I still remember the moment I stepped out of the Delhi metro station and into a sea of eclectic chaos that can only be found in New Delhi.
My first day in India – over 5 years ago – began with a rickshaw ride that swerved through cows and madness, and ended up with me eventually living in South Asia.
While that certainly isn’t the norm, a trip to India is often life changing for many, and this city is truly unlike any other in the region or the world.
And as you can imagine, a city with almost 20 million people definitely isn’t easy to navigate. My first few days in India’s capital were a world of chaos, and boy let me tell you, your experience in this city is highly dependent on getting your accommodation RIGHT. But with so many different areas, figuring out exactly where to stay in Dehli can deff be tricky.
To help you out, I’ve come up with this insider guide on the best places to stay in Delhi for any type of traveller.
Let’s dive right in…
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
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Top Accommodation in New Delhi
Karol Bagh
This neighbourhood has long been a destination for first-time travellers to Delhi, due to its easy transport and amazing shopping.
Paharganj
If you can handle a bit of noise, don’t mind dodging a speeding rickshaw or two, and have a modicum of resilience for staring, then you may find this to be your unexpected travel love affair!
Connaught Place
Looking like it belongs somewhere in England, rather than India, Connaught Place is the central business district of the city.
Hauz Khas
It’s not only hip, it’s historic, dating back to the 13th century. You can find out all about it in the Hauz Khas Complex, with free entry just as a treat!
South Delhi
South Delhi is, unsurprisingly, located south of the central area of Delhi, and just east and south of Hauz Khas. It’s known for being a lot more chilled out than the rest of the city, and its for this reason that we’ve named it the best neighbourhood in Delhi for families.
Delhi’s Five Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
You can’t visit India without spending at least a night in this loud, busy capital city that has been in settlement for a whopping 27 centuries: New Delhi.
There’s very much a “love it or hate it” effect here so where you stay has a ton of impact.
Personally, I found South Delhi to be have the best overall vibe: it’s really realxed, green and is one of the nicest sections of the city. Besides the top accommodation there, I’ve also included activity picks in every other area too neighborhood, so you know exactly what you’re getting.
1. Karol Bagh – Where to Stay in Delhi for Your First Time
Karol Bagh sits in the north of Delhi, nestled between a railway and a metro line. It’s well connected to the rest of the city, making it the best place to stay if you’re visiting Delhi for the first time. It’s super close to Paharganj, Connaught Place, and the Old City, so you can weave your way in and out of the different areas like a local!
This is the area where a lot of tour groups stay, so this may help you feel more at ease. Of course, they’re easy enough to escape as soon as you duck into the huge Karol Bagh market that sells anything you could want. The electronics section on Gaffar Street is very popular.
- Best For: Every day life explorers, shoppers, first timers, foodies
- The Vibe: High-energy, more local than luxury, budget friendly
- Proximity to Airport: 1 hour from Indira Ghandi International Airport (DEL)
- Transport Level: Easy – rickshaws and ride shares are everywhere
- Budget: Budget friendly – money goes far here
- Crowds: High – this is a busy neighborhood with lots of local markets and shops
Photo: Bahnfrend (WikiCommons)
Things to See and Do in Karol Bagh:
- Browse the used books on Arya Samaj Street and find a new or old favourite!
- Try the tandoori momos (dumplings) at Art of Spices.
- Cool down with a tasty treat from the famous Roshan di Kulfi.
- Visit the Monday Market, for a whole new range of goods for the rest of the week!
Wood Castle | Best Hotel in Karol Bagh
While many Delhi hotels tend to have a similar look and feel to them, Wood Castle stands out. It (unsurprisingly given the name) features a ton of wooden decor, and has a cozy, homely feel that I didn’t quite find elsewhere.
The rooms are spotless (a rarity in India), it’s centrally located near some of the city’s top attractions, and the staff is super helpful and friendly in case you need them! The beds are really comfy, and best of all it’s somehow located in a quiet, residential area despite being close to all of India’s capital city action.
Beautiful Central Delhi House | Best Airbnb in Karol Bagh
If you’re looking for a relaxing place to base yourself in Karol Bagh, look no further than this epic Delhi Airbnb right in residential Karol Bagh. With three bedrooms and two bathrooms, a medium sized group of up to six travellers can stay here.
You’ll have the entire space to yourself (which includes a kitchen) for a fraction of the price of luxury hotels! The metro station (a must use if you ask me!) is just 2km away, and the Delhi airport is 15km. The space is well-designed and even features a large terrace that’s filled with house plants. It’s a bit more expensive than most options, but trust me – this is a city worth paying extra in exchange for some peace and quiet!
2. Paharganj – Best Place to Stay in Delhi on a Budget
Sitting slightly southeast of Karol Bagh and directly on top of Connaught Place, Paharganj has been a popular backpacker destination since the 1970s. I got massively scammed while trying to arrive here in 2018, so one of my top India travel tips remains stay connected and vigilant.
The main bazaar is often peopled with foreigners, but young Indian students are starting to frequent it as a spot for bargain meals as well.
Known for its cheap accommodation and convenient location, it’s a lot grittier than the other destinations in this guide! But if you can handle a bit of noise, don’t mind dodging a speeding rickshaw or two, and have a modicum of resilience for staring, then you may find this to be your unexpected travel love affair!
- Best For: Backpackers and budget travelers, short stays
- The Vibe: Extremely chaotic, gritty, raw intensity
- Proximity to Airport: 1 hour from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
- Transport Level: Easy – rickshaws and ride shares are everywhere. Just watch out fir scams that tell you the area is closed, it definitely isn’t!
- Budget: Low budget – this is the cheapest place to stay in town
- Crowds: Extremely high – this is one of the busiest places in the entire Subcontinent
Photo: McKay Savage (Flickr)
Things to See and Do in Paharganj:
- Head over to the Red Fort, the symbol of Delhi and one of India’s foremost monuments.
- Go on a guided tour of the city’s top sights.
- Find a quiet rooftop bar to sit above the chaos for a while!
- Give your tastebuds a gift with some epic street food
- Grab a train from the New Delhi Metro nearby and explore the outskirts of the city.
Jyoti Mahal | Best Hotel in Paharganj
No doubt the very best place to stay in wild and crazy Paharganj is this elegant heritage hotel, which features a unique antique interior just five minutes away from the New Delhi Railway Station. Set in an old haveli mansion, the rooms are super clean and you won’t have to worry about any scams either.
In a part of the city known for chaos and debauchery, Jyoti Mahal is like an oasis in the desert – it even has a peaceful rooftop terrace and onsite restaurant. Trust me that it’s also a steal that it’s within walking distance of a major train station, you’ll be able to easily move along to your next destination in India!
Yes Boss by Backpackers Heaven | Best Hostel in Paharganj
Yes Boss combines traditional Delhi backpacker accommodation with the kind of services you’d expect from a fancy hotel. Rooms are modern and stunningly decorated, providing the perfect space to relax from your travels. One of the best things about this hostel is location: it’s situated away from the bustling streets to provide a peaceful environment while still being close to top attractions.
Mahalaxmi Home | Best Airbnb in Paharganj
If you want to be up in all the action of Delhi’s craziest area with a space that will actually allow you to decompress, stop looking. This Airbnb is legitimately better than the photos and spotless too, which is quite rare for rentals in the area tbh. You’ll also have access to a full kitchen, a SMART TV with Netflix capabilities, and not one but two bathrooms. The host is super helpful and welcoming, and even provides hostel-style toiletries.
3. Connaught Place – Best Area in Delhi for Nightlife
While it started off as a forest, almost a hundred years of development and a new metro line have brought Connaught Place into the limelight as one of Delhi’s liveliest destinations.
The bars and restaurants of Connaught Place are multiplying at a phenomenal rate, giving you a wide range to choose from for your evenings and cementing this as the best neighborhood to stay in Delhi for nightlife.
There’s plenty to explore here during the daytime as well. You’ll find a sprawling park where you can take a breath from the chaos of the city, as well as temples and busy shopping streets.
- Best For: Cocktail lovers, business and upscale travelers,
- The Vibe: Central, polished, convenient, busy but organized
- Proximity to Airport: 1 hour from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
- Transport Level: Easy – rickshaws and ride shares are everywhere.
- Budget: Flashpacker to luxury travelers – deff not as cheap as other areas
- Crowds: Moderate to Very Busy – depends on the season and day of the week as it’s popular with both locals and tourists
Things to See and Do in Connaught Place:
- Visit Hanuman Temple.
- Similarly, be amazed at the ancient astronomical advancements at Jantar Mantar.
- Explore the Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, a Sikh temple.
- Go shopping at Palika Bazaar.
- Stroll around the famous India Gate.
Shangri La’s – Eros Hotel | Best Hotel in Connaught Place
Featuring an on-site nightclub and a beauty parlour, Shangri-La’s Eros Hotel offers 5-star accommodation in New Delhi. Yes, it’s crazy expensive, but the amenities are worth it, especially in a city this maddening. It’s within a ten-minute walk of as Delhi’s top-rated bars and restaurants.
YWCA International Guest House | Best Budget Hotel
Located right in the heart of Connaught Place, this is a solid place to start an India trip with just a bit of extra comfort and security. Rooms are spacious and clean, there’s an a much needed garden space to hang out in, and the staff can even arrange airport pickup (highly recommended) for an extra fee. As there aren’t any hostels in the neighborhood, this is one of the cheapest options.
Serene Garden Homestay | Best Airbnb in Connaught Place
Get away from the chaos in this beautiful home that will make you feel like you’re far away from Delhi. The private room with an attached bathroom comes with a large, shared garden and a full kitchen. You’ll be in one of the greenest and safest parts of the city, all within 700 m from the nearest metro (which is actually pretty great from my experience).
4. Hauz Khas – Coolest Place to Stay in Delhi
A lot further south than the previous three recommendations, it wasn’t hard to choose Hauz Khas as the coolest neighborhood to stay in Delhi. It’s as hip as it is historic, dating all the way back to the 13th century. You can find out all about it in the Hauz Khas Complex (entry is free, so there are no excuses not to!).
It’s the kind of place where you can’t turn a corner without bumping into another funky eatery or hip coffee shop. You’ve got cultural art galleries, the foodie haven aspect of the restaurants, and the nightlife of the late-night bars.
- Best For: Boutique and design loving travelers, couples, culture lovers
- The Vibe: Hipster-ish, creative, trendy
- Proximity to Airport: 1 hour from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
- Transport Level: Easy – you can get ride shares any time
- Budget: More mid range than backpacker, though you may be able to find some cheap options
- Crowds: Moderate – spikes a bit at night and on weekends, but nothing like Paharganj!
Photo: Varun Shiv Kapur (Flickr)
Things to See and Do in Hauz Khas:
- Relax in the famous Deer Park in the northeast corner of the neighborhood.
- And obviously, spend an entire day in the Hauz Khas Complex, seeing all it has to offer!
- Pop around the many cool shops selling trendy clothes and pieces of art
- Check out the famous Kunzum Travel Cafe and have a coffee
Villa 33 | Best Hotel in Hauz Khas
This bed & breakfast Victorian villa is ornately decorated both inside and out, with a whitewashed exterior and a traditional Indian colonial interior. Each room comes with a balcony or terrace, and guests have access to a shared lounge, expansive gardens, and a dining room/bar. It’s ideally situated just moments from quirky cafes and beautiful temples.
Orania B&B by Atsar | Best Budget Hotel in Hauz Khas
This hotel provides modern rooms, free wifi, and a terrace. Breakfast can be enjoyed in your room, and kids meals are provided for little ones. Staying here, you’ll be right next to Hauz Khas Village and its many bars and restaurants. Hauz Khas Lake and Deer Park are also nearby if you fancy a break from the city!
Heritage Apartment | Best Airbnb in Hauz Khas
Stocked with crafted wood furniture and kitted out with an old-school Rajasthani flair, this is one of the best Airbnbs in Delhi! It’s situated right outside the oldest 13th-century monument in Delhi and has views over the lake, making it great for culture vultures.
5. South Delhi – Best Place to Stay in Delhi with Family
South Delhi is known for being a lot more chilled out than the rest of the city, making it the best neighborhood in Delhi for families. Despite being quieter, the area is still full of things to see and do.
The astounding Qutub Minar is here. It’s the world’s largest free-standing minaret and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Like with all impressive things constructed long ago, you’ll be marveling at how it could’ve been constructed back then. We’re talking almost a thousand years here!
The neighborhood is leafy too, and visitors report feeling safer here than they might elsewhere. The Garden of the Five Senses is sure to have you relaxing amongst the greenery, while the kids have a great time exploring the patterns and shapes hiding in the landscaping.
- Best For: Families, digital nomads, luxury travelers
- The Vibe: Leafy, affluent, relaxed, residential
- Proximity to Airport: 1 hour from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
- Transport Level: Easy, with ride shares and metro access
- Budget: Mid range to luxury – this is one of the city’s poshest areas
- Crowds: Moderate and comfortable, I personally loved this aspect
Things to See and Do in South Delhi:
- Get into some yoga at Lodhi Garden
- Check out the Qutb Minar
- Visit the immense Mehrauli Archaeological Park and the 100 significant monuments therein!
- Take a family photo amongst the sculptures and scenery at the Garden of the Five Senses.
- Wander through some stunning street art.
Home@F37 | Best Hotel in South Delhi
This hotel offers a coffee bar and 24-hour room service. Family rooms are available, making this a great base from which to explore Delhi. Some even have balconies if you get lucky!
Hide in Hostel | Best Backpacker Accommodation
This top India hostel has a cool atmosphere and both private rooms as well as dorms, making it a solid choice for all kinds of travelers. You’ll get to meet others on the terrace, roof and other common areas. You’ll love the decor, it’s such a vibe!
Peaceful Park View Apartment | Best Airbnb in South Delhi
This is a private and self-contained apartment with tons of greenery and an epic balcony that I absolutely LOVED! It’s got all the amenities you’ll need to look after a small family on the go, and excellent public transport links to the airport, city centre and major attractions.
FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Delhi
Here’s what people usually ask me about the areas of Delhi and where to stay.
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Ready for Delhi?
Delhi is a place that will never leave you. Though it’s not for everyone, those that manage to find its charm are devotees for life. With my top picks for where to stay in Delhi, I hope you’ve found something to suit your travel style and budget.
If you’re still not sure where to stay, you can’t go wrong with Villa 33 in South Delhi. It’s an oasis from the city that won’t even come close to breaking the bank!
So there you have it. Now get out there and get booking. Though Delhi will wait, now you know what’s on offer, you won’t want to! And remember – the Taj Mahal is less than three hours away by train.
Image: Samantha Shea
