New Delhi is the capital city of India and the seat of its government, built around a central administrative core of wide avenues and monumental buildings. It sits within the larger megacity of Delhi, so when you book a place to stay you are choosing a base within a much bigger urban area, not a self-contained small city.
For a visitor, the useful mental map is simple. The planned centre, often called Lutyens' Delhi, holds the government buildings and the main ceremonial axis, with Connaught Place as its commercial heart. West of the main railway station lies Paharganj. Southwest of the centre is the diplomatic enclave of Chanakyapuri, and further south and west lie other areas where many of the more expensive hotels are found. This guide covers which of these areas to base yourself in, and what kind of accommodation each one tends to offer.
Best areas to stay in New Delhi
1. Connaught Place and the central axis
Connaught Place is the shopping and commercial plaza at the heart of the planned city, and the axis running from it towards the airport holds much of New Delhi's expensive accommodation. Basing yourself here puts you in the middle of the city's central grid of avenues, close to the administrative core and the ceremonial spine that runs from India Gate to the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
This suits first-time visitors who want to be central and within easy reach of the main sights, and travellers who prefer a polished, well-connected base. The trade-off is that this is the priciest part of the city to stay in, and the hotels here are largely at the upper end.
2. Paharganj
Paharganj lies west of New Delhi Railway Station, which opened at Ajmeri Gate near Paharganj in 1926. It is the classic budget area of the city, and budget travellers are directed here. Expect noise, filth and touts, but the area is considered safe for tourists.
This suits budget travellers and those arriving or leaving by train, since the station is right there. If you are sensitive to noise or prefer a quiet base, this is not the area for you.
3. Chanakyapuri
Chanakyapuri is the diplomatic enclave, developed southwest of Lutyens' Delhi, where land was allotted for embassies, chanceries, high commissions and ambassadors' residences around a wide central vista, Shanti Path. It is a planned, spacious area rather than a busy commercial one.
This suits visitors who want a calm, green, low-density base and do not mind being away from the central shopping and transport hub. It is not a budget area, and you will rely on transport to reach the sights in the centre.
4. Areas further south and west
A few of New Delhi's expensive hotels are in areas further south and west of the centre. These are less defined as visitor districts than the centre or Paharganj, but they are an option if you prefer to stay outside the core.
This suits travellers who want a quieter or more residential setting and are comfortable using transport to get around. Because these areas are spread out, check how you will reach the sights before committing.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: the Paharganj area west of New Delhi Railway Station is where budget travellers are directed. Expect a noisy, busy environment with touts, but it is considered safe for tourists.
- Mid-range: the source material does not identify a specific mid-range area, so treat the central areas and the southern and western parts of the city as your search ground and compare what is available.
- Splurge: much of New Delhi's expensive accommodation runs along the axis between Connaught Square and the airport, with a few more in areas further south and west.
- Note: smoking is not allowed in hotels.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself around Connaught Place and the central axis. It puts you in the middle of the planned city, close to the administrative core and the main ceremonial sights, and it is the area with the widest choice of upper-end accommodation. You will pay more than in Paharganj, but you will spend less time and effort getting to the places you came to see.
Frequently asked questions
Where do budget travellers stay in New Delhi?
Budget travellers can check out the Paharganj area west of New Delhi Railway Station. Despite its noise, filth and touts, it is considered safe for tourists.
Where are New Delhi's expensive hotels located?
Much of New Delhi's expensive accommodation lies along the axis between Connaught Square and the airport, with a few more in areas further south and west.
Can I smoke in my hotel in New Delhi?
No. Smoking is not allowed in hotels.
Is Paharganj safe for tourists?
Yes. Despite its noise, filth and touts, Paharganj is considered safe for tourists.
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