Hyderabad spreads across hilly terrain around artificial lakes, with the Musi River running through it and the old city at its heart. The Charminar stands as its symbol, and the bazaars, cuisine and crafts of the Qutb Shahi and Nizam eras are still part of daily life here.
For a visitor, the practical split is between the old city and the new city, with Secunderabad as a third option across the rail line. Because the city sprawls so much, your choice of area matters more than your choice of room: pick badly and you will spend your days in traffic bottlenecks. This guide covers which areas to base yourself in, and what each one suits.
Best areas to stay in Hyderabad
1. Around Hussain Sagar Lake, Begumpet, Punjagutta, Somajiguda and Lakdi-ka-Pul
This belt sits between the two halves of the city, which makes it the most convenient base for most visitors. It is close to both the tourist attractions of the old city and the business areas of the new city, so you are not forced to choose one side over the other.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone mixing sightseeing with work. Mid-range accommodation is the norm here, and paying a little more than the budget areas buys noticeably better facilities.
2. Banjara Hills
Banjara Hills is grouped with the central belt above for its access to both the old city sights and the new city business districts. It is the one area from which commuting onward to other parts of the city remains workable.
It suits travellers who want a comfortable base and do not mind being slightly removed from the oldest parts of town. Mid-range and higher-end places are what you find here.
3. Nampally, Abids and Koti
These are new city areas with plentiful budget accommodation, and tourist attractions are not very far off. Rooms can be had for a few hundred rupees a day.
This is the choice for budget travellers and anyone prioritising a central, inexpensive base. Expect basic facilities: towels are not necessarily clean, and air-conditioning tends to cost extra. Nampally is also where the railway station is, which helps if you are arriving or leaving by train.
4. Secunderabad
Secunderabad may be slightly far for the tourist, but it can still work for the business traveller. Treat it as a base of convenience rather than one chosen for sightseeing.
5. Madhapur, Kondapur and Gachibowli (around HITEC City)
These areas surround HITEC City, the information technology zone. Hotel rooms here tend to be expensive and scarce.
Stay here if HITEC City is the purpose of your trip. Commuting in from any other area, except perhaps Banjara Hills, is not a good option because of the traffic. For longer stays, serviced apartments are worth considering.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Plentiful around Nampally railway station and in Abids, Koti and other new city areas, at a few hundred rupees a day. Facilities tend to be basic, towels are not necessarily clean, and air-conditioning is usually charged extra.
- Mid-range: Found around Hussain Sagar Lake, Begumpet, Punjagutta, Somajiguda, Banjara Hills and Lakdi-ka-Pul. Paying a little more than the budget tier makes sense here, and these areas keep you close to both the old city sights and the new city business districts.
- Splurge: The same central and Banjara Hills areas serve travellers who want more comfort, while rooms near HITEC City tend to be expensive and scarce. For longer stays, serviced apartments are an option.
Best area for a first visit
Base yourself around Hussain Sagar Lake, Begumpet, Punjagutta, Somajiguda or Lakdi-ka-Pul. This belt is close to both the tourist attractions of the old city and the business areas of the new city, so you can see the sights without committing to a long commute in either direction. It also has the widest spread of mid-range accommodation, which keeps the choice of where to sleep separate from the choice of what to see.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hyderabad expensive for accommodation?
Accommodation in Hyderabad is unlikely to bust your budget, especially compared with cities like Mumbai or Bengaluru, and rooms are usually easily available. The exception is the area around HITEC City, where rooms tend to be expensive and scarce.
Why does the area I choose matter so much?
Because the city sprawls so much. If you want to avoid a long commute and traffic bottlenecks, you need to be careful about the location of where you stay, not just the room itself.
Where should I stay if I am in Hyderabad for business?
The central belt around Hussain Sagar Lake, Begumpet, Punjagutta, Somajiguda, Banjara Hills and Lakdi-ka-Pul puts you close to the business areas of the new city. Secunderabad might be slightly far for the tourist but may still work for the business traveller, and if your work is at HITEC City, staying in Madhapur, Kondapur or Gachibowli avoids the commute.
What should I expect from budget rooms?
Facilities tend to be basic, the towels are not necessarily clean, and air-conditioning tends to be extra. It might make sense to pay a little more and choose mid-range accommodation instead.
Compare live prices for the areas that fit your trip using the booking tools on this page.