Travel

Perfect 5-Day Delhi Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

March 11, 2026
Pankaj

Perfect 5-Day Delhi Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Planning your first trip to India’s capital? This comprehensive 5-day Delhi itinerary covers everything from Mughal monuments to bustling bazaars, street food adventures to spiritual experiences. As someone who’s lived in Delhi for years, I’ll share the perfect balance of must-see sights and hidden gems that most tourists miss.

You’ll discover how to navigate the Delhi Metro like a pro, where to find the best street food (safely), and which areas to prioritise when time is limited. This itinerary is designed for international visitors who want to experience authentic Delhi while staying comfortable and safe.

By following this guide, you’ll see both Old and New Delhi, understand the city’s rich history, and create unforgettable memories without the usual tourist traps.

Quick Facts for Your Delhi Trip

  • Best Time to Visit: October to March (cool, dry weather)
  • Daily Budget: ₹2,000-8,000 / $24-96 per person
  • Airport: Indira Gandhi International (DEL), 45 minutes to city centre
  • Languages: Hindi, English widely spoken
  • Currency: Indian Rupee (INR), ₹83 = $1 USD approximately
  • Best Areas to Stay: Connaught Place, Karol Bagh, Paharganj

Day 1: Old Delhi’s Timeless Treasures

Start your Delhi adventure in the historic heart of the city. Begin at Red Fort (Lal Qila), the stunning 17th-century Mughal fortress. Arrive by 9 AM to beat crowds and heat. Entry costs ₹35 / ~$0.40 for Indians, ₹500 / ~$6 for foreigners. The massive red sandstone walls and intricate architecture will give you your first taste of Delhi’s imperial past.

Walk 10 minutes to Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest mosques. Climb the southern minaret for panoramic city views (₹100 / ~$1.20). Dress modestly and remove shoes before entering.

Chandni Chowk Market Experience

Spend your afternoon in Chandni Chowk, Delhi’s 350-year-old market. This isn’t just shopping—it’s a sensory overload of colours, sounds, and smells. Try these authentic experiences:

  • Paranthe Wali Gali: Sample stuffed parathas at Pandit Gaya Prasad (₹80-150 / ~$1-2 per paratha)
  • Karim’s Restaurant: Historic Mughlai cuisine since 1913 (₹200-400 / ~$2.40-4.80 per dish)
  • Silver jewellery at Dariba Kalan: Bargain for traditional pieces

End at Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial, for a peaceful sunset moment.

Day 2: New Delhi’s Colonial Grandeur

Explore Edwin Lutyens’ masterpiece—New Delhi’s government quarter. Start at India Gate, the 42-metre war memorial. The surrounding lawns are perfect for morning walks and people-watching.

Visit Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s House) for exterior photos, then drive down Rajpath to see the impressive government buildings. Book the Rashtrapati Bhavan museum tour in advance (₹50 / ~$0.60).

Humayun’s Tomb and Lodhi Gardens

Humayun’s Tomb is a UNESCO World Heritage site and precursor to the Taj Mahal. Entry is ₹40 / ~$0.50 for Indians, ₹600 / ~$7.20 for foreigners. The Persian-style gardens are stunning, especially in winter months.

Spend late afternoon at Lodhi Gardens—Delhi’s green lung with 15th-century tombs scattered throughout. It’s free, perfect for jogging, and popular with locals exercising.

For dinner, head to Khan Market for upscale dining options like Big Chill Cafe or Cafe Turtle (₹800-1,500 / ~$9.60-18 per meal).

Day 3: Spiritual Delhi and Local Markets

Begin at Lotus Temple (Bahá’í House of Worship), famous for its flower-like architecture. Entry is free, but arrive early (9 AM) to avoid crowds. The peaceful atmosphere offers respite from Delhi’s chaos.

Next, visit Akshardham Temple, a modern architectural marvel. Entry is free, but cameras aren’t allowed. The cultural exhibitions inside are worth 2-3 hours (₹200-400 / ~$2.40-4.80 for exhibitions).

Shopping in South Delhi

Afternoon shopping awaits at these contrasting markets:

Dilli Haat: Government-run crafts market with fixed prices and authentic handicrafts from across India. Entry ₹30 / ~$0.40. Perfect for souvenirs without bargaining stress.

Sarojini Nagar Market: Delhi’s ultimate bargain destination. Everything from clothes to accessories at rock-bottom prices. Expect chaos but amazing deals (₹100-500 / ~$1.20-6 for most items).

Evening at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, where you can experience Sikh hospitality and free community meals (langar).

Day 4: Art, Culture, and Connaught Place

Dedicate morning to National Museum, India’s premier museum showcasing 5,000 years of history. Entry ₹20 / ~$0.24 for Indians, ₹650 / ~$7.80 for foreigners. The Harappan civilization artifacts and Buddhist sculptures are highlights.

Walk to nearby National Gallery of Modern Art for contemporary Indian artists. Entry ₹20 / ~$0.24 for Indians, ₹500 / ~$6 for foreigners.

Connaught Place Exploration

Connaught Place (CP) is Delhi’s commercial heart, built in the 1930s. The Georgian-style circular market houses everything from books to electronics. Key experiences:

  • Central Park: Underground shopping complex
  • Janpath Market: Tourist-friendly shopping with decent prices
  • Palika Bazaar: Underground electronics and clothing market

Try famous street food at Bengali Market: gol gappe (₹30-50 / ~$0.36-0.60), chaat (₹40-80 / ~$0.48-0.96), and kulfi (₹20-40 / ~$0.24-0.48).

Evening drinks at The Imperial Hotel’s Atrium or rooftop bars in CP (₹800-2,000 / ~$9.60-24 per drink).

Day 5: Day Trip Options

Choose your final day adventure:

Option 1: Agra Day Trip (Taj Mahal)

Take the 6 AM Gatimaan Express from Hazrat Nizamuddin station (₹750-1,500 / ~$9-18). Returns by 9:30 PM. See the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and local marble crafts. Total cost including train, entry fees, and lunch: ₹4,000-6,000 / ~$48-72.

Option 2: Local Delhi Exploration

Visit Qutub Minar, Delhi’s tallest minaret and UNESCO site (₹40/₹600 / ~$0.50/$7.20). Combine with nearby Mehrauli Archaeological Park for ruins dating back 1,000 years.

Afternoon at Hauz Khas Village—medieval ruins mixed with trendy cafes, art galleries, and boutiques. Perfect for young travelers and photography enthusiasts.

Sunset at Agrasen ki Baoli, a restored 14th-century stepwell featured in Bollywood films.

Insider Tips from a Local Delhiite

  • Metro Secret: Download the Delhi Metro app and buy a smart card (₹150 / ~$1.80 minimum) at any station. It’s faster than buying tokens and works on buses too.
  • Food Safety: Eat street food from busy stalls with high turnover. Avoid anything that’s been sitting out. Stick to vegetarian options if your stomach is sensitive.
  • Bargaining Formula: In markets like Chandni Chowk, offer 30-40% of the first price. In tourist areas, start at 50%.
  • Traffic Timing: Avoid travel between 8-10 AM and 5-8 PM. Delhi traffic can triple journey times during rush hours.
  • Temple Etiquette: Many temples don’t allow leather items inside. Wear socks or carry flip-flops for easy shoe removal.

Getting There & Getting Around

From the Airport

Delhi Metro: Airport Express Line to New Delhi station (₹60 / ~$0.72, 20 minutes). Connects to all metro lines.

Pre-paid taxi: ₹400-800 / ~$4.80-9.60 depending on destination. Available 24/7 at arrivals.

Uber/Ola: ₹300-600 / ~$3.60-7.20. Book from the app, slightly cheaper than taxis.

Getting Around Delhi

Delhi Metro: Cleanest, fastest option. Fares range ₹10-60 / ~$0.12-0.72. Operates 6 AM to 11 PM.

Auto-rickshaw: ₹10-15 / ~$0.12-0.18 per kilometre. Always negotiate or use the meter.

Uber/Ola: Most convenient for tourists. Prices vary with demand but typically ₹8-12 / ~$0.10-0.14 per kilometre.

Where to Stay

Budget Options (₹800-2,000 / ~$9.60-24 per night)

Paharganj: Backpacker hub near New Delhi Railway Station. Basic but clean hostels and guesthouses.

Karol Bagh: Mid-market area with good metro connectivity and local restaurants.

Mid-Range (₹3,000-7,000 / ~$36-84 per night)

Connaught Place area: Central location, walking distance to attractions and restaurants.

South Delhi (Greater Kailash, Defence Colony): Upscale residential areas with boutique hotels.

Luxury (₹10,000+ / ~$120+ per night)

The Imperial, New Delhi: Historic luxury near Connaught Place.

The Oberoi, New Delhi: Modern luxury with excellent service and central location.

Best Time to Visit

October to March: Perfect weather with temperatures 10-25°C (50-77°F). Peak tourist season with higher hotel rates.

April to June: Hot summer, temperatures up to 45°C (113°F). Good for budget travelers as hotels offer discounts.

July to September: Monsoon season with heavy rains and high humidity. Fewer crowds but outdoor sightseeing can be challenging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Delhi safe for solo female travelers?

Delhi is generally safe with normal precautions. Stick to well-lit areas at night, use reliable transport (Uber, metro), and dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Areas like Connaught Place, Khan Market, and major tourist attractions are very safe during daytime.

How much money should I budget per day?

Budget travelers: ₹2,000-3,000 / ~$24-36 (hostels, street food, public transport). Mid-range: ₹4,000-6,000 / ~$48-72 (decent hotels, restaurants, taxis). Luxury: ₹8,000+ / ~$96+ (5-star hotels, fine dining, private transport).

Do I need a visa to visit Delhi/India?

Most nationalities need a visa. US, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens can apply for e-visas online ($25-80 USD depending on duration). Tourist visas are valid for 30 days to 10 years. Apply at least 4 days before travel.

What’s the best way to exchange money?

ATMs offer the best exchange rates and are widely available. Major international cards (Visa, Mastercard) work at most ATMs. Avoid currency exchange at hotels—they offer poor rates. Authorized money changers in Connaught Place offer competitive rates.

Can I drink tap water in Delhi?

No, avoid tap water completely. Buy sealed bottled water (₹20-40 / ~$0.24-0.48 per litre) or use water purification tablets. Most hotels provide complimentary bottled water. Restaurants in upscale areas use filtered water, but stick to bottled water to be safe.