The grand and gorgeous capital of India, Delhi is a must on the bucket lists of travelers across the world. But how many of the top neighborhoods to explore in Delhi do you know about? Fret not, we’ve got a list of the best Delhi neighborhoods for you to explore during your first trip to the city! Diverse from one another, these top Delhi neighborhoods have something unique to offer all types of travelers. Some are home to the fabulous historic places to visit in Delhi while some offer the most vibrant street markets for shopaholics to shop at! So take a quick peek at our list below of the top neighborhoods to explore in Delhi and decide which one you’d like to explore first.
Best Delhi Neighborhoods to Explore:
Even if you’re booking last minute flights to Delhi for an unplanned work trip, make time to explore at least a couple of the best Delhi neighborhoods. These are hip places in Delhi to visit and stay at. We’ve given brief details of some of these top neighborhoods to explore in Delhi below. Check them out now and find which neighborhood on Delhi map you like the best.
1. Hauz Khas Village
Undoubtedly the hippest neighborhood in South Delhi, Hauz Khas Village is a must-visit. Standing out on the Delhi neighborhoods map, the urbanized village offers scores of restaurants, shopping spots, historical landmarks, and vast nightlife ops. It’s the first place you should begin sightseeing in Delhi. The place is as old-world enchanting as it is starkly modern at the same time. Residents claim Hauz Khas Village is the best neighborhood to stay in New Delhi.
2. Connaught Place
The central business district, Connaught Place is also regarded to be the heart of the city. Built by the British, this is among the top neighborhoods to explore in Delhi. The architecturally stunning Delhi neighborhood is home to scores of shopping places, hip bars, and diverse restaurants. Several travelers arrive on business class flights for work trips to this region of Delhi. There are some fabulous hotels to stay at as well.
3. Paharganj
Depending on your travel taste, you will find Paharganj either too much to handle or incredibly fascinating. Among the hip places in Delhi, it is quickly becoming a highly sought-after tourist spot. Once an 18th-century shopping area, Paharganj became famous as a hippie hangout in the 1970s. Even today, the Main Market region is dominated by foreigners. However, Paharganj is also popular with the young college crowd for its cheap eats and shopping ops.
4. Lodhi Colony
This is among the poshest and top neighborhoods to explore in Delhi. Lodhi Colony was essentially built by the British to serve as a residential colony for the government officials in the city. It was the last residential area to be constructed by them before they left India. Today, the upscale Delhi neighborhood offers historical landmarks, art exhibitions, cultural events, film screenings, and other such amazing things to explore.
5. Old Delhi
Founded by Shah Jahan, the legendary Mughal Emperor, Old Delhi continues to be a fascinating spot for locals and tourists alike. Some of the most famous historical places to visit in Delhi are located here such as the Red Fort, Chandni Chowk Market, and Jama Masjid to name a few. Besides being home to famous Urdu poets, Old Delhi is also home to some of the best street food ever – case in point, the Parathe Wali Gali.
6. Shahpur Jat
An artsy urban village, just like Hauz Khas Village, Shahpur Jat is a hip, Bohemian hangout near the remains of the ancient Siri Fort. Over the last few years, several designer boutiques and other shops have relocated to Shahpur Jat owing to its low rent and peaceful ambiance. This has made Shahpur Jat among the best places to shop in Delhi. There are scores of fabulous places to eat as well.
7. Nizamuddin
Also called Nizamuddin Basti, this is among the most fascinating and top neighborhoods to explore in Delhi. The major attraction of the area is the shrine of the popular Sufi Saint Hazrat Nizamuddin. There are qawwalis held here every week which attract a large number of Sufi followers as well as tourists. Nizamuddin East is the wealthier side if the neighborhood home to prominent politicians, journalists, and other famous personalities.
8. Majnu Ka Tilla
Popularly called Little Tibet of Delhi, Majnu Ka Tilla is one of the best and top neighborhoods to explore in Delhi. Placed on the banks of the stunning Yamuna River, this remarkable Delhi neighborhood is home to Tibetans that fled to India during the Tibetan Rebellion against China. As such, you will find the area lined with countless Tibetan eateries and shops. Nepali and other Asian cuisines are also served at some of these eateries.
9. Sundar Nagar
If shopping is on the agenda when you’re booking cheap flights to Delhi for a visit, Sundar Nagar neighborhood should be your first stop. This refined area is among the top neighborhoods to explore in Delhi and is home to some fabulous antique shops, boutiques, jewelry stores, art galleries, and lots more. Strategically placed, the region is sandwiched between two fabulous historical monuments – Purana Qila and Humayun’s Tomb. Pay them both a visit if time permits.
