3-Day Itinerary for Delhi

Delhi, the capital of India, isn’t just a place, it’s an experience. This city hits you with an incredible mix of ancient history, cool culture, and modern life, packed with epic landmarks, important religious sites, and truly unique cultural moments. It’s busy, it’s loud, and there’s a million things to do. As you check off the famous spots, you also get to dive headfirst into the chaotic local markets and try some seriously delicious and diverse food. The city’s charm really comes from its incredible energy and the diverse, welcoming people who live here.

Here is your complete 3-day itinerary, covering all the must-see sights, fun activities, and chaotic markets. This plan guarantees you’ll have an unforgettable and genuinely fun trip. And for the easiest, smoothest way to hop between sites, you can rent a scooty or bike in Delhi and Paharganj from RentnHop. So, buckle up; it’s time to dive into the heart of Delhi!

Day 1. Exploring New Delhi

You should plan to start your morning by hitting the magnificent Akshardham Temple, which opens at 10:00 AM. This place is famous for its absolutely jaw-dropping Indian architecture, covered in intricate carvings and massive towers. It’s a huge spiritual and cultural complex dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

The absolute best things to see here are:

• The main temple, which is huge and filled with detailed sculptures.
• The exhibition halls with engaging audio-visual shows (worth the time!).
• The Abhishek Mandapam, where you can perform a traditional water offering.
• The 12-minute boat ride; it’s surprisingly good and explains Indian history and spirituality.
• The incredible Water Show (a great evening option).

In the afternoon, cruise over to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, located right near the famous Connaught Place (CP). This is one of the most important Sikh houses of worship, recognizable by its beautiful golden dome. It has a sacred pond (Sarovar) and a giant kitchen (Langar hall) that feeds hundreds of people for free every day. Everyone gets prasad (a sweet offering) as a sign of respect. After your visit, take some time to walk around the iconic circular streets of Connaught Place; it’s great for people-watching.

As the evening rolls in, head to Khan Market. This is a super fancy, U-shaped market in central Delhi known for its high-end boutiques, international brands, and a ton of popular cafes, bars, and restaurants. You’ll find upscale shops selling stylish Indian and Western wear, plus home decor stores with beautiful handcrafted items. If you’re a reader, you have to stop at Faqir Chand and Sons bookstore, which has been open since 1951. For dinner, you have every option imaginable, from casual cafes to top-tier fine-dining spots.

Day 2: Exploring Old Delhi

Kick off your second day by visiting the mighty Red Fort. This stunning Mughal fortress tells the story of India’s royal past and truly showcases the genius of Emperor Shah Jahan’s architecture. It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the history, walk the grounds, see the museums, and if you have time, the sound and light show is excellent.

Right next door, you’ll find Jama Masjid, a magnificent, awe-inspiring mosque. It’s a perfect example of the sheer scale and architectural skill of the Mughal Era. It’s a crucial place of worship and pilgrimage. It even holds a relic believed to be from the Prophet Muhammad. Crucial Tip: You must dress modestly; cover your shoulders and legs. You can usually rent robes at the north entrance if you forget.

In the late afternoon, head to the India Gate, a famous war memorial honoring the soldiers who died in World War I. The names of over 13,000 soldiers are carved into the stone walls. It’s a symbolic entrance to India, situated along the Rajpath. The surrounding area looks especially beautiful and dramatic when the monument is lit up at night.

Afterward, it’s time for Chandni Chowk, prepare for sensory overload! Here, you’ll see a whirlwind of activity, locals cooking incredible street food, and a truly unique, chaotic energy. It’s famous for its huge wholesale market (electronics, jewelry, textiles) and its massive variety of street food. This is a serious shopping destination, especially known for its narrow, crowded lanes and iconic delicacies like stuffed parathas, hot jalebis, and tangy chaat.

Day 3: Architectural Wonders and Cultural Souvenirs

Start your final day at one of Delhi’s most sought-after spots: Qutub Minar. This is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and famously the tallest masonry tower in India. With writings in both Arabic and Nagari scripts, the Qutub Minar beautifully mixes Islamic design with traditional Indian craftsmanship. 

Next, make your way to the Lotus Temple. This is a Bahai house of worship known for its unique, signature lotus shape. It’s a wonderful, peaceful place for prayer and reflection, and everyone is welcome, regardless of their beliefs. Its clever design uses nine surrounding pools of water and natural ventilation to keep the interior cool. Take a moment to enjoy the tranquil surrounding gardens.

After that, visit Humayun’s Tomb, yet another stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its double-dome and huge arched entrances (iwans), this tomb is a perfect example of early Indo-Islamic architecture. It’s recognized as the first garden-tomb on the subcontinent, set within a beautiful Charbagh garden featuring crossing water channels and pools.

For your final evening, explore Dilli Haat. This is a fantastic open-air food plaza and craft bazaar that feels like a village fair right in Delhi, offering crafts and food from all over India. You can buy beautiful pottery, paintings, textiles, and handcrafted goods directly from artisans from different states. They sell everything from shawls and purses to traditional footwear (juttis) and jewelry. The biggest draw is the food court, which has vendors from nearly every Indian state, offering delicious regional dishes like Assamese fish thali, Rajasthani snacks, and Naga pork ribs.

Essential Survival Tips for Delhi

• Be Ready for the Madness: Seriously, get ready for Delhi’s full-throttle energy! Expect crazy traffic, crowded sidewalks, non-stop honking, a huge mix of smells (some good, some… not so much!), and sights that will definitely grab your attention.
• Haggle Hard: When you’re browsing in the local markets, don’t be shy about negotiating with sellers to make sure you get a fair price.
• Drink Up: Stay super hydrated, especially during the hot months. Only drink bottled, purified water, and be cautious about getting ice in your drinks.
• Stay Alert: Always know what’s happening around you, and avoid walking alone in dark or quiet areas, especially late at night.

Final Takeaway

This complete 3-day itinerary will give you an amazing feel for Delhi’s atmosphere, culture, history, and beauty. You’ll definitely leave knowing a lot more about India’s incredible heritage.

And for the easiest, most stress-free travel, you can effortlessly book a scooty or bike from RentnHop. Are you ready to dive into the charm of the capital with an easy and affordable ride? Then, book your scooty or bike with RentnHop from Delhi and Paharganj today and start exploring!