Paharganj

Backpacker central

Noteworthy for: The former Mughal marketplace earned its spot on the hippie trail in the 1970s.
Word to the wise: The convenient thing about shopping in Paharganj is that vendors flog tat to Western tastes - you'll be sorry you didn't buy more pashminas and batik harem pants while you had the chance.

Paharganj is Delhi's slightly more tame equivalent of Bangkok's buzzing backpacker quarter, Khao San Road. It too is made up of cheap lodgings, quirky cafes, market stalls and clothing shops, and has been a low-budget traveller hangout for decades.
There's no denying that Paharganj makes for a lively introduction to India, as the alleys off the main drag lead to some decent restaurants, second-hand bookshops, travel agents and all manner of street vendors. But the price is noise and persistent begging that will test even the most hardened traveller, not to mention the heavy traffic and pedestrian congestion.

One major upside of this neighbourhood is that it is right next to New Delhi Railway Station and in walking distance of Connaught Place, both of which go towards making it a pretty decent location to base oneself, even if you're not carrying a backpack.