Delhi is huge, and with two full days in the city you can take in many top attractions, from ancient forts and UNESCO-listed tombs to massive mosques and sacred temples. You’ll also have ample time to explore vibrant markets and indulge in local cuisine. Here are a few ways you can make the most of a 2-day stint in Delhi.
Day 1: City of History
**Morning:**Start your day off with a sightseeing walking or bicycle rickshaw tour of Old Delhi; it’s best to get here early in the day before the day gets too hot. Don’t miss the historic Red Fort (Lal Qila), the huge Jama Masjid mosque, and the bustling markets of Chandni Chowk.
**Afternoon:**Explore the central parts of Delhi, including the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Humayun’s Tomb, the shops and markets around Connaught Place, and the leafy boulevards in Lutyen’s Delhi. This is the Raj-era heart of the city and home to sites such as India Gate and the Presidential Palace (Rashtrapati Bhavan).
**Night:**After sunset, head to one of the city’s many local markets, which are often their busiest right around dusk. If you’re worried about your bargaining skills, a private shopping tour might be a good idea. Alternatively, check out a sound-and-light show at Lal Qila (Red Fort) or the Purana Qila (Old Fort).
Day 2: Temples and Cuisine
**Morning:**Start your next day checking out some of the many attractions in South Delhi. History lovers may want to head straight to the UNESCO-recognized Qutub Minar or the adjacent Mehrauli Archeological Park. Those more into religion may prefer the ISKCON (Hare Krishna) Temple or the Baha’i House of Worship, aka the Lotus Temple.
**Afternoon:**Head to Dilli Haat, an open-air crafts market with hygienic food stalls representing cuisines from across the subcontinent, for lunch—it’s also a great place to shop. Alternatively, visit Swaminarayan Akshardham, the largest Hindu temple in the city, where there’s an enormous main temple along with an IMAX-style theater, a boat ride attraction, animatronics shows, and a huge vegetarian food court.
**Night:**Foodies may want to head back to Old Delhi for an evening culinary walking tour or simply to dine at one of the many local restaurants in the area. If you happen to visit on a Thursday, a live Sufi performance at the Nizamuddin dargah is in order.
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