Day 1: The Best of Delhi in 24 Hours
Old Delhi — Jama Masjid & Chandni Chowk
Start at Jama Masjid — India's largest mosque, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1656. Climb the southern minaret (₹300) for panoramic views of Old Delhi's chaotic rooftops. Then dive into Chandni Chowk — one of the oldest and busiest markets in Asia. The narrow lanes are a sensory overload of spice stalls, silver shops, fabric dealers, and the best street food in India. Breakfast: chole bhature at Sita Ram for ₹80.
Red Fort & Humayun's Tomb
Walk to the Red Fort (₹600 foreigners) — the massive red sandstone Mughal palace complex that was the seat of power for 200 years. The main hall of audience (Diwan-i-Am) and marble private apartments are impressive. Then auto-rickshaw or metro to Humayun's Tomb (₹600) — the 1570 garden tomb that inspired the Taj Mahal. The symmetry, gardens, and red-and-white stone work are breathtaking.
India Gate & Connaught Place
Auto-rickshaw to India Gate — Delhi's iconic war memorial, beautifully lit at night. Walk the Rajpath (now Kartavya Path) promenade. Then head to Connaught Place — the colonial-era circular market with restaurants, bars, and rooftop terraces. Dinner at Saravana Bhavan for unlimited South Indian thali (₹250–350) or Karim's near Jama Masjid for legendary Mughlai kebabs and biryani (₹200–400).
