Delhi is a unique city where you can enjoy history as well as modern life. Honestly, it takes days to explore it fully. But if you’re low on time, you can still get a fulfilling glimpse of its monuments, food, and vibrant culture. All you have to do is route smartly, manage time properly, and pick the right experiences.
Here’s a guide to help you see the best of Delhi and make a memorable day out of it. Here’s how to plan a perfect one-day Delhi tour package:
Step I: Decide Your Travel Style
First things first! You need to decide your mode of travel! Here are some top options that Delhi travellers often rely on for moving around the city:
Taxi/Cab: Ola, Uber, and private car are your best bets here. They offer high comfort and speedy travel.
Metro: This public transport is widely used among the travellers and the locals alike. You get reliable and fast transport that is also budget-friendly.
Guided One-Day Tour: You can also book a guided tour, and all your transport & other logistics will be completely handled by them. This is ideal for those who don’t want planning stress.
For a one-day itinerary, the most efficient option is hiring a private cab and taking short walks wherever necessary.
Step II: Start Early – Morning (7:30 AM – 10:30 AM)
To avoid the city’s traffic, start your day early, even before 8 AM.
India Gate
You can begin your day at India Gate about 7:30–8:15 AM. This is the most iconic landmark of the capital therefore it makes sense to start your Delhi journey from here. Plus, you get easy parking and a calm atmosphere.
The early mornings are quite peaceful there. Fewer crowds also give you good photo ops.
What most tourists do is spend half an hour or so strolling around the area and enjoying the surroundings.
Rajpath and Rashtrapati Bhavan View (8:15–9:00 AM)
After having a tour of India Gate, you can drive past Rajpath (through Kartavya Path). You can catch good glimpse of
- Rashtrapati Bhavan
- Parliament House
- North and South Block
For a one-day trip (when you’re low on time), don't enter, just enjoy the views from the outside. This also enriches your experience a lot.
Breakfast Stop (9:00–10:30 AM)
Now, it’s time for breakfast! For a nice culinary experience, head to Connaught Place. From a delicious cappuccino to piping hot Sambhar, you can find everything here!
Some noteworthy options include:
- Saravana Bhavan – Best for delectable South Indian dishes
- Wenger’s Deli – This classic bakery is a heaven for anyone with a sweet tooth
- United Coffee House – Enjoy the old-world charm while sipping the good old cuppa
A relaxed breakfast is exactly what you need for your sightseeing day ahead!
Step III: Explore Old Delhi – Mid-Morning (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
Now that you have nourished yourself, it's time to go on a full-blown sightseeing tour.
Jama Masjid (11:00–11:45 AM)
Take a trip to one of the largest mosques of India! Enjoy the age-old Mughal grandeur here. You can also enjoy the panoramic view of Old Delhi by climbing the mighty minaret.
Chandni Chowk Walk (11:45 AM – 1:30 PM)
Now, after seeing Jama Masjid, take a short rickshaw ride from here. And you’ll land onto narrow but charming lanes of Chandni Chowk! This is the oldest market of Delhi. Do explore Kinari Bazaar and Spice Market (Khari Baoli) here. Traditional sweet shops are another big lure here.
Old Delhi also offer you good joints for lunch. Check out:
Karim’s – Best for relishing Mughlai cuisine
Al Jawahar – Take a big bite of Kebabs, and savour the flavourful biryani
Haldiram’s – It’s perfect for vegetarians looking for quality food options
Trust us, this old Delhi food trip alone would make your trip memorable!
Step IV: Cultural Delhi – Afternoon (2:30 PM – 5:30 PM)
Now, after lunch, take a cultural tour to other iconic sites in Delhi:
Humayun’s Tomb (2:30–3:30 PM)
This was the architectural inspiration for the Taj Mahal! Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it treats tourists with Indo-Persian design and peaceful gardens. Spend at least half an hour here.
Qutub Minar (4:15–5:30 PM)
Now, take a drive to South Delhi, which is heavily influenced by the Mughal architecture. See Qutub Minar, which is the world’s tallest brick minaret. Be in the awe of the Iron Pillar and ancient ruins here.
Step V: Evening Experience (6:00 PM – 9:30 PM)
Lotus Temple (6:00–6:45 PM)
In the evening, make a stop at the Lotus Temple and enjoy the serene environment after a long day of sightseeing.
Dinner and Shopping (7:30–9:30 PM)
End the day with dinner and light shopping. Visit the following places for the best experience:
A) Connaught Place
- Restaurants: The Imperial, Social, BBQ Nation
- Shopping: Janpath, Palika Bazaar
- Rooftop cafés
- Fort ruins
- Trendy nightlife vibe
- Best for traditional handicrafts
- Savour street food from different states
Suggested One-Day Delhi Itinerary
Here is a complete one day itinerary for your Delhi tour:
|
Time |
Activity |
|
7:30 AM |
India Gate |
|
8:30 AM |
Rajpath Drive |
|
9:00 AM |
Breakfast at Connaught Place |
|
11:00 AM |
Jama Masjid |
|
12:00 PM |
Chandni Chowk walk |
|
1:30 PM |
Lunch |
|
2:30 PM |
Humayun’s Tomb |
|
4:15 PM |
Qutub Minar |
|
6:00 PM |
Lotus Temple |
|
7:30 PM |
Dinner and shopping |
Travel Tips for a One-Day Delhi Tour
Here are some important travel tips for your Delhi tour:
- Avoid the rush hour. The morning rush is from 8–10 AM, and the evening rush is from 5–7 PM. You'll get a lot of traffic in these windows. It’s best to plan your visit to the monuments around these periods.
- While visiting the monuments that require a ticket, make sure you arrange them in advance. Always pre-book to save time.
- Make sure you dress in relaxed clothes while on the tour. Wear comfortable walking shoes. For summer, put on light cotton clothes, and for winter, bring woollen clothes and jackets.
- Always keep a water bottle with you and keep yourself hydrated. Delhi weather can be dehydrating at times, especially if you’re visiting in summers.
- While walking in crowded markets, keep your valuables close.
- Do not travel alone in night. Also, avoid deserted areas, especially after dark.
Best Time to Do a One-Day Delhi Tour
The best time to go on a one-day Delhi tour is from October to March. The weather is best in this window. You can enjoy sightseeing without having to brave the harsh summer of the capital. The weather in this period is quite pleasant and perfect for those who like the cold of December-January.
Avoid April to June as it’s quite hot. July to September marks the monsoon season, which offers respite from the dreaded hot weather but causes inevitable delays due to traffic jams.
Who Is This One-Day Plan Best For?
Wondering if this one-day plan is suited for you or not? Well, check out the list below and see if you belong to any of the following categories:
- Business travellers with limited time
- Pilgrims en route to Uttarakhand but want a taste of Delhi
- Foreign tourists who want a brief stop-off
-
People who wanting a quick intro to the city
Final Thought
When you’re on one day tour of Delhi, make sure you visit India Gate, Chandni Chowk, Humayun’s Tomb, and Qutub Minar. Also, don’t forget to try the delicious food. All this will give you a true-blue experience of the national capital!
