Delhi: Old & New City Full Day Tour with Rickshaw Ride

Summary

Full day in Delhi’s tangled streets, mosques, spice markets and Mughal tombs

You’ll sip chai with locals, squeeze through Old Delhi’s maze on a rickshaw ride, breathe in spices at Khari Baoli market, and wander Mughal tombs with a guide who knows every shortcut. This full day tour from Delhi includes pickup, private car and someone to help you find the best street snacks along the way.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is our driver waving at the chai stall guy near our hotel, like they’d known each other for years. He handed me a tiny paper cup — cardamom and ginger hit my nose before I even tasted it. Our guide, Anil, joked that real Delhiites drink five of these before breakfast. We started early so the streets were still stretching awake, but by the time we reached Jama Masjid, the city was humming — bells, horns, voices bouncing off red sandstone walls.

I’ll admit I was nervous about Chandni Chowk. I’d read about the crowds but nothing prepares you for that tangle of rickshaws and people and colors. Anil led us through Khari Baoli spice market; my eyes watered from chili in the air (he laughed when I sneezed), and he pointed out dried mango slices I’d never seen before. We tried samosas from a street cart — hot oil smell everywhere — and he told me how his grandmother still makes them every Sunday. The rickshaw ride was chaos in the best way: narrow lanes brushing your elbows, old men selling bangles, kids shouting “hello!” as we passed.

Later we saw Humayun’s Tomb — quieter than I expected, almost peaceful after Old Delhi’s noise. The gardens felt cool underfoot. At Qutub Minar, Anil explained how each layer tells its own story (honestly, I zoned out for a minute just staring up at those carvings). The afternoon light made everything look golden — I still think about that view sometimes when it’s noisy back home.

We finished at India Gate with schoolkids playing cricket nearby and families picnicking on the grass. It felt like seeing two different cities in one day: the wild energy of Old Delhi and the open spaces of New Delhi. By drop-off time my feet hurt but I didn’t really care — there was too much to take in to worry about that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Old and New Delhi highlights

• Pick up from chosen location
• Tuk tuk ride at Sunehri Masjid
• Explore busy Chandni Chowk bazaar
• Visit Khari Baoli spice market
• Explore Jama Masjid mosque
• Visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
• Visit Qutub Minar and complex
• Visit Humayun's Tomb or Akshardham Temple
• See India Gate and take photos
• Drive past Parliament House
• Complimentary drop off at chosen location

Top questions

How long does this full day tour of Delhi last?

The tour typically lasts around 8-9 hours depending on traffic and how long you spend at each stop.

Is hotel pickup included for this Delhi city tour?

Yes, pickup is included from anywhere in Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad or even the airport.

Does this tour include a rickshaw ride?

Yes, a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi is part of the experience.

Are entrance fees included?

No specific mention of entry fees being included; check when booking if these are covered or paid separately.

Is lunch provided during this full day tour?

No set lunch is included but your guide can help you try street food or recommend places to eat along the way.

Can infants or people using wheelchairs join?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible and infant seats are available upon request.

What main sights are covered on this day trip?

You’ll visit Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk (including Khari Baoli spice market), Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb or Akshardham Temple, India Gate and Presidential Palace area.

Is there an English-speaking guide?

Yes, your personalized live tour guide speaks English (and possibly other languages).

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or airport pickup anywhere in Delhi or nearby cities; sightseeing by private air-conditioned car with a dedicated chauffeur; personalized live tour guide service throughout; complimentary water bottles; a rickshaw ride weaving through Old Delhi’s busiest lanes; plus drop-off wherever you need at the end of your journey.