The vibrant and exotic atmosphere of Delhi markets can make shopping lots of fun. In fact, Delhi has the best markets in India, with handicrafts from all over the country. These top markets in Delhi are a treasure trove of goods waiting to be discovered.
1. DILLI HAAT
This huge Delhi market has been deliberately made to feel like a traditional weekly village market, called a haat. Small thatched roof cottages with a village atmosphere give it great ambiance. The market offers an exciting blend of handicrafts from all over India, food, and cultural and music performances. The entry fee is 15 rupees (35 cents). Don't miss it!
- Location: Sri Aurobindo Marg (opposite INA Market). Also at Netaji Subash Place (adjacent to Netaji Subash Place Metro Station), and Pitampura.
- Opening Hours: Daily from 10.30 a.m. to 10 p.m., including national holidays.
- What to Buy: Indian handcrafts and artifacts.
2. JANPATH AND TIBETIAN MARKET
This very popular and lively Delhi market, which was recently given a makeover, has something for everyone. You'll find goods from everywhere in India and Tibet here, and it's a great place to shop for things to take back home. However, you'll need all your bargaining skills to get a really decent price.
- Location: Janpath, just off Connaught Place, in central New Delhi.
- Opening Hours: Daily.
- What to Buy: Handicrafts, hippy clothing, shoes, paintings, brassware, Indian artifacts, leather work, and cheap jewelry.
Khan Market is a small, U-shaped, well established market that's one of Delhi's classiest. Bargain hunters are likely to be disappointed at this market. It's got a loyal following who go there to shop at its branded outlets. One of the best things about this market is its interesting book shops. It's also got some excellent tailors who will make you a suit in less than a week. For Ayurvedic food, medicine and skin care check out Biotique, and Khadi. Hidden away, you'll find some great lounges to relax in, many with balconies overlooking the street.
- Location: South New Delhi, not far from India Gate.
- Opening Hours: Daily except Sundays.
- What to Buy: Books, music, branded and tailored clothes, Ayurvedic food and cosmetics, and lamps.
Some of the best bargain shopping in Delhi can be found in the crumbling and chaotic Main Bazaar of the Paharganj traveler ghetto. Many of the shops in Paharganj also deal in wholesale and export to foreign countries, making it a good place to come and hunt out unique and inexpensive goods to import back home.
- Location: Paharganj Main Bazaar, opposite the New Delhi Railway Station.
- Opening Hours: Daily until around 9 p.m.
- What to Buy: Clothes, shoes, jewelry, books, music, textiles, handicrafts, hookah pipes, incense.
The shopping district of Chandni Chowk has been in existence for hundreds of years and an exploration of its winding, narrow alleyways is certainly an adventure. The lanes of Chandni Chowk are divided into bazaars with different areas of specialization. For fabrics, head to Katra Neel. In the Bhagirath Palace area, you'll find a huge range of electronics. Dariba Kalan is Old Delhi's ancient silver market full of silver jewelry. Food vendors in Chandni Chowk also serve up a delicious assortment of Delhi street food.
- Location: Old Delhi.
- Opening Hours: Daily except Sundays.
- What to Buy: Fabrics, jewelry, and electronic goods.
The hectic Lajpat Nagar market provides an interesting glimpse into Indian culture. It's one of the oldest markets in India and is abuzz with middle class Indian shoppers, all swarming around its roadside stalls and showrooms. One of this market's main attractions is the Mehendiwalas, who will apply beautiful Henna designs to your hands with astonishing speed. You'll also find reasonably priced Indian kurti tops and salwaar kameez suits here.
- Location: South New Delhi, near Defence Colony (between Greater Kailash and South Extension).
- Opening Hours: Daily except Mondays.
- What to Buy: Indian clothing, shoes, bags, accessories (including Indian bangles), and home furnishings.
