Whether you are a backpacker, long-term traveller or simply on holiday for your first time in India, Delhi is a shopaholics paradise. There is everything from high-end malls, to shopping districts and bustling street markets in Delhi. But the question is; where to start? Which markets in Delhi are worth visiting if you are only in the capital for a few days?
Some of the markets in Delhi are unashamedly touristic and great for souvenir shopping. While others epitomise the old India vibes of the megacity capital just as you imagine and will see you kitted out with a colourful outfit, perfectly fit for travel in India.
They are all different and each of them gives a different experience in this lovably bustling megacity.
Here are all the details, highlights, location and timings for 5 of the best and busiest shopping markets in Delhi. Plus a whole list of other cool markets including what they sell and how to get there!
- About Delhi
- Top 5 Markets in Delhi
– Chandni Chowk
– Dilli Haat INA
– Main Bazar
– Sarojini Nagar Market
– Khan Market - Other markets in Delhi
- Getting there
- Transport in Delhi
- Where to stay in Delhi
A little bit about Delhi first
For most people Delhi will be the introduction to India. It is the capital city and a megacity at that. It is not always a gentle introduction. Because the truth is nothing can quite prepare you for the kaleidoscopic bustle of colours and chaos of South Asia and India’s megacity capital.
But if you give Delhi a chance you will discover the incredible history, beautiful places and the epic markets in Delhi that make this city one of a kind – and one of our all-time favourites!
Top 5 Markets in Delhi
While there are huge, air-conditioned shopping malls, franchised brand outlets and fancy supermarkets in the posh regions. The raw essence of India lies in the small stalls in the markets run by local traders and the colourful kiosks and pop-up bazars sprawling all over the city.
Here are 5 unique shopping experiences and markets in Delhi to add to your itinerary.
1. Chandni Chowk and Khari Baori Spice Market
Chandni Chowk is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city and one of the oldest and largest markets in Delhi. It is a bustling market area with a wide variety of shops and narrow streets. If you are planning for some traditional shopping, it is a perfect place to explore. Or if you are just looking to experience the hive of activity, colours and bustle of old Delhi, Chandni Chowk is a great experience in India.
Behind Chandni Chowk is the Khari Baori Spice Market which was established in the 17th century and still holds its reputation to date as the largest spice market in South Asia.
As well as the zillion beautiful Sari and wedding dress shops, we recommend looking out for the old famous Jalebi Wala that has been in operation selling sweets since 1884.
- Location: Old Delhi
- Timing: Open daily except Sunday
- Highlights: Red Fort, Jain Temple, Old Famous Jalebi Wala and cycle rickshaws
- What to Buy: Fabrics, Saris, jewellery, spices, sweets and electronic goods.
- Travel by auto rickshaw or Metro
The nearest metro station to Chandni Chowk is Lal Quila on the Delhi Yellow Line.
2. Dilii Haat INA – Markets in Delhi
Dilli Haat has been deliberately made to feel like a traditional weekly village market, called a Haat. But in actual fact it is a paid-entrance open-air bazar, food plaza and craft market in Delhi.
For travellers, Dilli Haat is the ultimate place to shop for souvenirs or gifts from India. It makes a great last stop in Delhi before leaving India. And if it is your first time shopping in Delhi, Dilli Haat market is a great choice for shopping without hassle.
Where begging is prominent in other markets, because it costs 100 INR ($1 USD) to enter the market area it means that there are no illegal hawkers inside as everyone entering is a paying shopper. Albeit that kind of bustle is part of the charm of the usual markets in Delhi. But in this case, it does make for a relaxing space to shop without the hassle.
- Location: South Delhi, opposite INA Market
- Timing: Daily from 10:30am to 10:00pm including national holidays
- Highlights: Artisans at work making traditional crafts from across India
- What to Buy: Indian handcrafts, souvenirs, gifts and artifacts
- Travel by auto rickshaw, taxi or Metro.
The nearest metro station is INA on the Yellow Line.
3. Main Bazar, Paharganj – Markets in Delhi
Paharganj is a popular and well-known area for travellers to Delhi from all around the world. The main stretch of Main Bazar market in Delhi is renowned for its cheap street shopping, food stalls, cheap eateries and inexpensive souvenirs.
You can find bohemian clothing and foreign currency and everything that screams India and low-cost shopping in between. It is a wonderful amalgamation of colour, chaos and culture.
- Read about the cool things to see and do in Main Bazar, Paharganj.
- Location: Paharganj Main Bazaar, opposite the New Delhi Railway Station.
- Opening Hours: Daily until around 9 p.m.
- Highlights: Bustling old-Delhi vibes with cheap and wholesale goods for travellers, hippy-pants and incense.
- What to Buy: Clothes, bags, shoes, jewellery, books, textiles, handicrafts, street food, hookah pipes and incense.
- Travel by auto rickshaw, train or Metro.
The nearest metro stations are New Delhi, Chawri Bazar and RK Ashram all around 1km from Main Bazar, Paharganj.
4. Khan Market – Markets in Delhi
Khan Market in Delhi is one of the fanciest places to shop in the city. It is located near India Gate and the residential areas and is a favourite of the expat and diplomatic community in Delhi.
It is home to many fashion boutiques, international food shops, bookstores, opticians, homewares and cafes.
But I’ve got to be honest. We found it a little boring after the bustle and lively old markets in Delhi (like Paharganj and Chandni Chowk). However, for expats we can see the appeal with shops selling upmarket traditional clothing and international foods and brands.
- Location: New Delhi not far from India Gate
- Timing: 10:00am – 9:00pm daily except Sunday
- What to Buy: Books, branded and tailored clothes, designer wear, Ayurvedic and health foods, international food, cosmetics and homeware.
- Travel by auto rickshaw or Metro.
The nearest metro station is Khan Market Metro Station on the Violet Line.
5. Sarojini Nagar Market
This is our go-to shopping market in Delhi every time we land in India. Sarojini Nagar Market is known for cheap clothes, trendy fashion apparel, accessories, sarees, kurtas and everything else you can think of and all at a budget-shopping level.
We rate Sarojini Market as the best market in Delhi to shop for outfits and clothes to wear in India for travel. We even come here on the first day of our Group Trips in India to get kitted out with clothes to wear!
- Read all about Sarojini Market and shopping for Kurta and outfits to wear in India.
- Location: South Delhi
- Timing: 10am – 9:pm daily except Monday
- What to Buy: Designer clothes, Indian clothes, fashion accessories, shoes.
- Travel by auto rickshaw, taxi or Metro.
The closest metro station to Sarojini Market is Sarojini Nagar on the Pink Line.
Other Markets in Delhi
Delhi is full of bustling marketplaces and bazars large and small! Some of the other well-known markets in Delhi include:
- Janpath Market: You can buy practically anything at Janpath, but it is most famous for traditional Tibetan style paintings, wooden artifacts, statues, Gujarati handicrafts and clothing, pillows, linen and homeware.
- Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Market: A small market outside the Sikh temple in Connaught Place selling Sikh items, holy water and Sikh souvenirs.
- Lajpat Nagar (Central Market): Delhi’s largest marketplace for Salwar Kameez, Kurtas, jootis (shoes), linen and colourful clothing.
- Ghazipur Phool Mandi (Flower Market): The largest and most popular flower market in Delhi, known for its extensive variety and wholesale prices with around three hundred flower shops selling flowers.
- Chor Bazaar (Thieves Market): A weekly Sunday bazar behind Jama Masjid in old Delhi colloquially known as the ‘Thieves’ Market’ due to its historical association with the trade of second-hand and sometimes allegedly stolen goods.
- Gaffar Market, Karol Bagh: One of the oldest markets in Delhi selling Punjabi clothes and goods, homewares, jewellery and a bunch of imported goods especially thriving in all things electronic – real, fake and otherwise.
- Matka Market: Known as the ‘Potter’s Market’ for pots, pottery and wide variety of earthen wonders.
- Mahila Haat: Delhi’s historic Sunday second-hand book bazaar at Mahila Haat offering diverse books and a unique experience.
- Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah Market: A lively market dominated by Muslim vendors and pilgrims visiting the Sufi shrine in Nizamuddin East.
Getting to Delhi
Most travellers begin and end their India trip in Delhi because of the large, international airport there. It is easy to find flights to Delhi from all over the world with connections in the Middle East and South Asia.
- Read our travel guide to India including all about arriving at New Delhi International Airport, getting a SIM card for India and managing, exchanging and withdrawing money in India.
Where to stay in old Delhi, New Delhi and South Delhi or near the airport
- Mahipalpur (Airport) / Mid-Range: Taurus Sarovar Portico
A beautiful hotel only a few km’s from Delhi International Airport. A great first stop arriving in India with buffet breakfast included and a restaurant onsite.
- South Delhi / Mid-Range: Haveli Hauz Khas
A homestay style Haveli in the popular Hauz Khas area of South Delhi.
- Connaught Place / Mid-Range-Luxury: Shangri La’s Eros Hotel
The hotel has a few in house restaurants, including the signature Shang Palace and Sorrento. There’s also a gym, an outdoor pool and a spa.
- Paharganj / Budget: Smyle Inn
Extremely basic hotel in small back alley but with very friendly, helpful staff and simple breakfast included. Just off Main Bazaar.
Read more about travel in North India
- Epic 10 Day Rajasthan Itinerary
- Things to do in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
- What to see in Jaisalmer Fort
- Local desert cuisine and the food to try in Jaisalmer
- Getting the bus from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur or Bikaner
- Overnight train Delhi to Jaisalmer
- Taking the train Jaipur to Jaisalmer
- Leaving Jaisalmer to Jaipur (and Jodhpur too) by overnight train
- Choosing the best camel safari in Jaisalmer
Tips for travel planning to India and beyond
These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere in Asia through 12Go.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have travel insurance before riding those trains in India!
