Chennai has a very rich Indian history of Chennai that attracts a huge number of tourists from India and abroad. With Mahabalipuram and Pondicherry in its vicinity, it is fast picking up pace as India’s premier cultural hub.Chennai shopping gives away much of this cultural essence, where travelers feel like they’re taking home a small part of this charming city to relish forever!
21 Places For Chennai Shopping
There are a lot of dazzling shopping malls in Chennai which might leave you awestruck the moment you enter the complex. Let’s find all the major things to buy in Chennai and the best places for them. From high-end malls to busy shopping streets, Chennai offers a lot for shopaholics.
Malls In Chennai
Check out stunning souvenirs available in these malls. Know where you engage in an elite shopping experience in Chennai by scrolling down and reading the list of top shopping malls.
1. Phoenix Mall
One of the biggest malls in Chennai, Phoenix Market City houses renowned international brands like Parcos, L’Occitane, ZARA, Diesel and ONLY. The mall has amazing dining partners like Rajdhani, Nalas Appakadai, Bombaysthan, Cha Republic, and Gelato Italiano. ScaryHouse, FunCity, and Chhota Bheem are the best entertainment options for bowling and fun games.
Location: 142, Velachery Road, Indira Gandhi Nagar, Velachery
Timings: 11 AM – 10 PM
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2. Express Avenue
Image Credit: Sasik for Wikimedia Commons
With 220 outlets of national and international brands, one is spoilt for choice at Express Avenue. Brands offering elite merchandise include Allen Solly, Peter England, Pepe Jeans, Splash, Jashn etc. The mall even has a customer assistant robot – EA Bot, the first of its kind in Chennai.
Location: No:2, Club House Road, Mount Road, Royapettah
Timings: 10:30 AM – 9:30 PM
3. Ampa Skywalk
Ampa Skywalk is relatively smaller than its rivals, but its prime location in the heart of Chennai has made it the “Mall for All”. Basic Life, Westside, and Lifestyle are some branded outlets you’ll find here. It’s food court has major food retailers like Pizza Hut and KFC.
Location: No:1, Nelson Manickam Road, 627, Poonamallee High Road, Aminjikarai
Timings: 11 am – 10 pm
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4. Abirami Mega Mall
Image Credit: Andreas Lischka for Pixabay
Disclaimer: The image is for representation purposes only.
Counted among renowned malls in Chennai, Abirami Mega Mall is situated in Purasawalkam. As it is home to some amazing brands, you can expect a fine experience of shopping here. Apart from this, there are theatres where you can spend some fun time or you can head to a salon for a rejuvenating experience. This place gives the best experience to its guests which is why it is mostly teeming with people. If you are looking for some fashion statement then this would be the best choice for you.
Location: 152, Purasawalkam High Rd, Lumbini Square, Purasaiwakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600010
Timings: 10 am – 10 pm
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5. Spencer Plaza Mall
Image Credit: L. Vivian Richard for Wikimedia Commons
Spencer Plaza Mall is another mall which is well-renowned among the locals and known for the best shopping experience. It was built during the British Raj era and was revamped in the year 1985 which makes it one of the oldest malls in South Asia. From branded shoes to watches, clothes to sarees, it offers a great variety of products to buy. So, if you wish to shop in one of the oldest shopping malls in India then head to Spencer Plaza Mall in Chennai.
Location: 768-769, Anna Salai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600002
Timings: 9:30 am – 10 pm
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Chenai Sarees
Here’s a list of places from where you can buy Chennai’s indisputable specialty, that is, sarees. There are a huge variety of sarees that are offered in Chennai.
6. Nalli Silks
Nalli Silks is one of the oldest and most authentic silk saree shops in Chennai with its presence in New Jersey too. The company’s tagline “90 years of heritage wrapped in six yards” says it all. They have innumerable varieties of sarees – Kanchipuram silk, Tussar Silk, Cotton Silk, Banarasi Silk, Chanderi Silk, and a lot more.
Location: 100, N Usman Rd, T. Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600017 (One of the branches)
Timings: NA
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7. RMKV
RMKV’s silk saree for the bride has become an inseparable shopping item in Tamil weddings. The shop offers authentic silk sarees in all possible hues and textures and is one of the trendsetters in the Chennai Silks market. The shop offers an elite shopping experience and has an awesome collection of sarees and dresses from all over India.
Location: 125-127, N Usman Rd, PANAGAL PARK, T. Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600017
Timings: NA
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8. Kay
One of the most ethnic boutiques in Chennai, Kay has been in the fashion industry for over 4 decades for its knee-length designer Anarkali, bright Patialas, heavy-worked lehengas, and exclusive designer sarees that is bound to earn you the spotlight! Shopping in Chennai for sarees? This is the place to be!
Location: Chennai
Timings: 10 AM – 9:30 PM
9. Varsidhi
Varsidhi offers a premium collection of corporate wear, ethnic traditional sarees, designer salwar suits and kurtis, bridal lehengas, and ready-made blouses making it the best saree shops in Chennai. While it has its presence in Bangalore as well, it’s three in Chennai are exceptional!
Location: Shop No, 56, Gopathi Narayanaswami Chetty Rd, Parthasarathi Puram, T. Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600017
Timings: 10 AM – 8:30 PM
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Street Shopping In Chennai
More into affordable shopping? Head to these streets in Chennai that are famous for resonable rates.
10. Cotton Street
Cotton Street is a modest lane in Chennai with stalls of about 60 vendors on one side of the lane and the price per meter of fabric starts at 30 bucks! If you are looking for cheap shopping in Chennai for kurtas, sarees, and dupattas, Cotton Street can comfortably load your wardrobe without you having to spend a fortune!
Location: Pantheon Road
Timings: 2 PM – 8 PM
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11. Sowcarpet
Called the Mini Rajasthan of Chennai, Sowcarpet is a narrow street with lots of small shops selling sarees, lehengas, fabrics, salwar suits, kurtis, fashion accessories spices, electronics, and almost everything under one roof. The streets are really narrow so try not to take your car here.
Location: Peddanaickenpet, George Town
Timings: 11 AM – 9 PM
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12. Pondy Bazaar & T. Nagar
Image Credit: Ravi Chandar for Wikimedia Commons
Yet another happening place for Chennai Shopping, Pondy Bazaar and Ranganathan Street are loaded with small and big shops selling salwar materials, kurtas, fashion accessories, footwear, and handbags. The place is often called ‘the college teens’ fashion destination’. There are also lots of eateries serving delicious food!
Location: Parthasarathi Puram, T. Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600017
Timings: 10 AM – 9 PM
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13. Ritchie Street
Disclaimer: The image is for representation purposes only.
If you are in Chennai and looking for places for the best electronics shopping then you cannot miss out on Ritchie Street. It is considered as the second largest electronic market in the whole of India. Spread across nearby streets, this market is home to over 2,000 shops. From trending gadgets to LED lighting, there is a great variety of electronics to choose from. The market is also famous as the ‘Radio Market’ among the locals as it a former name. The best part about this market is that you can get any product in a different range in different shops. So, it is always better to explore first and then buy. The market is not vehicle-friendly so, park your vehicle a few blocks away and explore the market on foot.
Location: Chintadripet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600002
Timings: 9:30 am – 9 pm
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Other Places for Chennai Shopping
That’s not all! Here’s where you can find more trinkets to take home. Check them out to and see which place is the best for you!
14. Moore Market
Moore Market in Chennai is the place for the bibliophile in you. The lane is loaded with book shops selling second hand books of engineering, medical, and even novels. A few prominent book shops that you might want to check include Praveen Bookshop, NVS Book Stall, and Baskar Book House.
Location: Kannappar Thidal, Poongavanapuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600003
Timings: 10:15 AM to 8:30 PM
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15. Roshan
Roshan, the Bag Mall, has 27 branches across Tamil Nadu and has earned a huge customer base owing to its quality products and a wide range of collection. Local collection of bags can be bought at dirt cheap rates at Pondy Bazaar too.
Location: Chennai
Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM
16. Musee Musical
Testimonials from A.R.Rahman and Sivamani are enough to know the standards of this place. You can get all world-class musical Chennai shopping done here. There is also a musical school run by Musee Musical. If you are lucky, you can bump into the who’s who of Tamil music industry here!
Location: 73, Anna Salai, Near Devi Theatre, Anna Salai
Timings: 10 AM – 8 PM
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17. Burma Bazaar
Located close to the Central Railway Station, Burma Bazaar is a lane of electronic shops and DVD shops selling DVDs of movies and adult content. You can buy imported electronic items like mobile phones, TVs, music players, and imported dolls. Check the product’s authenticity before purchasing. Your search for cheap shopping in Chennai for electronics ends here!
Location: North Beach Road, Chennai Port Trust
Timings: 10 AM to 10 PM
18. Prakrit Art Gallery
Prakrit Art Gallery, Chennai is well known for its unique and antique pieces of art. The place is aesthetically designed with its sheer pieces of excellence. You can shop, attend events, or check out their exhibitions. Make Chennai Shopping memorable with a piece of art from Prakrit Art Gallery!
Location: Prakriti Arts(P) Limited, 1st Cross Rd, RA Puram, Govindaswamy Nagar
Timings: 11 AM – 5 PM
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19. Sree Leathers
If you are checking out the best place to buy shoes in Chennai, Sreeleathers is the ultimate choice. They have a mind-blowing collection of footwear for the entire family at affordable prices. The leather accessories also have been a huge draw for the company.
Location: 20, S Usman Road, Ashok Nagar, T Nagar
Timings: 9 AM – 9:30 PM
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20. Sri Krishna Sweets
There’s nothing like the Special Ghee Mysore Pak from Sri Krishna Sweets and Adyar Ananda Bhavan! Indulge in its sweet and savory flavour and never miss a few boxes of Special Ghee Mysore Pak to gift your special ones.
Location: Old No.53, New, No.20, Venkatanarayana Rd, Parthasarathi Puram, T. Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600017 (One of the locations in Chennai)
Timings: 7:30 am – 10 pm
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21. George Town
Image Credit: Rasnaboy for Wikimedia Commons
Another amazing place for shopping in Chennai is George Town which is mainly famous for its Kanchipuram sarees. A walk through the narrow lanes and you will find a variety of sarees being sold at different shops like soft mulberry silk. Apart from this, one can also find other regular stuff like gift items, jewelry, electronic goods, perfume shops, clothes, stationery items, shoes, bags, and more. Whatever you are buying here, you will get at a reasonable price so you don’t have to spend all your money.
Location: George Town, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Timings: NA
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Does this entice you to go indulge in some Chennai shopping? Plan your trip to Chennai right away for a sweet holiday experience and get ready for bringing back a bag full of amazing stuff from there. As Chennai gives, so many options to explore, one can never get bored in the capital of Tamil Nadu.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Chennai Shopping
What is famous in Chennai for shopping?
Some of the famous items you could shop for in Chennai include leather bags, footwear, crockery, toys, pure mulberry silk garments, jewelry, stationary items, South Indian delicacies, music accessories.
What is best in Chennai?
Chennai is best known for its handicraft items. There are a number of stalls and shops that sell everything, from ethnic jewelry and handmade rugs to cultural souvenirs, relating to different parts of South India.
What is Chennai specialty?
One-third of India’s automobile industry is based out of Chennai, which is why it is nicknamed as the “Detroit of India.” Another one of Chennai’s specialties is that it is home to the Tamil film industry.
What is famous in Chennai to eat?
Madras meals are popular among both the locals and the tourists. It is a wholesome platter of rasam (daal), rice, vegetable curry, appalam, and a sweet. The variety offered makes it one of the best dishes to have for lunch.
Which saree is famous in Chennai?
Kanjeevaram silk sarees are famous all over Chennai. Some of the weaves you see on these saris are found nowhere else in the world.
Which sweet shop is famous in Chennai?
Adyar Ananda Bhavan is one of the most famous sweet shops in Chennai.
Is Chennai worth visiting?
Yes, Chennai is definitely worth a visit. Its stunning beauty and cultural and natural richness makes it a popular Indian state. The locals are hospitably warm and are more than willing to help travelers understand the culture and heritage of the state. The tourist places near Chennai, like Mahabalipuram, are a must-visit.
Which language is spoken in Chennai?
Tamil is widely spoken in Chennai. It is usually peppered with English to help travelers understand what is being said. Other languages spoken in Chennai include Malayalam, Urdu, and Telugu.
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Kanika has 4 years of experience in writing blogs and marketing content for travel. And when she’s not writing, she’s either exploring new terrains in a different corner of the world, or out in the city freezing urban scenarios in her camera.
