Published 28th Jun. 2021
Reading time
Delhi's chic avenues and winding alleyways that can be travelled by taxi or rickshaw; its pristine large colonial mansions with impeccable lawns; the bazaars crowded with stalls, some of which are even set up on the ground; its street stalls and international signs; its medieval fortifications, its Mughal forts and mausoleums; its immense and luxurious malls, and its 25 million inhabitants of Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs. The city has been the seat of power for over a thousand years and is also a symbol of an up-and-coming India. Here is how we would recommend spending 24 hours in Delhi as part of a holiday to India.
9:00 am
Visit the Jama Masjid mosque, the largest in the country and – it can hold up to 25,000 worshippers. It took 12 years to build, by 5,000 craftsmen, on the orders of the Mughal emperor Shah Jaha, and is striped with marble and red sandstone : there's also a gigantic courtyard with thousands of pigeons sweeping over it. Climb to the top of the minaret, which has a beautiful view of the white mosque's marble domes and the streets of Old Delhi.
Rene Mansi/Istock
11:00 am
Get lost in the alleys of the Old Town: a must-see for those who want to soak up the city and really get to know it. In Chandni Chowk, the main part of Old Delhi, is the city's oldest bazaar, and still the largest today. Its streets are crowded with stalls packed with various goods and crowded with cows, pigs, and rickshaws.
Morgane Le Gall
1:00 pm
Eat grilled meat with hot onions at Karim's, overlooking the Mosque. It is an institution : the same family has been cooking here for four generations, and it's the best Muslim restaurant in the city.
Delhi foodie tours
3:00 pm
Next up during your 24 hours in Delhi is this former market village, which is now home to young artists, creators, and designers from India, Greece and New York, who have chosen it for its affordable rent and village atmosphere. Far from the major spots of New Delhi, it's one of the most fashionable urban villages of the capital, which houses dozens of designer shops, art workshops and bookstores in a maze of narrow alleys. Get lost in the maze of narrow streets, right up to the workshop of French designer Olivia Dar, who makes the most amazing, intricately embroidered dresses.
Trazos sobre Papel/Fotolia.com
6:00 pm
At the mausoleum of the great Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin (1238-1325) is a collection of squares, monuments, and tombs. At dusk, a crowd of men, women, and children with eyes painted in kohl pray, sing psalms, and offer incense and rose petals. Dive into the heart of India's Sufism.
Marion Osmont
8:00 pm
Hauz Khas is another trendy neighbourhood and a progressive part of a rather conservative city, where young hipsters come together. They congregate at the Social, a daytime working space popular with entrepreneurs and self-employed workers, and the bar in the evening, with a beautiful view of a madrasa and a baoli, an old water tank, dating back to the 14th century.
Marion Osmont
Our eager experts have explored India from its mountainous north to its tropical south in search of the best destinations, experiences and properties. In-country, our passionate team of Concierges share a love of India and are always on hand to impart extensive knowledge of their country. Working with phenomenal local guides across the country, we tailor experiences to your specific interests, from family-friendly block printing in Jaipur to city food tours and off-the-beaten-track wildlife safaris. Whether you’d rather call a historic palace or a humble guesthouse home, we can offer your dream accommodation while in India.
ENQUIRE NOWPractical advice and inspiration for your next trip
With their sleek, tangerine-tinged coats, piercing eyes and commanding presence, nothing beats the thrill of seeing a tiger in the wild. And where better than in India,
23rd June 2025 - India Safari & Wildlife
With the myriad pressures of the modern world, it’s no wonder that people are increasingly looking to switch off when they travel. From remote yoga retreats to digital detoxes,
25th February 2025 - India Travel Trends
With its grand palaces, ancient ruins and dramatic natural landscapes, India is bursting with beauty. Whether you want to roam off the beaten track to remote
3rd January 2025 - India Travel Inspiration
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
