Chandni Chowk, Dilli Haat, Khan Market, Sarojini Nagar — where to shop, what to buy, and how to bargain in Delhi's markets.
Delhi offers everything from centuries-old bazaars to modern malls. Here's where to shop, what to buy, and how to navigate the city's markets.
Market Guide
Chandni Chowk (Old Delhi)
What: India's oldest and largest market, dating to 1650. Narrow lanes packed with shops.
Best for: Wholesale prices, traditional Indian goods, the experience itself
Specialised lanes:
- Dariba Kalan — silver jewellery, gems
- Kinari Bazaar — wedding trimmings, sequins, lace
- Khari Baoli — Asia's largest spice market
- Nai Sarak — books, stationery
- Ballimaran — shoes, leather goods
Tips:
- Go morning (9-11 AM) before crowds
- Bargain hard — start at 40% of quoted price
- Most shops close Sunday
- Metro: Chandni Chowk (Yellow Line)
Dilli Haat
What: Government-run craft bazaar showcasing handicrafts from all Indian states
Best for: Authentic handicrafts, regional textiles, souvenirs at fair prices
What to buy:
- Block-printed fabrics from Rajasthan
- Pashmina shawls from Kashmir
- Brass items from Moradabad
- Leather goods from various regions
- Pottery and woodwork
Entry: ₹30 (weekdays), ₹50 (weekends)
Location: INA (main one), Pitampura (secondary)
Tips:
- Prices are reasonable and fixed — mild bargaining possible
- State food stalls serve regional cuisine
- Less overwhelming than Chandni Chowk
- Metro: INA (Yellow/Pink Line)
Khan Market
What: Delhi's poshest shopping area. Colonial-era arcade with boutiques.
Best for: Books, upscale boutiques, coffee, gifts for people with taste
Key stores:
- Bahrisons — Delhi's oldest independent bookstore, since 1953
- Full Circle — another excellent bookshop
- Good Earth — premium Indian homewares
- Anokhi — block-printed clothing and home textiles
- Fabindia — Indian textiles, clothing, organic food
Budget warning: Coffee costs ₹300+, meals ₹1,000+, clothes are premium-priced.
Tips:
- Pleasant for browsing even without buying
- Best bookstores in Delhi
- Metro: Khan Market (Violet Line)
Sarojini Nagar
What: Delhi's famous budget fashion market. Export surplus and cheap trendy clothes.
Best for: Fashion on extreme budget, young shoppers
What to buy:
- Export-reject Western clothing (₹100-500)
- Trendy accessories
- Bags and footwear
Tips:
- Crowded always, especially weekends
- Check quality carefully — rejects for a reason
- Bargain aggressively (start at 50% off)
- Metro: Sarojini Nagar (Pink Line)
Janpath Market
What: Tourist-friendly souvenir market near Connaught Place
Best for: Quick souvenirs if short on time
What to buy:
- Hippie clothing
- Jewellery
- Small handicrafts
- Tibetan goods
Tips:
- Prices inflated for tourists — bargain hard
- Quality varies widely
- Convenient location near CP
- Better prices at Dilli Haat for same items
Lajpat Nagar Central Market
What: Busy South Delhi market with everything
Best for: Fabrics, ethnic wear, household items
Specialities:
- Wedding shopping (less hectic than Chandni Chowk)
- Mehndi (henna) artists
- Fabric shops
- Electronics
Tips:
- Less touristy than Chandni Chowk
- Bargaining expected
- Metro: Lajpat Nagar (Violet Line)
Where to Buy Spices
Khari Baoli
Asia's largest spice market, operating since the 17th century. Overwhelming sensory experience — mountains of turmeric, chillies, dried fruits.
Best buys:
- Whole spices (cumin, cardamom, cinnamon)
- Spice blends (garam masala, chai masala)
- Dried fruits and nuts
- Saffron (verify quality)
Tips:
- Wholesale prices, but shops sell retail
- Ask for sealed packets for travel
- Strong smells — sensitive noses beware
- Location: Western end of Chandni Chowk
Alternatives
- Dilli Haat — packaged spices from various regions
- Fabindia — organic, packaged spices (premium price)
- Big Bazaar/Modern Retail — supermarket convenience
What to Buy as Souvenirs
Best Souvenirs
| Item |
Where to Buy |
Price Range |
| Spices & chai |
Khari Baoli, Fabindia |
₹100-500 |
| Pashmina shawls |
Dilli Haat, Kashmir emporiums |
₹2,000-20,000 |
| Block-print textiles |
Dilli Haat, Anokhi |
₹500-3,000 |
| Miniature paintings |
Dilli Haat, Cottage Industries |
₹500-5,000 |
| Brass items |
Dilli Haat, Chandni Chowk |
₹200-2,000 |
| Leather goods |
Chandni Chowk, Dilli Haat |
₹500-5,000 |
| Silver jewellery |
Dariba Kalan |
₹500-10,000 |
| Silk scarves |
Dilli Haat, Khan Market |
₹300-2,000 |
Skip These
- Anything sold at monument entrances (overpriced, poor quality)
- "Antiques" (usually fake)
- Gemstones from unknown shops (scam-heavy)
- Electronics from non-established stores
Government Emporiums
What: Fixed-price stores run by state governments, selling authenticated regional products
Main location: Baba Kharak Singh Marg (near Connaught Place)
Best ones:
- Central Cottage Industries Emporium — all-India selection
- Kashmir Emporium — pashminas, carpets, papier-mâché
- Rajasthan Emporium — textiles, jewellery, blue pottery
Advantages:
- Fixed prices (no bargaining)
- Authenticated goods
- Quality guarantee
- Tax receipts
Disadvantage: Higher prices than markets
Bargaining Guide
Where to Bargain
Yes: Chandni Chowk, Sarojini Nagar, Janpath, Lajpat Nagar, street vendors
Mild: Dilli Haat (5-15% possible)
No: Malls, Khan Market boutiques, Fabindia, government emporiums
How to Bargain
- Ask the price — vendor quotes high
- Show mild interest — don't seem eager
- Counter at 40-50% of quoted price
- Negotiate toward middle — expect to pay 60-70% of first quote
- Walk away — often triggers final offer
- Don't bargain if not buying — wastes everyone's time
Tips
- Compare prices at multiple shops first
- Cash gets better prices than card
- Early morning vendors may be more flexible
- Stay friendly — it's a game, not a fight
- If you're happy with the price, you got a good deal
Clothing & Textiles
For Traditional Indian Wear
Fabindia — Reliable chain for kurtas, sarees, home textiles. Fixed prices. Multiple locations.
Cottage Industries — Government emporium near CP. Wide selection.
Chandni Chowk fabric shops — Wholesale prices, overwhelming selection. Bring a local or guide.
For Western Fashion (Budget)
Sarojini Nagar — Export rejects, trendy Western clothes. ₹100-500 per item. Quality varies.
Janpath — Hippie-style Western clothes. More bohemian aesthetic.
Malls
If you need air-conditioning, fixed prices, and modern retail:
- Select Citywalk (Saket) — Best curated selection
- DLF Promenade (Vasant Kunj) — International brands
- Ambience Mall (Vasant Kunj) — Massive, everything
- Pacific Mall (Subhash Nagar) — West Delhi option
Practical Tips
Timing:
- Markets open 10-11 AM, close 8-9 PM
- Most closed on Sundays (except malls)
- Chandni Chowk closed Sundays
Payment:
- Cash preferred in traditional markets
- UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe) widely accepted
- Cards at malls and upscale shops
Shipping:
- Most shops in Dilli Haat and emporiums can ship internationally
- Get proper receipts for customs
- Carpets and textiles ship well
What to wear:
- Comfortable shoes (lots of walking)
- Light clothes (markets get hot)
- Bag you can secure (crowds are pickpocket-friendly)
For areas with shopping, see our neighbourhoods guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best markets in Delhi?
Chandni Chowk for wholesale and traditional goods, Sarojini Nagar for budget fashion, Dilli Haat for handicrafts, Khan Market for upscale shopping, Janpath for souvenirs, and Lajpat Nagar for variety. Each market has its speciality.
What is the biggest market in Delhi?
Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi is the largest and oldest market, operating since the 17th century. It sprawls across multiple lanes (galis), each specialising in different goods — jewellery, fabric, spices, electronics, wedding items.
What to buy in Delhi as souvenirs?
Best souvenirs: spices from Khari Baoli, textiles and pashminas, miniature paintings, brass items, leather goods, jewellery, tea from tea shops, and handicrafts from Dilli Haat. Avoid tourist-trap prices at monuments.
Is bargaining expected in Delhi markets?
Yes, in street markets and bazaars. Start at 40-50% of the quoted price and negotiate up. Fixed prices at malls, government emporiums, and upscale stores like Fabindia. Bargaining is part of the experience in Chandni Chowk and Sarojini.
Is Khan Market expensive?
Yes. Khan Market is Delhi's most expensive shopping area — rents rival global capitals. Coffee is ₹300+, clothes are premium-priced. It's pleasant for browsing and has excellent bookstores, but budget shoppers should look elsewhere.
What are the best markets in Delhi for tourists?
The five best markets for visitors are Chandni Chowk (wholesale goods, street food, fabric), Khan Market (upscale boutiques and cafes), Sarojini Nagar (fashion at rock-bottom prices), Dilli Haat (handicrafts from every Indian state), and Janpath (quick souvenirs near Connaught Place). Each serves a different purpose and price range.
Which Delhi market is best for souvenirs?
Dilli Haat is the easiest option — ₹30 entry gets you into an open-air bazaar with handicrafts, textiles, and pottery from across India, all at fixed-ish prices. Janpath Market near Connaught Place is faster if you just need scarves, jewellery, or small gifts. For spices, head to Khari Baoli in Old Delhi.
Are Delhi markets safe for tourists?
Yes. Delhi's major markets are busy and well-policed during daytime hours. Keep your phone in a front pocket in crowded areas like Chandni Chowk. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Most markets wind down by 8-9 PM, and it's fine to shop until closing.
How old is Chandni Chowk market?
Chandni Chowk was built in 1650 by Jahanara Begum, the daughter of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, as the main commercial street of Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi). The market has operated continuously for over 375 years, making it one of the oldest functioning markets in India.
What is Chandni Chowk famous for?
Chandni Chowk is famous for its specialised lanes — each one dedicated to a specific product like spices, silver, textiles, electronics, wedding supplies, or books. It's also known for famous street food spots like Paranthe Wali Gali, Karim's, and Natraj Dahi Bhalle. The market sits between Red Fort and Fatehpuri Masjid along Old Delhi's main axis.
What is Dilli Haat and is it worth visiting?
Dilli Haat is a government-run open-air crafts bazaar in South Delhi where artisans from every Indian state sell handicrafts, textiles, jewellery, and pottery at their own stalls. Entry is ₹30 (/bin/sh.35). It's absolutely worth visiting — you get access to regional crafts you'd otherwise need to travel across India to find, plus a food court with dishes from 20+ states.
What can you buy at Dilli Haat?
Dilli Haat sells handloom textiles, block-printed fabrics, Kashmiri shawls, tribal jewellery, Rajasthani pottery, wooden carvings, leather goods, miniature paintings, papier-mâché items, brass utensils, and more. Stalls rotate every 15 days, so the selection changes regularly. Prices range from ₹100 for small items to ₹5,000+ for premium shawls or large artworks.
How do I get to Dilli Haat?
The easiest route is the Yellow Line metro to INA station. Take Exit 1 and walk 2 minutes — Dilli Haat is directly opposite INA Market on Aurobindo Marg. By Uber or auto, search for 'Dilli Haat INA' to avoid confusion with the smaller Dilli Haat in Pitampura.
Where is the best place to buy spices in Delhi?
Khari Baoli in Old Delhi is the best place — it's Asia's largest wholesale spice market, operating since the 17th century. Whole spices here cost 50-70% less than Delhi supermarkets and a fraction of international prices. The market runs along a single street near Fatehpuri Masjid, accessible from Chandni Chowk or Chawri Bazaar metro stations.
What spices should I buy in Delhi?
The best buys are Kashmiri saffron (₹300-800 per gram depending on grade), green cardamom (₹200-400 per 100g), whole dried red Kashmiri chillies, black pepper, star anise, cinnamon sticks, and pre-mixed garam masala. Buy whole spices rather than ground — they last longer and taste fresher. Most vendors will vacuum-seal your purchase for travel.
Can you bring spices from India in your luggage?
Yes. Whole and ground spices are permitted in checked and carry-on luggage for most international destinations including the US, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia. Pack them in sealed bags to avoid smell transfer. Saffron has no special restrictions. Fresh herbs, seeds intended for planting, and soil-attached items may be restricted — check your destination country's customs rules.
What are the best souvenirs to buy in Delhi?
The best Delhi souvenirs are whole spices from Khari Baoli (₹100-500 per bag), pashmina or silk scarves, Rajasthani miniature paintings, brass and copperware, Ayurvedic skincare from Forest Essentials or Kama Ayurveda, and loose-leaf Indian tea. These are lightweight, packable, and genuinely Indian — not mass-produced tourist trinkets.
Where is the cheapest place to buy souvenirs in Delhi?
Janpath Market near Connaught Place has the lowest starting prices for scarves, jewellery, and small gifts, though you need to bargain. Dilli Haat is slightly pricier but the quality is higher and you're buying directly from artisans. For spices, Khari Baoli in Old Delhi is the cheapest by far — a fraction of supermarket prices.
Is it safe to buy spices in Delhi markets?
Yes, if you buy from established shops in Khari Baoli. Look for stalls with high turnover — fresh stock means better quality. Buy whole spices rather than pre-ground powders when possible, as whole spices are harder to adulterate. Vacuum-sealed packets travel better in luggage.
Do you bargain in Delhi markets?
Yes, bargaining is expected in all of Delhi's street and bazaar markets, including Chandni Chowk, Sarojini Nagar, Janpath, and Lajpat Nagar. Start at about 50% of the asking price and work toward 60-70%. Fixed-price shops, malls, government emporiums, and branded stores do not allow bargaining.
How much should I bargain in Delhi?
A good rule is to start at 50% of the quoted price and settle at 60-70%. If the vendor says ₹1,000, offer ₹500 and expect to land around ₹600-700. This varies — tourist-heavy markets like Janpath inflate prices more, so you might push harder. In less touristy bazaars, vendors start closer to fair value.
Where should you not bargain in Delhi?
Don't bargain in shopping malls, branded retail stores, government emporiums like the Central Cottage Industries Emporium, grocery stores, restaurants, or at Dilli Haat's food stalls. Dilli Haat's craft stalls allow light negotiation but vendors there price more fairly than street markets.
Is Khan Market expensive to shop at?
Yes, Khan Market is the most expensive retail area in India and has ranked among the costliest high streets globally. Rents here rival parts of London and Tokyo. A coffee costs ₹300-500 (.60-6), a casual lunch runs ₹800-1,500 (.60-18), and clothing starts at ₹2,000-5,000 (4-60). That said, browsing is free, and the independent bookshops and bakeries make it worth the trip.
What is Khan Market known for?
Khan Market is known for its independent bookshops (Bahrisons, Full Circle, Faqir Chand), upscale cafes (Perch, Big Chill), boutique clothing stores (Anokhi, Good Earth, Nicobar), organic grocery shops, and a generally polished atmosphere. It's where South Delhi's affluent residents shop and eat, and it's been a landmark since the 1950s.
Is Khan Market worth visiting as a tourist?
Yes, even if you don't buy much. The bookshops alone are excellent — Bahrisons has been operating since 1953 and stocks a strong India section. The food options are varied and reliably good. And the market itself is compact enough to cover in 1-2 hours. It's a good pairing with nearby Lodhi Gardens or Humayun's Tomb.
Where is the best place to buy clothes in Delhi?
It depends on your budget. For bargain fashion, head to Sarojini Nagar or Lajpat Nagar Central Market. For mid-range shopping, Select Citywalk in Saket and Khan Market offer quality brands and boutiques. For designer and independent labels, Hauz Khas Village and Shahpur Jat have small studios and concept stores. Each serves a totally different market.
Where can I buy cheap clothes in Delhi?
Sarojini Nagar is the cheapest — export-surplus Western brands sell for ₹100-500 (.20-6) per item. Lajpat Nagar Central Market has similar prices for Indian clothing. Janpath Market sells cotton kurtas and casual wear cheaply. For wholesale prices on Indian ethnic wear, try Chandni Chowk's fabric lanes or Gandhi Nagar market in East Delhi.
Where do Delhi locals buy clothes?
Most Delhi locals shop at Sarojini Nagar for casual Western wear, Lajpat Nagar for Indian ethnic clothing, and South Extension for a mix of brands and local shops. Younger shoppers favour Hauz Khas Village boutiques and online brands. For wedding shopping, families go to Chandni Chowk's Kinari Bazaar or South Extension's bridal stores.
