Old Delhi: Heritage Walk, Rickshaw Ride & Street Food Tour

Old Delhi’s tangled streets, rickshaw rides and spice-scented markets

You’ll walk through Old Delhi’s crowded bazaars with a local guide, climb Jama Masjid’s minaret for city views, taste fresh parathas on Paranthe Wali Gali, ride a rickshaw through Chandni Chowk’s wild traffic, and breathe in the spice market’s heady aromas. It’s noisy, messy—and completely unforgettable.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Old Delhi heritage and markets

• Meet guide at pickup or meeting point
• Visit Jama Masjid mosque
• Walk through Kinari Bazaar
• Try traditional parathas at Paranthe Wali Gali
• Take rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk
• Visit Sis Ganj Gurudwara temple
• Ride cycle rickshaw through Chandni Chowk lanes
• Explore Asia’s largest wholesale spice market
• Learn history and culture from local guide

The Experience

I didn’t expect the first thing I’d notice in Old Delhi to be the sound—so much honking and chatter that it almost felt like music. Our guide, Anjali, met us right by Jama Masjid and grinned when I tried to pronounce “Chandni Chowk” (I think she politely ignored my accent). The mosque itself was huge, but what stuck with me was the cool marble under my bare feet and the way the city looked from up on the minaret—like a patchwork of chaos and color. I kept blinking from all the sunlight bouncing off rooftops.

We wandered into Kinari Bazaar and suddenly everything was gold thread and sequins—wedding saris hanging above us like banners. A shopkeeper waved at us with henna-stained hands, offering a tiny sweet I still don’t know the name of. The air changed again near Paranthe Wali Gali; it smelled like fried dough and ghee, so we stopped for stuffed parathas (messy but worth it). Anjali explained how each stall has its own secret recipe—she swears by the one with banana filling. Honestly, I can’t decide if I loved it or just loved sitting there watching people squeeze past with trays piled high.

The rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk was wild—at one point we were sandwiched between a cow and a scooter loaded with sacks of chilies. Our driver laughed when my hat nearly flew off. There’s no real way to describe the feeling of moving through those narrow lanes except... alive? We passed Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib and Anjali told us about its history while we dodged carts stacked with marigolds. The spice market hit me hardest—the air thick with cardamom and something sharp that made me sneeze three times in a row (the vendors thought this was hilarious).

I liked that Anjali didn’t rush us—she pointed out old havelis tucked behind modern shops, told stories about Mughal emperors and everyday families living upstairs. At some point my feet started to ache but I didn’t want it to end yet. There’s something about Old Delhi that lingers; maybe it’s just how every sense gets pulled in different directions at once. Even now, I can almost hear those bicycle bells echoing if I close my eyes.

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for the Old Delhi heritage tour?

Yes, you can choose hotel or airport pickup anywhere in Delhi for this tour.

Do you visit Jama Masjid on this walking tour?

Yes, Jama Masjid is one of the main stops—you can even climb its minaret for city views.

What food do you try during the Old Delhi street food tour?

You’ll taste traditional parathas on Paranthe Wali Gali and may sample snacks like samosas or sweets along the way.

Is there a rickshaw ride included?

Yes, a cycle rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk is part of the experience.

Are guides knowledgeable about local culture?

Your guide will share stories about Delhi’s history, architecture, traditions and daily life as you walk.

How long does walking in Old Delhi take?

The pace is leisurely but expect several hours exploring on foot plus time for food stops and markets.

What are some main sights covered?

You’ll see Jama Masjid, Kinari Bazaar, Paranthe Wali Gali, Chandni Chowk market and Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or airport pickup anywhere in Delhi by private air-conditioned car, all taxes and parking fees covered up front, an expert local guide leading your walk through Old Delhi’s bazaars and monuments, plenty of time for street food tastings like parathas or lassi along Paranthe Wali Gali—and an unforgettable cycle rickshaw ride weaving through Chandni Chowk before drop-off wherever you need.