya. Whether you are spiritual or not, this place leaves a lasting impression on every visitor.

💡 Pro Tip: Visit Nizamuddin Dargah on a Thursday evening to witness the live Qawwali performance — a deeply authentic and unforgettable cultural experience.

Lotus Temple – A Bahá’í House of Worship in New Delhi

For lunch I would suggest going to Khan Market. This is a favourite of the expat and diplomatic community. It was originally allocated as seed land to immigrants from the North-West Frontier Province after the partition of India.  Today it’s a popular shopping destination in Delhi. There are some great book shops and many cafes and restaurants. A personal favourite is SodaBottleOpenerWala. It has a quirky ambience with some great cocktails, but it’s the Parsi dishes such as berry pulao, dhansak and eggs kejriwal with toast that will make this your next goto place.

After lunch for the afternoon and possibly the rest of the day will be at Hauz Khas Village. The streets are crumbling and the wires overhead are irreversibly tangled. New Delhi’s historic Hauz Khas Village (HKV) may be a bit scruffy at the edges, but there’s no funkier spot in the capital to shop, eat and generally enjoy the vibe. It’s a perfect place to relax and shop. If you like art go to Delhi Art Gallery. This is one of New Delhi’s oldest, and owns its entire collection of India’s pre-moderns, moderns and contemporary artists.

If you are  interested in the old masters – Raza, Husain, Tagore, F.N. Souza and Padamsee – and aren’t inclined to question the authenticity of the multi-dimensional and the outlandish, Delhi Art Gallery can be considered a safe place to buy.

There are an abundance of small niche shops dotted around the village and I would highly recommend spending the remainder of the day discovering them.

This brief tour should give you a better appreciation of Delhi and maybe next time you can stop for longer.  Indian Odyssey offers a variety of tours around India and can encompass a few nights in Delhi in order for you to see for yourself what a diverse and vibrant city Delhi truly is.

Where to Stay

The Imperial Hotel – Janpath Road, Connaught Place
A luxury 5 star hotel conveniently located near the centre of New Delhi.

The Oberoi – Gurgaon
A contemporary hotel located around 15 minutes from the International Airport and 30 minutes from central Delhi.

Related Tours

Taj Rendezvous – Encompassing Delhi, Jaipur and Agra

The North Indian Odyssey – Encompassing  Delhi, Agra,Jaipur, Amritsar and Udaipur

For more information or to start planning a unique holiday to India, please contact us:

info@indianodyssey.co.uk   /  +44 (0) 1224 313984