How many days in Delhi?
Plan 2-4 days for Delhi. 2 days hits the must-sees; 4 lets you eat well, walk neighbourhoods you've never heard of, and take one day trip.
The minimum
2 days
2 days fits the top sights, one good food walk, and one neighbourhood deep-dive — no day trips.
The sweet spot
4 days
4 days adds one day trip, two more neighbourhoods, and three more sit-down meals you'll actually remember.
Slow travel
6 days
6 days is when you leave the to-do list at home and actually live in the city for a week.
The headline things to do in Delhi
From the Delhi guide — these are the items that anchor a 2-day visit. For the full breakdown, read the Delhi travel guide.
- Red Fort (Lal Qila) — Old Delhi
The massive red sandstone fortress built by Shah Jahan in 1639 served as the Mughal capital for nearly 200 years. The Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, and evening sound and light show bring Mughal history to life.
- Humayun's Tomb — Nizamuddin East
This stunning 1570 garden tomb was the prototype for the Taj Mahal. The Persian-influenced architecture set within symmetrical Mughal gardens is one of Delhi's most photogenic sites, especially at sunset.
- Qutub Minar — Mehrauli
A soaring 73-meter-tall victory tower built in 1193, the tallest brick minaret in the world. The surrounding Qutub Complex includes the enigmatic Iron Pillar (rust-free for 1,600 years) and ruins from Delhi's earliest sultanates.
- Jama Masjid — Old Delhi
India's largest mosque, built by Shah Jahan between 1644 and 1656. The vast courtyard can hold 25,000 worshippers. Climb the southern minaret for panoramic views over Old Delhi's chaotic rooftops.
- India Gate & Rajpath — New Delhi
The 42-meter war memorial arch anchors Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath), New Delhi's grand ceremonial boulevard stretching to Rashtrapati Bhavan (the President's residence). A beloved gathering spot at sunset.
- Lotus Temple — Bahapur
A striking Baha'i house of worship shaped like an opening lotus flower, built from white marble. Open to people of all faiths for silent meditation. The architecture has won numerous awards.
- Chandni Chowk — Old Delhi
Old Delhi's legendary main street, a 1.3-km stretch of organized chaos with wholesale markets, Mughal-era havelis, temples, mosques, and some of Delhi's best street food. Best explored on foot or by cycle rickshaw.
- Akshardham Temple — Noida Link Road
A sprawling modern Hindu temple complex opened in 2005, featuring 20,000 hand-carved figures, a musical fountain show, and exhibitions on Indian culture. No photography is allowed inside.
Frequently asked
Is 2 days enough in Delhi?
2 days is the minimum for a satisfying visit — you'll see the headline sights but won't have flex time. If you can stretch to 4, you unlock a day trip and the food walks that make the trip memorable.
Is 6 days too long in Delhi?
6 days is for travellers who want to slow down — eat at neighbourhood spots tourists don't reach, take repeat day trips, and live in the city. If you're a tick-the-list traveller, 4 is enough.
What's the ideal trip length for first-time visitors to Delhi?
4 days is the sweet spot for a first visit — long enough to cover the must-sees, eat at three good spots, take one day trip, and not feel like you're racing a checklist. Less than 2 usually feels rushed; more than 6 is into slow-travel territory.
Should I add Delhi to a longer regional trip?
Yes — Delhi works well as a 2-4-day stop on a longer regional itinerary. Pair it with a nearby destination via the trip planner so the transit days don't compress your time on the ground.