Top Activities to Do in Delhi: A Travey Club Guide to India’s Most Chaotic, Charming City

Delhi is one of those cities that completely surprises you.
Before visiting, we expected history, traffic, and good food — but what we didn’t expect was how alive the city feels every single minute of the day.

One moment you’re walking through centuries-old Mughal architecture, and the next you’re eating butter chicken in a modern rooftop café surrounded by Delhi’s fast-paced city life. It’s loud, intense, beautiful, overwhelming, and somehow addictive all at once.

After spending a few days exploring both Old and New Delhi, here are the activities we genuinely think are worth experiencing if you want to see the real side of the city.

Explore the Streets of Chandni Chowk

If there’s one place that captures the energy of Delhi, it’s Chandni Chowk.

The narrow streets are packed with cycle rickshaws, spice shops, hidden temples, food stalls, wedding stores, and people moving in every direction imaginable. It feels chaotic at first — but after a while, you start enjoying the madness of it.

One of the best ways to explore is by taking a short rickshaw ride through the lanes. It’s fast, loud, slightly terrifying, and honestly one of the most memorable experiences in Delhi.

We’d recommend visiting in the morning before the streets become too crowded and hot.

Don’t miss:

• Street chai
• Fresh jalebis
• Spice markets
• Hidden Mughal-era alleyways

Visit Jama Masjid Early in the Morning

There’s something special about Jama Masjid before the crowds arrive.

The mosque itself is massive, but what really stands out is the atmosphere. You can hear the sounds of Old Delhi slowly waking up while standing in one of the most historic places in the city.

If you’re comfortable climbing the narrow staircase to the minaret, the panoramic views over Old Delhi are incredible. You’ll see rooftops, markets, birds circling above the city, and endless movement in every direction.

It’s one of those places that reminds you how old and layered Delhi really is.

Eat at Karim’s (Even If There’s a Queue)

Karim’s is touristy now — but honestly, it’s still worth it.

Tucked near Jama Masjid, this legendary restaurant has been serving Mughlai food for generations, and after trying it ourselves, we understood why people keep coming back.

The setting is simple, crowded, and busy, but the food is rich, flavorful, and comforting in the best possible way.

We ordered kebabs, butter chicken, naan, and biryani, and it ended up being one of our favorite meals in Delhi.

Tip: Go hungry.

Watch Sunset Around Humayun’s Tomb

Humayun’s Tomb feels completely different from the chaos of Old Delhi.

The gardens are peaceful, the architecture is stunning, and there’s a calmness here that’s hard to find elsewhere in the city.

A lot of travelers compare it to a smaller version of the Taj Mahal — and honestly, we can see why. The symmetry, red sandstone, and Mughal design are beautiful, especially in the late afternoon light.

If you enjoy photography, this is one of the best places in Delhi to slow down for a while.

Spend an Evening in Connaught Place

Connaught Place is where modern Delhi comes alive.

After long days of sightseeing, this area felt like the perfect reset. You’ll find cafés, bars, restaurants, bookstores, shopping arcades, and locals hanging out late into the evening.

It’s also one of the easiest places to explore on foot.

We ended up spending much longer here than planned — mostly because every circle seemed to lead to another café or hidden restaurant.

For dinner, we tried Farzi Café, which gave traditional Indian dishes a modern twist. Definitely more contemporary than classic Delhi food, but a fun experience if you want something different.

Visit Qutub Minar for the Scale Alone

Photos really don’t prepare you for how tall Qutub Minar actually is.

Standing beneath it feels surreal. The detailed carvings, surrounding ruins, and centuries of history make this one of Delhi’s most impressive monuments.

What we liked most was that the entire complex feels open and spacious compared to some of Delhi’s busier attractions.

Go earlier in the day if possible — afternoons can get very hot.

Slow Down at Lodhi Garden

One thing we didn’t expect in Delhi was how many green spaces the city has.

Lodhi Garden quickly became one of our favorite spots because it gives you a break from the traffic and noise without leaving the city.

Locals come here to walk, jog, picnic, read, and relax around the historic tombs scattered throughout the gardens.

After a few intense sightseeing stops, spending an hour here felt genuinely refreshing.

Experience Akshardham at Night

Akshardham was probably the biggest surprise of the trip.

The temple complex is enormous, incredibly detailed, and unlike anywhere else we visited in Delhi. The evening water and light show especially stood out — it’s dramatic, immersive, and surprisingly emotional.

Security is strict, and you’ll need extra time to enter, but once inside, the atmosphere feels peaceful despite the size of the crowds.

If you only have a few days in Delhi, we’d still recommend making time for it.

Explore the Café Culture of Hauz Khas Village

Hauz Khas feels like a completely different side of Delhi.

Historic ruins sit beside trendy cafés, rooftop restaurants, boutiques, and art spaces. It’s younger, more relaxed, and has a creative energy that contrasts nicely with the city’s historic areas.

We spent the afternoon walking around the lake, exploring the old fort ruins, and hopping between cafés.

It’s a great place to slow the pace down a little.

Final Thoughts

Delhi isn’t the kind of city that tries to impress you quietly.

It throws everything at you all at once — history, food, traffic, color, noise, culture, and energy — and somehow it all works together.

Some places in Delhi will exhaust you. Others will completely surprise you. But almost every part of the city leaves an impression.

And honestly, that’s what makes Delhi unforgettable.

Travey Club is your personal travel planning partner, dedicated to crafting truly bespoke itineraries shaped around how you travel. We believe every journey is unique—no single template, and no purely AI-generated plan, can fit all travel needs. Rather than booking flights or hotels, we focus on thoughtful, human-led planning for our members, working alongside trusted travel agents who manage reservations. Our itineraries highlight key experiences, while Travey Club brings them together through personalized insight, expertise, and attention to detail—ensuring every trip feels intentional, seamless, and distinctly yours.

Look at our three days Delhi Itinerary : Travey Club