Delhi: Old & New City Private Tour with Flexible Sites

Summary

Delhi’s layered history, tuk-tuk rides, and fragrant spice market streets

You’ll squeeze into a tuk-tuk through Old Delhi’s chaos, taste the air at Khari Baoli spice market, stand barefoot in Jama Masjid’s courtyard, and choose between iconic sites like Qutub Minar or Lotus Temple. With a local guide sharing stories and flexible pickup plus drop-off included, you’ll leave with more than just photos — maybe even a lingering whiff of cardamom.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll never forget stepping out in Old Delhi that morning — the air was thick with a mix of incense, frying snacks, and something sharp from the spice stalls. Our guide, Priya, waved us over by Sunheri Masjid and we piled into a tuk-tuk that rattled like it might fall apart (it didn’t). There was this wild tangle of wires overhead and shopkeepers shouting prices I couldn’t quite catch. At Jama Masjid, Priya pointed out marks on the stone where thousands have prayed for centuries — I’m not religious but it felt oddly grounding standing there barefoot on warm red sandstone.

Khari Baoli was next. I swear my nose is still recovering from that first lungful of chili dust. The colors were unreal — sacks of turmeric so bright they looked fake, and men hauling bags twice their size without breaking a sweat. Li laughed when I tried to say “asafoetida” in Hindi; pretty sure I butchered it. We wandered past Red Fort’s massive walls (Priya said they’re two kilometers long — honestly hard to picture until you’re right there) before heading toward New Delhi’s wide roads. The shift from chaos to order is almost disorienting; suddenly there are trees and roundabouts instead of goats and mopeds.

You get choices on this day trip — we picked Lotus Temple and Qutub Minar over Akshardham and Humayun’s Tomb because I’d always wanted to see that minaret up close. The Lotus Temple is quieter than you’d expect for such an odd building; people just sit in silence inside, which was kind of nice after all the noise. Qutub Minar is massive — taller than it looks in photos — and the bricks feel cool if you touch them (I did). By late afternoon my feet were tired but I didn’t really want it to end yet. Our driver dropped us wherever we wanted in Delhi, which felt like a small kindness after a long day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Old and New Delhi landmarks

• Choose pickup time and location
• Meet guide at Sunheri Masjid
• Ride tuk-tuk through Old Delhi markets
• Visit Jama Masjid mosque
• Explore Khari Baoli spice market
• Pass by Red Fort
• Visit India Gate War Memorial
• Drive by Parliament House
• Visit either Akshardham Temple and Humayun's Tomb or Qutub Minar and Lotus Temple
• Enjoy complimentary drop-off in Delhi

Top questions

How long does the Old & New Delhi private city tour last?

The tour typically covers 4-5 main locations plus your chosen sites, lasting most of the day depending on your pace.

Is hotel pickup included for this Delhi city tour?

Yes, pickup from anywhere in Delhi is included at your preferred time.

Can I choose which monuments to visit during the tour?

Yes, after Old Delhi highlights you can select either Akshardham & Humayun’s Tomb or Qutub Minar & Lotus Temple.

Are entrance fees included in the price?

Yes, entry fees for all selected sites are included in your booking.

Is bottled water provided during the tour?

Complimentary bottled water is provided throughout your day.

Are Akshardham or Lotus Temple open every day?

No, both are closed on Mondays but alternative monuments will be offered instead.

Is this tour suitable for families or older travelers?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infant seats are available upon request.

Does the tour include lunch or food tastings?

No lunch is included but you’ll have free time to grab snacks or meals along the way.

What’s included

Your day includes flexible pickup anywhere in Delhi at your chosen time, all entry fees for selected monuments like Jama Masjid or Qutub Minar, an expert local guide sharing stories at each stop, complimentary bottled water throughout the journey, and a convenient drop-off at any location you prefer within Delhi when you’re ready to call it a day.