Explore Delhi: A Quick and Complete One-Day Itinerary

Imagine this: You are in Delhi with a day to spare. You want to eat the famous street food you have always heard about, shop in markets, and roam around the city from one historical site to another. But then it dawns on you. You only have one day. And that dream of experiencing it all is slowly fading away. But it doesn’t have to. We get it; Delhi is so expansive that even a long vacation may not be enough to explore it wholly. How can one imagine experiencing it all in a day? To save you time and trouble, we have compiled a Delhi itinerary to help you live the best of the city within a day.

1Morning (7 am – 12 pm)

In the early morning hours, Delhi remains a somewhat sleeping city. While the streets are still empty, get out and start your day by visiting several famous places in Delhi.

Places to Visit

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Commence your day by visiting Rajpath, where the Rashtrapati Bhavan stands in all its glory. As you enter Church Lane, situated near the Bhavan, you will come face to face with the stunning Cathedral Church of the Redemption. Other landmark sites in this vicinity are the Parliament House, the National Museum, and Jaipur House’s National Gallery of Modern Art.
Once you are done viewing these places, you can travel 2 km and reach India Gate, a war memorial that attracts millions of tourists each year. While the morning air is still crisp, move to Jantar Mantar, Red Fort, Raj Ghat, and Jama Masjid, Delhi’s attractions, which get crowded later in the day.

Where to Eat Breakfast?

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The area around these tourist spots is also known for another highlight of Delhi: its delicious food. You will find restaurants like Lotan Chole Kulche Wala, Shyam Sweets, and the famous Parathe wali Gali in Connaught Place. Other spots here like Kanwarji and some famous cafes offer a wide range of breakfast options.

Best Shopping Spots

Photo by Lara Jameson

This Delhi itinerary won’t be complete without Connaught Place, Chandni Chowk area, Janpath, and Palika Bazar. You may not consider morning and noon to be the best time to shop, but the hustle and bustle in these markets make you feel otherwise. You will find these markets filled with shops selling affordable items, as well as rows of stores offering luxury brands, making them some of the best places to shop in Delhi.

2Afternon (12 – 5 pm)

Take a breather from the markets and spend your afternoon in some iconic sites.

Places to Visit

Photo by Aviral Swarnkar

Start with Qutub Minar, an example of the Mughals’ exemplary architecture. This site receives visitors yearly, making it a popular tourist destination in Delhi. As you roam around its walls, you will feel compelled to dive into the history of this monument. After this, move on to Hauz Khas, which will be the highlight of your trip. Here you can explore the Hauz Khas Complex remnants, ruins of a mosque, and tomb, and watch as the sun reflects on the Hauz Khas lake.

From there, you can take a quick trip to the famous Lotus Temple. Evident by its name, this temple is structured like a lotus flower and is all white, giving it a mesmerizing look. The greenery in its vicinity adds to the charm. After this, you can head to Humayun’s Tomb and spend time exploring its rich heritage. Your next stop, Lodhi Garden, is filled with vibrance and liveliness, which is the perfect place to stroll for hours.

Where to Eat Lunch?

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Hungry again? We are taking you back to Hauz Khas, as it is the place for the foodies. This area is littered with cafes, restaurants, and bars, making it a hub for finding the best food in Delhi. For a hearty lunch, you can stop at places like Haus Khas Social, Yeti, Mia Bella, Naivedyam, and others. If you don’t want to mess up your diet plan even when traveling, you can check out some of Delhi’s top healthy restaurants.

Now, back to the garden.

Best Shopping Spots

Photo by Yogendra Singh

After a relaxing visit to the Lodhi Garden, head to the nearby markets. Looking for budget-friendly clothes and accessories? You will find anything and everything in the Lajpat Nagar and Sarojini Nagar markets. These Delhi markets are famous for selling branded pieces at low prices, making them perfect for thrifting purposes.

3Evening (5 – 9 pm)

As dusk starts to settle in, head towards the heart of the city to continue your endeavors.

Places to Visit

Photo by Deepak Ghoran

Next on this Delhi itinerary is Dilli Haat: a must-visit destination. It is a hub for Indian artisans showcasing their culture and art through unique handicraft items. You can visit the exhibition hall here to discover handlooms from different parts of India. The open stage here is used to set up vibrant cultural performances from time to time.

Where to Eat Snacks/Dinner?

Photo by Chan Walrus

Dilli Haat brims with food stalls, serving food from different states, making it a one-of-a-kind experience. You can sit and enjoy an evening snack, dessert, or the famous street foods from Delhi here. If a lavish dinner is on your mind, you can visit one of the many luxury restaurants or cafes nearby. You can even enjoy a drink or two and feel the cool breeze in an open-terrace cafe.

Best Shopping Spots

Photo by Yogendra Singh

Known for the number of shops here, Dilli Haat offers you everything you can imagine. These shops are allotted to craftsmen who sell their unique handicrafts. From embroidered clothing articles to embellished footwear and bags and other items, the more you roam in these shops, the more things you will discover. You can stop at the souvenir shop to bring something home before you finally head to your hotel room.

This wraps up our day-long adventure. So, the next time you are in Delhi with only 24 hours, don’t spend your time thinking and plotting away. Save this Delhi itinerary to have the best day of your life in the capital city and stay tuned with Things2do for another adventure.