How To Spend 2 Days In New Delhi, India Travel Itinerary Arriving At The International Airport

November 19, 2025

Upon arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, follow signs for ‘BAGGAGE AND EXIT’ to collect your luggage, then proceed to the immigration area marked for ‘FOREIGN NATIONALS – All Visas’ and ‘ZONE 2 – E-VISA’. Present your passport, boarding pass, Arrival Card, and e-Visa at the immigration desk, where fingerprints may be taken. After receiving a stamp in your passport, proceed through customs; if nothing needs declaring, follow the green channel to exit. Once outside, purchase a SIM card and withdraw Indian rupees from an ATM at the airport, with a recommended withdrawal of 10,000 INR to minimize fees. For transportation to your hotel, avoid unmarked taxis and instead use the prepaid taxi service from the bright yellow kiosk, which offers a fixed, official rate. Alternatively, consider booking a private, door-to-door airport transfer for a hassle-free experience.

How To Spend 2 Days In New Delhi, India Travel Itinerary Arriving At The International Airport travelanycountry

For your two-day itinerary, begin with a visit to the Red Fort and Jama Masjid in Old Delhi, ideally before noon to avoid prayer times. Explore the bustling Chandni Chowk market nearby. In the afternoon, head to the India Gate and Rajpath, followed by a visit to the National Museum to see ancient artifacts from the Harappan Civilization. On the second day, visit Humayun’s Tomb and the nearby Lodhi Garden, both accessible on foot from the area around The Lodhi hotel. Consider a customizable tour with a driver and guide for the day to cover these sites efficiently. For cultural immersion, visit Rashtrapati Bhavan and Dilli Haat in the evening, where you can enjoy regional cuisines and shop for handicrafts. The Delhi Metro is a reliable and air-conditioned option for getting around, especially during the summer heat, with women’s carriages clearly marked for safety. Use apps like Uber or Ola for convenience, and always check the fare on the app before negotiating with rickshaw drivers.

For a two-day trip to Delhi starting from the airport, a suggested itinerary includes exploring Old and New Delhi landmarks, using the efficient Delhi Metro for transport. Day 1 could focus on Old Delhi, visiting the Red Fort and exploring Chandni Chowk via a rickshaw tour. Day 2 could cover the monuments and gardens of New Delhi, such as Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, India Gate, and the Lotus Temple.

Day 1: Old Delhi Exploration

Morning: From the airport, take the Delhi Metro to the Chandni Chowk area.
Late Morning: Explore the Red Fort (Lal Qila), a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Afternoon: Immerse yourself in the bustling streets of Chandni Chowk. Consider a rickshaw tour for a unique experience through this historic market, which includes the Spice Market.
Evening: Visit the Jama Masjid (Great Mosque of Delhi) near the Red Fort. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in the area to experience traditional cuisine.

Day 2: New Delhi’s Landmarks and Gardens

Morning: Head to the southern part of the city to visit Humayun’s Tomb and the Qutub Minar complex.
Afternoon: Go to India Gate, the war memorial, and the National War Memorial located nearby.
Late Afternoon: Visit the architecturally unique Lotus Temple.
Optional: If time permits, visit the modern Akshardham Temple, known for its grandeur.
Evening: Conclude your trip with dinner in a New Delhi neighborhood, or use the Delhi Metro to head back towards the airport depending on your schedule.

Travel Tips

Transportation: The Delhi Metro is an efficient way to get around and connects many of the major sites. Rickshaws and auto-rickshaws are also available.
Visa and Entry: Ensure you have the necessary visa or are eligible for visa-free entry if you plan to leave the airport during a layover.
Connectivity: You can purchase a local SIM card to stay connected.
Flexibility: This is a suggested itinerary; feel free to adjust it based on your interests and available time.