Delhi 3-Day Essentials

Activities

1. 07:30 Chandni Chowk food tour + Paranthe Wali Gali (since 1872) + rickshaw 3 hours

   The 1872 paratha lane — freshly fried parathas ₹55-90 — with a rickshaw and guide, ₹1,500-2,500 over 2-3 hours.

   Cost: ₹500-2,500 ($6-30) TIP: Go early on an empty stomach.
2. 10:30 Jama Masjid (built 1656, India's largest mosque, free) 1 hour

   Built in 1656, India's largest mosque, holding 25,000 worshippers. Free (camera ₹300). Great minaret views.

   Cost: ₹300 ($4) TIP: Scarves and robes can be borrowed at the entrance for women.
3. 11:30 Lunch — Karim's (since 1913, classic Mughlai) 1 hour

   Running since 1913, founded by Mughal court-cook descendants — Mutton Korma and Sheek Kebab, ₹180-440.

   Cost: ₹180-440 ($2-5) TIP: Expect a 30-minute queue.
4. 13:00 Red Fort (Lal Qila, built 1638, UNESCO, foreigner ₹600) 2 hours

   Built in 1638, UNESCO-listed — a 2km red-sandstone wall, and where the Prime Minister gives the Independence Day address.

   Cost: ₹600 ($7) TIP: Closed Mondays; go in the morning to beat the crowds.
5. 16:00 Bhola Nath Lassi (since 1965, classic lassi) 30 min

   Running since 1965 — a classic street-side lassi, ₹40-80.

   Cost: ₹40-80 ($1) TIP: A local classic.
6. 17:00 Raj Ghat (Mahatma Gandhi memorial, free) 1 hour

   Mahatma Gandhi's cremation site — a black marble memorial. Free.

   Cost: Free TIP: Shoes must be removed.
7. 19:30 Dinner — Moti Mahal Daryaganj (since 1949, birthplace of butter chicken) or Bukhara (Michelin-level) 2.5 hours

   Moti Mahal (₹400-800, since 1949, the original butter chicken) or Bukhara (₹3,000-6,000, World's 50 Best, book a week+ ahead).

   Cost: ₹400-6,000 ($5-71) TIP: Fine-dining spots need a week+ booking.

Meal Recommendations

Activities

1. 05:30 New Delhi station → Agra Cantt (Gatimaan Express, 1h40, foreigner ₹1,400 round trip) 2 hours

   The Gatimaan Express, 06:00 first train from New Delhi station, 1h40, ₹1,400 round trip for foreigners.

   Cost: ₹1,400 ($17) TIP: Book in advance.
2. 08:30 Taj Mahal (built 1632, UNESCO, foreigner ₹1,300, a sunrise icon) 3 hours

   Built in 1632, UNESCO-listed — a Wonder of the World and a top sunrise spot; Gate A has the shorter queue.

   Cost: ₹1,300 ($16) TIP: Enter at 05:30 via Gate A; closed Fridays.
3. 12:00 Lunch — Pinch of Spice or Esphahan (Oberoi Amarvilas, Michelin-level, facing the Taj) 1.5 hours

   Pinch of Spice (classic Agra, ₹400-800) or Esphahan (Oberoi Amarvilas, Michelin-level, ₹3,000+).

   Cost: ₹400-3,000 ($5-36) TIP: A relaxed schedule.
4. 14:00 Agra Fort (built 1565, UNESCO, foreigner ₹650) 2 hours

   Built in 1565 — Emperor Akbar's Mughal fort, UNESCO-listed, red sandstone, with views of the Taj.

   Cost: ₹650 ($8) TIP: Pair with the Taj Mahal on the same day.
5. 16:30 Mehtab Bagh (the garden directly facing the Taj — a photo spot, foreigner ₹300) 1 hour

   Directly facing the Taj Mahal — a garden and photo spot, also a great sunset viewpoint.

   Cost: ₹300 ($4) TIP: A sunset spot.
6. 18:00 Agra Cantt → New Delhi (Gatimaan Express, 21:30 last train) 2 hours

   The final leg — 1h40 by train.

   Cost: Included TIP: A relaxed schedule.
7. 20:30 Dinner — The Imperial 1911 Brasserie (since 1931) or Saravana Bhavan (South Indian vegetarian) 2.5 hours

   The Imperial (₹2,000-4,000, since 1931, a honeymoon favorite) or Saravana Bhavan (₹90-260, vegetarian).

   Cost: ₹90-4,000 ($1-47) TIP: The Imperial (since 1931) is recommended.

Meal Recommendations

Activities

1. 08:30 Humayun's Tomb (built 1570, prototype for the Taj, UNESCO, foreigner ₹600) 1.5 hours

   Built in 1570 — the architectural prototype for the Taj Mahal, UNESCO-listed, with Persian gardens and far fewer crowds than the Taj.

   Cost: ₹600 ($7) TIP: Best in the morning.
2. 10:30 Lotus Temple (1986, a Baha'i temple shaped like a lotus, free) 1 hour

   Built in 1986 — a Baha'i temple shaped like a lotus flower. Free.

   Cost: Free TIP: Shoes must be removed.
3. 12:00 Lunch — Saravana Bhavan (Connaught Place, South Indian vegetarian) 1 hour

   Authentic Connaught Place vegetarian, ₹90-260 — a clean chain.

   Cost: ₹90-260 ($1-3) TIP: Great for visitors and vegetarians.
4. 13:30 Qutub Minar (built 1199, UNESCO, 72.5m, foreigner ₹600) 1.5 hours

   Built in 1199 — UNESCO-listed, 72.5m, the world's tallest brick minaret, Indo-Islamic architecture.

   Cost: ₹600 ($7) TIP: The morning light is best.
5. 16:00 India Gate (1931, a memorial to 90,000 soldiers, free) 1 hour

   Built in 1931 — a WWI memorial to 90,000 Indian soldiers, with their names inscribed. Free, and great in the evening.

   Cost: Free TIP: A lovely evening atmosphere.
6. 18:00 Connaught Place (built 1933, shopping) + Wenger's (since 1926) 2 hours

   Connaught Place, built in 1933, is New Delhi's heart — shopping, dining, and Wenger's, Delhi's oldest bakery (since 1926).

   Cost: Shopping extra TIP: Try Wenger's plum cake.
7. 20:00 Farewell dinner — Indian Accent (Asia's 50 Best) or Khan Chacha (since 1972, rolls) 2.5 hours

   Indian Accent (₹2,650-5,250, book a week+ ahead) or Khan Chacha (₹180-400, classic rolls).

   Cost: ₹180-5,250 ($2-62) TIP: Fine-dining spots need a week+ booking.

Meal Recommendations