Why New Delhi is a great city for walking tours
New Delhi is a city of contrasts—ancient temples, bustling markets, colonial architecture, and vibrant street life—all within easy walking distance in many neighborhoods. Walking tours are a perfect way to soak in this diversity, offering intimate glimpses of everyday life that larger tours often miss.
One tour we particularly like is the Old Delhi Food, Heritage & Cultural Walk with Rickshaw Ride to Masterji Kee Haveli — it combines delicious street food, fascinating heritage sites, and a rickshaw ride through crowded alleyways, providing a well-rounded experience.
Quick Overview
This list features a variety of walking tours in New Delhi, including food-focused explorations, heritage and historical walks, and socially conscious slum visits. Highlights range from tasting authentic Indian dishes, visiting Mughal-era landmarks, to understanding local life in the city’s informal settlements. For each tour, we include practical insights, what makes it special, and who will enjoy it most.
1. Old Delhi Food, Heritage & Cultural Walk with Rickshaw ride to Masterji Kee Haveli
At number 1, this tour is a standout for its comprehensive approach to exploring Old Delhi’s lively streets. You’ll walk through narrow lanes, visit one of the largest spice markets in the world, and sample local delicacies, including street food, snacks, and a traditional home-cooked meal at a historic haveli. The guided rickshaw ride offers a welcome break from walking and a chance to see the bustling bazaars up close.
What makes this tour unique is its personal touch: it’s led by locals who have lived in Old Delhi for generations, offering authentic stories and insider tips. With over 700 reviews averaging 5.0/5, guests praise the knowledgeable guides and memorable food experiences.
Bottom line: Best for food lovers and those wanting an authentic, immersive day in Old Delhi. The price of around $50 offers great value for a 4-hour experience packed with taste and culture.
2. Breakfast Walk in Old Delhi
Starting the day with good food is an excellent way to explore Delhi, and this Breakfast Walk in Old Delhi hits that mark perfectly. For about $80, you’ll join a guide early in the morning to visit top local breakfast spots, including hole-in-the-wall vendors that have been serving residents for decades.
Highlights include sampling breads, curries, sweets, and tea, alongside learning about Delhi’s culinary traditions. The tour includes visits to Khari Baoli Spice Market and the Sikh Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib’s community kitchen, adding a spiritual and historical dimension.
Guests rave about the quality of the food and the insights into Delhi’s eating habits. It’s ideal for early risers and foodies who appreciate a relaxed pace and hearty meal.
Bottom line: Slightly pricier but packed with authentic flavors and cultural insights, making it worth it for serious foodies wanting a morning of discovery.
3. New Delhi Slum Walking Tour
At number 3, this Slum Walking Tour offers a rare opportunity to see Delhi’s largest informal settlement through the eyes of a local guide. For just $35, you’ll explore the community, learn about ongoing development projects, and see how residents go about their daily lives.
The tour is designed to be respectful and inclusive, with transportation in the form of public transit and on-foot exploration. Visitors often comment on how eye-opening and humbling this experience is, providing a deeper understanding of urban life in India beyond the tourist hotspots.
Bottom line: Suitable for socially conscious travelers interested in community issues, and who want an authentic glimpse into Delhi’s informal economy.
4. Food-Temples-Spice Market- Heritage & Cultural Walk in Old Delhi
Number 4 on our list is a Heritage & Cultural Walk in Old Delhi, focusing on food, spiritual sites, and history. The private, guided approach ensures you’ll visit the spice market, Sikh Gurdwara, and a secret rooftop vantage point—all while sampling delicious street food along the way.
Guests appreciate the mix of heritage sites, interactive food tastings, and cultural insights. The guide’s knowledge makes the experience engaging, and small group size fosters personal attention. The tour lasts around 3 hours and is priced affordably at $45.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers seeking a balanced experience of culture, food, and history with the reassurance of a private guide.
5. 3-hour Old Delhi Heritage Walking tour with Rickshaw Ride
This Heritage Walk with Rickshaw Ride offers a budget-friendly way to experience Old Delhi for around $10. It covers key sights such as Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid, and local bazaars, with optional upgrades like private tours or hotel pickups.
Guests love the flexibility and the chance to experience the area’s lively markets, historic mosques, and narrow alleys. The tour’s value is excellent, especially for those on a tighter budget who still want a meaningful introduction to Old Delhi’s vibrant streets.
Bottom line: Ideal for budget travelers and first-timers who want a solid overview without breaking the bank.
6. Half-Day Tour in Delhi: Local Food Walking Adventure
This Food Walking Adventure combines local transportation, market visits, and tastings across Kamla Nagar. For around $36, you’ll sample shawarma, momos, golgappa, and more, with an emphasis on authentic, clean food.
The tour is capped at 12 participants, making it intimate and flexible. Guests enjoy the lively markets, the chance to try street favorites, and learn about Delhi’s diverse cuisine history. Perfect for food lovers who want a lively neighborhood experience.
Bottom line: Excellent value for those seeking a comprehensive yet relaxed food tour with local transport included.
7. Old Delhi Heritage Walking Tour
Number 7 is a Heritage Walking Tour that explores Old Delhi’s historic sites, bustling bazaars, and sacred spaces. The tour lasts 3-4 hours with options to include food tasting and rickshaw rides. The guide shares stories about Jama Masjid, Naughara, and more, making this a flexible tour for history and culture fans.
Guests appreciate the personalized attention and the ability to customize the experience. With a typical review praising the knowledgeable guide and the lively atmosphere, it’s a well-rounded choice for those wanting depth and ease.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive but flexible exploration of Old Delhi’s sights and flavors.
8. Old Delhi: Spices, Heritage and Bazaars Walking Tour
Number 8 offers an economical introduction to Delhi’s spice markets, Mughal bazaars, and historic neighborhoods. For just $12, you explore Asia’s largest spice market, visit vendors selling textiles and jewelry, and stroll through ancient streets.
Though brief, it’s a good option for those on a budget who want a quick but lively taste of Old Delhi’s markets and cultural vibe. Reviewers highlight the friendly guide and the chance to see authentic local trade.
Bottom line: Budget-friendly and fast-paced — ideal for a quick orientation to Delhi’s bustling markets.
9. Old Delhi Heritage Walk with Rickshaw Ride
This Heritage Walk with Rickshaw offers a 3-4 hour journey through Old Delhi’s key landmarks, including Jama Masjid and bustling bazaars. It includes optional food tastings and the chance to ride a rickshaw for a broader view. The tour is praised for its informative guide and relaxed pace.
It’s suitable for travelers wanting a mixture of walking and rickshaw experience with flexible options. The reviews mention the knowledgeable guide and enjoyable sights.
Bottom line: Good for those who want a balanced mix of culture, history, and local life, with added transportation fun.
10. Spice Knight (Local Market Walk -> Cooking Class -> Meal)
Number 10 is a culinary-focused experience that combines visiting a spice market, learning to cook Indian dishes, and enjoying a full meal. For $85, you’ll receive a hands-on cooking class with ingredients straight from Delhi’s markets, culminating in a three-course meal including dishes like butter chicken and biryani.
The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the tour includes a spice shopping opportunity. Guests rave about the friendly, knowledgeable instructor and the quality of the food cooked.
Bottom line: Best suited for food aficionados who want a practical skill and authentic flavors combined in one experience.
11. 3-4 Hour Old Delhi Heritage Walk Tour with Tuk Tuk Ride Wherever Required
This Heritage & Tuk Tuk Tour combines a guided walk with tuk tuk rides around Old Delhi’s key sites. For about $24, it covers Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, and the gold and silver markets, with door-to-door hotel transfers offered as an upgrade.
Guests appreciate the comfortable transport and detailed local insights, making it suitable for those who want a relaxed, comprehensive tour with minimal walking.
Bottom line: Great for travelers who prefer a mix of walking and motorized transport, especially if mobility is a concern.
12. The Great Indian Food Tour: Old Delhi Food and Heritage Walk
This Food and Heritage Walk stands out for its focus on 11 to 14 food items, with unlimited supplies and a well-structured route. It emphasizes cultural stories behind the dishes and avoids unnecessary shopping stops, making it ideal for serious food fans.
Guests love the combination of food, stories, and markets, with reviews noting the high quality of the food and the engaging guide. It’s priced at $44, which offers excellent value considering the number of tastings.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who want an in-depth culinary experience alongside cultural insights.
13. Timeless Treasures: An Old Delhi Heritage Walking Tour
Number 13 offers a 3.5-hour walk into Old Delhi’s most iconic sites, including Sri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir and Chandni Chowk market. The tour balances sightseeing, street food tastings, and a short rickshaw ride.
Guests value the detailed narration from the guide and the opportunity to see spiritual sites, traditional markets, and historic architecture. The tour provides a vivid picture of daily life in Old Delhi.
Bottom line: Well-suited for travelers interested in religion, architecture, and street food, with a good mix of history and local color.
14. Old Delhi heritage walk with a local
Led by local historian Anas Khan, this Heritage Walk offers a 2-3 hour journey through Chandni Chowk’s religious and cultural diversity. The tour emphasizes personal stories and local life, including visits to temples, markets, and the spice bazaar.
Participants praise the guide’s deep knowledge and friendly approach, making it ideal for those who want an authentic, personal experience. The small group size enhances interaction.
Bottom line: Great for culturally curious travelers who want a relaxed, story-rich exploration of Old Delhi’s neighborhoods.
15. Small-Group Delhi Slum Walking Tour
Finally, at number 15, this Slum Tour takes you through Sangam Colony with a local guide for 2-3 hours. It’s a community-supportive tour where you see local industries, meet residents, and learn about ongoing projects.
The tour’s reviews highlight safety and meaningful engagement, with 80% of proceeds benefiting local nonprofits. It appeals most to socially aware travelers who want to support community-based initiatives.
Bottom line: An eye-opening, social impact-oriented experience, best for those interested in understanding urban India beyond the tourist areas.
How to Choose the Right Walking Tour in New Delhi
Choosing between these experiences depends on your interests, budget, and how much time you want to spend. For food lovers, the Old Delhi Food, Heritage & Cultural Walk offers a full day of tasting and exploration, while the Breakfast Walk is perfect for early risers seeking a hearty start.
If you’re interested in history and culture, the Old Delhi Heritage Walk with Rickshaw Ride or the Timeless Treasures are excellent choices, offering insights into Mughal architecture and spiritual sites.
For a more socially conscious experience, the Delhi Slum Tours and Small Group Delhi Slum Walk provide meaningful encounters that support local communities.
Consider logistics too—if mobility is a concern, the Heritage Walk with Tuk Tuk combines walking with motorized transport, easing exhaustion.
Finally, book early, especially for popular tours like the Old Delhi Food & Heritage Walk and the Slum Tours, to ensure availability.
In summary, New Delhi offers a rich array of walking tours that cater to diverse interests—be it food, history, spirituality, or social awareness. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll through Mughal bazaars or an eye-opening visit to a community slum, there’s a tour to match your curiosity. Consider your travel style and priorities, and don’t hesitate to reserve your spot early to make the most of your time in this fascinating city.