A slow day through the oldest part of Delhi on foot and by cycle rickshaw, with a local guide who knows the lanes and the food. It covers Jama Masjid, the spice market and the narrow streets of Chandni Chowk, with several tasting stops along the way.
Highlights
What stays with you
Jama Masjid and its view over the old city
Cycle rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk
Khari Baoli, the old wholesale spice market, at street level
Tasting stops for parathas, sweets and chaat
Quiet temples and havelis tucked away behind the bazaar
Day by day
How the days go
Day1
Old Delhi, slowly
Your driver brings you from your hotel to the edge of the old city in the morning, usually around nine, when the lanes are busy but not at their peak.
Your guide meets you near Jama Masjid, the great mosque built by Shah Jahan, and you climb to the courtyard for a view across the rooftops; cover your shoulders and knees, and take off your shoes.
From there you step into the bazaars.
A cycle rickshaw takes you through Chandni Chowk, with the guide pointing out old havelis, temples and the Sis Ganj gurdwara as you pass.
Tasting stops come at a steady pace: hot parathas in a narrow lane, jalebi from a frying pan, chaat, lassi and tea.
The walk through the spice market at Khari Baoli is a sharp, fragrant hour.
By early afternoon you may need a break, and the car takes you back to the hotel.
If you prefer, the walk can be shorter or the tastings fewer when we plan.
Carry small notes, wear closed shoes and avoid white clothing, as the lanes are crowded and dusty.
Tell us in advance about any dietary needs or allergies.
Note. The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays, so the order of days may shift. December and January fog can flatten a sunrise.
Practical
Good to know
The lanes are crowded, narrow and loud; wear closed shoes and keep bags in front.
Food stops are simple and vegetarian dishes are easy; tell us about allergies and dietary needs in advance.
Some places shut on Sundays and a few markets close on specific days, so we plan around them.
Dress modestly for the mosque and carry a scarf or light shawl.
The details
Included, and not
Included
Private air-conditioned car and driver throughout
Licensed local guide in each city
Airport or hotel pickup and drop
Bottled water in the car
WhatsApp support from our Agra team
Not included
International and domestic flights
Monument entry tickets (we arrange them at cost)
Lunches and dinners
Tips for guides and driver
Travel insurance and visas
Questions
Good to know
Is the food safe to eat for visitors?
Your guide chooses busy stalls with fresh turnover and keeps the pace gentle. We suggest bringing hand sanitiser and sticking to cooked food and bottled water.
Is this suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the old city has a large vegetarian tradition and most stops are vegetarian. If you eat meat, kebab stops can be discussed when we plan.
How much walking is involved?
You walk for short stretches and ride a rickshaw between them. The lanes are uneven, and the pace is slow so you can stop whenever you like.
Can we visit the Red Fort too?
Yes, it stands at the end of the Chandni Chowk road. It is closed on Mondays, so we plan the day accordingly, and it can be added as a short visit.
Rates on request
Tell us when you are travelling.
A short message is enough. We will come back with a plan, personally.
