India · 2026 itinerary
Delhi 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Delhi: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
A restored 16th-century Mughal garden complex near Humayun's Tomb, now a public park with heritage tombs, biodiversity zones, and peaceful lawns. Entry after a recent renovation is now free.
🕐 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Tuesday to Sunday (closed Monday)
Free entry💡 Come here early on a weekday for absolute peace. The on-site café sells cheap chai, and there are free guided walks on the first Sunday of each month. No queues to enter.
Hotels near Sunder Nursery →A peaceful, lush park dotted with 15th-century tombs from the Sayyid and Lodhi dynasties. Popular with joggers, picnickers, and history buffs looking for a break from city chaos.
🕐 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, daily
Free entry💡 Best visited at sunrise when the tombs are golden-lit and the air is cool. Don't miss the Bara Gumbad, a large dome with intricate stucco work.
Hotels near Lodhi Garden →Cafe Coffee Day · ££
Cheela Cafe · ££
Deeper Into Delhi
A vast museum covering 5,000 years of Indian art and history, from Harappan antiquities to miniature paintings. Entry is very affordable at INR 20 for Indians and INR 650 for foreigners.
🕐 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays and public holidays)
💡 Don't try to see everything in one go—focus on the Harappan gallery and the textiles. Audio guides are worth the small extra fee. Visit on a Friday morning to avoid school groups.
The iconic 17th-century red sandstone fortress that served as the Mughal seat of power. Though entry has a fee (INR 50 for Indians, INR 600 for foreigners), the surrounding open grounds and light show
🕐 Sunrise to sunset, daily
💡 Skip paying to enter the main fort if you're on a tight budget; instead, walk the perimeter near Chandni Chowk for great exterior views. The sound and light show is free to watch from the ramparts after sunset.
Tripti Bar
Monkey Bar
Final Favourites & Departure
A UNESCO World Heritage site and a stunning early example of Mughal architecture, set in symmetrical gardens. Entry is cheap for Indian nationals, but tourists
💡 Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and the midday heat. The tomb complex is quieter on weekdays. Indian nationals pay just INR 40, while foreigners pay INR 600.
caféccino
Costa
Getting Around Delhi
Seamless connectivity for local Delhi tourism; use metro cards (rechargeable) for convenience; avoid peak hours 08:00-10:00, 17:00-19:00
Budget-friendly with luggage space; slower than metro but more comfortable; buy tickets at airport bus stand
Most economical option; transfer to Yellow Line for Connaught Place area nearby; keep luggage secure in crowded trains
Book through Uber/Ola app for transparency; avoid unmetered black taxis at airport exit
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Delhi?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Sunder Nursery and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Delhi?
See our full best time to visit Delhi guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Welcomhotel By ITC Hotels, Dwarka, New Delhi, Taj Palace, New Delhi, ibis New Delhi Aerocity. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.