Travel freaks are always in search of new places to explore. Are you one of them looking out for some old places in Delhi? Then you should try wandering the streets of Old Delhi Markets.
Shopping could be a lot of fun because of the energetic atmosphere of Delhi’s market. The greatest marketplaces in India are actually found in Delhi, where a wide variety of goods, including handicrafts from all around the nation, are sold. A wealth of things are hidden away at these prominent marketplaces in Delhi.
Old Delhi or Delhi 6 is a shopper’s fantasy with its multiple marketplaces selling everything from saris and silver jewelry to books and stationery. Everything is available here, including spices, cutlery, wedding attire, footwear, sunglasses, vehicle parts, and other items. The Old Delhi marketplaces are actually a cluster of several local markets, each of which is well-known for a particular type of product. The main feature of Delhi’s incredible market is that each product has its own dedicated market.
Although it might be challenging to find your way about, old Delhi shopping can be a lot of fun if you know where to go (and for what kinds of goods). Our guide to old Delhi’s bazaars can help you with that specifically.
In case you need to or wish to travel to Delhi by flight, do not forget to read about the best airlines in India, before buying a ticket for one. Now let’s have a look at all the famous markets in Delhi.
1. Chandni Chowk
Chandni Chowk has been a popular shopping area for many years and exploring its twisting, tiny passageways is undoubtedly an amazing experience. The hub of Old Delhi’s marketplaces is Chandni Chowk. You may shop in Chandni Chowk at the stores positioned on either side of the endless street. Every street has something special to offer. The traditional clothing stores are located in the Chandni Chowk area where you may get your daily attire.
Chandni Chowk’s lanes are split into bazaars with various specializations. Visit Katra Neel if you want textiles. A wide variety of gadgets are available in the Bhagirath Palace neighborhood. The historic silver market of Dariba Kalan in Old Delhi is filled with silver jewelry.
The Kinari Bazaar carries saris as well as other wedding-related items. The largest spice bazaar in Asia is on Khari Baoli Road. Additionally, Chandni Chowk’s food vendors provide a delectable selection of Delhi’s street fare.
- Famous for: Fabrics, jewelry, spices, and electronic goods.
- Location: Old Delhi
- Opening Hours: Daily except for Sundays.
2. Lajpat Nagar
Lajpat Nagar’s crowded market provides a fascinating look into Indian culture. It is one of India’s oldest markets and is busy with middle-class Indian consumers who are crowded around its roadside shops and stores.
The Central Market in Lajpat Nagar is well-known as a place to browse for clothing, textiles, shoes, food, electronics, and other items. Indian Kurtis and salwar kameez outfits are in demand and reasonably priced. Make sure to negotiate a lot!
The Lajpat Rai market can meet your demands whether you’re seeking electronic devices or electrical equipment. This is a nice spot to relax while enjoying tasty street foods and finding fantastic deals. There are also mehendiwalas in the marketplace who will quickly and skillfully henna your hands with lovely designs.
- Famous for: Indian clothing, shoes, bags, accessories (including Indian bangles), and home furnishings.
- Location: South Delhi, near Defense Colony (between Greater Kailash and South Extension).
- Opening Hours: Daily except for Mondays.
3. Sarojini Nagar
The most well-known items from Sarojini Nagar are its respected brands and extremely affordable designer clothing that have been disqualified from export due to tiny production flaws or excess supply. The widely varied selection of inexpensive clothing, accessories, home décor, and other goods available at Sarojini Nagar Market is well recognized.
The young people of Delhi love it and frequent it often. The streets are overrun with shops and kiosks providing a wide variety of clothing and accessories for the modern woman. Every Tuesday, new goods are delivered, therefore it is preferable to visit then.
Additionally, there are markets for vegetables (Subzi Mandi) and sweets (Babu Market) nearby. To shop wisely in this market, you must have strong negotiation abilities. The closest metro station to this market is INA, which is south of Delhi.
- Famous for: Designer clothes, Indian clothes, fashion accessories, and shoes.
- Location: South Delhi, near Safdarjung Airport.
- Opening Hours: Daily except for Mondays.
4. Chor Bazaar
Behind the Red Fort, you can browse the adjacent thieves’ market that comes first before going to the Sunday book market. Even if traveling to Red Fort on a Sunday (especially at 6 am) is difficult, Chor Bazaar is the type of location that is worth the trouble.
The majority of the things are excess, stolen, or used but broken goods. There is an enormous crowd always, and you need to look out for pickpockets. Unfortunately, this market is now selling counterfeit Chinese items. As the name implies, you may discover a lot of things there that have been stolen or are knockoffs, and by late afternoon, they are all pretty much gone.
The reason is that one can anticipate that everything will sell out in a matter of hours when you can purchase Zara, Clarks, Steve Madden, and TopShop clothing and shoes for a little under INR 600. You may also discover stuff like vintage cameras, rugs, screwdrivers, and even sporting gear here.
- Famous for: Shoes, clothes, sports goods, electronic goods, watches, gym equipment, tools, and all kinds of trash and treasure.
- Location: Behind Red Fort, near JamaMasjid, Old Delhi.
- Opening Hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays.
5. Paharganj
The Paharganj, which is next to the Ramakrishna Ashram Marg and has a seedy appearance, is where you can get Delhi’s top accessories, apparel, and handicrafts. This market, which draws more foreigners than Indians to a very congested neighborhood, should be visited at least once by every volunteer in Delhi.
It is one of the best Delhi markets for clothes. Along with an ashram that promotes Hinduism, Paharganj also features some of the least expensive pubs and restaurants.
The old and overcrowded Main Bazaar of Paharganj offers some of Delhi’s greatest bargain shopping. It is an excellent idea to visit Paharganj to look for unusual and reasonably priced products to bring back home because many of the stores there also deal in wholesale and export to other nations.
- Famous for: Clothes, bags, shoes, jewelry, books, music, textiles, handicrafts, hookah pipes, incense
- Location: Paharganj Main Bazaar, opposite the New Delhi Railway Station.
- Opening Hours: Daily until around 9 p.m.
6. Meena Bazaar
Meena Bazaar is one of the famous names that comes to every traveler’s mind while roaming in Delhi. It has also become much popular because of its appearance in old Bollywood movies and songs. It is sometimes referred to as Chatta Chowk Bazaar and is one of Delhi’s busiest and most well-known markets.
In the 17th century, the most famous royal tailors and businessmen were located in this ancient market, which borders the entrance to the Red Fort. One of the city’s oldest marketplaces is this one. It is now designed with visitors in mind. The Meena Bazaar, whose ceiling was built with magnificent inlay work known as “ladau,” was the first covered market of its day.
Covered markets were unheard of during the reign of Shah Jahan. In the past, the Meena Bazaar offered a variety of items for sale, including fine rugs and carpets, quilts, pashmina shawls, silks, and woolens. The market also sold exotic fragrances, gold, silver, and spices like saffron. The arcade and shops, on the other hand, have lately undergone restoration to reveal roof artwork and to give them a much more realistic Mughal appearance.
This market is renowned as the purani Delhi market. The nearest Metro station is Jama Masjid. Given its historical significance, the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) maintains the Meena Bazaar today, which offers souvenirs, food, and beverages.
- Famous For: Jewelry and handicrafts from across India.
- Location: Inside the Red Fort’s Lahore Gate entrance, Old Delhi.
- Opening Hours: Daily except for Mondays.
7. Gaffar Market
Do you require mobile phone repair? Then you must visit the Gaffar market from old Delhi. The Gaffar Market is also well-known as Delhi’s old phone and laptop market. In this market, most of the businesses are repair shops.
Additionally, the market is known for unbranded parts, which won’t set you back a lot of money. But remember to not always believe the merchants who claim their iPhone parts are authentic. You will get all the mobile parts and accessories at cheaper prices here. This market is perfect if your screen is cracked!
There are also many phone covers. There are no warranties and reduced imported items in this “grey” market. Electronic products of every sort, including TVs, speakers, cell phones, and cameras are available here. Cheap lifestyle items like clothing and crystals are available in other lanes.
- Famous For: All kinds of electronic goods such as TVs, speakers, cell phones, and cameras. Other lanes stock cheap lifestyle products including clothes, and crystals as well.
- Location: Ajmal Khan Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi.
- Opening Hours: Daily except for Mondays.
8. Khan Market
Khan Market is a little U-shaped market in Delhi that was founded in the year 1951. In the current market, bargain hunters are probably going to be let down. This market has a devoted following of customers who frequent its branded locations. The vibrant bookstores in this market are among its outstanding features.
Additionally, it has several top-notch tailors that can create a suit for you in under a week. You may unwind at several hip cafés and lounges that are tucked away, many of which have balconies that look out into the street. One of the most upscale marketplaces in India and Asia is Khan Market, which is conveniently placed.
Khan Market, which is located near the renowned Lodi Gardens, has some of the greatest stores for shopping and the most elegant restaurants for dining. Khan Market on the Delhi Metro’s purple line is the metro station closest to the market. Additionally, getting there by car is simple.
- Famous For: Books, music, branded and tailored clothes, Ayurvedic food and cosmetics, and home furnishings.
- Location: New Delhi, not far from India Gate.
- Opening Hours: Daily except for Sundays.
9. Sundar Nagar
Among the famous markets of Delhi, comes the Sundar Nagar Market. Because of its artwork as well as antique stores, this charming market draws a large number of wealthy Indian high society.
Here you can shop for various types of silver jewelry, artworks, textiles, carpets, and all types of antiques. No doubt, you will find here everything to change the look of your home interior.
In a nice neighborhood, there is a well-designed market. There are also several wonderful tea stores there. Test out Mittal Tea House and Asia Tea House. They are placed adjacent to one another.
- Famous For: Tea, silver jewelry, art, textiles, carpets, and antiques.
- Location: Off Mathura Road in New Delhi, not too far away from Connaught Place, near the zoo and Oberoi Hotel.
- Opening Hours: Daily except for Sundays.
10. Janpath Market
Everyone may find something to enjoy in this well-known and bustling Delhi market. India has products from all over the world, making it a fantastic spot to purchase items to bring back home. The Janpath market in Connaught Place is stocked with a wide variety of apparel and trendy items and is located next to the well-known and constantly busy Rajiv Chowk Metro Station.
The Tibetan Market is nearby the Janpath market, and sells some of the greatest Indian antiquities and handicrafts, is close by. This market has everything you could possibly need in one location, including handmade items, hippie apparel, shoes, paintings, brassware, Indian antiquities, leatherwork, perfumes, and inexpensive jewelry.
So, whatever you need for home décor will be available here. However, it is strongly encouraged to practice your bargaining before visiting this market.
- Famous For: Handicrafts, hippy clothing, shoes, paintings, brassware, Indian artifacts, leather work, fragrances, and cheap jewelry.
- Location: Janpath, just off Connaught Place, in New Delhi.
- Opening Hours: Daily except for Sundays.
This was our list of the best old Delhi markets to visit. So next time when you visit Delhi, do not forget about these streets of the famous markets; explore a variety of goods, and dive into the world of affordable shopping! Thanks for reading.
