All citiesNew Delhi Things to do and walking itinerary
India
New Delhi travel guide
30 things to do in New Delhi, where to stay, airport transfers. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in New Delhi
- Red Fort — historic fortress in Delhi, India (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Humayun's Tomb — tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun in Delhi, India (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Jama Masjid, Delhi — mosque in Delhi, India (visit ≈ 30 min)
- India Gate — Triumphal arch in New Delhi (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Akshardham — spiritual and cultural Mandir dedicated to devotion, learning and harmony (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Tomb of Safdar Jang — sandstone and marble mausoleum in Delhi (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Old Delhi — walled city of Delhi, India (visit ≈ 60 min)
- National Museum — National and art museum in New Delhi, India (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Raj Ghat and associated memorials — memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi in Delhi, India (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Moti Masjid, Delhi — mosque in India (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Gandhi Smriti — museum and death place of Mahatma Gandhi, in New Delhi, India (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Gurudwara Bangla Sahib — gurdwara in Delhi, India (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Laxminarayan Temple — Hindu temple in Delhi (visit ≈ 30 min)
- National Museum of Natural History — museum in New Delhi, India (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Purana Qila — building in India (visit ≈ 60 min)
- National Gandhi Museum — museum located in New Delhi, India showcasing the life and principles of Mahatma Gandhi (visit ≈ 120 min)
- National Gallery of Modern Art — premier art gallery under Ministry of Culture, Government of India (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Kashmiri Gate — historic site (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Fatehpuri Masjid — mosque in India (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Lodi Gardens — city park in India (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah — Dargah (mausoleum) of the Sufi saint Khwaja Nizamuddin Auliya (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Sacred Heart Cathedral, New Delhi — cathedral (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Bharat Mandapam — Venue for exhibitions and conventions, located at Delhi, India. (visit ≈ 15 min)
- National Rail Museum — rail museum in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Teen Murti Bhavan — former residence of the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, in New Delhi (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib — place of martyrdom of 9th Sikh guru, Guru Tek Bahadur, built in 1783 (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Lal Masjid, Delhi — mosque in India (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Akbarabadi Mosque — mosque in India (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Sunehri Masjid — mosque in India (visit ≈ 30 min)
- St. James' Church, Delhi — church in Delhi, India (visit ≈ 30 min)
5-day New Delhi walking itinerary
Starting point: Connaught Place. The top 8 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 5.0 km · 6,780 steps · 1 h 7 min on the way): Laxminarayan Temple → Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
- Day 2 (≈ 8.7 km · 11,780 steps · 1 h 56 min on the way): Gandhi Smriti → National Museum
- Day 3 (≈ 6.3 km · 8,460 steps · 1 h 24 min on the way): India Gate
- Day 4 (≈ 8.7 km · 11,760 steps · 1 h 56 min on the way): Raj Ghat and associated memorials
- Day 5 (≈ 9.3 km · 12,570 steps · 2 h 3 min on the way): Jama Masjid, Delhi → Old Delhi
Where to stay in New Delhi
- Connaught Place: Central location, metro hub and restaurants.
- Paharganj: Next to the railway station, cheapest stays.
- Karol Bagh: Mid-range hotels and a busy market.
- Hauz Khas: Boutique stays, cafés and lakeside ruins.
- Lodhi / Khan Market: Green and calm; upscale dining.
- Aerocity: Modern hotels by the airport, on the metro.
Getting from the airport to New Delhi
- Indira Gandhi (DEL): Airport Express metro line ≈ 20 min
Getting around
Delhi Metro is the easiest way around, with women-only carriages. Use Uber, Ola or auto-rickshaws for short hops.
Classic places to eat
- Karim’s: Mughlai meat dishes by Jama Masjid since 1913.
- Paranthe Wali Gali: Fried stuffed parathas in Chandni Chowk.
- Old Famous Jalebi Wala: Hot, syrupy jalebi.
- Bukhara: Tandoor dishes and dal bukhara at ITC Maurya.
- Indian Accent: Modern Indian cuisine; tasting menu.
- Saravana Bhavan: Dosa and South Indian thali in Connaught Place.
- United Coffee House: Classic Indian dishes in a 1942 dining room.
Romantic views
- Lodhi Garden (Early morning): A quiet walk on green paths between old tombs.
- India Gate and Kartavya Path (Evening): Walk along the lawns around the monument as it is lit up at night.
- Humayun’s Tomb (Sunset): The red-stone tomb glows in the evening light among symmetric gardens.
Day trips
- Qutb Minar — 11 km from the centre
Good to know before visiting New Delhi
- Fine: Satellite phones are banned; using one without a licence can lead to arrest.
- Fine: Many states ban cattle slaughter and the sale of beef.
- Fine: Photographing airports, bridges and military sites, or flying drones without a permit, is banned.
- Fine: Smoking in public places is banned.
- Warning: In temples and mosques cover up and remove shoes; some temples ban leather items.
- Warning: Public displays of affection are frowned on.
- Emergency: 112
- Plugs: C/D/M, 230V
- Tap water: Don't drink tap water; use sealed bottled water.
- Tipping: Leave about 10% if service isn't included.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: India, Wikivoyage — India, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
New Delhi travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in New Delhi?
- The top 8 places in the centre take about 5 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel. Allow 6 days for the top 17 places within walking distance. Add extra days for day trips (Qutb Minar).
- What are the top things to do in New Delhi?
- Highlights: Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, Jama Masjid, Delhi, India Gate and Akshardham. The map has 30 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in New Delhi?
- Connaught Place: Central location, metro hub and restaurants. Other options: Paharganj, Karol Bagh, Hauz Khas, Lodhi / Khan Market and Aerocity.
- How do you get from the airport to New Delhi city centre?
- Indira Gandhi (DEL): Airport Express metro line ≈ 20 min
- How do you get around New Delhi?
- Delhi Metro is the easiest way around, with women-only carriages. Use Uber, Ola or auto-rickshaws for short hops.
- What is the emergency number in New Delhi?
- Emergency: 112.
- Do you tip in New Delhi?
- Leave about 10% if service isn't included.
Nearby cities
Agra · Jaipur · Islamabad · Kathmandu · Kabul · Mumbai · Thimphu · Dushanbe
India travel guide: all cities · All cities