Delhi Private City Tour: Old & New Delhi Sights with Guide

Summary

Private Guided Delhi Tour: Heritage, Culture & Local Life

Get a real feel for Delhi—its history, flavors, and daily life—with a private guide who knows all the shortcuts and stories. This tour lets you see both sides of the city, from Mughal-era mosques to lively markets and peaceful gardens. You’ll ride rickshaws, taste street snacks, and visit places that locals love too.

What’s the experience like?

There’s this moment when you first step into the courtyard of Jama Masjid—bare feet on cool stone, the hum of prayers in the air, and pigeons fluttering overhead. Our guide, Anil, handed us light scarves for respect and pointed out the intricate calligraphy running along the arches. I’d seen photos before, but nothing really prepares you for the scale. It’s busy, but not overwhelming—just enough to feel alive.

We hopped onto a rickshaw at Chandni Chowk, and honestly, it’s a bit chaotic but in the best way. The driver weaved through carts stacked with marigolds, and you catch whiffs of frying samosas mixed with incense from tiny stalls. There’s this old man selling jalebis near the corner—Anil says he’s been there since before he was born. The Red Fort looms up ahead, red sandstone glowing in the late morning sun, and you can almost picture Mughal emperors riding through those gates.

After a quick stop at Raj Ghat—quiet, shaded, just birds and the sound of leaves—we drove past India Gate and the President’s House. The lawns are always full of families, kids flying kites, and you get that sense of space that’s so different from Old Delhi’s narrow lanes. At Humayun’s Tomb, our guide shared how Empress Bega Begum built it out of love, and you can see why it inspired the Taj Mahal. The air smells faintly of frangipani, especially if you visit after a rain.

We ended at Qutub Minar, craning our necks up at the brick tower—taller than it looks in pictures—and then at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, where volunteers handed out sweet prasad and everyone, no matter where they’re from, sits together for lunch. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch the sound of kirtan echoing across the water outside. It’s a full day, but it never feels rushed; there’s always time to pause, ask questions, or just watch city life go by.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Old and New Delhi

• Visit Jama Masjid
• Rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk
• Drive past Red Fort
• Visit Raj Ghat
• Drive past India Gate and President House
• Drive past Rashtrapati Bhavan
• Visit Humayun's Tomb
• Visit Qutub Minar
• Visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

Top questions

Is this Delhi city tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes, it’s family-friendly! Strollers and infant seats are available, and most sites are accessible for all ages.

Do I need to cover my head or dress a certain way at religious sites?

It’s best to dress modestly. Scarves are provided at Jama Masjid and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib if needed.

Will there be time to try local food or shop during the tour?

Definitely! There are chances to grab snacks or browse shops in Chandni Chowk and near other stops.

Is transportation wheelchair accessible?

Yes, vehicles and most sites are wheelchair accessible. Let us know if you have specific needs.

What’s included

Your own air-conditioned car with driver, an expert English-speaking guide, bottled water, parking fees, and a classic rickshaw ride through Old Delhi are all included. We make sure everyone’s comfortable—wheelchair access, strollers, and infant seats are available if you need them.