Wondering where to stay in Delhi, the vibrant but crazy capital of India? As the first port of call for many travelers to India and mixed reviews, trying to figure out the best area to stay in Delhi for travelers can be overwhelming, which is what I help you sort out in this guide. Read on to find out which are the best hotels in Delhi and which areas are safe!
How To Choose The Best Accommodation In Delhi, India – For Travelers
As the first stop on arrival in India for many international travelers, deciding where to stay in Delhi can be a daunting task, especially if you are visiting New Delhi for the first time.
As a sprawling city of over 20 million people, Delhi stretches back and forth into suburban cities, making where you choose to stay in Delhi really matters, especially if you don’t want to spend most of your time! your visit stuck in a huge traffic jam! The answer to which is the best place to stay in Delhi is luckily not that difficult to answer, once you know where to look… So read on!
One of the problems with figuring out where to stay in New Delhi is that not all areas of the city are safe or good options for tourists. Unfortunately, some of the more well-known tourist ghettos are just that and downright seedy, so in this blog I’ll walk you through finding the best hotels in Delhi, but also where NOT to stay in Delhi.
After 8 years of visiting Delhi, many as a solo female traveler, I’ve learned a thing or two about where is the best accommodation in Delhi and where is the best place to stay in Delhi for tourists.
So, for everything you need to know about how to find safe hotels in Delhi, which New Delhi neighborhoods are the best, and how to find the best hotels and guesthouses in Delhi, keep reading!
Where to Stay in Delhi for Tourists – Area Guide
When looking for a safe place to stay in Delhi, choosing the right area to stay in is super important. Different areas of Delhi have their own unique vibes – some are relaxed, easy-going and relatively green with lots of eating and shopping options, while others are not safe to stay in.
Paharganj / Area next to New Delhi Railway station – Unfortunately perhaps the best known backpacker enclave in Delhi is also one of the really not great areas to stay in Delhi. From all who surround you from the minute you exit New Delhi railway station or approach this area and try to direct / misdirect you to hotels that will give them commission, to dirty small box rooms with no windows, the worst thing about this area is it is also New Delhi’s red light district, littered with brothels, and as such it is not safe to walk around at night alone in for women. Despite the temptingly cheap budget hotels in Delhi here, I really do not recommend staying in Paharganj unless you have a super early/late train you are catching from New Delhi railway station and you don’t mind somewhere very basic to rest your head for a few hours.
Connaught Place (CP) – Located right in the heart of New Delhi, CP is one of the first options you’ll probably come across when searching for where to stay in Delhi, India. If you want to be in the thick of everything, this is a good option – with lots of shops and restaurants around, and access to Rajiv Chowk metro station on your doorstep for quick access around the city. However, the downsides are some not great hotels (check reviews before booking – with the better options being a couple of blocks away from CP itself), a lot of loud traffic, and there are also touts who approach tourists here so beware offers of help , and of course the dreaded “shopping tours” by tuk-tuk/auto.
Old Delhi – If you want to soak up the old Delhi atmosphere and the idea of being surrounded by winding lanes and spice markets is your thing, then consider staying in Purani Dilli, arguably the very heart of India’s capital. There are some beautiful Havelis (restored merchant houses) that you can stay in. You’re also just a stone’s throw from the sights of Jameh Masjid, Red Fort and Old Delhi in Chadni Chowk. The downside to this area is access at night: you’ll have to walk through narrow, dark streets, so it’s not necessarily ideal for female solo travelers, although the locals are quite friendly and used to tourists.
Karol Bagh – A favorite area among tour groups (in case you’re wondering where foreigners stay in Delhi) due to the abundant cheap and mediocre hotel options, Karol Bagh is a step up from Paharganj in terms of accommodation, but far from being the best area to stay in Delhi. The main advantage of staying here is its location right on the metro and the abundant accommodation options, however I have never felt safe walking alone in this area of Delhi at night, and would recommend female travelers to go with other areas from Delhi instead.
South Delhi: If none of the above sound appealing for avoiding vendors and dodging seedy hotels along the way, I have better news! South Delhi may be the place for you. Dotted with parks, ancient tombs and green spaces, wide streets, trendy restaurants, bars and cafes, South Delhi is hands down my favorite place to stay in Delhi and the best location in Delhi for safety and overall atmosphere. Although you’re a bit further from the city center here, the rest of the city is easily accessible via the super-efficient Delhi Metro.
Delhi Airport – Unless you only have one night or a few hours between flights, not many people choose airport hotels for their stay in New Delhi as the city is well connected to the airport and it is not a long journey ( about 40 minutes). ). However, if you want to be right next to the airport, there are a couple of decent chain options in the AeroCity complex, which is only a 5 minute drive from the airport terminal. Check if your hotel offers a shuttle service. If you are looking for where to stay near the Delhi airport, recommended options include the Pullman AeroCity International Airport or the Aloft AeroCity.
Best Things to do in Delhi, India
As you plan your visit to Delhi, India, make sure you don’t miss these top things to do in Delhi! For much more information and tips, you can also check out my complete Delhi travel guide.
Take a guided tour of Old Delhi – you won’t want to miss this magical part of the city with its winding lanes, spice markets and hidden temples and mosques.
Delhi is home to some amazing sites, some you won’t want to miss include Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, Red Fort and much more. There is a lot to pack in various areas of the city, so it may be easier to organize a day trip with a guide for a day like this.
Go shopping! From luxury designer shops at Khan Market to all manner of souvenirs at Connaught Place, if you’re not in a fixed-price luxury shop, you’ll have to haggle hard. Shop around and don’t accept first price! My favorite fashion stores include FabIndia, Anokhi and Okhai for beautiful kurtas and dresses.
Ride around town in a rickshaw/auto (aka Tuk-Tuk), but never accept offers of “free rides”, these are commission based scams that will involve taking you “shopping”.
Get away from it all at one of South Delhi’s hip cafes at Hauz Khas.