Delhi is a vast, layered city where the Mughal-era lanes of Old Delhi, the colonial avenues of New Delhi and the fast-growing southern districts sit side by side. For a visitor, that spread is the central planning question: where you base yourself determines how much of your day goes to travel and how much to the sights themselves.
The city is divided for travel purposes into seven districts, with the pre-colonial monuments concentrated in South Delhi, South East Delhi and Old Delhi, while the British settled first in North Delhi before moving to the new capital, New Delhi, in 1911. This guide covers which of those areas to choose as a base, what each is like, and how the accommodation tiers differ.
Best areas to stay in Delhi
1. New Delhi
New Delhi is the administrative heart of the city, laid out on the colonial plan around broad avenues and roundabouts. It suits first-time visitors who want to be close to the centre of things and within easy reach of the airport, and it is where most of Delhi's expensive hotels are found, roughly along the axis between Connaught Square and the airport.
If your priority is a comfortable base with straightforward connections rather than immersion in the older quarters, this is the most practical choice. Note that smoking is not allowed in Delhi hotels.
2. South Delhi
South Delhi holds much of the city's pre-colonial heritage, making it a strong base if the monuments are your main reason for visiting. It is also one of the more affluent parts of the city, and budget accommodation can be found further south in these affluent southern areas.
This area suits travellers who prefer quieter surroundings and don't mind being away from the centre. Expect a mix of budget and mid-range options rather than the large expensive hotels.
3. South East Delhi
Like South Delhi, South East Delhi contains a share of Delhi's pre-colonial wonders, so it works well for sightseeing-focused stays. It is a reasonable middle ground between the southern districts and the older city.
Choose it if you want to be near the historic sights without basing yourself in the densest parts of the centre. Accommodation here leans towards guest houses and smaller properties of varying quality.
4. Old Delhi
Old Delhi is the historic core, and along with South Delhi and South East Delhi it holds much of the city's pre-colonial heritage. It suits travellers who want atmosphere and proximity to the old city over comfort and quiet.
This is the least restful of the main options, but it puts you closest to the Mughal-era sights. Budget accommodation is concentrated in the city centre, which includes this area.
5. North Delhi
North Delhi is where the British first settled before moving to the new capital in 1911, and it remains a distinct part of the city rather than a tourist hub. It suits travellers who want a more everyday Delhi experience and are comfortable using the city's transport to reach the main sights.
Accommodation here is largely budget and mid-range, and you should expect to travel to reach the concentrations of monuments elsewhere.
6. The airport area
The area towards the airport has budget accommodation options, making it useful for short stopovers or late arrivals and early departures. It is not a sightseeing base, since the main monuments and the city centre lie some distance away.
Consider it only if your trip is built around a flight rather than around the city itself.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Plenty of options, priced from ₹400–2,500. Many are in the city centre, while others are further south in the affluent southern areas or towards the airport.
- Mid-range: Delhi has a chronic lack of quality hotels, which has led to a mushrooming of guest houses of widely varying quality and price. The official 'Delhi Bed and Breakfast scheme' has added private rooms for bed & breakfast accommodation, ranging from cheap dumps to classy rooms in the best areas.
- Splurge: Most of Delhi's expensive hotels are in New Delhi, roughly along the axis between Connaught Square and the airport, with a few in areas further south and west. Prices in this category are generally over ₹8,000.
Best area for a first visit
New Delhi is the best base for a first visit. It is where most of the expensive hotels are concentrated, along the axis between Connaught Square and the airport, and it gives you the most straightforward connections for reaching the rest of the city. If your budget is lower, the city centre is the equivalent choice, since that is where much of the budget accommodation is found.
Frequently asked questions
Which areas of Delhi hold most of the historic sights?
Much of Delhi's pre-colonial heritage is spread across South Delhi, South East Delhi and Old Delhi. Basing yourself in one of those three puts you closest to the monuments.
Where are Delhi's expensive hotels located?
Most are in New Delhi, roughly along the axis between Connaught Square and the airport, with a few in areas further south and west. Prices in this category are generally over ₹8,000.
What should I know about prices and taxes?
Quoted prices may not include taxes of up to 22.5%, calculated on the published rack rates rather than the price you actually pay, which could be discounted. Smoking is not allowed in Delhi hotels.
What mid-range accommodation is available in Delhi?
Mid-range choices are largely guest houses of widely varying quality and price, plus private rooms under the official 'Delhi Bed and Breakfast scheme'. These range from basic to classy rooms in the best areas of Delhi.
Compare live prices for the areas that suit your trip using the booking tools on this page.