Where to Stay in Delhi – 6 Best Areas for Tourists in 2024

Hello traveler and welcome to your ultimate guide on where to stay in Delhi! I’ve visited India’s largest city for a wedding and let me tell you something – sightseeing here can be overwhelming for all senses.

Luckily, I have crafted this practical guide, outlining only the best areas to stay for tourists, including the top-rated hotels (by European standards!) that I handpicked after a long and careful research. My goal was to create a guide I wish I had when I was planning my trip to Delhi!

Stay in Connaught Place if you’re visiting Delhi for the first time and you want to do a lot of sightseeing. But check if any of the 5 other areas I recommend are a better match for your interest!

And regardless of where you stay, book your Delhi accommodation in advance. Hotels in Delhi are often expensive and the ones with the best value always sell out first.

Quick picks for your stay

Here are the best hotels to stay in Connaught Place:

This map will help you visualize all the areas of Delhi I’ll talk about in this guide.

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Before we start, I want to explain the different denominations for the city. Delhi is a huge metropolitan area and a Union Territory in India with over 30 million residents, and it’s also known as the National Capital Territory (NCT).

In this article, I recommend areas to stay that are located in 3 distinct areas of Delhi: New Delhi (built by the British, serving as capital of India), Central Delhi (mixture of old and new), and Old Delhi (dating from the 17th-century).

8 must-know tips for your stay in Delhi

Here’s a really important section to study and research before you fly to Delhi, especially if it’s your first time!

• Always drink bottled water and don’t accept ice in drinks. If you want to buy tea, give the seller your water bottle to make the tea with it. Thoroughly wash any fruits you buy with bottled water. Ideally, have a stack of water in your room.
• Make sure the street food or restaurant food you try is suited for Western stomachs like in this street food tour. If you’re not sure, skip it!
• Have a private local guide (here’s a good one) whenever possible to help you avoid getting scammed, prevent food poisoning, and make your overall experience less hectic.
• Wear an N-95 or N-99 mask when air pollution is strong. Otherwise, it can be hard to breathe.
• If a seller or service provider scams you on the street, just ask the first passerby for help. They’ll show the scammer their place.
• Don’t walk alone at night, and avoid flashing fancy jewelry. There are pickpockets in public areas.
• Only rent a car with a driver (this is a thing in Delhi) if the places you want to visit aren’t accessible by the metro, but all the areas I mentioned are. Parking and traffic are hectic in Delhi. Metro is easy and safe to use. They even have dedicated coaches for female travelers. Tuk-tuks and rickshaws are popular for short rides, but you must negotiate a price beforehand.
• If you have a lot of baggage, you can easily find government taxis on the exit from the airport and get to any location in Delhi for a few hundred rupees. Uber is available, but cars are not according to Western standards.

That’s it! Now, let’s explore the best areas to stay in Delhi!

1. Connaught Place – where to stay in Delhi for the first time

Connaught Place (commonly known as CP) is the best place to stay in Delhi for first-timers. It’s a large area of New Delhi with excellent metro connections to the whole city. It’s heavily Westernized and less hectic than Old Delhi, but it’s still close to major attractions.

New Delhi was built by the British to serve as the new Indian capital. You’ll recognize it by its long tree-lined boulevards and colonial architecture that are all around Connaught Place.

As the locals put it, Connaught Place is Delhi’s drinking and dining hub. I remember being so happy to finally reach this roundabout and see familiar brands after walking for over an hour through giant boulevards of New Delhi with no sign of life!

In the center of Connaught Place, you’ll find a huge roundabout called Rajiv Chowk (map) with many restaurants, shops, museums, and cafés in the inner and outer circles and the beautiful Central Park (map) in the middle.

Just a 10-minute walk from here, you’ll find the famous Janpath Road (map). You’ve absolutely got to visit the Janpath Market on it (map). It’s one of the most popular markets for both locals and tourists, with tons of boutique stores!

Connaught Place is also near India Gate (map, just a 10-minute ride) and Jantar Mantar observatory with astronomical instruments (map), 2 important attractions in the city. By the way, visit the India Gate at night (after 7 PM) to see the beautiful illuminations!

NOTE: As a foreigner in India, expect to be approached by locals wanting to take pictures with you, ask to help you, or persuade you into buying goods from them. It happened to me many times! Small tip: Some men prefer to color their hair in local hair salons (hair coloring is common for Indian men), and apparently, it helps wear down the attention. For women, dress like local Indian women, especially when visiting the markets alone.

Also beware of scammers in Delhi. Common scams include shoe cleaning (they offer you one price, then ask much more after they’re done) and rickshaw rides (the driver spins in circles). Learn how to protect yourself from scams when traveling in our special article dedicated to the topic.

Now, let’s check out the accommodation in Connaught Place. There are many good hotels here, but they’re also pricey.

Other accommodation options in Connaught Place

Things to do in Connaught Place

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2. Hauz Khas – a bohemian place to stay in Delhi

Hauz Khas is the first area when you head to South Delhi from Lodhi Art District, and it has just the right combination of tranquility during the day and vibrant nightlife after sunset! Ask any local where to stay in Delhi, and they’ll almost always recommend Hauz Khas.

When you walk around Hauz Khas, you’ll feel relaxed and actually be able to look things around as opposed to walking the streets of Old Delhi where it’s all about passing the crowds. There are plenty of things to do but far less noise pollution and crowds, which is why Hauz Khas is one of my favorite areas of Delhi!

Hauz Khas village was an important educational center for Islamic scholars of the Middle Ages. Today, it’s home to India’s important institutes of technology, medicine, foreign trade, etc.

You’ll find plenty of rooftop bars and great restaurants near the District Park (map). Such a great place to explore if you’re wondering where to stay in Delhi for nightlife!

Another plus is that the area is less hectic than the Northern ones regarding traffic. I say staying here would make a great introduction to India or Delhi if it’s your first visit. It won’t leave you overwhelmed, that’s for sure.

Oh, and check the impressive Qutub Minar (map) nearby! It’s a giant 73-meter tower dating from the 12th century with 5 stories and lovely balconies from which you can enjoy stunning views of Delhi.

Expect many private accommodations in Hauz Khas with hosts that almost feel like family.

Other accommodation options in Hauz Khas

Things to do in Hauz Khas

• Check out the narrow alleyways of Hauz Khas during the day and night
• Walk to the iconic Hauz Khas Fort (map) and then explore the adjacent park
• Go deer spotting in the Deer Park (map) just nearby
• Climb Qutub Minar and enjoy views of Delhi
• Stroll through the beautiful Garden of Five Senses (map)
• Take a short trip to the Lotus Temple (map) to get familiar with Bahai religion

3. Khan Market – where to stay in Delhi for boutique shopping

Khan Market is another popular area for tourists just a 20-minute metro ride from Connaught Place. It’s one of the most luxurious and safe neighborhoods, too! I recommend it for high-end shopping and the vicinity to embassies.

Overall, you’ll find a relaxed vibe here, but like I said, it’s a bit on the posh side. I was pleasantly surprised to see how good passersby looked here, everyone dressed nicely. But then I realized that the so-called Diplomacy Enclave with all the embassies is less than a 10-minute drive away.

Of course, the area’s highlight is the Khan Market itself (map), the ultimate shopping stop for every local and tourist in Delhi. It offers the perfect blend of luxury and tradition for tourists to soak in.

If you stay here, you’ll be close to Lodhi Garden (map, 12-minute walk from the market), a super popular place for locals to take morning walks! The 90-acre garden has tons of trees, jogging tracks, monuments and tombs of historic rulers.

Since this is also a foodie area, for health concerns, I will not be recommending any local Indian restaurants to you. If you see a coffee or restaurant recommendation in the article, know it has a Western vibe. Most of my experiences and experiences of my friends in India with local foods ended badly. I want to use this opportunity to remind you once again to always ask if the food you’re about to eat is safe for foreigners. I was mind-blown to learn that even some friends of mine who are Indian often have stomach issues when traveling to another part of India! So it’s better to be safe than sorry.

NOTE: Many bloggers recommend staying in the Paharganj area (map) close to Khan Market in New Delhi, mostly for its vicinity to the main railway station. I advise against this since Paharganj is known for poor hotels, human trafficking, drugs, and a red light district.

Now these are the best places to stay in Khan Market:

Other accommodation options in Khan Market

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BONUS: I also wanted to recommend The Claridges Hotel where I stayed for a wedding. It’s a 20-minute walk from the Khan Market, has all the old-world luxury amenities you can think of (I felt so spoiled here!), even a private trainer in the gym.

Things to do in Khan Market

• Satisfy all your shopping desires in the Khan Market
• Walk to the beautiful Safdarjung Tomb (map) via Lodhi Garden
• Book a private day trip to Taj Mahal and Agra
• Enjoy the colorful buildings in the Lodhi Art District (map)
• Have breakfast or a coffee break in Sly Granny (map)
• Check out Sarojini Nagar (map), another cool and popular market a bit South

4. Karol Bagh – where to stay in Delhi for local markets

If your main goal is to explore various local markets and soak in the authentic, local vibe (that also comes with a bit of chaos, naturally), Karol Bagh is a good area for you! This is one of the 3 districts of Central Delhi, and it’s conveniently located in between New Delhi and Old Delhi.

This area has good energy, with the usual hustle and bustle of traffic and crowds, but it gives off a safe vibe. It’s also located close to the major sights in Delhi; you can take a metro and get to any place in town quickly.

The highlight of Karol Bagh is its markets. If you can think of a market, you’ll probably find it here! There are so many different ones to walk around (electronics, gold, jeans, etc.), soak in the locals’ way of life, and maybe even get some souvenirs. Karol Bagh also has its fair share of good bars and restaurants.

Also, there’s a really cool statue here, Hanuman Mandir (map). In Hinduism, Hanuman is the God of wisdom, courage, and strength. However, avoid visiting on Tuesdays and Saturdays, as this is when the religious people visit and it can get really crowded.

Karol Bagh is well-connected to the East of Delhi with a blue metro line. You have direct line access to one of Delhi’s main attractions, the Akshardham (map) temple. There’s a fountain show there you don’t want to miss!

NOTE: Avoid visiting Karol Bagh by car unless you have a private driver. Finding parking here is like mission impossible.

Accommodation-wise, you’ll find plenty of mid-range options and cute boutique hotels.

Other accommodation options in Karol Bagh

Things to do in Karol Bagh

• Take a private tour of New and Old Delhi
• Start your market visit from the Ajmal Khan Road (map)
• Explore endless shopping streets to the West, South, and East of Ajman Khan
• Don’t miss the Gaffar Market (map) for electronics, the star of the show
• Check out the iconic Hanuman Mandir statue

5. Aerocity – an urban place to stay in Delhi for a layover

Aerocity is the area just next to the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, and it’s a perfect place to stay if you’re coming for business or just want to experience the corporate vibe in Delhi. Of course, it’s also a great area for a layover.

Old and New Delhi attractions are a 50-minute ride away, or 20 km (12.4 mi). The area is connected to New Delhi with the red metro line that ends just north of Connaught Place.

Many travelers also recommend this as a good place to stay in Delhi to relax after a long day exploring the dusty and noisy streets of Old Delhi or more central areas.

The 3 Worldmark buildings (map) are the highlights in Aerocity. They host offices and retail spaces with nice shops on the ground floor. If you walk here during work hours, you’ll find that most people around wear suits, it’s such a classy area! There are also chain cafés like Costa Coffee (map) where you can relax or get some work done.

This area almost exclusively has luxury hotels and expensive restaurants. It’s also very secure! However, since there are no residential properties, there are no Airbnbs. I included another good hotel for you instead of an Airbnb!

Other accommodation options in Aerocity

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I wanted to add 2 more excellent luxury options in Aerocity, Pullman and Holiday Inn. They’re both 5-star properties so you can check them out in case Aloft is sold out for your dates!

Things to do in Aerocity

• Check out the cafés and restaurants at Worldmark buildings
• Take a private tour of Delhi during your layover
• Walk around the area in the morning or afternoon to feel the business vibe
• Enjoy the fine dining scene

6. Old Delhi – the oldest part of Delhi

Old Delhi is one of the oldest cities in the world, with its history stretching back over 3,000 years. It’s India’s true melting pot of cultures and traditions, and it’s located just a 25-minute metro ride from New Delhi’s Connaught Place.

A big plus of staying in Old Delhi is that this is where all the impressive attractions are. The Red Fort (map), which was the main residence of the emperors of the famed Mughal Dynasty that ruled India for over 200 years, and Jama Masjid (map), Delhi’s central mosque, are both located here.

After all, this is the historical part of the city and one of the longest continually inhabited places in the world, so it’s undoubtedly worth the visit.

TIP: Avoid visiting the Jama Masjid mosque on a Friday. This is when the main prayer for the week takes place! Also, equip yourself with stamina and patience for handling the traffic and crowds at any time during your visit to Old Delhi.

You can walk the central street of Old Delhi, Chandi Chowk (map), to experience the city at its most hectic moment!

But all the historical charm of Old Delhi has its downsides. Mountains of trash lining the streets (although this problem should be solved soon), unbearable honking and noise pollution, people trying to scam you, and difficulty breathing from all the air pollution. After a walk through Old Delhi, I personally was happy I chose to stay in a separate area.

Throughout the article, I made sure to only include hotels that I personally would stay in. Since all the mid-range options for Old Delhi were far below passable, I recommended the closest possible option to this area instead. The truth is that very few Western tourists stay in Old Delhi, as they find it too dirty, and this reflects in the poor rating of hotels in Old Delhi. Most hotels here cater to Indians.

Other accommodation options in Old Delhi

Things to do in Old Delhi

👑 Luxury price:	US$180
💵 Mid-range:	US$130
🛏️ Budget:	US$80
📍 Best area:	Connaught Place
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	The Connaught
🧳 Best mid-range hotel:	Hotel Palace Heights
👛 Best budget hotel:	CP Villa

BONUS: Best luxury hotels in New Delhi

New Delhi is huge. There are so many luxurious hotels across the area that it was impossible to list them all in the main part of the article. That’s why I’m giving you more details now!

NOTE: The New Delhi here is used to refer to areas to the South, East, North, or West of Old Delhi, as marked on Booking.com.

• Maidens Hotel New Delhi 
  Meidens is one of the best luxury hotels in New Delhi with exceptional 5-star service and amenities. It’s an amazing property with 2 on-site restaurants, a cocktail bar, an outdoor pool, and a large gym.
• The Leela Palace
  This 5-star palace is located in Delhi’s Diplomatic Enclave, and it’s perfect if you’re coming on a business or diplomatic trip. Get lost in their 6 restaurants, a spa and wellness center, an outdoor pool, and an amazing buffet breakfast!
• The Lodhi
  This is yet another 5-star hotel with stunning rooms and even better service. I absolutely love the setting around their outdoor pool, it’s so romantic! You can enjoy the complimentary Turkish bath, billiards, and delicious daily breakfast.
• Taj Palace
  If you’re into lavishly decorated hotels, Taj Palace just hits the spot! Feel like Indian royalty in the posh rooms, elegant hallways, and enjoy a spa therapy suited to your needs! I recommend their Taj Club Suite for the best value for money!
• The Imperial
  This luxury retreat is set just a short walk from Jantar Mantar observatory near Connaught Square, and it’s one of the best centrally-located hotels. It has 2 swimming pools, a large fitness and spa center, 7 restaurants, and a wide range of rooms to suit most traveler types.
• The Oberoi New Delhi
  Wow! I spent hours looking for hotels in Delhi, and this is the first one with such a scenic location and views! A view from the room looks as if you’re floating above a green forest while enjoying all the luxury your heart desires.

FAQs about where to stay in Delhi, India

Final thoughts on the best places to stay in Delhi

Hopefully, my virtual guide helped you decide where to stay in Delhi! I know a trip to India’s largest city can be overstimulating, so I tried to give you my best tips and top-rated hotels to make your stay here smoother!

And if you’re still indecisive about hotels in Delhi, check out my 2 favorite ones:

• The Claridges Hotel – I obviously couldn’t recommend this one enough since it’s where I stayed and loved it
• Hotel Palace Heights – great value for money, especially when you consider the location

Please book your hotel in Delhi in advance, especially since the good options usually cost more!

And my final piece of advice for you would be to hire a private guide because this will make your trip to Delhi sooo much easier!

If you have any questions or would like more personalized advice for your stay in Delhi, drop me a comment below!

Happy travels,

Yulia

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