For bargain shoppers, Janpath Market is not to be missed. Located near Connaught Place, this long outdoor street market offers everything from clothing to home goods at extremely affordable rates. Be prepared to sift through piles of items to uncover great finds. If you have the time, walk the entire length of the market to get the full experience. Janpath has a youthful vibe, with rows of street stalls selling funky T-shirts, printed fabric, traditional embroidered footwear called juttis, and more. Don't be afraid to dig deep and haggle to get the best deals here. The crowds get thick on weekends, so try to visit Janpath Market during the week if possible. You'll surely leave with bags full of budget-friendly buys.
Chandni Chowk is Delhi's iconic historical market, located in the Old Delhi area. Dating back to the 17th-century Mughal era, this densely crowded bazaar captures the essence of authentic Indian street shopping. The chaotic maze of narrow alleys is filled with food stalls emitting mouth-watering aromas, tiny shops overflowing with vibrant saris, and electrical wires hanging overhead.
Chandni Chowk is primarily known for its wholesale clothing and textile stores, but it also offers leather goods, bicycles, paper products, toys, jewellery, and more. Be sure to sharpen your haggling skills before visiting, as bargaining is the norm here. Don't miss stopping at the famous Paranthe Wali Gali for some delicious stuffed flatbreads. Chandni Chowk is sensory overload at its finest!
For a more orderly and air-conditioned bazaar experience, head to Dilli Haat in Delhi. This spacious open-air market was created by the Delhi Tourism Authority to showcase handicrafts and cuisines from all over India. The vendors rotate every two weeks, giving shoppers an ever-changing selection. Wander through the stalls, browsing colourful textiles, ornate jewellery, wooden toys, horn crafts, and more. After working up an appetite, grab some authentic regional dishes like Hyderabadi biryani or Goan prawn curry from the food stalls. With cultural performances held here most evenings, Dilli Haat is a great place to soak up India's incredible diversity all in one place. Don't forget to bargain!
Located in South Delhi, Lajpat Nagar Central Market is a bustling complex of shops organised neatly into sections: housewares, footwear, textiles, jewellery, clothing, and more. Unlike the chaotic bazaars of Old Delhi, Lajpat Nagar has a more organised feel, with stores lining the indoor corridors. Shoppers will find reasonably priced saris, kurtis, home linens, brassware, and sweets at fixed rates here. Be sure to pop into Anokhi and Fabindia for high-quality textiles and block-printed clothing. For traditional bridalwear, Ritu Kumar is a great stop. Refuel with aloo chaat, chole bhature, or kulfi from one of the street food vendors lining the outer rim. Lajpat Nagar Market offers one-stop shopping for both apparel and housewares.
No shopaholic's guide to Delhi is complete without Sarojini Nagar Market, one of the city's most renowned budget shopping destinations. This sprawling complex of street stalls is packed with trendy apparel and accessories priced unbelievably low. Be prepared to dig through heaps of clothing to uncover hidden gems. T-shirts here can cost as little as ₹300-500, while dresses and jeans typically go for ₹600-900. You'll also find a terrific selection of imitation jewellery, handbags, and shoes. Visit mid-week to avoid the worst crowds. With thousands of vendors peddling such amazing deals, Sarojini Nagar Market truly feels like a shopper's paradise. Just be sure to polish up those bargaining skills before hitting the stalls!
Khan Market is an upscale shopping and food hub located in central Delhi. This U-shaped market contains narrow lanes packed with luxury brand stores, chic boutiques, renowned restaurants and lively cafes. Shop for designer clothing, bespoke jewellery, shoes, books, and housewares from brands and more. Stop for a indulgent brunch or coffee break at buzzing spots like Big Chill Cafe, Town Hall, or The All American Diner. Khan Market has a sophisticated vibe and is a favourite among Delhi's elite and expat crowds for a day of leisurely shopping and dining.
In the Karol Bagh neighbourhood of Delhi, Gaffar Market offers bustling old-school bazaars spread across a grid of streets. It's renowned as a leading destination for women's clothing, with over 5000 shops selling suits, saris, lehengas, accessories and more at wholesale rates. Bargain hard as you browse sparkling chaniya cholis, embroidered fabrics and trendy dresses. Gaffar Market is also famous for its delectable street food stalls dishing out snacks like chole bhature, golgappas, and chaat. Take a break from shopping to dig into piping hot samosas, kachoris and South Indian fare. With its crowded lanes and jostling shoppers, Gaffar Market gives a taste of traditional Indian bazaars. Don't forget to hone those negotiation skills!
Located beneath Connaught Place, Palika Bazaar is a shopping hub offering affordable clothing, accessories, electronics and knick-knacks. The air-conditioned bazaar spans over 1 km across various blocks labelled A to L. Comb through mounds of merchandise to find great deals on bags, watches, clothing, homewares, and mobile accessories. When you need a break from shopping, head up to the Courtyard to sample street food favourites like chole bhature, pani puri, and kebabs from the food stalls. With shops staying open until late, Palika Bazaar is popular for getting great bargain buys conveniently under one subterranean roof.
Tucked away in a residential neighbourhood of New Delhi, Mehar Chand Market is home to exclusive designer boutiques and jewellery stores frequented by Delhi's elite. The narrow lanes here are ideal for leisurely strolling and window shopping in the latest Indian high fashion. Look for couture creations by JJ Valaya, Ashish N Soni, and Tarun Tahiliani, along with extravagant diamond and gemstone jewellery. Mehar Chand Market also offers custom tailoring, exotic home decor items, and exquisite handicrafts. While the prices are sky-high, the people watching and window shopping can't be beat. Treat yourself to a buffet lunch at the iconic Eau de Monsoon restaurant after working up an appetite.
Nestled between Dariba Kalan and Jama Masjid is Meena Bazaar, one of the most ancient markets of the city. Also known as Chatta Chowk Bazaar, the corridors of this place transport you to the Mughal era Delhi. Retaining the Islamic touch, most shops here sell traditional Muslim garments like the burqas (veils donned by Muslim ladies), traditional embroidered caps for men and pictures of Islamic religious sites. Maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), this age-old marketplace has some shops selling wedding attires, colourful blankets, shawls and even diaries. A big attraction for tourists are the intricate Mughal era carvings that are still visible on some of its oldest buildings.
If you're a treasure hunter or simply fascinated by unique finds, Chor Bazaar in Delhi is a must-visit destination. This bustling marketplace, known for its eclectic collection of antiques, vintage items, and quirky discoveries, offers an unforgettable shopping experience. Let's delve into the details about Chor Bazaar Delhi, including its operating hours, location, how to reach it, specialties, and more.
As you step out of the New Delhi Railway Station and cross the road, you stand at the entrance of Paharganj Main Bazaar. Stretching for about a kilometre, it is a bargainer's paradise. Chaotic, noisy and dirty, the market is only for shoppers who are rough and tough. The whole Main Bazaar is lined with shops full to the brim with books, music, jewellery, bags, clothes, shoes, incense, textiles, wooden statues, and handicrafts. Shanti Handloom and other textile shops offer bags, bed spreads, cushion covers, wall hangings, etc. The jewellery shops sell handmade beaded necklaces and bangles in every shape, size and colour. Carved wooden statues of gods and goddesses, brass wares and decorations are available among handicrafts. Prayer Incense Worldwide specializes in incense sticks, incense cones and Indian tea. Even books, both new and second-hand, are available.
Some of the most popular shopping markets in Delhi include Chandni Chowk, Connaught Place, Sarojini Nagar, and Dilli Haat.
For budget-friendly shopping, you can visit Sarojini Nagar Market, Janpath Market, or Lajpat Nagar Market, which offer a variety of affordable clothing, accessories, and more.
Must-buy items include traditional wear, jewellery, handicrafts, antiques, street food, and souvenirs from markets like Chandni Chowk and Dilli Haat.
Yes, most markets are safe for tourists, but like any busy place, it's recommended to stay cautious with your belongings and avoid overly crowded areas during peak hours.
The best time to visit is early morning or late evening to avoid the heavy crowd and enjoy cooler weather, especially in markets like Sarojini Nagar and Chandni Chowk.