Budget is for food only. Monument tickets, metro and auto fares are extra.
Your Delhi day plan
Good to know
One day in Delhi itinerary, built around food
Delhi packs Mughal forts, Sufi shrines, old markets and some of India's best street food into one city. This Delhi itinerary planner turns that into a realistic day, with timings, travel gaps and rough food costs.
Last updated: October 2026. Prices and timings can change, so confirm with ASI and DMRC before you go.
Planning your day
How do I plan one day in Delhi?
Stick to one zone per half day instead of crossing the city. One major sight per time block works best, for example Old Delhi in the morning, a Mughal monument at midday and one evening stop. Use the planner above for the order and timings.
Is one day enough for Delhi?
It is enough to sample Delhi, not to cover it. One day fits Old Delhi, Mughal heritage and one evening stop, but three days suits the main sights plus a day trip.
What is the best time of year to visit Delhi?
Late October to March is the most comfortable window. From April to June temperatures hover in the mid-40s.
What time should I start my day in Delhi?
Start by 9:30 AM. Many visitors begin at the Red Fort end around 9:30 to 10 AM, eat parathas, then loop through the markets.
Should I use the metro or a cab for a one-day Delhi trip?
Use both. The metro is cheap and beats traffic, but a cab between far-apart sights saves walking and waiting time.
Delhi food and street food
What should I eat in Chandni Chowk?
Parathas at Paranthe Wali Gali, dahi bhalla at Natraj, jalebis at Old Famous Jalebi Wala, chole kulche at Gole Hatti, rabri falooda at Giani's and kebabs at Karim's are the core stops.
What time do Chandni Chowk food stalls open?
Stalls at Paranthe Wali Gali and Old Famous Jalebi Wala start around 7:30 to 8 AM. The wider market opens around 10 AM and most shops close by 8 PM.
Is Chandni Chowk closed on Sundays?
Most of the main market is closed on Sundays, though food places usually stay open. Guides disagree and some shops close on Monday instead, so check before you go.
When is the best time to eat in Chandni Chowk?
Weekday mornings are calmest. The lanes get extremely crowded after 4 PM on Saturdays.
Is Delhi street food safe?
Mostly, if you choose well. Pick busy, high-turnover stalls, skip raw salads and carry bottled water.
How much does a Delhi food trail cost?
Street stops such as jalebi, dahi bhalla and kulfi run roughly ₹40 to ₹150 each. A Karim's meal is about ₹200 to ₹550.
Where can I eat vegetarian in Old Delhi?
Try stuffed parathas at Paranthe Wali Gali, dahi bhalla at Natraj, jalebis, and kachori with aloo ki sabzi for a classic Old Delhi breakfast.
Where can I get the best kebabs in Delhi?
Karim's near Jama Masjid has served Mughlai food since 1913. In South Delhi, try the kebab stalls around Nizamuddin Dargah.
Can I eat for free in Delhi?
Gurdwaras such as Bangla Sahib and Sis Ganj Sahib serve langar, a free community meal. Cover your head and remove your shoes.
Monuments, timings and tickets
What are the Red Fort timings and ticket price?
Red Fort is open 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with entry at about ₹35 for Indians and ₹550 for foreigners. Some guides list the foreign fee as ₹500.
Is Red Fort closed on Monday?
Most sources say yes, but one March 2026 guide says the Monday closure has been removed. Check the official ASI page before you go.
How long does Red Fort take?
Allow 2 to 2.5 hours for the full complex. On a tight plan you can skip going inside, since the visit easily takes ninety minutes.
What are Humayun's Tomb timings and ticket price?
It is open daily from about 6 AM to 6 PM. Guides list tickets at roughly ₹35 to ₹40 for Indians and ₹550 to ₹600 for foreigners, and a visit takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
What are Qutub Minar timings and ticket price?
It is open daily from 7 AM to 5 PM. Entry is about ₹35 for Indians and ₹550 for foreigners, and children under 15 enter free. The nearest station is Qutub Minar on the Yellow Line.
What should I wear when visiting monuments and shrines?
Cover your head at gurdwaras and dargahs, dress modestly at Jama Masjid and wear comfortable shoes for all the walking.
Delhi Metro and getting around
Which Delhi Metro line is best for tourists?
The Yellow Line. It connects Chandni Chowk, Connaught Place (Rajiv Chowk), Qutub Minar and New Delhi Railway Station.
Is there a Delhi Metro tourist card?
Yes. A 1-day card costs ₹200 (₹150 credit plus a ₹50 refundable deposit) and a 3-day card costs ₹500. Airport Express is not included.
Which metro station is closest to Red Fort?
Lal Quila station is closest. For the Chandni Chowk food lanes, get off at Chandni Chowk on the Yellow Line.
Can I start my Delhi plan from a metro station?
Yes. Pick any listed Yellow Line station in the planner and it builds a route of places around that station.
About this planner
How does the planner choose stops?
It starts from your chosen area or station, filters by your vibe and food budget, and lists the stops in walking order with travel gaps.
Are the prices and timings exact?
No. They are rough per-person estimates, so check opening hours before you leave.