In New Delhi, India, the neighborhood matters more than star ratings — it shapes your journey from the airport, the noise level at night, and the very air you breathe.
When planning your trip, keep three things in mind. Air quality is poor across the city in winter. Following a deadly fire at a B&B (bed and breakfast) on 3 June 2026, it’s worth checking the fire safety record of any accommodation you book. The third thing to watch out for is touts — people on the street who lure you into a specific hotel or office with stories about your booked hotel being closed or burnt down. We’ve put together a selection of 18 hotels. Once you’ve made your pick, continue with our guide What to See in Delhi.
Summary
- First time in Delhi: Connaught Place or Janpath; the metro runs in all directions, and both Shivaji Stadium and New Delhi stations connect to the Airport Express (the metro line from the airport); Bloomrooms @ Janpath from €70, The Connaught, New Delhi, IHCL SeleQtions from €150.
- Luxury and clean air: Lutyens’ Delhi and Chanakyapuri; The Oberoi, New Delhi from €210 and ITC Maurya, a Luxury Collection Hotel from €230 both advertise air purification on their websites — something you’ll appreciate most in November.
- Peace and quiet, solo female travelers: South Delhi; Colonel’s Retreat from €75 lists an air purifier in every room, Prakash Kutir Bed and Breakfast from €45.
- Tightest budget and overnight train: Paharganj — stick to verified places only and always ask for a room with a window; the cheapest options start around €12–€16 per night, for example Zostel Delhi hostel from €16, Diya Bed and Breakfast from €35.
- Shopping and mid-range budget: Karol Bagh is a solid compromise — affordable accommodation close to the metro, though there’s not much to see beyond the market itself; Bloom Hotel Karol Bagh from €60.
- Atmosphere and food: Old Delhi — stay in a haveli (a traditional townhouse built around an inner courtyard) for one or two nights; Haveli Dharampura from €130, Broadway, An Alivaa Collection Hotel from €30.
- Night arrival or early flight: Aerocity (the hotel district next to the airport); Pullman New Delhi Aerocity from €120, ibis New Delhi Aerocity from €115; winter fog frequently causes flight cancellations, so spend your last night here before an early departure.
Peak prices: Diwali (the festival of lights) and the IITF trade fair; prices may also include GST (India’s Goods and Services Tax) of 5% or 18%.
The full destination guide: Asia — guide and what to see
Which Neighborhood to Choose and Where to Stay
All distances in this article are measured as the crow flies to key landmarks: Connaught Place, New Delhi railway station, the Red Fort, India Gate, and Terminal T3 (the international terminal at the airport); metro station distances are calculated the same way. Walking distances are always a little longer.
Connaught Place and Janpath (central New Delhi, picks 1 to 3) are ideal for a first visit or a short stay. Getting around is easy thanks to Rajiv Chowk station, which connects the Yellow and Blue metro lines, while Shivaji Stadium and New Delhi stations both offer Airport Express service straight from the airport. Watch out for fake tourist offices (see the Scams section below).
Paharganj (Main Bazaar and Arakashan Road opposite New Delhi railway station, picks 4 to 6) is the go-to area for backpackers, tight budgets, and early morning trains. The railway station is right across the road, and the nearest metro stations are RK Ashram Marg and New Delhi; the cheapest options start around €12–€16 per night. In June 2026, the Times of India flagged Paharganj as a fire safety risk zone. Stick to verified places only and always ask for a room with a window.
Karol Bagh (pick 7). A large market for clothes and jewelry makes it a draw for families and shopping trips. Karol Bagh metro station on the Blue Line and Jhandewalan station are both nearby. Around Channa Market, police close the road after 9:30 pm and taxis can’t reach hotels. The neighborhood was also hit by a hotel fire in 2019 (see the Fire Safety section).
Old Delhi and Chandni Chowk (picks 8 and 9) — save these for one or two nights as a complement to your main stay, or come back on a second trip for the history, food, and photography. From the selected hotels, it’s 0.9 to 1.7 kilometers to the Red Fort, and nearby metro stations include Chandni Chowk, Chawri Bazar, Jama Masjid, and Delhi Gate. Even Uber drivers are sometimes reluctant to venture into the busy, narrow lanes. Before visiting, check the current security situation around the Red Fort, where a car exploded in a terrorist attack on 10 November 2025.
Lutyens’ Delhi and Chanakyapuri (picks 10 to 13) link the government district around Janpath, Mansingh Road, and Golf Links with the diplomatic quarter. Head here on your first trip for greenery, wide boulevards, and luxury hotels near Lodhi Gardens and Khan Market. Taj Mahal Hotel and The Oberoi are within 1.2 kilometers of a metro station, but Leela and ITC Maurya are 2.4 to 3.7 kilometers away, so you’ll mostly be getting around by taxi.
South Delhi (Hauz Khas, Greater Kailash, and Defence Colony, picks 14 to 16) is a strong alternative to Connaught Place for a first stay. These are calm residential neighborhoods with security, lined with cafés in Hauz Khas Village and at the M Block market; B&Bs like Prakash Kutir also serve home-cooked meals. Old Delhi is 7 to 10 kilometers away. If you stay in Hauz Khas, choose a place outside Hauz Khas Village itself.
Aerocity (the hotel district near IGI — Indira Gandhi International Airport — picks 17 and 18) is the right choice for a late-night arrival, an early departure, or a transit stay. Hotels are roughly 3.6 to 4.7 kilometers from Terminal T3 and 0.2 to 0.7 kilometers from Delhi Aerocity station on the Airport Express line. Skip neighboring Mahipalpur — the Times of India flagged it as a fire safety risk zone in June 2026.
Fees, Smog, and Safety: What to Expect
GST and prices. Accommodation in India is subject to GST, which as of 22 September 2025 stands at 5% for rooms priced up to 7,500 rupees per night (around €70) and 18% for more expensive rooms. The applicable rate depends on the nightly room price, and hotels display it differently. The Bloom chain website (Bloomrooms and Bloom Hotel, picks 1, 5, and 7) shows tax-inclusive prices, while The Connaught states “Applicable taxes extra.” All hotel prices in this article are indicative — check the applicable tax when booking.
Service charge. Restaurant bills — including those at hotel restaurants — may include a service charge. Under a Delhi High Court ruling of 28 March 2025, a mandatory service charge is unlawful and can only be voluntary, though restaurants have appealed the decision. If you’d rather not pay it, ask for it to be removed before settling the bill.
Foreigner registration. Since 1 September 2025, accommodation providers must register every foreign national online within 24 hours using Form-III, which replaced the old Form C; the accommodation itself must also be registered with the FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office). Expect a passport and valid visa check at reception — the Bloom chain mentions this on their website. With smaller hostels and guesthouses, verify in advance that they accept foreign guests.
When it’s expensive and busy. High season and wedding season run from November through February. Prices spike during Diwali and the November IITF trade fair. Hotels with ballrooms — The Leela Palace New Delhi, for instance — are often fully booked with weddings during these months. In July, during the monsoon, luxury hotels tend to be cheaper than in January. Around Republic Day on 26 January, expect road closures along Kartavya Path.
Smog and fog. On 21 October 2026, authorities declared GRAP Stage 1 (the Graded Response Action Plan for smog control) after the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 244. In November 2025, the AQI exceeded 400 on some days, and GRAP Stage 4 wasn’t lifted until 20 January 2026. If you’re traveling in November or December, consider a hotel with air purification. The Oberoi advertises advanced air purification throughout all its rooms and even publishes PM2.5 readings for its indoor spaces. ITC Maurya promises purification to WHO-recommended levels, with readings shown on in-room displays. Colonel’s Retreat lists an air purifier in every room. At other hotels, ask about filtration when booking. Dense winter fog also disrupts transport: on 31 December 2025, it caused 148 flight cancellations at IGI Airport and delayed more than 150 others. If you have an early departure in December or January, spend your last night in the Aerocity district, about 4 kilometers from Terminal T3.
Scams near the station. Around New Delhi railway station and in Paharganj, you’re likely to encounter touts — people who approach you on the street and try to steer you toward a specific hotel or office. They’ll claim your hotel has burnt down, closed, or moved, or that your train has been cancelled, and will lead you to a fake tourist office or alternative accommodation. Always get prices confirmed in writing before committing.
Fire safety and B&Bs. Following the fire of 3 June 2026 in South Delhi, authorities tightened inspections of smaller accommodation. The fire killed 22 people — 13 of them foreign nationals, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs. The B&B had a permit for just six rooms but was operating around 25, had only a single exit, and its windows were sealed. A hotel fire in Karol Bagh in February 2019 had already killed 17 people, prompting authorities to revoke fire safety permits from 57 hotels at the time. After the June fire, the Lieutenant Governor ordered a month-long fire safety inspection of all hotels, and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) sealed a number of B&B establishments.
The Delhi Bed and Breakfast Establishments Repeal Act 2026 was passed on 11 August 2026, signed on 24 August, and published in the Official Gazette on 25 August 2026. However, the government has yet to announce a date for it to take effect, so existing registrations remain valid. The B&Bs in our selection (Prakash Kutir Bed and Breakfast, The Neem Bed and Breakfast, and Colonel’s Retreat) are currently operating, but that does not guarantee fire safety. Ask for a room with an openable window above ground level and inquire about a second emergency exit; hotel fire safety certificates are published on the delhi.gov.in portal.
From the airport. The orange Airport Express metro line runs roughly from 4:45 am to 11:30 pm, departing from Terminal T3, stopping at Aerocity and Dhaula Kuan before reaching Shivaji Stadium and New Delhi railway station. The journey takes about 20 minutes and a ticket to the station costs around 60–65 rupees (around €0.60); check the timetable in advance. At the Delhi Traffic Police booth inside the terminal, you can arrange a prepaid taxi with a signed receipt for roughly 400–800 rupees (around €4–€7). Ride-hailing apps Uber and Ola also work well — the UK Foreign Office advises against taking taxis off the street.
18 Best Hotels in Delhi by Neighborhood
Prices are approximate nightly rates for two people and taxes vary by provider. Opening hours and prices are subject to change — verify them before your visit. Hotels are listed by neighborhood.
1. Bloomrooms @ Janpath
Bloomrooms @ Janpath sits on Janpath Road, 278 metres from Patel Chowk metro station. This design budget hotel offers the Bloom Café and complimentary drinks, snacks and toiletries on every floor.
Rooms are clean and modern, and the metro is right on your doorstep. It’s a great pick for a first visit to Delhi on a tighter budget. A double room starts at around €70 per night. A cheaper alternative is the YMCA Tourist Hostel, which includes a seasonal pool, a gym and breakfast in the rate.
2. The Connaught, New Delhi, IHCL SeleQtions
The Connaught, New Delhi, IHCL SeleQtions is located near Connaught Place, 486 metres from Shivaji Stadium Airport Express station. This boutique hotel from the Taj group has 97 rooms, 2 suites, a pool and a spa.
It stands out for its design and a breakfast menu featuring made-to-order dosas and parathas. The Connaught is a great choice for a first visit if you want the Airport Express practically at your door. A double room starts at around €150 per night. An alternative is the Radisson Blu Marina Hotel, Connaught Place, situated directly in the Connaught Place circle, with breakfast offering a generous vegetarian selection.
💡 Tip: When booking, look for the “Breakfast inclusive rate” — it’s not included in every rate.
3. The Imperial New Delhi
The Imperial New Delhi stands on Janpath Lane, 98 metres from Janpath metro station. This grand hotel dating from 1936 blends Victorian style, Art Deco and Lutyens’ architecture, and features an art collection, an outdoor pool, a spa and several restaurants.
It draws guests with its history, art, tranquil gardens and dining options. The Imperial suits travellers who want history under one roof with India Gate less than two kilometres away. A double room starts at around €300 per night. A more affordable alternative is the Shangri-La Eros New Delhi, 446 metres from Patel Chowk metro station, with a pool and sauna. Don’t confuse the Shangri-La Eros with the planned InterContinental Eros hotel in Nehru Place.
4. Zostel Delhi
Zostel Delhi is in Paharganj, opposite New Delhi railway station, 577 metres from New Delhi metro station. This adults-only hostel (18+) offers private rooms, shared dorms including a women-only dorm, and a rooftop terrace. It bans alcohol and does not accept guests holding a local Delhi or surrounding area ID.
The dorms and rooftop terrace are kept clean. Zostel Delhi works well for backpackers waiting for a night train; the women-only dorm and arriving during daylight hours make it a solid option for solo female travellers. Rates start at around €15 per night, most likely for a dorm bed — check current prices on the hostel’s website.
💡 Tip: Travel guides recommend entering Paharganj directly from Platform 1 of the railway station.
5. Bloomrooms @ New Delhi Railway Station
Bloomrooms @ New Delhi Railway Station is in Paharganj, 0.3 kilometres from New Delhi railway station and 555 metres from New Delhi metro station. It belongs to the same network as Bloomrooms @ Janpath and offers compact rooms, a café and a courtyard.
Rooms are clean. The facilities work well for travellers catching an early or overnight train who want the reliability of a hotel chain near the station. A double room starts at around €35 per night.
💡 Tip: When booking, request a room facing the courtyard.
6. Diya Bed and Breakfast
Diya Bed and Breakfast is in Paharganj, 549 metres from RK Ashram Marg metro station. Its five haveli-style rooms were established by graduates and supporters of the Salaam Baalak Trust charity through the social enterprise Street Connections. The guesthouse is run by its owner Danish, who left home at seven and grew up with the charity’s support. Breakfast is included.
The atmosphere is calm and clean, and the staff are happy to help with a SIM card, train tickets or a rickshaw. It’s a wonderful choice for those who want a quieter corner of Paharganj, though with only five rooms you’ll want to book well in advance. A double room starts at around €35 per night. A cheaper alternative is the quiet and clean CASA CENTRAL, which has a family apartment and is 332 metres from RK Ashram Marg station.
💡 Tip: After you book, the owner sends directions via WhatsApp.
7. Bloom Hotel Karol Bagh
Bloom Hotel Karol Bagh is on Gurudwara Road in the Karol Bagh neighbourhood, 255 metres from Karol Bagh metro station. Part of the Bloom hotel network, breakfast is served in the restaurant next door.
Air conditioning and water pressure work reliably, and late-night check-in goes smoothly. It’s a great base for anyone planning to shop, with the metro just steps away. A double room starts at around €60 per night.
💡 Tip: The hotel offers airport transfers for an extra charge, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before arrival.
8. Haveli Dharampura
Haveli Dharampura is tucked away in Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi, 631 metres from Jama Masjid metro station. This historic mansion received a UNESCO Award of Excellence for Heritage Conservation in 2017 and offers 14 rooms, a rooftop terrace and the Lakhori restaurant.
The architecture and tranquil courtyard are the real draws here. It’s ideal for one to two nights for the atmosphere, the food and the photography. A double room starts at around €130 per night. An alternative is Neem Haveli, 312 metres from Chawri Bazar metro station.
💡 Tip: Take an Uber as close as possible and walk the last stretch — porters are on hand to help with luggage.
9. Broadway, An Alivaa Collection Hotel
Broadway, An Alivaa Collection Hotel is on Asaf Ali Road in Old Delhi, 483 metres from Delhi Gate metro station. Previously known as Hotel Broadway, it now belongs to the Alivaa Hotels network and offers a restaurant, a cinema-themed pub and breakfast included in the rate.
Rooms are clean and the interior has a vintage feel, complete with a terrace. This is a sensible choice for travellers who want to explore Old Delhi on a budget and need a taxi-accessible address on a main road. A double room starts at around €30 per night.
💡 Tip: Search booking platforms using the new name Broadway, An Alivaa Collection Hotel and verify the address: 4/15A Asaf Ali Road.
10. Taj Mahal, New Delhi
Taj Mahal, New Delhi is in Lutyens’ Delhi on Mansingh Road, 599 metres from Khan Market metro station and 1.1 kilometres from India Gate. As the Taj chain operates several properties across the city, enter Mansingh Road directly into your navigation app. A double room starts at around €240 per night.
Rooms are spacious and there is a security check at the entrance. It’s well suited for a stay close to New Delhi’s landmark sights. An alternative is the Ambassador, New Delhi, IHCL SeleQtions (formerly Vivanta by Taj Ambassador), 73 metres from Khan Market metro station.
💡 Tip: Breakfast offers a wide vegetarian selection.
11. The Leela Palace New Delhi
The Leela Palace New Delhi is in the diplomatic district of Chanakyapuri, 2.4 kilometres from Jor Bagh metro station. It’s 10.6 kilometres from Terminal T3 and 15.2 kilometres from The Imperial. The Leela offers a rooftop infinity pool, a spa and four restaurants. A double room starts at around €250 per night.
The surroundings are clean and elegant. Plan on using a taxi for getting around the city. It’s a good pick for those after luxury and tranquillity, with a shorter drive to the airport than from the Janpath area.
12. ITC Maurya, a Luxury Collection Hotel
ITC Maurya, a Luxury Collection Hotel is in Chanakyapuri, 3.7 kilometres from Lok Kalyan Marg metro station. Part of the Marriott Bonvoy programme, it has the Kaya Kalp spa and restaurants including Dum Pukht, Avartana and Bukhara, which specialises in meat-based cuisine. Management states that air throughout the hotel is purified to WHO standards, with readings shown on displays across the property. A double room starts at around €230 per night.
The hotel offers attentive service and thorough housekeeping. It’s a strong choice for Marriott Bonvoy members and for travel in November when smog levels tend to be at their highest.
💡 Tip: The hotel offers airport transfers for an extra charge.
13. The Oberoi, New Delhi
The Oberoi, New Delhi is near Golf Links, 1.2 kilometres from Khan Market metro station and 1.1 kilometres from Humayun’s Tomb. According to the hotel’s website, rooms have advanced air purification and measured PM2.5 levels inside rooms are published online. Premier Rooms include breakfast. A double room starts at around €210 per night.
Rooms come with a working air filtration system. It’s a smart choice for travel in November or December and for visiting Humayun’s Tomb.
14. Prakash Kutir Bed and Breakfast
Prakash Kutir Bed and Breakfast is in the Hauz Khas neighbourhood in South Delhi, run as a family business by Sagar and his parents. The family prepares homemade vegetarian meals, with breakfast included in the rate. Hauz Khas metro station is 913 metres away and Qutb Minar is 3.8 kilometres from the property. A double room starts at around €45 per night.
Rooms are clean, spacious and the house is quiet. Staying with Sagar and his parents is particularly well suited to solo female travellers, vegetarians and anyone planning a longer stay in Delhi.
💡 Tip: Airport transfers and a driver for day trips can be arranged directly with the family.
15. The Neem Bed and Breakfast
The Neem Bed and Breakfast occupies a converted family home in the Greater Kailash I neighbourhood in South Delhi and offers homemade meals with breakfast included in the rate. Greater Kailash metro station is 1.1 kilometres away and the M Block market is just a few minutes’ walk. A double room starts at around €70 per night.
Rooms are large and clean, breakfasts vary from day to day and the house is peaceful. This property works well for longer stays and for couples who want the cafés of the Greater Kailash neighbourhood close at hand.
💡 Tip: Book through a booking platform and ask for email confirmation once the reservation is made.
16. Colonel’s Retreat
Colonel’s Retreat is in South Delhi’s Defence Colony at address D-418, 477 metres from Lajpat Nagar metro station and 3.2 kilometres from Humayun’s Tomb. According to the property’s website, every room has an air purifier, there is a rooftop dining room and the property is open to guests only. A double room starts at around €75 per night.
The guesthouse offers cleanliness, a family atmosphere and the added convenience of an early-morning departure breakfast package. Rooms here are well suited to solo female travellers and are also a good option for November trips or when visiting Humayun’s Tomb.
💡 Tip: The main house is at address D-418. Colonel’s Retreat 2 at D-264 and Colonel’s Retreat At The Airport are separate properties.
17. Pullman New Delhi Aerocity
Pullman New Delhi Aerocity is in the Aerocity hotel district, sharing a complex with its sister hotel Novotel. Delhi Aerocity metro station is 623 metres away and Terminal T3 is 3.8 kilometres from the property. The hotel has a restaurant, a spa, a pool and offers a shuttle service from the airport. A double room starts at around €125 per night.
Breakfasts are generous and rooms are clean. It’s a solid choice for a late-night arrival, an early-morning departure or when travelling during the foggy conditions typical of January. A neighbouring alternative in the same complex is Novotel New Delhi Aerocity, which has a heated pool and is 580 metres from the metro station.
💡 Tip: Check whether the pool is in operation before you book.
18. ibis New Delhi Aerocity
ibis New Delhi Aerocity is in the Aerocity hotel district, 366 metres from Delhi Aerocity metro station and 3.8 kilometres from Terminal T3. The complex includes a restaurant and an outdoor pool, and the rooms have been renovated. A double room starts at around €115 per night.
The property is clean, the location near the airport is convenient and check-in is quick. This hotel is a practical one-night option between flights if you’re travelling on a budget. Consider Pride Plaza Aerocity as an alternative at a similar price point.
How to Choose the Right Hotel and What to Watch Out For
Before booking a hotel in Delhi India, go through five practical details.
“Near metro” doesn’t always mean close. Hotels in Paharganj and Karol Bagh advertise proximity to the metro, but the entrance can be down a narrow alley with no vehicle access. Pullman New Delhi Aerocity and Novotel New Delhi Aerocity promise Aerocity station within five minutes, yet they sit 623 and 580 meters away. On the other hand, The Imperial stands 98 meters from Janpath station and Bloom Hotel Karol Bagh 255 meters from Karol Bagh station. Check the walking route on a map.
Hotels with similar names. Always check the exact address. Bloomrooms @ Janpath and Bloomrooms @ New Delhi Railway Station are different properties, and Delhi also has Bloomrooms @ Link Road and Bloom Hotel Karol Bagh. The listing for restaurant Lakhori on maps gets confused with hotel Haveli Dharampura. Pullman New Delhi Aerocity and Novotel New Delhi Aerocity share a campus, and at Colonel’s Retreat, make sure you have the right branch (see tip 16).
Verify the final booking step. Before paying, check whether the GST tax is included in the price, what the cancellation policy looks like, and whether breakfast is part of the rate.
Women traveling solo. The UK Foreign Office (FCDO, 7 October 2026) mentions frequent verbal and physical harassment of women in India and recommends using ride-hailing apps like Uber or Ola instead of street taxis. Save the numbers 112 (emergency), 100 (police), and 1091 (women’s helpline). The first metro car is reserved for women, and a man caught in it faces a fine of ₹250 (about €2.35). If you arrive at night, use a hotel with pickup or shuttle service, such as Pullman New Delhi Aerocity (hotel shuttle) or Bloom Hotel Karol Bagh (paid pickup).
Nearest vegetarian restaurants to hotels from our selection. Delhi is easy for vegetarians — vegetarian chains are everywhere.
- From The Imperial, it’s 269 meters to Saravana Bhavan (South Indian vegetarian restaurant) and 384 meters to Haldiram’s Janpath (vegetarian chain, sweets and street chaat).
- From Bloomrooms @ Janpath, you can reach Saravana Bhavan in 571 meters.
- Near The Connaught, you’ll find Hotel Saravana Bhavan (301 meters).
- Near Diya Bed and Breakfast, Tadka 4986 (pure vegetarian, 182 meters) and Sita Ram Diwan Chand (274 meters), where they serve vegetarian chole bhature (chickpea curry with fluffy fried bread).
- From Zostel Delhi, Tadka 4986 is 714 meters away.
- Not far from Bloom Hotel Karol Bagh is Haldiram’s Pusa Road (248 meters).
- From Haveli Dharampura, it’s 338 meters to Paranthe Wali Gali (a lane with vegetarian fried parathas — check opening hours) and 955 meters to Chaina Ram Sindhi Halwai (a sweets shop with vegetarian Sindhi desserts).
- From Taj Mahal, Cafe Lota (regional Indian cuisine with vegetarian menu) is 2.1 kilometers away in the National Crafts Museum.
- From The Oberoi, Cafe Lota is 1.9 kilometers away.
- From Prakash Kutir Bed and Breakfast, it’s 1.5 kilometers to Naivedyam (South Indian vegetarian in Hauz Khas Village), and the accommodation also prepares home-cooked vegetarian meals.
- Near Colonel’s Retreat, Sagar Ratna (South Indian vegetarian at Defence Colony Market, 605 meters) is a good option.
- From Pullman New Delhi Aerocity, Bikanervala Aerocity (vegetarian) is 432 meters away, and from ibis New Delhi Aerocity, 198 meters.
Restaurants Bukhara and Dum Pukht (both at ITC Maurya) and Lakhori (at Haveli Dharampura, Mughlai cuisine with kebabs) specialize in meat dishes, so ask about vegetarian options before booking.
Where to Next
Once you’ve sorted your hotel, plan the rest of your trip:
- What to See in Delhi: sights and itineraries
- Where to Stay in Mumbai: if you’re continuing to Mumbai
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should you stay in Delhi for your first visit?
On your first trip, go for Connaught Place or neighbouring Janpath, from where the metro runs in all directions and you can hop on the Airport Express line at Shivaji Stadium or New Delhi stations. A night for two starts at roughly €90 (1,700 Kč) at Bloomrooms @ Janpath and roughly €195 (3,600 Kč) at The Connaught, New Delhi, IHCL SeleQtions.
Is Paharganj safe?
Paharganj works fine for a short stay, but it comes with noise, street touts and some fire-safety concerns. Pick a well-reviewed place, ask for a room with a window, and arrive while it’s still light out. Women travelling solo are better served by the calmer south Delhi area, for example Defence Colony, Hauz Khas or Greater Kailash.
How much hotel tax do you pay in Delhi?
As of 22 September 2025, GST is charged at 5% on rooms up to 7,500 rupees a night (about €90 / 1,712 Kč) and 18% on pricier rooms. Whether the tax is already included in the quoted rate varies between websites and hotels, so always double-check the final amount at the last step of booking.
How do you deal with smog in Delhi?
On 21 October 2026, authorities in Delhi declared the first stage of GRAP restrictions when the AQI hit 244, and in November 2025 the index topped 400 on some days. The Oberoi and ITC Maurya both list air-purification systems on their websites, while Colonel’s Retreat promises an air purifier in every room.
How do you avoid scams near the station and on the way from the airport?
If someone on the street tells you your hotel is closed, burned down or has moved, don’t believe them — call the hotel yourself. From the airport, take the Airport Express metro, grab a prepaid taxi from the Delhi Traffic Police booth, or book a ride through Uber or Ola. Don’t take a taxi straight off the street.
Why does the hotel want my passport and visa?
Every accommodation provider has to report foreign guests online within 24 hours via the Form-III (formerly Form C) system, so having a copy of your passport and visa taken at reception is completely standard. Small hostels without this registration aren’t allowed to host foreigners at all, so check this in advance if you’re booking somewhere cheap.
Where should you stay if you have an early flight?
Go for the Aerocity area, which sits about 4 kilometres from Terminal T3, with hotels within 700 metres of an Airport Express metro station. A night for two starts at roughly €145 (2,800 Kč) at ibis New Delhi Aerocity and roughly €155 (3,000 Kč) at Pullman New Delhi Aerocity. In December and January, thick fog can disrupt flights — on 31 December 2025, for instance, 148 flights were cancelled at the airport — so it’s wise to spend your last night right in Aerocity before an early-morning departure.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (simple monthly subscription) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
