Red Fort historic monument in Old Delhi India Gate war memorial in New Delhi at sunset

Best 3 Days in India

New Delhi

3 days · 1 city · 4+ activities scored and scheduled · days balanced by intensity

A mix of history and art & culture. A moderate mix of walking and active experiences, mostly at your own pace. Includes 4 must-see landmarks across New Delhi.

Highlights: Red Fort (Lal Qila), Qutub Minar Complex, Humayun's Tomb, Jama Masjid & Old Delhi Walk

Arriving Wed, Jul 1 Change

About This Itinerary

A 3-day New Delhi, India itinerary with 4 scored activities, including Red Fort (Lal Qila) and Qutub Minar Complex. Days are balanced so no single day is a marathon.

3 days 4+ activities
Where you'll stay
Hotel in Delhi · From $55/night
See lodging →
Trip cost
~$130 total · $43/day
See budget →
Top picks
Red Fort (Lal Qila), Qutub Minar Complex, Humayun's Tomb
See itinerary →

Day-by-Day Schedule — heavy and light days alternate so you don’t burn out

New Delhi

New Delhi 5 stops · Open in Google Maps ↗
Day 1 Wed, Jul 1 Full New Delhi View on map
Morning
Red Fort (Lal Qila)$~3 hrs

Walk the red sandstone citadel where Mughal emperors held court and India's PM speaks each August (2-3h)

$6 Verified Mar 2026 Oct–Mar is ideal; avoid Apr–Jun (extreme heat, 40°C+) and Jul–Sep (monsoon humidity). Open year-round except Mondays. 📍 Map
Afternoon
Qutub Minar Complex$~2 hrs

Stand below India's tallest minaret and a 4th-century iron pillar that has never rusted (2h)

$7 Verified Mar 2026 Open year-round except Fridays. Oct–Mar best; the open-air complex is very exposed in summer heat. 📍 Map
🏨 Hotel in Delhi

Connaught Place / Hauz Khas / Paharganj

wifibreakfastair-conditioning
Travelers book: The Lodhi $250-450/nightThe Imperial New Delhi $200-380/nightLutyens Bungalow $80-160/nightHotel Palace Heights $40-80/nightZostel Delhi $10-25/night
Book Hotel in Delhi from $55/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 2 Thu, Jul 2 Moderate New Delhi View on map
Morning
Humayun's Tomb$~2 hrs

Tour the Persian garden-tomb that directly inspired the Taj Mahal — with far fewer crowds (2h)

$7 Verified Mar 2026 Year-round except Fridays. The charbagh gardens are lush during monsoon (Jul–Sep) but summer heat is oppressive; Oct–Mar is optimal. 📍 Map
Afternoon Jama Masjid mosque with its grand courtyard and minarets in Old Delhi
Jama Masjid & Old Delhi Walk$~3 hrs

Explore India's largest mosque then dive into the labyrinthine lanes of Shahjahanabad (2-3h)

Year-round but Oct–Mar is most comfortable for the outdoor courtyard; avoid midday in summer. 📍 Map
🏨 Hotel in Delhi

Connaught Place / Hauz Khas / Paharganj

wifibreakfastair-conditioning
Travelers book: The Lodhi $250-450/nightThe Imperial New Delhi $200-380/nightLutyens Bungalow $80-160/nightHotel Palace Heights $40-80/nightZostel Delhi $10-25/night
Book Hotel in Delhi from $55/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 3 Fri, Jul 3 New Delhi
Checkout & Depart

Check out of your hotel, grab a final breakfast, and head to the airport. Safe travels from New Delhi!

Where You’ll Stay

Estimated total: $88–$132

Trip Budget Estimate

$130 estimated total per person
$43 per day
Lodging $110
Activities $20

Estimates based on listed activity prices and hotel rates. Actual costs vary by season, availability, and personal spending.

Typical range for India

$75 – $900 per person for 3 days

Budget: $25/day — Guesthouses, dhabas, trains Mid-range: $100/day — Heritage hotels, restaurants, AC trains Luxury: $300/day — Palace hotels, fine dining, private drivers

Similar Destinations

Similar vibes, fewer crowds — destinations our algorithm rates as close matches to India.

🧳 Practical Info for India

📄 Visa
E-Visa required for US, UK, CA, AU, EU citizens. Apply online at least 4 days before travel.
💵 Tipping
10% at restaurants if service charge not included. Tip drivers, porters, and guides.
💱 Currency
Indian Rupee (₹ INR). Cash essential for street vendors, rickshaws, and smaller shops. Cards accepted at hotels and restaurants in cities.
🔌 Power
230V, Type C/D/M plugs. US/EU travelers need an adapter. Voltage fluctuations common — use a surge protector.
📶 Connectivity
SIM cards at airports (Jio, Airtel, Vi). Requires passport copy and photo. Excellent 4G in cities.
🚨 Emergency
112 (general emergency), 100 (police), 108 (ambulance)

🚄 Getting Around India

🚄 Rail

Indian Railways is vast. Book AC classes (1A, 2A, 3A) on irctc.co.in well in advance. Vande Bharat express trains are modern.

✈️ Flight

IndiGo and SpiceJet offer cheap domestic flights. Delhi to Goa or Kerala takes 2-3 hours.

🚗 Car

Hire a car with driver for day trips — very affordable ($30-50/day) and far less stressful than self-driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a week in India cost?

Budget: $25-50/day. Mid-range: $80-150/day. Luxury: $250+/day. India is incredibly affordable — a thali meal costs $2-4. Luxury heritage hotels offer outstanding value.

What is the best time to visit India?

October-March for most of India. Monsoon season (June-September) brings heavy rain but lush landscapes. Ladakh is best June-September.

Do I need a visa for India?

E-Visa required for US, UK, CA, AU, EU citizens. Apply online at least 4 days before travel.

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