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From Delhi: Old & New Delhi Guided Tour

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Activity provider: Hello.Green India Voyages
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New Delhi and Old Delhi together form the heart of India’s capital city. New Delhi, designed by British architects during the early 20th century, is known for its wide roads, modern infrastructure, and important government buildings. It houses landmarks such as India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan. The area reflects planned urban development and serves as the political center of the country. Old Delhi, on the other hand, represents the historical and cultural roots of the city. Established by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century, it is famous for its narrow lanes, traditional markets, and historic monuments. Popular sites include Red Fort and Jama Masjid. Old Delhi is also well known for its street food, vibrant bazaars, and rich cultural heritage, offering a glimpse into the city’s past.

Highlights

  • Old Delhi, founded by Shah Jahan, reflects Mughal history.
  • Enjoy a vibrant colors of the shops and goods at the Chandni chowk market.
  • See the religious sites like the Lotus Temple and The Jama Masjid.
  • Enjoy a mix of ancient and modern sights in Old and New Delhi.

Choose from 1 available option

From Delhi: Old & New Delhi Guided Tour

New Delhi and Old Delhi together form the heart of India’s capital city. New Delhi, designed by British architects durin...
8 hours
English
$75
Free cancellation

Full description

New Delhi and Old Delhi together form the capital region of India and represent two different sides of the city’s history, culture, and development.

New Delhi was officially declared the capital of British India in 1911, replacing Kolkata. It was designed by the British architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker. The city was planned with wide roads, large government buildings, and green open spaces. Today, New Delhi is the political and administrative center of India. Important buildings and monuments in New Delhi include Rashtrapati Bhavan, India Gate, and Parliament House. The area also has modern markets, hotels, and offices, making it one of the most organized parts of the capital.

Old Delhi, also known as Shahjahanabad, was founded in 1648 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. It served as the capital of the Mughal Empire for many years. Old Delhi is famous for its historical monuments, busy streets, and traditional lifestyle. Some of the most important historical sites include Red Fort, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. The famous market Chandni Chowk is also located here and is well known for its shops, spices, clothes, jewelry, and delicious street food.

While New Delhi represents modern planning and government administration, Old Delhi reflects the rich history, culture, and traditions of the Mughal period. Together, they show how Delhi combines both its historical heritage and modern development, making it one of the most important and vibrant cities in India.

Tour Itinerary

Itineraries are customisable as per your request

The schedule below is a suggested plan and can be adjusted to suit your preferences.

9:00 AMOptional

India Gate

Visit India Gate

9:30 AMOptional

Humayun Tomb

Visit Humayun Tomb

10:00 AMOptional

Jama Masjid

Visit Jama Masjid And Guided Tour

10:30 AMOptional

Chandni chawk

Visit and guided tour of the Chandni chawk and Spice market

11:00 AM30 minutesOptional

Lotus Temple

Visit Lotus Temple

11:30 AMOptional

Parliament House

Return drive to Delhi

2:00 PMOptional

Hotel or Airport

Drop-off at your hotel or airport

Detailed Itinerary

Early Morning Pickup and Scenic Drive

Your day begins bright and early at 6:00 AM, when your local guide will pick you up from your hotel anywhere in Delhi or the National Capital Region. You’ll travel in a comfortable air-conditioned sedan, perfect for beating the Delhi heat as you set off on your adventure. The route takes you along the Yamuna Expressway, a modern highway that offers scenic views of the surrounding countryside. This 3.5-hour drive is a relaxing introduction to the contrasts between urban and rural India, as you watch lush fields and small villages pass by, giving you a glimpse of life beyond the bustling city.

Discover the Vibrant History of Chandni Chowk

Your first major stop is Chandni Chowk, one of Old Delhi’s most iconic and lively markets. Walking through its narrow lanes, you’ll feel transported back in time to the Mughal era when this market was the heart of the city’s commerce and culture. Your guide will share fascinating stories about its origins, its role in Delhi’s history, and highlight key landmarks like the Red Fort and Jama Masjid nearby. You’ll experience the sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells: fragrant spices piled high, colorful textiles, street food vendors sizzling kebabs, and shopkeepers selling everything from jewelry to traditional sweets. Wear comfortable shoes as the streets can be uneven and bustling with crowds.

Explore the Majestic Humayun’s Tomb

Next, you’ll visit Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Delhi’s architectural jewels. This 16th-century garden tomb is a striking example of Mughal design, with its red sandstone walls, intricate marble inlays, and perfectly symmetrical gardens. Your guide will explain the cultural significance of the tomb as the inspiration for the Taj Mahal and share insights into the Mughal emperor Humayun’s reign. The tranquil atmosphere here contrasts beautifully with the lively energy of Chandni Chowk. Take your time to wander through the sprawling grounds, capturing photos of the impressive arches and ornate domes. Remember to wear sunscreen as you’ll be spending time outdoors.

Authentic Mughlai Lunch Experience

After your cultural explorations, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant known for its authentic Mughlai cuisine. This cuisine is famous for its rich, aromatic flavors developed during the Mughal Empire, featuring dishes like succulent kebabs, creamy kormas, fragrant biryanis, and freshly baked naan bread. Dining here is more than just eating - it’s an immersion into India’s culinary heritage. Your guide can recommend dishes based on your preferences and dietary needs, ensuring a memorable and satisfying meal.

Flexible Afternoon and Comfortable Return

The afternoon offers flexibility to explore additional sites or revisit favorite spots based on your interests. Optional visits, such as nearby historical monuments or vibrant local bazaars, can be arranged upon request to tailor the experience just for you. Around 5:00 PM, you’ll begin your journey back to your hotel in Delhi/NCR, arriving comfortably after the scenic drive. This tour’s skip-the-line entry and professional guiding ensure you make the most of your time without the hassle of crowds or confusion.

Insider Tips for a Smooth Experience

To enjoy this tour fully, wear comfortable walking shoes as you’ll be on your feet exploring bustling markets and historic sites. Bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the strong Delhi sun, especially during midday hours. Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated throughout the day. Dress modestly out of respect for cultural norms, especially when visiting religious sites. With these small preparations, you’ll experience the rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious flavors of Delhi in an unforgettable way.

Includes

  • Ticket Included (If you Choose Option)
  • Professional Tour Guide
  • Ac Car
  • Water Bottle

Excludes

  • Meals not Included
  • Personal Expenses
  • Tips & Gratitude

Important information

Meeting point

India Gate

Know before you go

  • Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the activity starts

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Secure payment
Complete your booking safely with Razorpay. Full refund if you cancel 24h prior. Read more
Duration 8 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English, Hindi, Spanish, French, Chinese, Japanese, German
Wheelchair accessible

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Main Tour Price
Starting from $75
$75
Tour Type
Guided TourPrivate TourWalking TourCultural TourCity TourDay TripHeritage TourNature TourSpiritual / Pilgrimage TourPhotography TourLuxury TourFood TourGroup Tour
Need a custom booking or have a larger group?Contact Support via WhatsApp
Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Secure payment
Complete your booking safely with Razorpay. Full refund if you cancel 24h prior. Read more

Traveler Reviews

4.7/5
based on 4 reviews
Guide
4.9/5
Value for money
4.6/5
All reviews are from verified AsiaByLocals travelers
5
A
Andrew T. – United Kingdom
March 7, 2026

Brilliant guided tour covering both Old and New Delhi. The guide brought Delhi's complex history to life, from the Mughal emperors to the British Raj to independence. In Old Delhi we visited the Red Fort, walked through Chandni Chowk and entered the stunning Jama Masjid. In New Delhi we saw India Gate, Humayun's Tomb and the impressive Qutub Minar. The guide even took us for chai at a local spot in the old city. Thoroughly enjoyed every minute.

4
S
Sandra H. – Germany
February 21, 2026

Good comprehensive tour of Delhi covering the main sites in both the old and new parts of the city. Our guide was knowledgable and spoke excellent English. The Red Fort and Humayun's Tomb were my highlights. Would have liked a bit more time in Chandni Chowk for shopping and street food but the itinerary was already quite full. The car and driver were professional and reliable. A solid way to see Delhi's top attractions in one day.

5
L
Lucas M. – Brazil
March 11, 2026

Our guide for the Old and New Delhi tour was absolutley outstanding. He started with Old Delhi at the Red Fort and explained the decline of the Mughal empire in such a vivid way. The walk through the lanes of Chandni Chowk was sensory overload in the best possible way. In New Delhi, Humayun's Tomb was spectacular and the guide showed us the geometric gardens that influenced the Taj Mahal. We also visited Gurudwara Bangla Sahib which was a peaceful and spiritual experience. Best guided tour I have ever taken.

5
Y
Yuki N. – Japan
February 28, 2026

This guided tour of Old and New Delhi was the perfect way to understand the city. Our guide explained how Delhi has been built and rebuilt seven times and showed us evidence of each era. The contrast between the narrow medieval lanes of Old Delhi and the wide tree lined avenues of Lutyens' New Delhi is remarkable. We visited Jama Masjid, India Gate, Qutub Minar and several other sites. The guide was patient with our many questions and very photogenic spot suggestions.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Old and New Delhi guided tour covers the city's 3,000-year history in a single day across two distinct eras. Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad, 17th-century Mughal city): Jama Masjid (India's largest mosque, 1656), Red Fort (UNESCO Mughal fortress, 1648), Chandni Chowk bazaar (rickshaw ride), and Khari Baoli (Asia's largest spice wholesale market). New Delhi (20th-century British Raj capital): India Gate (1931 war memorial), Lutyens' ceremonial boulevard, Humayun's Tomb (UNESCO, 1570), and Qutub Minar (UNESCO, 1193). Optional additions: Lodi Garden, Lotus Temple, Akshardham Temple, and Indira Gandhi Memorial. Entry tickets, vehicle, and guide are all included.
This is a private guided tour — your Ministry of Tourism-licensed guide and private air-conditioned vehicle are exclusively for your group throughout the day. There are no strangers, no shared schedule, and no compromise on pace or depth. This private format is particularly valuable in Delhi: the city is complex, the traffic requires an experienced driver, and the historical narrative spanning multiple dynasties (Delhi Sultanate → Mughal → British Raj → Independent India) requires a guide who can give your group undivided attention and adapt commentary to your specific interests and questions.
The Red Fort (Lal Qila) is the UNESCO-listed 17th-century Mughal palace fortress built by Emperor Shah Jahan between 1639 and 1648 as the seat of Mughal imperial power. Built in red sandstone (hence the name) with white marble palace interiors, it housed the Mughal court for over 200 years. Every year on Indian Independence Day (15 August), the Prime Minister addresses the nation from its ramparts. The fort is extensive (2 km perimeter) and contains several museums, audience halls, and palace structures. Your guide provides a curated 60–90 minute tour of the most significant structures — the complete fort would take half a day. Combined with Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk, it forms the heart of the Old Delhi itinerary.
Qutub Minar is a 73-metre-tall tapering minaret built in 1193 by Qutb ud-Din Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate — making it one of the earliest surviving Islamic structures in India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the tallest brick minaret in the world. The surrounding Qutub complex contains the remains of India's first mosque (Quwwat ul-Islam, 'Might of Islam'), built using materials from 27 demolished Hindu and Jain temples (the pillars and carvings of which are still visible incorporated into the mosque's colonnade). This story — the collision of pre-Islamic and Islamic India visible in a single site — is one of the most historically charged narratives your guide covers on the New Delhi section.
Humayun's Tomb (1570) is the mausoleum of the Mughal Emperor Humayun, built by his Persian-born widow Haji Begum. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and architecturally crucial: it is the direct prototype for the Taj Mahal, built 61 years earlier. The same architectural vocabulary — a raised platform (char bagh garden), a domed mausoleum in the centre, the combination of red sandstone and white marble, and Persian-style arches — was refined and perfected at the Taj Mahal. Your guide at Humayun's Tomb explicitly connects the two monuments, making the subsequent Taj Mahal visit (if you are also going to Agra) architecturally richer. Humayun's Tomb is also the largest garden-tomb complex in India after the Taj Mahal.
The guided tour typically runs 9–10 hours total from hotel pickup (8:30–9:00 AM) to hotel drop-off (6:30–7:30 PM). Time allocation across sites: Jama Masjid (45 min), Red Fort area and Chandni Chowk rickshaw (60–75 min), Khari Baoli spice market (30 min), Humayun's Tomb (60–90 min), Qutub Minar (60 min), India Gate (30 min), and lunch (60 min). Transit between sites accounts for approximately 1.5–2 hours across the day. Optional additions (Lodi Garden, Lotus Temple) extend the tour but the core 7–8 sites are achievable in a full day without rushing.
Yes — the Old and New Delhi guided tour can be tailored effectively for families with children. Highlights that children typically find engaging: the Red Fort's scale and military architecture, the Chandni Chowk cycle-rickshaw ride (a favourite with children), the spice market's extraordinary colours and smells, and the Qutub Minar's sheer height. The guide adapts commentary for children — explaining Mughal emperors in terms of power, war, and court intrigue that children find naturally compelling. Bring snacks and water for children; the full-day format is demanding for young children and the guide will suggest rest stops and timing adjustments as needed.
Yes — all monument entry tickets are included in the guided tour price: Red Fort (₹600 foreign nationals), Humayun's Tomb (₹600), and Qutub Minar (₹600). Total included ticket value for a foreign national is ₹1,800. The Jama Masjid has no fixed entry fee for the main complex (optional ₹300 fee to climb the minaret for views). India Gate is free. Khari Baoli spice market and Chandni Chowk are public spaces with no entry fee. Children under 15 enter all ASI monuments for free. No additional payments are required at any monument gate during the tour.
Old Delhi is widely regarded as India's street food capital, and trying local specialties is one of the tour's highlights — but food safety awareness is important. Your guide follows these principles: (1) Vendor selection — the guide only recommends stalls with high turnover (fresh preparation, not sitting out), visible cooking processes, and long-established reputations (many Old Delhi vendors have operated for 3–4 generations); (2) Cooked over raw — freshly fried, grilled, or boiled items (jalebi, samosa, paratha, chai) are safer than raw salads or cut fruit; (3) Water discipline — drink only sealed bottled water (provided on the tour), never tap water or ice from street vendors; (4) Moderation — the guide suggests small tastings across multiple stalls rather than a full meal at one street vendor. Highlights include Paranthe Wali Gali (century-old stuffed bread lane), Karim's (Mughal-descended cooking since 1913), and famous jalebi and rabri stalls near Jama Masjid. For more tips on navigating Delhi, see our <a href='/india/delhi/delhi-travel-guide-2026'>Delhi travel guide</a>.
The cycle-rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk is one of the most vivid and memorable experiences on the guided tour. You board a traditional pedal-powered rickshaw near the Red Fort or Jama Masjid and ride through the narrow 17th-century bazaar lanes for approximately 30–45 minutes. The experience is sensory overload in the best way: the silver jewellery lane (Dariba Kalan), wedding decoration shops (Kinari Bazaar), wholesale spice stalls (Khari Baoli), and iconic sweet makers all pass at walking pace. The rickshaw-wallah navigates expertly through lanes barely 3 metres wide, dodging pedestrians, handcarts, and other rickshaws. Your guide either rides alongside in a second rickshaw or walks next to you, providing running commentary on the history of each lane. Safety: rickshaws move slowly (walking speed) so the ride is gentle and safe; hold bags on your lap and keep cameras secured. Tipping: a tip of ₹50–100 for the rickshaw-wallah is customary and appreciated. For a complete overview of Delhi attractions, see our <a href='/india/delhi/delhi-full-day-guided-tour'>Delhi full-day guided tour</a> page.
Yes, Delhi is generally safe for tourists, especially in popular tourist areas like Connaught Place, Chandni Chowk, and around major monuments. Booking a licensed local guide through AsiaByLocals adds an extra layer of safety and local knowledge.
The Delhi Metro is the fastest and most affordable way to travel between attractions. For tour experiences, our guides arrange private air-conditioned vehicles so you can cover Old Delhi and New Delhi comfortably in one day.
For popular sites like Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, and Red Fort, advance tickets are recommended to skip long queues. When you book a guided tour through AsiaByLocals, entry tickets and skip-the-line access are typically included.
Starting from$75