3 Days in Delhi 2025: The Perfect Capital City Itinerary
Discover Delhi in 3 perfect days: Mughal monuments, colonial architecture, and vibrant markets. Complete itinerary with timings, costs, and insider tips.
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What's the perfect 3-day itinerary for Delhi?
Spend Day 1 exploring Old Delhi including Red Fort and Chandni Chowk, Day 2 discovering New Delhi's India Gate and Humayun's Tomb, and Day 3 enjoying South Delhi's Qutub Minar and modern markets. Budget ₹2,000-8,000 per day for attractions and meals.
Related questions:
- • How much does 3 days in Delhi cost?
- • What's the best area to stay in Delhi?
- • Is 3 days enough for Delhi?
Your 3-Day Delhi Adventure
TL;DR: Explore Delhi's highlights in 3 action-packed days covering 16 attractions with a budget of €₹6,000-₹24,000 per person.
- 1 Day 1 focuses on Old Delhi's historic center and Red Fort (₹150 in entrance fees)
- 2 Day 2 explores New Delhi with India Gate and Humayun's Tomb (₹600 total cost)
- 3 Day 3 combines Qutub Minar with modern markets and Lotus Temple (₹650 budget needed)
- 4 Book Red Fort and Humayun's Tomb tickets online to skip lines
- 5 Stay in Connaught Place or South Delhi for easy access to all three days' activities
- 6 Total 3-day budget: ₹6,000-24,000 per person including all attractions and meals
Delhi offers an incredible 3-day journey through India's capital, where ancient Mughal heritage meets modern metropolitan energy. From the narrow lanes of Old Delhi to the wide boulevards of New Delhi, this carefully crafted itinerary balances must-see monuments with authentic local experiences. With daily costs ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹8,000 per person (€25-100), Delhi accommodates all travel styles. The best time to visit is October to March when the weather is pleasant and perfect for exploring. This itinerary covers approximately 65 kilometers of exploration, perfectly paced for thorough discovery without exhaustion.
Your 3-Day Delhi Itinerary
Day 1: Historic Old Delhi & Mughal Heritage
History & Culture
Day 1
Begin your Delhi adventure in the historic heart, exploring centuries of Mughal history and vibrant bazaars
Total Cost
INR2000-5000
Walking Distance
8 km
Activities
3 stops
Duration
Full Day
Today's Highlights
🌟 Pro Tip: Start early to beat the crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photos. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for today's 8 km journey!
Day 1 Schedule
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
Duration: 3.5 hours
Red Fort (Lal Qila)
Start at this magnificent Mughal fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), and the stunning gardens
💡 Tip: Arrive by 9 AM to avoid crowds. The best photo spot is the Lahori Gate facing the fort
Jama Masjid
Visit India's largest mosque built by Shah Jahan. Climb the southern minaret for panoramic views of Old Delhi (extra ₹50)
💡 Tip: Dress modestly - cover shoulders and knees. Free entry but ₹300 for photography
Chandni Chowk Street Food
Walk through Asia's largest wholesale market. Stop at Paranthe Wali Gali for famous stuffed parathas
💡 Tip: Try parathas at Pandit Gaya Prasad (since 1872) - only ₹50-80 each
🍽️ Lunch Recommendation
Karim's • Mughlai cuisine
💰 INR300-600 per person
Must try: Mutton Seekh Kebab, Chicken Jahangiri
📝 No reservations, arrive before 1 PM
Budget option: Al Jawahar for ₹150-300 meals
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM)
Duration: 4 hours
Chandni Chowk Markets
Explore the narrow lanes filled with shops selling everything from wedding cards to electronics. Visit Dariba Kalan for jewelry and Kinari Bazaar for wedding accessories
💡 Tip: Bargain hard - start at 50% of asking price. Best deals after 4 PM
Raj Ghat
Pay respects at Mahatma Gandhi's memorial, a black marble platform marking his cremation site
💡 Tip: Remove shoes before entering. Free guided tours available
Evening (6:30 PM onwards)
Duration: 3+ hours
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
Visit this beautiful Sikh temple with its golden dome and sacred pond. Experience the evening prayers
💡 Tip: Cover your head (scarves provided). Free community dinner (langar) served to all
🍽️ Dinner Recommendation
Punjabi By Nature • North Indian
💰 INR800-1500 per person
Must try: Dal Makhani, Tandoori dishes
Modern setting with traditional flavors
🌙 Evening Options
- • Sound & Light Show at Red Fort - ₹80 (7:30 PM Hindi, 9 PM English)
- • Connaught Place for cafes and bars
- • Evening walk at India Gate - free and iconic
🚇 Getting Around
start Point: Chandni Chowk Metro Station
end Point: Central Delhi
public Transport: Metro Yellow Line to Chandni Chowk, Auto/taxi between sites
taxi Cost: ₹200-300 for Old Delhi circuit
parking Tips: Avoid driving in Old Delhi - extremely congested
🏨 Where to Stay: Stay in Connaught Place or Karol Bagh for central location. Budget: ₹1,500-3,000, Mid-range: ₹3,000-6,000
Day 2: New Delhi Monuments & Museums
Architecture & Heritage
Day 2
Immerse yourself in New Delhi's grand architecture, from British colonial buildings to ancient tombs
Total Cost
INR2500-6000
Walking Distance
12 km
Activities
3 stops
Duration
Full Day
Today's Highlights
🌟 Pro Tip: Start early to beat the crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photos. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for today's 12 km journey!
Day 2 Schedule
Morning (9:30 AM - 1:00 PM)
Duration: 3.5 hours
India Gate & Rajpath
Start at India's iconic war memorial. Walk along Rajpath to see the President's House (Rashtrapati Bhavan) and Parliament from outside
💡 Tip: Best photos in morning light. Buy ice cream from the carts - ₹20-50
National Museum
Explore India's premier museum with artifacts from Harappan civilization to modern times. The miniature paintings and bronze sculptures are exceptional
💡 Tip: Free guided tours at 10:30 AM. Audio guides available in multiple languages
🍽️ Lunch Recommendation
Andhra Bhavan Canteen • South Indian thali
💰 INR200-350 per person
Must try: Unlimited thali, Payasam dessert
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM)
Duration: 4 hours
Humayun's Tomb
Discover this UNESCO World Heritage site, the inspiration for the Taj Mahal. Explore the Persian-style gardens and multiple monuments within the complex
💡 Tip: Visit Isa Khan's tomb within the complex - often missed but beautiful
Lodhi Gardens
Stroll through 90 acres of gardens dotted with 15th-century tombs. Popular with joggers and families
💡 Tip: Free yoga classes on weekends at 6:30 AM. Best birdwatching at Athpula bridge
Evening (7:00 PM onwards)
Duration: 3+ hours
Dilli Haat
Browse this open-air market featuring crafts from all Indian states. Great for souvenirs and regional food
💡 Tip: Bargain gently - prices are generally fair. Try different state food stalls
🍽️ Dinner Recommendation
Indian Accent • Modern Indian
💰 INR2500-4000 per person
Must try: Soy keema with quail egg, Blue cheese naan
Award-winning fine dining
🚇 Getting Around
between Sites: Use Uber/Ola or Delhi Metro
rain Plan: National Gallery of Modern Art as alternative
storage: Hotel concierge or cloakroom at museums
🏨 Where to Stay: South Delhi hotels offer proximity to Day 2 and 3 attractions with great dining options
Day 3: South Delhi Heritage & Modern Life
Heritage Meets Modern
Day 3
Conclude with Delhi's medieval monuments and contemporary culture, from ancient minarets to modern temples and upscale markets
Total Cost
INR2000-7000
Walking Distance
10 km
Activities
3 stops
Duration
Full Day
Today's Highlights
🌟 Pro Tip: Start early to beat the crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photos. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for today's 10 km journey!
Day 3 Schedule
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
Duration: 3.5 hours
Qutub Minar Complex
Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site featuring the 73-meter tall victory tower. Don't miss the iron pillar that hasn't rusted in 1600 years
💡 Tip: Early morning has the best light for photography. Explore the entire complex including Alai Darwaza
Mehrauli Archaeological Park
Adjacent to Qutub complex, this park has over 100 historical monuments including Jamali Kamali mosque and tomb
💡 Tip: Free entry but often overlooked. Balban's tomb has amazing acoustics
🍽️ Lunch Recommendation
Olive Bar & Kitchen • Mediterranean
💰 INR1000-1800 per person
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:30 PM)
Duration: 3.5 hours
Lotus Temple
Visit this architectural marvel shaped like a lotus flower. The Bahai House of Worship welcomes all religions for meditation and prayer
💡 Tip: Maintain silence inside. Free guided tours explain Bahai faith. Best photos from the gardens
Select City Walk Mall
Experience modern Delhi at this upscale mall. Great for last-minute shopping, cafes, and people watching
💡 Tip: Food court has excellent options. Good Book Store for India-themed gifts
Evening (6:00 PM onwards)
Duration: 4+ hours
Hauz Khas Village
End your Delhi journey in this trendy neighborhood mixing medieval ruins with modern cafes, boutiques, and art galleries
💡 Tip: Walk around the lake and deer park before sunset. Village gets crowded after 8 PM
🏨 Where to Stay: For early flights, Aerocity hotels offer convenience. Otherwise, South Delhi provides easy airport access
Complete Budget Breakdown
Complete 3-day costs per person in Delhi, excluding accommodation. All prices in INR (Indian Rupees) for 2025.
Budget Traveler
💰₹2,000-3,000 per day
per person per day
Daily Breakdown
Money-Saving Tips:
- • Eat at local dhabas and street food
- • Use Delhi Metro extensively
- • Visit free sites like India Gate, Lodhi Gardens
- • Carry water bottle - free water at gurudwaras
3-Day Total
₹6,000-9,000
Attractions
₹1,400 total (all entry fees)
Meals
₹1,800-2,700 total
Transport
₹600-900 (3-day metro pass ₹500)
Extras
₹200-400 (tips, water)
Mid-Range
💎₹4,000-6,000 per day
per person per day
Daily Breakdown
Money-Saving Tips:
- • Mix restaurant meals with cafe experiences
- • Book monument combo tickets online
- • Consider hop-on-hop-off bus for convenience
- • Happy hours at bars 4-7 PM
3-Day Total
₹12,000-18,000
Attractions
₹2,400-3,600 (with guides)
Meals
₹4,500-6,000 total
Transport
₹1,500-2,400
Extras
₹1,000-2,000 (shopping, drinks)
Luxury
👑₹8,000+ per day
per person per day
Daily Breakdown
Money-Saving Tips:
- • Book heritage walks with expert guides
- • Dine at award-winning restaurants
- • Private car for comfort in Delhi traffic
- • Spa experiences at luxury hotels
3-Day Total
₹24,000+
Attractions
₹4,500-7,500
Meals
₹9,000+
Transport
₹4,500-6,000
Extras
₹3,000+ (spa, premium experiences)
💡 Smart Money-Saving Tips
Delhi Tourism Card for discounts at monuments
Eat breakfast at local bakeries - ₹50-100
Free walking tours by Delhi Heritage Walks on Sundays
Government emporiums for fixed-price shopping
Lunch thalis offer great value - ₹150-300
✨ Worth the Splurge
Indian Accent tasting menu - culinary highlight ₹3,500
Private Old Delhi food tour - ₹2,000 per person
Helicopter ride over Delhi - ₹3,500 for 10 minutes
Spa at The Imperial - royal treatment ₹5,000+
Note: All prices are estimates for 2025 and exclude accommodation. Actual costs may vary by season and booking timing. Prices shown in EUR.
Essential Planning Tips
Best Time to Visit
October to March offers pleasant weather (15-25°C). Avoid April-June (40°C+) and July-September monsoon. Winter (Dec-Jan) can be foggy with flight delays. Diwali and Holi bring festive atmosphere but crowds.
Getting Around
Delhi Metro is excellent - buy a Tourist Card for ₹200/day. Download Uber/Ola apps for taxis. Auto-rickshaws use meters but agree on price first. Avoid driving - traffic is chaotic. Metro connects to airport.
Advance Bookings Essential
Book online: Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar to skip queues. Indian Accent needs 2-week advance booking. Hotels fill during October-March peak season. Book trains on IRCTC website/app.
Local Etiquette
Remove shoes at religious sites. Dress modestly - cover shoulders/knees. Use right hand for eating/greeting. Tipping: 10% at restaurants, ₹20-50 for services. Bargain at markets but not in malls.
Language Tips
Hindi and English widely spoken. Learn: Namaste (hello), Dhanyawad (thank you), Kitna hua? (how much?). Download Google Translate offline Hindi. Most signs in English too.
Safety & Health
Delhi is generally safe but stay alert. Avoid isolated areas after dark. Drink only bottled water. Street food is delicious but choose busy stalls. Emergency: 112. Carry hand sanitizer. Air quality varies - check AQI.
Customize Your Itinerary
Customize your 3 days based on interests and travel style
History & Architecture Buffs
- ✓ Add Tughlaqabad Fort ruins (Day 3 morning)
- ✓ Include Agrasen ki Baoli stepwell (Day 2)
- ✓ Explore Purana Qila with light show (Day 1 evening)
- ✓ Book specialized heritage walk in Mehrauli
Additional cost: ₹500-1,000 for extra monument entries
Food & Culinary
- ✓ Start Day 1 with Old Delhi breakfast walk
- ✓ Replace museum with cooking class (Day 2)
- ✓ Add Karol Bagh food tour (Day 2 evening)
- ✓ Include INA Market for ingredients (Day 3)
Additional cost: ₹2,000-3,000 for food tours and classes
Shopping Enthusiasts
- ✓ Extended time in Chandni Chowk markets (Day 1)
- ✓ Add Karol Bagh for electronics/clothes (Day 2)
- ✓ Include Dilli Haat INA for more variety (Day 3)
- ✓ Visit Sarojini Nagar for bargain fashion
Additional cost: As per shopping budget
Families with Kids
- ✓ National Rail Museum instead of National Museum
- ✓ Add Nehru Planetarium (Day 2)
- ✓ Include Adventure Island amusement park (Day 3)
- ✓ Children's Park at India Gate for play time
Savings: ₹200-300 on child discounts
Spiritual Journey
- ✓ Add Akshardham Temple (full Day 3)
- ✓ Include Nizamuddin Dargah with qawwali (Thursday evening)
- ✓ Visit ISKCON Temple (Day 2)
- ✓ Morning at Bangla Sahib Gurudwara kitchen service
Additional cost: Donations as per wish
Art & Culture
- ✓ National Gallery of Modern Art (Day 2)
- ✓ Crafts Museum with demonstrations (Day 1)
- ✓ Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (Day 3)
- ✓ Evening at Kingdom of Dreams cultural show
Additional cost: ₹1,000-2,000 for specialized tours
When to Visit: Seasonal Guide
spring
February-March • 20-30°C, pleasant days
Highlights:
- • Holi festival colors
- • Garden blooms
- • Perfect sightseeing weather
Events:
- • Holi (March)
- • Basant Panchami kite flying
summer
April-June • 35-45°C, very hot
Highlights:
- • Mango season
- • Less crowded monuments
- • Hotel discounts
Events:
- • Mango festival (July)
- • Summer theater festivals
monsoon
July-September • 28-35°C, humid with rain
Highlights:
- • Lush gardens
- • Dramatic skies
- • Cultural events
Events:
- • Independence Day (Aug 15)
- • Janmashtami festival
winter
October-January • 8-25°C, cool to cold
Highlights:
- • Peak season beauty
- • Diwali lights
- • Food festivals
Events:
- • Diwali (Oct/Nov)
- • Republic Day parade (Jan 26)
Frequently Asked Questions About 3 Days in Delhi
1 Is 3 days enough to see Delhi?
Three days allows you to see major highlights including Red Fort, India Gate, Humayun's Tomb, and Qutub Minar while maintaining a comfortable pace. You'll experience 80% of must-see sights plus have time for markets and local food. For deeper exploration, 4-5 days is ideal.
2 What's the best area to stay for a 3-day visit to Delhi?
Connaught Place offers the best central location with metro connectivity to all attractions. South Delhi (Hauz Khas, Saket) provides modern amenities and proximity to Day 3 sites. Budget travelers prefer Karol Bagh. Expect ₹2,000-8,000 per night depending on comfort level.
3 How much money do I need for 3 days in Delhi?
Budget ₹6,000-9,000 for basic costs (₹2,000-3,000/day), ₹12,000-18,000 for comfortable travel (₹4,000-6,000/day), or ₹24,000+ for luxury (₹8,000+/day). This covers all meals, attractions, and transport but excludes accommodation. Add ₹2,000-10,000 per night for hotels.
4 What should I book in advance for Delhi?
Book Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, and Qutub Minar tickets online to skip queues. Reserve Indian Accent 2 weeks ahead, Bukhara 3-4 weeks ahead. Hotels need 1-2 months advance booking in peak season (Oct-Mar). Download Uber/Ola apps before arrival.
5 Can I do this Delhi itinerary with kids?
Yes! Replace National Museum with Rail Museum, add Nehru Planetarium, and include play time at India Gate lawns. Choose restaurants with kids' menus like Saravana Bhavan. Most monuments offer free entry for children under 15. Carry snacks and water.
6 What's the best time of year for 3 days in Delhi?
October to March offers ideal weather (15-25°C) for sightseeing. November has post-Diwali festivities, February-March has pleasant spring weather. Avoid April-June extreme heat (40°C+) and July-September monsoon unless you enjoy rain. December-January can have fog affecting flights.
Is 3 days enough to see Delhi?
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