Where to stay in Delhi: the short guide
Delhi is huge and traffic is heavy, so choosing the right area matters more than choosing the hotel. Stay close to a metro station and the city becomes far easier: the Delhi Metro is the quickest and cheapest way to get between the sights.
Connaught Place is the most convenient base for a first visit, with the Rajiv Chowk metro interchange at its centre. Paharganj, beside New Delhi railway station, has the most budget hotels; Karol Bagh offers mid-range value; Aerocity suits flights and business; and South Delhi is calmer and more upscale.
Best areas to stay in Delhi
Paharganj (near New Delhi railway station)
Delhi's budget hub, with many hotels a few hundred metres from the station. Busy, crowded lanes and a wide range of quality, so read recent reviews.
Connaught Place (CP)
Central Delhi's colonnaded circle of shops and restaurants, with Rajiv Chowk metro on two main lines. The easiest base for first-time visitors.
Karol Bagh
West of Paharganj, full of mid-range and family hotels, shopping streets and metro access.
Aerocity and Mahipalpur (near the airport)
Aerocity is a hotel district with international brands a few kilometres from Terminal 3. Mahipalpur, on the highway nearby, is cheaper and noisier.
South Delhi: Hauz Khas, Saket and Greater Kailash
Greener, quieter neighbourhoods with cafés, markets and boutique stays, linked by metro to the centre.
Chanakyapuri and Lodhi Road
Lutyens' Delhi, with embassies, wide avenues and many of the city's five-star hotels.
Old Delhi and Chandni Chowk
For Red Fort, Jama Masjid and street food. Few good hotels, but some restored havelis.
Hotels near New Delhi railway station and Delhi airport
New Delhi railway station is the busiest of the city's stations, with Paharganj on one side and the Ajmeri Gate side towards Old Delhi on the other. Old Delhi station serves many trains to Rajasthan and Punjab, Hazrat Nizamuddin handles many trains to the south and west, and Anand Vihar Terminal serves the east. Check which station your train uses before you book a hotel near it.
Indira Gandhi International Airport is about 15 km from Connaught Place. The Airport Express metro line runs from New Delhi station to Terminal 3 in about 20 minutes, which is often faster than a cab at peak hours. Aerocity has its own metro station on the same line.
Outside stations and the airport, use official prepaid taxi counters, the metro or a ride-hailing app, and ignore touts offering to help with hotels or tours.
Find the right kind of hotel in Delhi
Hotels near New Delhi railway station
Paharganj has the largest choice, many within 300 to 800 metres of the station. Connaught Place and Karol Bagh are a short metro ride away for a calmer stay.
Hotels near Delhi airport
Aerocity for modern business hotels near Terminal 3, and Mahipalpur for cheaper rooms. Best for layovers and early flights.
Budget hotels in Delhi
Paharganj, Karol Bagh and Mahipalpur. Look for a 24-hour desk, recent reviews and a short walk to the metro.
Couple-friendly hotels in Delhi
Many hotels in Connaught Place, Karol Bagh, South Delhi and Aerocity accept couples with valid photo ID for both guests. Some hotels do not accept local Delhi IDs, so check the policy.
Family hotels in Delhi
Karol Bagh and South Delhi have family rooms and apartments, with metro access and good food nearby.
Luxury and 5-star hotels in Delhi
Concentrated in Chanakyapuri, around Connaught Place and in Aerocity, from heritage grand hotels to modern business towers.
Hotels for every budget in Delhi
Budget hotels and hostels
Paharganj, Karol Bagh and Mahipalpur have the most choice. Hostels in Paharganj and South Delhi suit solo travellers.
Mid-range hotels
Karol Bagh, Connaught Place and South Delhi offer the best balance of comfort, location and price.
Luxury hotels
Chanakyapuri, Connaught Place and Aerocity host most of Delhi's five-star hotels.
Rates change with season, day of the week and local events, so search your exact dates to see live prices.
What to do near your hotel
- Red Fort and Chandni Chowk: the Mughal fort and Old Delhi's busiest bazaar; the Red Fort is closed on Mondays.
- Jama Masjid: India's largest mosque, a short walk from Chandni Chowk.
- India Gate and Kartavya Path: the ceremonial avenue, best in the evening.
- Humayun's Tomb: the garden tomb that inspired the Taj Mahal.
- Qutub Minar: the soaring medieval minaret in Mehrauli, South Delhi.
- Gurudwara Bangla Sahib: close to Connaught Place, with a langar open to everyone.
- Lodhi Garden and Hauz Khas: green spaces, old tombs and cafés for a slower afternoon.
- Akshardham and Lotus Temple: two modern landmarks; check closing days before you go.
- Day trips: Agra and the Taj Mahal by fast train or the expressway, and Jaipur for a longer trip.
When to visit Delhi
| October to March | The most pleasant weather and peak tourist season. Fog can delay trains and flights in December and January, and air pollution is often high from November to January. |
|---|---|
| April to June | Very hot. Sightsee early morning and plan indoor afternoons; hotel rates are lower. |
| July to September | Monsoon showers, humidity and occasional waterlogging that slows traffic. |
Good to know before you book
- Check the walking distance to the nearest metro station before booking; it makes the biggest difference to your stay.
- Read reviews from the last few months, especially for budget hotels near the station.
- Confirm whether prices include taxes and breakfast.
- For late-night arrivals, ask about airport or station pickup.
- Plan sightseeing in clusters (Old Delhi one day, central and Lutyens' Delhi another) to avoid crossing the city repeatedly.
See live prices for Delhi
Travelyne checks Booking.com, Agoda, Tripadvisor and direct hotels in one search. You book on the supplier's own page.
Compare hotels in DelhiFrequently asked questions
Which is the best area to stay in Delhi for tourists?
Connaught Place for first-time visitors, with central metro access and a wide choice of hotels. Paharganj suits budget stays near the railway station, and Karol Bagh offers mid-range value.
Which hotels are near New Delhi railway station?
Paharganj has many hotels within about 300 to 800 metres of the station. Connaught Place and Karol Bagh are a short metro ride away.
Where should I stay near Delhi airport?
Aerocity, a few kilometres from Terminal 3 and on the Airport Express metro, or Mahipalpur for cheaper rooms.
How far is Delhi airport from Connaught Place?
About 15 km. The Airport Express metro from New Delhi station reaches Terminal 3 in about 20 minutes.
Is Paharganj safe for tourists?
It is crowded and busy, so choose a well-reviewed hotel, keep valuables secure and avoid touts. Many travellers stay there for the station.
What is the best time to visit Delhi?
October to March has the most pleasant weather, though air quality is often poor from November to January.