Away With The Steiners

5 Seriously cool Markets in Delhi for clothes, souvenirs, gifts and shopping.

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!

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. 

Cycle rickshaws in Chandni Chowk market in Delhi.
Cycle rickshaws lined up in the busy almost-pedestrian main drag of Chandni Chowk.
Spices and nuts for sale in the huge outdoor Khari Baori spice market.
Busy streets in Chandni Chowk with fashion and food at every turn.

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. 

Beautiful rugs in Dilli Haat Market.
Candles and gifts beautifully displayed in Dilli Haat.
Looking at the different qualities of Pashmina and scarves at Dilli Haat Market in Delhi.

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. 

Friendly vendors selling Kurta and women’s dress along Main Bazar, Paharganj.
Colourful souvenirs and tourist trinkets on Main Bazar.
A busy evening in Nehru Bazar just off the Main Bazar in 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. 

Grover Tailors in Khan Market is one of the oldest shops. They make the clothes for the New Zealand High Commission in Delhi.
One of the many international food shops in Khan Market selling everything from American mayonnaise to Heinz Baked Beans and Swiss chocolate.

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! 

A very small store in Sarojini Nagar Market but with extra storage in the roof.
Friendly vendors at Sarojini Nagar Market in south Delhi.
Trying on Kurta and ready-to-wear Saree at Sarojini Market.

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: 

A rickshaw whizzing past in one of the many Delhi markets.

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. 

Where to stay in old Delhi, New Delhi and South Delhi or near the airport 

Checking in to our spacious room near the airport at Taurus Sarovar Portico Hotel. 
Our basic quad room at Smyle Inn in Main Bazar, Paharganj. 

Read more about travel in North India

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. 

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