Experience Delhi without Overspending
Delhi’s a total trip—in the best way—without needing a fat wallet. The city just buzzes with life, and the sights, the people, all that epic street food? It’s all right there waiting for you, no matter your budget. You’ll be swapping stories and chasing flavours that stick with you long after you leave. Don’t stress about cash; just dive in and enjoy the ride.
Want to make the most of 4-5 days here? I’ve got your back. Here’s a chill, budget-friendly plan for living it up in Delhi, no stress, just good vibes and great memories. Let’s roll!
Day-by-Day budget itinerary
Day 1: Old Delhi Experience
Activities
- First up, just take a stroll through Chandni Chowk – don’t stress about directions or anything, just wander and soak it all up. This place is buzzing, and honestly, you’ll probably discover something cool around every corner.
- The Red Fort is a must-see. If you’re from India, the ticket’s pretty chill at Rs. 50, but yeah, foreign tourists gotta shell out Rs. 600. Still, the history and photo ops are worth it!
- Jama Masjid is open for everyone, free to enter, but they’ll ask Rs. 300 if you wanna snap pics inside. (Honestly, it’s hard to resist; the place is seriously photogenic.)
Dine
- Hungry? Swing by Paranthe Wali Gali; grab a couple of parathas for Rs. 30 to Rs. 60 each.
- Then treat yourself at Old Famous Jalebi Wala. Fifty rupees gets you a pile of sugary goodness. Forget the diet, it’s vacation!
Travel Tips
Getting around’s a breeze on the Delhi Metro. Just snag a day pass for Rs. 150 and ride as much as you like – no haggling with rickshaw drivers, no sweating in traffic. Easy win.
Stay Options
Choose between Backpacker Panda and Zostel near Connaught Place with rates ranging from Rs. 700 to Rs. 900 per night
Day 2: Markets and Museum
Activities
- First, swing by India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan, totally free, so you’re already winning.
- If you’re feeling a little fancy (or just curious), the National Museum’s got you covered. Locals pay Rs. 20, tourists pay more (yeah, sorry about that).
- Don’t skip Janpath Market. Trust me, the shopping is wild. Haggling’s half the fun.
Dine
- Saravana Bhavan is your go-to for a killer veg thali (Rs. 150 – Rs. 200).
- And for a quick snack, those momo stalls in Connaught Place are absolute lifesavers. Cheap, tasty, and honestly, kinda addictive.
Travel Tips
- Just walk or grab an e-rickshaw, way easier than battling Delhi traffic.
Stay Options
- Check out Moustache Hostel (Rs. 500 – Rs. 800 a night). Super chill vibe, easy on your wallet, and you’ll probably make a few new friends too.
Day 3: Scenic Beauty and Spiritual
Activities
- First, the Lotus Temple. Totally free, super chill. Just walk in, soak up the good energy, easy.
- Next, Akshardham. Entry’s free, but if you’ve got a bag, that’s Rs. 20 for the cloakroom. Oh, and don’t get caught with a backpack or in shorts – they’re strict about that stuff.
- Then, hit up Lodhi Garden. Find a shady spot, flop down for a picnic, people-watch, maybe snap some photos. Zero cost, maximum relaxation.
Dine
- You HAVE to try chhole bhature at Haldiram’s. About Rs. 100 and straight up delicious.
- Got a sweet tooth? Karol Bagh’s kulfi is a winner. Rs. 50 and you’re grinning.
Travel Tips
- Seriously, don’t mess with Akshardham’s rules. No bags, dress decent, and you’re golden.
Stay Options
- Hostels in Lajpat Nagar or Karol Bagh are pretty budget-friendly; think Rs. 400 to Rs. 600 a night. Decent spots, friendly faces, no stress
Day 4: Delhi’s Modern Vibes
Activities
- Qutub Minar! yep, that super-famous tower everyone loves for their Insta – only sets locals back Rs. 40. But if you’re visiting from outside India, it’s Rs. 600.
- Dilli Haat – handicrafts heaven, entry’s only Rs. 30, so go wild
- Hauz Khas Village – just walk around, soak up the artsy mood, check out the lake, and take all the selfies
Dine
- Kathi rolls at Khan Market (Rs. 80 – Rs. 120, and yeah, you’ll want another)
- Or cruise over to Dilli Haat’s food stalls – regional plates for Rs. 100 – Rs. 150, and they’re legit tasty
Travel Tips
- Hauz Khas Village has a deer park, and it’s totally free. Bring your camera or just chill with the deer. Super laid-back spot.
Stay Options
- Urban Nomads or goSTOPS hostels, Rs. 600 – Rs. 900 a night, friendly crowd, good vibes. Super friendly, always up for a chat or sharing a laugh.
Day 5: Quick Getaway from Delhi
Activities
- Hey, if you’re itching to get out of the city for a day, you’ve got some pretty cool options. Wanna check out the Taj Mahal? Just jump on the Gatimaan Express – it’s about Rs. 750, but honestly, seeing the Taj in person is something else. Total bucket list moment.
- Or maybe you’re in the mood for something a bit more chill? Neemrana Fort’s got you covered. You can enjoy a bus ride, pretty chill at Rs. 300. Just a heads up, though, getting into the fort itself is kinda pricey, Rs. 1,000. Still, the place is gorgeous and has those old-school royal vibes, which makes for some killer photos.
- Not feeling like a long trip? And if you’re up for some chilly fun, check out Snow World in Noida (Rs. 600). It’s all about playing in fake snow and just letting loose, no matter how hot it is outside! You can’t really go wrong.
Dine
- Oh, and when hunger hits, swing by Brahmaputra Market in Noida. Loads of tasty North Indian food for cheap. Seriously, your taste buds will thank you.
Street Food vs. Restaurants: The Real Showdown
Parameter | Street Food | Restaurants |
Cost | Rs. 30–Rs. 80/meal | Rs. 150–Rs. 400/meal |
Taste | Authentic, spicy | Balanced, clean |
Hygiene | Varies, eat where crowded | Generally more hygienic |
Experience | Local, raw, fun | Comfort, quiet |
Tip: Alright, here’s the deal! If you spot a crowd of locals chowing down somewhere, that’s your green light. Those street food stalls? That’s where you’ll find the real flavour explosions, and your wallet won’t hate you for it either. It’s fun, it’s fast, and honestly, half the time you end up with a great story to tell. Restaurants are cool too – comfy chairs, maybe some fancy drinks, but let’s be real, you’re mostly paying for the vibe (and maybe a napkin that isn’t stuck to the table).
4-Day Budget Recap
Expense | Approx. Total (INR) |
Stay | Rs. 2000–Rs. 3600 |
Food | Rs. 800–Rs. 1200 |
Travel | Rs. 300–Rs. 600 |
Entry Tickets | Rs. 300–Rs. 700 |
Misc. | Rs. 400 |
Total | Rs. 3800–Rs. 6500 |
Friendly Tips
Hey, if you’re looking to explore Delhi without blowing all your cash, here’s some friendly advice:
- Grab a metro card right away – it’ll make your life so much easier (and cheaper), promise. Don’t forget a refillable water bottle, either. There are water booths all over, and most are clean, so you can skip buying those overpriced plastic bottles.
- Try to dodge rush hour because the crowds get real, like, packed-in-like-sardines real. Early mornings and evenings? Maybe just chill somewhere with chai instead. Also, don’t wing it; use Google Maps or the Delhi Metro app so you don’t end up lost and sweaty in the wrong neighbourhood.
- Oh, and a little heads up: if someone super eager approaches you at a touristy spot offering “help”, just smile and keep walking. No need to get tangled up with those guys. Have fun and stay sharp!
Let’s Make It Happen!
- Dreaming of exploring Delhi on a shoestring? Totally! Just grab this guide, tuck it away for when you need it, and start chucking your essentials in your bag!
- Got any clever hacks or random questions? Hey, don’t be shy—pop your ideas in the comments! I’m always game for cool tips or a bit of chit-chat.
