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Looking for the best things to do in New Delhi? We’ve got you covered!
Delhi can be an exciting yet overwhelming city to navigate, especially if it’s your first time visiting. Having traveled there extensively, I’ve discovered the best experiences and easiest ways to explore the city. From the bustling streets of Old Delhi and the stunning Taj Mahal on a day trip to Agra, to spiritual journeys through ancient temples, Delhi offers a little something for everyone.
It’s a crazy, chaotic place, but with my recommendations, you can skip the hassle and dive straight into the highlights without the stress of navigating on your own. So let’s get to it!
Quick Pick: Our Favorite Activity
Don’t have time to read the full article?
Our personal FAVORITE New Delhi experience was this private tour to the Taj Mahal. Taking a tour made seeing this iconic sight easy, and we loved having a private guide to teach us all about it!
Check out the 3,500+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
Tip: This tour is popular and can sell out – book your spot here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go.
- Quick Pick: Our Favorite Activity
- Things to do in New Delhi, India
- 1. Explore Old and New Delhi with a local
- 2. See the Taj Mahal on a private tour
- 3. Try Delhi’s famous street food on a food tour
- 4. Go shopping with a local to find hidden gems and the best prices
- 5. Learn how to cook authentic Indian cuisine
- 6. Visit the Golden Triangle on a 3-day private tour
- 7. Explore the city on a bicycle
- 8. Take a day trip to Jaipur
- 9. See New Delhi’s top temples and spiritual sites
- 10. Take a yoga class
- Where to Stay in New Delhi, India
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in New Delhi, India
1. Explore Old and New Delhi with a local
- Duration: 8 hours
- Time: 7 am, 8 am, 9 am, 10 am
- Highlights: Private tour of Old and New Delhi, see highlights such as Jama Masjid, Qutub Minar, and Humayun’s Tomb, visit Chandni Chowk market, marvel at the lavish Akshardham temple, go for a tuk-tuk ride in Old Delhi
- Inclusions: Private air-conditioned transportation, hotel or airport pick-up, bottled water, tuk-tuk ride, entrance fees (if option selected)
- Rating: 4.9 stars (read the 3,700+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Delhi can be overwhelming – its bustling streets, vibrant markets, and rich history are thrilling but, let’s be honest, a bit chaotic for first-timers. That’s why I love this full-day private Old and New Delhi tour! It’s the perfect way to soak in all the city’s best sights without the hassle.
With your own private guide and air-conditioned car, you’ll visit Delhi’s most iconic landmarks like the majestic Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, and the serene Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage site that inspired the Taj Mahal.
You’ll also have the chance to explore Old Delhi in a tuk-tuk as you cruise around past several colorful, busy bazaars. You’ll also wander through Khari Baoli, Asia’s largest spice market, where your senses will be in overdrive!
The tour also hits modern landmarks like India Gate and the elegant Rashtrapati Bhavan, while diving into Delhi’s spiritual side with stops at the Lotus Temple and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, where the holy pond is said to have healing powers.
Best of all, since it’s private, the experience is totally personalized – you can linger where you want, skip what doesn’t interest you, and soak in all the fascinating stories from your guide. Our guide even helped us to plan our next few days in Dehli, which was a huge help!
Believe me, navigating Delhi will never be as easy (or fun!) as it is on this tour. If you don’t believe me, just have a look at the thousands of 5-star reviews here!
Check availability for this popular private city tour here!
2. See the Taj Mahal on a private tour
- Duration: 12 hours
- Time: Multiple departure times throughout the morning
- Highlights: Private day trip to Agra from Delhi, go on a guided tour of the Taj Mahal, see other Agra highlights such as the majestic Agra Fort and Itmad-Ud-Daulah Tomb
- Inclusions: Private transportation and guide, hotel or airport transfers, bottled water, entry fees (if all-inclusive option selected)
- Rating: 4.9 stars (read the 3,600+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you only have one day to spare in Delhi, you must go on this private day trip to Agra! Trust me, it is the perfect way to experience the magic of the Taj Mahal and so much more. I did it, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat!
Sure, waking up at 2 am might sound crazy, but when you see the Taj Mahal at sunrise, bathed in soft pink and golden light, you’ll forget you were ever tired. Plus, the private car is super comfy, so you can always sleep during the drive like I did!
When we got to Agra, our personal guide was already waiting. Having someone to share all the history and stories behind the Taj Mahal made it so much more meaningful. I learned about the incredible love story behind its construction, which honestly made me appreciate its beauty even more.
Next up, we headed to Agra Fort (a stunning Mughal fortress packed with incredible history and breathtaking views) and Itmad-ud-Daulah (AKA “Baby Taj”), which is a smaller, lesser-known gem made entirely from marble!
Our private driver and guide made everything so easy and stress-free – plus the sights were out of this world. I highly recommend doing the all-inclusive sunrise tour, so that you can see the Taj Mahal first thing in the morning before the crowds of people arrive. It’s an experience I’ll never forget and I know the 3,400+ people who left 5-star reviews feel the same!
Learn more about my favorite tour and secure your spot here!
3. Try Delhi’s famous street food on a food tour
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 1 pm or 5 pm
- Highlights: Explore Old Delhi on foot and by rickshaw, sample a variety of different local food and beverages, learn about Delhi’s history and culture, see iconic sights like the Jama Masjid mosque and Asia’s biggest spice market
- Inclusions: Local guide, food samples, soft drinks, transportation (via metro and rickshaw)
- Rating: 4.9 stars (read the 350+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
As someone who adores exploring local food scenes (and LOVES Indian food), it’s no surprise this Old Delhi Street Food Tour made its way onto my Delhi itinerary!
Delhi is home to endless food options, so choosing where to go and what to eat can be a struggle. Luckily, we did this street food tour on our first night in Delhi, which allowed us to dive into all of Delhi’s best local flavors without the stress.
The adventure starts near Rajiv Chowk Metro Station, and from there, you’ll taste your way through Old Delhi with a local guide. One of my favorite dishes was the paratha, a flaky flatbread stuffed with spiced fillings. It was cooked to perfection at a tiny stall that I never would have found on my own.
Another one of my favorites was the shahi tukda – a dessert made of crispy fried bread soaked in sweetened milk and topped with nuts. It was delicious!
Between bites, we explored the lively spice market and iconic landmarks like the Jama Masjid. We also learned a lot about India’s culture and history from our wonderful guide, Ajay. He had the best stories and navigated the busy market like a pro!
If you love food as much as I do, this tour is a must-do in Delhi. You can choose the group tour option or upgrade to a private tour for an additional cost. Either way, you’re in for a fun and stress-free evening – all you have to do is show up hungry!
Read the great reviews and secure your spot on this tour here!
4. Go shopping with a local to find hidden gems and the best prices
- Duration: 5 to 8 hours (depending on option selected)
- Time: Multiple times throughout the day
- Highlights: Go shopping with a personal female consultant, navigate busy markets such as Khari Baoli and Chandni Chowk,and find the best boutiques and deals
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, bottled water, snacks, female shopping consultant, tuk-tuk ride (if required)
- Rating: 4.9 stars (read the 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Delhi is known for its vibrant shopping scene, but shopping here can feel overwhelming with its endless bazaars, hidden boutiques, and dizzying variety. That’s why this private shopping tour with a personal female consultant was such a lifesaver.
Not only did I score incredible finds, but I had someone by my side to help me navigate the chaotic markets and get the best deals. Whether you’re after vibrant fabrics, intricate jewelry, or unique souvenirs, this tour is all about personalizing the experience to suit your tastes.
My guide helped me discover Shahpur Jat, known for its fashion boutiques. Here I found high fashion and designer items for a fraction of the cost. Then, we ventured to Dariba Kalan, a historical street bursting with sparkling silver jewelry and elegant pearls. I got the perfect pair of earrings that I never would have found without the help of my personal consultant!
I also loved visiting Khari Baoli, Asia’s largest spice market. It was an aromatic wonderland where I grabbed fragrant saffron and exotic teas to bring home.
You can choose between a half-day or full-day shopping experience. Or if you have an upcoming wedding, there is a specific tour option dedicated to wedding shopping! Prices start at only $40 USD, which includes comfortable air-conditioned transport and your personal guide. So, if you love shopping as much as I do, don’t miss this personalized adventure!
If you want a stress-free shopping experience – book this tour here!
5. Learn how to cook authentic Indian cuisine
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 11 am
- Highlights: Cook 5 of India’s most iconic dishes, learn about Indian gastronomy and culture, enjoy the tasty meal you made with beverages, take the recipes home with you
- Inclusions: Professional instructor, 5-course lunch, one beverage
- Rating: 5 stars (read the 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If there’s one thing I enjoyed more than eating the food in Delhi, it was learning to cook it during this Indian cooking class!
Held near Lajpat Nagar Metro Station, this experience gives you a deep dive into Indian cuisine and teaches you how to create an authentic five-course meal from scratch. Whether you’re an expert in the kitchen or a total beginner, this hands-on workshop is incredibly fun and easy to follow.
The class starts with a warm welcome and a refreshing glass of lassi or steaming masala chai to set the mood. Then, it’s time to roll up your sleeves!
Guided by an experienced instructor, we learned how to prepare classic dishes like chicken curry, perfectly spiced dal, and a flavorful seasonal vegetable dish. We even learned how to make the curry paste from scratch, which was a total game-changer!
Of course, no Indian meal is complete without bread and rice, so we also mastered two types of flatbreads and aromatic cumin rice. And the best part? You get to enjoy your creations at the end, complete with a delicious dessert!
We love that this class caters to both vegetarian and gluten-free dietary needs. It also includes all of the equipment and ingredients needed for only $61 USD per person, which is a great deal considering how much food you get. I left with a full stomach as well as recipes and tips to recreate these dishes at home. If you’re a foodie, this is a must-do in Delhi (just look at all of these 5-star reviews!)
Book this top-rated cooking class here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go.
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. Visit the Golden Triangle on a 3-day private tour
- Duration: 3 days
- Time: Multiple morning departure times
- Highlights: Private 3-day tour of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur (aka the Gold Triangle), see iconic cultural and historical landmarks such as Delhi’s Red Fort, Agra’s Taj Mahal, and Jaipur’s Palace of the Winds
- Inclusions: Private transfers/transportation, private guides, 2-night hotel stay (if option selected), breakfast and dinner (if option selected), monument tickets (if option selected)
- Rating: 4.9 stars (read the 800+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
This private 3-day Golden Triangle tour is perfect for travelers short on time who want to experience north-western India’s top highlights. Named for the triangular route connecting the cities of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, this journey offers a taste of India’s rich history, culture, and architecture in just a few days.
This multi-day tour begins in Delhi, where your private transport will take you to explore iconic landmarks like Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, and Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After exploring all day, your private driver will take you to your hotel in Agra to spend the night.
The second day starts with a magical sunrise over the Taj Mahal, before returning to your hotel for breakfast. The rest of the day is spent exploring more of Agra, including the Agra Fort and Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah.
The Third and final day is spent in Jaipur, (aka the “Pink City”) where you will explore treasures such as the Hawa Mahal. You will also visit the tranquil Jal Maha (a palace that appears to float on the lake!) before heading back to Delhi or to the Jaipur airport.
We think this tour is ideal for those who want to see India’s most famous landmarks at their own pace, without the crowds of people on a group tour.
Prices vary quite a bit depending on the number of people in your group and the tour option selected. The most basic tour option allows you to book your own accommodation while the most pricey option puts you in 5-star hotels. No matter which option you decide to go with, we know you won’t regret booking this highly-rated trip (have a look at the glowing reviews here)!
Look at the tour options and reserve your spot on this multi-day tour here!
7. Explore the city on a bicycle
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Time: 6:30 am
- Highlights: Beat the crowds on a morning bike tour through Old Delhi, visit Asia’s largest spice market, have a traditional Indian breakfast, see multiple UNESCO landmarks and learn about them from your guide
- Inclusions: Professional guide, bicycle, helmet, bottled water, breakfast, coffee/tea
- Rating: 4.9 stars (read the 600+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re looking for a unique, active, and immersive way to experience Old Delhi, this morning bike tour is an absolute must!
We recently joined this incredible tour on our last trip to Delhi and had an unforgettable morning weaving through the bustling lanes of this historic city with our amazing guide, Tenzin. He didn’t just show us the highlights, he took us to hidden local gems that only a seasoned insider could know.
We pedaled past the towering Jama Masjid, paused for a quick photo op in front of the Red Fort, and admired the blend of faiths at Chandni Chowk’s temples. Tenzin kept us entertained the whole time with fascinating stories about the Mughal Empire, British rule, and the vibrant cultures that define this area.
My favorite part? Sipping chai while soaking in the rooftop views over the spice market. It was the best chai I’ve ever had!
The ride itself is a breeze – flat, easygoing, and perfect for the whole family! Whether you’re a casual rider or a biking enthusiast, the guides will make sure you’re comfortable the entire time. Plus, an early morning ride means you beat the crowds and the midday heat!
This tour offers the perfect blend of adventure, history, and authentic local experiences. It’s a fantastic way to see more than you ever could on foot – plus, it’s way more fun! And for only $30 USD per adult, you really can’t go wrong with such a highly-rated tour (look at the hundreds of great reviews)!
To add this bike tour to your Delhi itinerary, book it in advance here!
8. Take a day trip to Jaipur
- Duration: 13 hours
- Time: Departure times vary depending on the option selected
- Highlights: Enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Jaipur with a private guide, visit the main highlights and hidden gems, choose between a train or car journey
- Inclusions: Hotel/airport transfers, transportation (car or train depending on the option selected), private guides, entrance fees, bottled water
- Rating: 4.9 stars (read the 500+ reviews here)
- Free Cancelation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
When I learned that there was a “pink city” located about 4 hours from Delhi, I knew I had to visit on this private day trip – and boy was I glad I did!
Jaipur is a city full of vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and rich history. In fact, it’s known as the “pink city” due to the distinct pink hue of the buildings, which were painted pink back in 1876 to welcome the Prince of Wales and Queen Victoria – how cool is that?
For this tour, you can choose to travel by private car or train. We opted for the car (hello, door-to-door comfort!), but the train option looked like a fun alternative for anyone wanting a scenic rail experience.
Once there, we were whisked straight to Jaipur’s highlights including the Jaigarh Fort, home to the world’s largest wheeled cannon, and the Hawa Mahal, a palace built with mesmerizing lattice windows that allowed the royal women to watch the street life below unseen.
Another highlight was the City Palace, with its maze of stunning courtyards and gardens, and the ancient observatory of Jantar Mantar. We learned so much along the way from our private local guide, and we even got the best recommendation for an incredible Rajasthani lunch!
The tour price varies depending on the transportation method you choose but starts as low as $118 USD per person for private vehicle transport. It’s a long day with a lot of driving, but if you have a day to spare, we think it’s worth it to see this incredible city!
Book this tour here and access FREE cancellation options!
9. See New Delhi’s top temples and spiritual sites
- Duration: 6 hours
- Time: Multiple departure times
- Highlights: Explore a variety of sacred sights in Old Delhi with a private guide, learn about all the different spiritual practices in India, and visit Sikh, Hindu, Muslim, Bahai, and Christian houses of worship
- Inclusions: Private guide, hotel pick-up/drop-off, tuk-tuk ride, bottled water, entrance fees (if option selected)
- Rating: 4.9 stars (read the great reviews here)
- Free Cancelation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Delhi’s spiritual scene is a real melting pot, and this private temple tour gave us a front-row seat to its diversity!
What we loved most about this tour was how it combined so many different religions and cultures into one day. We didn’t just visit one or two temples – by the end of the tour, we’d seen Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, Christian, and Bahá’í places of worship. The variety was incredible!
One of the coolest parts was the Gurudwara Sis Ganj, a Sikh temple where the atmosphere was unlike anywhere else. It’s built on the spot where the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur, was executed. It’s a place full of history, but it also felt so peaceful, with people meditating and offering prayers.
And then there’s the Lotus Temple, which is so much more than a beautiful building. It’s a Bahá’í House of Worship, and one of its core teachings is the unity of all religions. As someone who loves learning about different cultures, visiting here felt so special!
What I really appreciated was the chance to visit these places in a private setting with a guide who knew the deep cultural and spiritual context behind each stop. It was so much more than just sightseeing, but a deep dive into the different spiritualities that make Delhi tick!
If you’re interested in learning more about Delhi’s spiritual side, book your spot here!
10. Take a yoga class
- Duration: 1 hour
- Time: Multiple times throughout the day
- Highlights: Participate in a relaxing private yoga class in the beautiful Lodhi Gardens, learn about Hatha yoga from your instructor, poses adapted for your skill level, and enjoy breathing and meditation experiences
- Inclusions: Professional instructor, bottled water
- Rating: 4.8 stars (read the great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Yoga in India is a must-do, but finding the right spot to practice can be tricky. That’s why I loved this private yoga session in Lodhi Gardens. It’s the perfect combination of tranquility and history, right in the heart of Delhi!
Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned yogi, this private class is adapted to your skill level, so no need to worry about feeling out of your depth. Our instructor walked us through the basics of Hatha yoga, starting with warm-ups and then leading us through various asanas (yoga poses).
We loved how our instructor really focused on the technique and foundation for each pose. We also participated in a peaceful pranayama breathing exercise and a short meditation session, which left me feeling relaxed and centered.
The best part of this class though had to be the setting. Practicing yoga with the ancient ruins of Lodhi Gardens as the backdrop felt surreal and made the experience much more special. It’s not often you get to connect with your inner peace in such a serene environment!
This private class only costs $30 USD per person, which is a pretty great deal for one-on-one instruction in the birthplace of yoga! Whether you’re new to yoga or just looking to deepen your practice, this is the perfect way to unwind and center yourself in the hustle and bustle of Delhi.
Get your zen on and secure your spot for this yoga class here!
Where to Stay in New Delhi, India
Before traveling to New Delhi, we’d heard horror stories about accommodations – maybe you have too! Not to worry though, there are thousands of great hotel options here! To help you narrow it down, I’ve picked out three excellent hotels in central locations, whether you have a luxury taste, a mid-range budget, or are looking for something cheap and comfortable.
Luxury – $$$
Shangri-La Eros New Delhi is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for high-end luxury. Located in the heart of New Delhi, you’re close to all of the top sights, but can get out of the hustle and bustle and unwind. The rooms are designed with elegant details and amenities to make your stay comfortable. You can choose between deluxe twin rooms up to executive suites, and all the while enjoy the onsite restaurants, pool, spa, and helpful staff.
Rooms range from $200 to $430 USD and can be booked on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
Located in the city center, Hotel Saina International is a comfortable moderate budget stay. The rooms are modern and clean, and range from a single room up to a family sized room. I love the terrace overlooking the city, and some rooms come with a balcony too. Prices range from $90 to $200 USD.
Check availability and book your stay on Booking.com.
Budget – $
Hotel Shri Vinayak is conveniently located near the New Delhi railway station, so you can get anywhere in the city! This is a budget stay, but you won’t have to sacrifice on quality – they offer double, twin, triple, or family sized rooms. It’s clean and comfortable with friendly staff, and they have a great onsite restaurant.
Check availability and reserve a room on Booking.com.
For more options, check out all of the hotels in New Delhi here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
New Delhi is a lively and vibrant city, there is even more amazing things to do than I could fit on this list! We really loved booking organized activities here, simply because New Delhi can be overwhelming. So going with a local guide who took care of a lot of the logistics made our trip that much better!
I hope you found this blog helpful, if so, be sure to check out our other travel guides! We’ve traveled all over the world and have tons of resources to share. Here are a few other blogs that will help you plan your next vacation, whether you’re heading to India or beyond!
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