I keep coming back to New Delhi because the city never runs out of small surprises — I’m taking you on a quiet, blissful day in New Delhi: some morning yoga, coffee, peaceful historic sites, shopping and closing the day with some cozy tea. That is exactly how I experience New Delhi: A hidden courtyard, a perfect cup of coffee, a ruin that feels like someone paused history mid-breath. This Day 2 itinerary is a relaxed ramble: It’s the kind of day that favors curiosity and a relaxed vibe over a checklist.
Quick plan and suggested timings overview (8:00–18:00)
- 08:00 — Yoga class (LifeYoga or ZaaZen Wellness)
- 10:00 — Coffee at Fig, Malcha
- 11:30 — Safdarjung’s Tomb (history walk)
- 13:00 — Lunch at Sikkim House (North-East Indian specialties)
- 14:30 — Dessert in Khan Market (Big Chill / Frozen Fun / Bloom Cafe)
- 15:00 — Shopping in Khan Market
- 17:00 — Afternoon tea at Elma’s, Greater Kailash II
Morning calm: Yoga session
There’s a quiet permission in starting the day on the mat. India is the birthplace of yoga, and even if you don’t practice regularly at home, a morning class in Delhi feels appropriate — a local reset for travel-worn muscles and jet-lagged minds. For this itinerary I suggest LifeYoga in Chanakyapuri: a light-filled studio with steady flows and one-time-classes that make it easy to fit into a day of sightseeing. If you prefer something tucked into the neighborhood energy of Greater Kailash, ZaaZen Wellness offers calm, restorative sessions and a small, welcoming community vibe.
Take your time afterward: relax in the steam room, or linger in the studio store if there is one. A slow start sets the tone for the rest of the day; this isn’t about ticking boxes but noticing textures — the way vendors sweep early tea stalls, or how the first light filters through the trees lining the streets.
Coffee pause, Fig at Malcha
From your yoga studio, take a stroll (or short drive) to Fig at Malcha. It’s a neighborhood bakery-and-coffee spot with bright interiors and satisfying cups of coffee. The aesthetic is clean and unhurried — pastry counters that make you want to linger, and wooden tables that invite conversation. Order a filter coffee or a cappuccino, pair it with a morning pastry, and watch people fold into their day. This stop is as much about breathing space as it is caffeine; use it to map out your route or simply read a few pages of a book while the city warms up.
https://www.instagram.com/figatmalcha/
Historic Grandeur; Safdarjung’s Tomb
Swap the busiest tourist clusters for Safdarjung’s Tomb, an 18th-century Mughal-style mausoleum set in a formal charbagh (four-part) garden. It’s smaller than the more famous Humayun’s Tomb (read here for a blog post), yes, but that’s its charm: you get big-architecture vibes without the crowds. Walk the axial paths, notice the intricate stonework up close, and sit on a shaded bench to take it all in. The light here around mid-morning is forgiving for photos and the garden’s greenery makes the stone feel softer.
A few practical notes: the site is open from sunrise to sunset and has a modest entrance fee for visitors (300 Rupees). Wear appropriate clothes both for the site and the weather. Have your legs and shoulders covered, wear comfortable shoes and maybe bring a hat — the sun can be insistent even in the gentler hours.
https://delhitourism.gov.in/tourist_place/safdarjang_tomb.html
Lunch: New Sikkim House — Northeast India on a plate
For lunch, I steer you toward a genuinely local surprise: New Sikkim House, a canteen-style restaurant in the Diplomatic Enclave. This is not about white-tablecloth dining; it’s about honest food with Himalayan influences — momos (fried or steamed), thenthuk (a handmade noodle soup), Hakka-style noodles, and simple tasty sides. The apple soda, made from mountain apples, is a small, fizzy revelation I suggest you try.
The place is popular with embassy staff and locals, which makes for a lively, mixed crowd. Weekdays are best to avoid long waits; the food is quick, satisfying, and a wonderful reminder that Indian cuisine is vastly regional.
Address: Panchsheel Marg, Block F, Diplomatic Enclave, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021 Timings: 8 AM To 9 PM
Sweet Pause on a blissful day in Delhi- Khan Market
Khan Market is where dessert meets wandering. Delhi’s neighborhoods each have a market — usually a square lined with shops — and Khan Market has quietly turned into the city’s most polished, people-watching-friendly version. Rows of boutiques, bakeries, cafés and restaurants stack up across multiple floors, so expect to climb stairs or duck into upstairs terraces as you explore.
Start with something sweet: ice cream is the timeless pick here. Grab a cone from Frozen Fun, linger over a plated sundae at the Big Chill, or settle into the cheerful Bloom Cafe for a scoop and a pastry. From there, let the lanes pull you toward small discoveries — patisseries, tiny stationery shops, bookshop cafes, bright homeware stores — all easy to carry home as little reminders of the day.
Shopping at Khan Market
Once you’ve had your sweet fix, wander around to explore. Khan Market mixes design-forward boutiques with useful neighborhood shops. Walk the outer lanes to find homewares at Good Earth and Nicobar, textiles at Anokhi and FabIndia, and plenty of smaller shops selling jewelry, stationery, toys, and thoughtful gifts. Don’t forget the inner lanes, there is something to find in every corner. The atmosphere is relaxed — people browsing, friends meeting for coffee, rooftop views, shoppers carrying packages. Enjoy your time here, browse around and pause in any shop that captures you.
Late afternoon of a blissful day in New Delhi; tea and browsing Greater Kailash
Finish the day in another neighborhood of New Delhi; Greater Kailash, where streets open into quieter, tree-lined markets. Meander M Block’s shops for a gentler, less frenetic shopping experience, then settle into Elma’s for afternoon tea. Elma’s tearoom is cozy and classic: they do a neat apple pie and an old-fashioned high tea (call ahead, you may have to reserve). Order a pot of tea, a slice of something comforting, and let the day’s pace slow further.
As the evening falls, this is the moment to reflect on the small discoveries of the day — the Sikkimese noodle soup, the calm start with a yoga session, the exciting purchases to take home, the quiet geometry of Safdarjung’s tomb.
https://www.instagram.com/elmas.newdelhi/?hl=en
Address: First floor, M Block, M-61, market, Block M, Greater Kailash II, Greater Kailash, New Delhi, Delhi 110048
Why this day works
This itinerary balances green spaces, cultural history, regional food, and shopping while deliberately avoiding the busiest Old Delhi clusters and touristic hotspots. Short drives between planned stops reduce heat exposure and traffic hassle; the day is designed to feel unhurried and local rather than exhaustive.
Practical travel tips
- Transport: Hire a car and driver for the day or use rideshares (Uber) between spots. Point-to-point rides save time and energy.
- Walking: Keep walks short at your locations; midday can be hot.
- Essentials: Carry a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, a hat, and a portable phone charger.
- Dress & etiquette: Dress modestly when visiting historic or religious sites. Respect the spaces — avoid climbing on monuments, and dispose of waste thoughtfully.
- Tipping: 5–10% in cafes and small restaurants is customary if service isn’t included.
Where to stay (neighborhood suggestions)
- Lodhi / Chanakyapuri — quiet, leafy, close to gardens and museums.
- Greater Kailash — cafes, boutiques, and relaxed dining.
- Connaught Place / Janpath — central, great transport links for exploring further.
Quick packing checklist
- Comfortable walking shoes and breathable layers
- Sunhat, sunglasses, and reusable water bottle
- Small daypack and photocopies of ID
- Local currency for markets and small purchases
Wanting for more? Check out this itinerary for A Relaxed Day in New Delhi –