Right from the ancient years, Delhi has been an important hub for trading and shopping zones. Some of the local areas in existence today like the Sheikh Sarai and Yusuf Sarai are named after yesteryear trading towns of Delhi. However, as times have evolved today, these ancient markets have given way to huge, air-conditioned shopping complexes and other big shopping hubs.

There are lots of things that can be brought from the markets of Delhi – antique and modern jewellery, handicrafts, silver utensils, carpets, shawls, precious stones, intricate wood-work items etc. Due to the diversity of products available here, many people come here from all over the world to indulge in shopping. Chandni Chowk, Sarojini Market and Connaught Place are some of the famous markets in Delhi. An exquisite collection of handicrafts from all over India can be witnessed at the Baba Kharak Singh Marg, close to Parliament Street. The best thing about this place is that all these handicrafts are available at government regulated prices.

Each and every place in Delhi like Connaught Place, Chandni Chowk and Sarojini Nagar has a unique charm of its own and represents the rich cultural heritage of the place. If you want to understand Delhi in its entirety, you need to walk around the ancient shopping bazaars and market areas of the place and shop till you drop.

Browse, Bargain, Buy... Is the Only Mantra

Irrespective of the item that you are looking for, you are to find it in the large shopping markets of Delhi, because the markets here sell everything from pin to plane. Jewellery (antique and modern), silver items, fashion jewellery, handicrafts, semi-precious jewels, clothes and lots of fashion accessories are available at the markets in Delhi. This is precisely why many tourists from India and abroad come here in large numbers with the main purpose of shopping.

There are many places in India which specialise in variety of features. Similarly, the unique feature of Delhi is the wide shopping experience that it presents.  Whether you are looking for an authentic Kashmiri carpet or a handicraft item from Tibet or any handicraft, metal, silver or semi-precious item or any fashion accessory or handicrafts, you will find it in the massive shopping markets of Delhi. The shopping markets of Chandni Chowk have stood against the test of time for nearly hundred years now and are symbols of the cultural heritage of Delhi. Most of the people coming to Delhi feel that this place resembles a massive shopping mall in itself, which, by any means, is not an exaggeration at all.

Delhi Shopping Specialties

Street markets in Delhi are basically of two types – ones in which travellers are required to exercise their bargaining powers to the maximum extent possible and the others in which, branded goods are available at fixed rates with absolutely no room for bargaining. The markets in Delhi are exclusively dedicated to selling various items like metal jewellery, fashion jewellery, books, handicrafts, silver ware and other accessories. Some of the ancient markets in Delhi are situated among buildings that have glimpses of the rich Mughal architecture even today. When you are taking a break from shopping, you can catch a movie in the theatres nearby or get refreshed by taking a cappuccino at one of the nearby cafes in the market areas.

Where to Shop in Delhi

Dilli Haat

If you are looking for an experience that is got by shopping in villages, you must come to Dilli Haat. The place, which exactly resembles markets in rural areas, has shops with thatched roofs to give an authentic feel to tourists. The markets here, apart from selling village handicrafts, have many food joints selling awesome local delicacies. During evenings, cultural dance and music performances are conducted here.

• Location – The market is located at three places. One is the Sri Aurbindo Marg, the second is close to Netaji Subhash Place Metro station and the last one is at Pitampura.
• Opening hours – The market is open from 10.30AM to 10PM on all days, including government holidays.
• What to buy – Rural handicrafts and artefacts.

Janpath and Tibetan Market

If you are looking for nice Tibetan souvenirs at affordable prices, these markets are the places that you need to visit. All kinds of goods from India and Tibet are available here at affordable rates for you to take back to your loved ones back home.

• Location – At Janpath, Off the famous Connaught Place Complex, in central part of New Delhi
• Opening hours – Open all through the week
• What to buy – brass metals, fashion jewellery, clothes, handicrafts, paintings, shoes, hippie accessories and leather goods

Khan Market

One of the most posh and elegant markets of Delhi, the Khan Market is known for selling branded goods only. Bargaining is a strict no-no here as goods are available at fixed rates. Many loyal customers keep coming back to this market because of wide variety of products available here. Book-shops in this market are very famous and are visited by tourists from across the globe. There are many good tailors here to stitch your suites elegantly and quickly. Separate stores for Ayurvedic products like Khadi and Boutique are also found in this spacious yet crowded market area.

• Location – Quite near India Gate, towards the southern part of New Delhi
• Opening hours - Sundays remain holidays here.
• What to buy – Books, Ayurvedic products, branded clothes, interior décor and cosmetics

Chandni Chowk

This is one of the oldest markets in the India and has many buildings that still speak volumes of the rich Mughal architecture that was the style in the earlier years. This is the market that is famously known to sell everything from pin to plane. There are dedicated markets for most of the products, which makes it easier for people to shop from here. Katra Neel is famous for fabrics, Bhagirath Palace is known for its electronic shops, Dariba Khan is reputed for its shops selling silver ware and so on. Street food is a must-try at the local eateries available at Chandni Chowk.

• Location – An integral part of Old Delhi
• Opening hours – All through the week except Sundays
• What to buy – Electronics, fabric, silver ware, fashion jewellery and accessories

Sarojini Nagar

If you are looking to buy high quality designer clothes at highly affordable prices, you need to visit Sarojini Market in Delhi. Here you can find clothes that have been rejected for export due to very minute defects. There are lots of shops here selling highly fashionable clothes and accessories at budget friendly rates.  If you have a sweet tooth, visit the Babu Sweet market here. People can also buy their daily groceries of vegetables from here.

• Location – Close to Safdarjung Airport, towards the south west of Delhi
• Opening hours – All through the week except Mondays
• What to buy – Indian and western wear, fashion accessories, shoes and the like.

Lajpat Nagar

This shop is lined up with many shopping stalls and markets that are great places for middle class consumers. These road side stalls are best examples of the rich Indian culture and heritage. Many products can be got at affordable rates here. You might want to decorate your hand with awesome Mehndi designs, which experts put at record speed and precision. Indian women have a whale of a time here as there are lots of Kurtis and suits available at attractive prices in this market.

• Location – Close to Defence Colony, towards south west Delhi (equidistant from Greater Kailash and South Extension)
• Opening hours – All through the week except Mondays
• What to buy – Home décor, Indian clothes, shoes, bags and other fashion accessories

Delhi Shopping Tips

While it is quite easy to get to the various shopping markets in Delhi as they are well connected by trains, auto rickshaws, buses and metro trains, tourists are required to exercise great caution while shopping at these places. If you want to shop at the Delhi markets, you must be ready to bargain to the maximum extent possible. Bargaining is a must, as you get very attractive deals based on the power of your negotiation. While buying handicrafts, you must exercise double caution, because, all along the market streets, you might find many dealers who offer to introduce you to the best handicraft stores. Do not fall in their trap, because, the amount that you pay the store for the costly items, include a great percentage of their commission as well. You must buy handicrafts only from government emporiums, where the prices are regulated by the Government and where there is absolutely no room for any kind of illegal practice.