Ahmedabad spreads along both banks of the Sabarmati River, with the historic walled city on the east side and newer, more affluent neighbourhoods on the west. The old city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its dense lanes, pols and markets give the east bank a very different feel from the wide, modern west.
For a visitor, the practical split is simple: the eastern old town puts you close to the heritage core and the main train station, while the western neighbourhoods offer newer accommodation and a more relaxed base. This guide covers which areas to base yourself in, what each suits, and how to match them to your budget.
Best areas to stay in Ahmedabad
1. Navrangpura
Navrangpura is an affluent area on the west side of the Sabarmati, and it is where the more expensive and newer hotels are found. It suits travellers who prefer modern accommodation and a calmer, more spacious base over the bustle of the old town.
Because it sits on the west bank, you will cross the river to reach the historic walled city and its heritage sights, so factor that into your days if the old town is your main focus.
2. The old town, east of the Sabarmati
The old town area on the eastern side of the river is where cheaper hotels are available. It suits budget travellers and anyone who wants to be within the historic core rather than commuting into it.
This is the dense, heritage side of the city, so expect older, simpler accommodation and narrow surroundings rather than new-build comfort.
3. Relief Road
Relief Road has plenty of budget accommodation and sits close to the main train station, which makes it a convenient landing point if you arrive by rail and have not decided where to base yourself.
It suits budget travellers and short stays, and it is a practical choice if onward transport matters more to you than proximity to the western neighbourhoods.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: cheaper hotels are concentrated on the eastern side of the Sabarmati in the old town area, and Relief Road offers plenty of budget accommodation close to the main train station.
- Mid-range: look to the western side of the river, where the newer hotel stock gives you more modern rooms than the old-town options.
- Splurge: the more expensive and newer hotels are found in the affluent Navrangpura area on the west bank.
Best area for a first visit
Navrangpura is the most straightforward base for a first visit, since it is where the newer and more expensive hotels are concentrated and it gives you a comfortable, modern starting point. You will cross the river to reach the old town, but the trade-off is calmer surroundings and better accommodation. If your priority is the heritage core itself, the old town on the east bank keeps you closer to it.
Frequently asked questions
Which side of the Sabarmati should I stay on?
The west side, including Navrangpura, has the newer and more expensive hotels. The east side, including the old town, has the cheaper hotels and is closer to the historic core.
Where should I go if I arrive without a booking?
You can ask a rickshaw driver to take you to Relief Road, which has plenty of budget accommodation and is close to the main train station.
Where are the cheapest places to stay?
Cheaper hotels are available on the eastern side of the Sabarmati in the old town area.
Where are the newest hotels?
The more expensive and newer hotels are in the more affluent Navrangpura area.
Compare live prices across these areas using the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.