Where to Stay in Delhi 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map
Delhi is overwhelming, magnificent, and exhausting in equal measure. India's capital spans 3,000 years of history from Mughal emperors to British colonizers to modern India. Old Delhi offers sensory overload with Red Fort and street food; New Delhi has wide boulevards and Raj-era monuments. The metro is excellent. Be prepared for intense experiences - Delhi is not for the faint-hearted.
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Editor's Pick for First-Timers
Connaught Place / Central Delhi
Best balance of access and comfort. Metro hub reaches Old Delhi and South Delhi easily. Good mix of hotels from budget to luxury. Walking distance to some sights. First-timers can acclimate before tackling Old Delhi's intensity.
Paharganj
Connaught Place
Old Delhi
South Delhi
Aerocity
Hauz Khas
Quick Guide: Best Areas
Things to Know
- • Tourist scams are common - ignore anyone offering 'government tourist office' or 'closed' attractions
- • Paharganj is not for everyone - only stay if you embrace the chaos
- • Some areas around train stations can feel unsafe at night
- • Delhi belly is real - be careful with street food initially
Understanding Delhi Geography
Delhi divides into Old Delhi (Mughal, north) and New Delhi (British, south). Old Delhi has Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and chaotic bazaars. New Delhi has India Gate, government buildings, and leafy colonies. The metro connects all major areas efficiently. South Delhi has the best restaurants and upscale neighborhoods.
Neighborhood Overview
Explore different areas by price range. Click a neighborhood to learn more.
Accommodation Map
Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.
Best Neighborhoods in Delhi
Paharganj (Main Bazaar)
Best for: Budget accommodation, backpacker scene, bazaar shopping, near train station
"Chaotic backpacker hub with budget hotels and sensory overload"
Pros
- Cheapest area
- Near train station
- Authentic chaos
- Bazaar shopping
Cons
- Overwhelming
- Dirty
- Touts everywhere
- Not for everyone
Connaught Place
Best for: Colonial architecture, shopping, dining, central business, transport hub
"Georgian colonial circle with India's first metro hub"
Pros
- Most central
- Metro hub
- Good restaurants
- Shopping
Cons
- Expensive
- Tourist scams
- Busy traffic
- Underground parking chaos
Old Delhi (Chandni Chowk)
Best for: Red Fort, Jama Masjid, street food, Mughal history, spice market
"17th-century Mughal capital with chaotic bazaars and incredible street food"
Pros
- Historic heart
- Best street food
- Authentic Delhi
- Major sights
Cons
- Extremely chaotic
- Hot and crowded
- Limited quality hotels
- Overwhelming
South Delhi (Defence Colony / GK)
Best for: Upscale residential, boutique shopping, restaurants, quieter stay
"Leafy residential colonies with Delhi's best dining and boutiques"
Pros
- Best restaurants
- Quieter
- Upscale shopping
- Good hotels
Cons
- Far from Old Delhi sights
- Need metro/taxi
- Expensive
Aerocity
Best for: Airport hotels, modern amenities, business travelers, transit stays
"Purpose-built hotel district near airport with international brands"
Pros
- Near airport
- Modern hotels
- Clean
- Good amenities
Cons
- Far from everything
- Sterile
- No Delhi character
- Isolated
Hauz Khas
Best for: Historic ruins, trendy cafes, nightlife, boutiques, young Delhi
"Medieval ruins meet hipster cafes in Delhi's trendiest village"
Pros
- Unique atmosphere
- Good nightlife
- Historic ruins
- Cafes
Cons
- Limited hotels
- Crowded weekends
- Gentrified
- Far from Old Delhi
Accommodation Budget in Delhi
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Our Top Hotel Picks
$ Best Budget Hotels
Zostel Delhi
Paharganj
India's popular hostel chain with clean dorms, social atmosphere, and helpful travel desk.
Bloomrooms @ New Delhi Railway Station
Paharganj
Clean, modern pod-style hotel that's an oasis of calm in chaotic Paharganj. Great value.
$$ Best Mid-Range Hotels
The Manor - New Delhi
South Delhi
Intimate boutique hotel in Friends Colony with excellent restaurant (Indian Accent was here) and sophisticated style.
$$$ Best Luxury Hotels
The Claridges New Delhi
Lutyens' Delhi
Historic 1950s hotel with colonial charm, excellent restaurants, and central location near India Gate.
The Imperial New Delhi
Connaught Place
Art Deco landmark from 1931 with museum-quality art collection, legendary 1911 restaurant, and impeccable service.
The Oberoi New Delhi
Central Delhi
Refined luxury overlooking Delhi Golf Club with exceptional service, spa, and multiple acclaimed restaurants.
The Leela Palace New Delhi
Diplomatic Enclave
Opulent palace hotel with stunning Lutyens-inspired architecture, world-class dining, and extraordinary service.
✦ Unique & Boutique Stays
Haveli Dharampura
Old Delhi
Restored 19th-century haveli in Chandni Chowk with rooftop Jama Masjid views and heritage experience.
Smart Booking Tips for Delhi
- 1 Book ahead for October-March (tourist season) and during festivals
- 2 Diwali (October/November) is magical but busy and smoky
- 3 Summer (April-June) is brutally hot but cheaper; monsoon (July-September) is humid
- 4 Many hotels quote in USD - compare carefully
- 5 Airport pickup recommended for first-time visitors arriving at night
- 6 Golden Triangle (Delhi-Agra-Jaipur) packages often good value
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Delhi.
Updated: February 12, 2026
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Cost & Budget
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Overview
Complete travel guide for Delhi: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.