Delhi: Old & New City Private Tour with Rickshaw Ride

Summary

Winding through Delhi’s layers by rickshaw, mosque and marble

You’ll move from Old Delhi’s spice-scented chaos to the calm gardens of Humayun’s Tomb—all with a local guide who knows every shortcut (and snack stall). Expect rickshaw rides through Chandni Chowk, stories inside Jama Masjid, sweeping views at Qutub Minar—and moments where Delhi just gets under your skin.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me stepping out in Old Delhi was the smell—spices and something sweet, maybe fried dough? Our guide, Anil, waved us over to the Jama Masjid steps. He joked about my shoes (“You’ll get them back, promise!”), and then we were inside this huge courtyard where kids darted between pillars and the call to prayer echoed off stone. I tried to picture 25,000 people here at once. It’s hard to explain but you sort of feel history pressing in from every side.

Chandni Chowk was chaos in the best way—rickshaws weaving around us while shopkeepers shouted prices I couldn’t quite catch. The ride itself was a blur of color and honking; at Khari Baoli spice market, I sneezed so hard Anil laughed and handed me a tissue. There’s this moment when you realize how many hands have traded saffron and cardamom here for centuries. We stopped for chai—tiny cups, strong and sweet—and watched porters balancing sacks twice their size.

I didn’t expect how quiet it felt at Humayun’s Tomb after all that noise. The red sandstone glowed in late afternoon light, and there was this breeze that smelled faintly of grass and dust. Anil told us how it inspired the Taj Mahal (which honestly made me look at every arch twice). Later at India Gate and Parliament Street, the city felt different again—wide roads, official buildings, school kids waving at our car as we passed. The Lotus Temple was closed for cleaning but even from outside it looked like something out of a dream.

By the time we reached Qutub Minar—the last stop—I was tired but didn’t really want it to end. There’s something about seeing both old Delhi’s tangled streets and new Delhi’s grand avenues in one day that sticks with you. I still think about those layers—how they fit together somehow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Old and New Delhi highlights

• Visit Jama Masjid mosque
• Enjoy rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk
• Explore Khari Baoli spice market
• Pass by Red Fort
• Visit Humayun's Tomb
• Pass by India Gate
• Pass by Rashtrapati Bhavan
• Pass by Parliament House
• Visit Lotus Temple
• Visit Qutub Minar

Top questions

How long is the full-day private Old & New Delhi tour?

The tour lasts around 8-9 hours and can be customized based on your schedule.

Does the tour include hotel pickup in Delhi?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included with your private vehicle.

Are entrance fees included in this Delhi day trip?

Entrance fees are included if you select the all-inclusive option when booking.

Is there a rickshaw ride included on this tour?

Yes, a rickshaw or tuk-tuk ride through Chandni Chowk is part of the experience.

Is this private tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

The tour is wheelchair accessible; transportation options accommodate wheelchairs and strollers.

Which main sites are visited during this day trip?

You’ll see Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament House, Lotus Temple (outside), and Qutub Minar.

Can infants join this Old & New Delhi private tour?

Yes; infants can sit on an adult's lap or use a pram/stroller during the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned private car with a government-approved English-speaking guide by your side. Entrance fees are covered if you choose the all-inclusive option. You’ll get a rickshaw or tuk-tuk ride through Chandni Chowk—and plenty of chances to pause for snacks or photos along the way before returning to your hotel in comfort.