India · 2026 itinerary
New Delhi 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for New Delhi: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
Massive museum covering 5,000 years of Indian history, from Indus Valley artefacts to Mughal miniatures. Entry is free for Indian citizens; foreigners pay a small fee.
🕐 10:00–18:00, closed Mondays
Free entry💡 Skip the Harappan section if you're short on time. The Buddha relics and coin gallery are standout sections. Go on a weekday morning to avoid school groups.
Hotels near National Museum →War memorial arch and ceremonial boulevard flanked by lawns. At night, the gate is floodlit and locals gather for ice cream and street food. Crowds are part of the experience.
🕐 Open 24 hours
Free entry💡 Go after 7pm for the light show and a cool breeze. Street vendors sell sweet corn and kulfi – the one at the south-west corner is best. Don't cross the barrier onto the grass.
Hotels near India Gate & Rajpath →Cafe Coffee Day · ££
Cheela Cafe · ££
Deeper Into New Delhi
Sprawling 90-acre green space dotted with 15th-century tombs and a glass house. Popular with joggers, dog walkers and picnickers. Quiet and well-maintained.
🕐 Open 24 hours
💡 Enter from the Lodhi Road gate for the best tomb views. Early mornings (6–8am) are cool and uncrowded; bring your own water as cafe prices are steep.
Permanent crafts bazaar and food court showcasing regional Indian handicrafts, textiles and street food. Entry fee is 30 rupees for Indians, 100 for foreigners.
🕐 10:30–21:00, daily
💡 Sample the momos from the north-east stall and the Kerala banana chips, but avoid the 'authentic' Kashmiri shawls unless you're haggling hard. Weekday afternoons are quietest.
Tripti Bar
Monkey Bar
Final Favourites & Departure
UNESCO World Heritage site – a 16th-century Mughal tomb set in symmetrical gardens. Entrance fee is 40 rupees for Indians, 600 for foreigners (still reasonable)
💡 Visit late afternoon for soft light on the red sandstone. Bring cash – cards not accepted at the ticket booth. The west gate exit leads to Nizamuddin dargah, worth a short walk.
caféccino
Costa
Getting Around New Delhi
Budget option but time-consuming. Better for local travel once in Delhi. Not recommended for late-night arrivals.
Most budget-friendly and reliable. Airport Express reaches Delhi Aerocity metro station in 16 mins; hotel is 800m walk from station.
Convenient with real-time tracking. Airport surge pricing applies. Compare with prepaid taxi counter prices before booking.
Book prepaid taxi from official counter at airport exit for fixed rates and safety. Hotel is only 3km away, closest option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for New Delhi?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like National Museum 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 New Delhi?
See our full best time to visit New 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 Taj Palace Hotel, The Lodhi, Pride Plaza Aerocity. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.