Delhi is popular for its street food, shopping spots, historical monuments, and more. There are many markets in Delhi which not only offer lip-smacking food but also provide a great shopping experience. Shopping in Chandni Chowk is one such experience that every Delhi visitor must indulge in. The old charm of this spot is a visual treat to the eyes because of the rustic architecture and shopping here will also be easy on your pockets. A shopping spree in Delhi is incomplete without a visit to Chandni Chowk. In case you miss it, you are going to regret it later!
Shopping In Chandni Chowk
Did someone say shopping in Chandni Chowk? We know the answer is never no! So, for a hassle-free shopping experience, we have prepared a list for you.
1. Kinari Bazaar
Located just behind Gurudwara Sisganj Sahib and Sunehri Masjid, Kinari Bazaar is the go-to place for buying decorative materials for your apparel. The shops in Kinari Bazaar offer a variety of embellishments to choose from, like borders, beads, laces, fabrics, latkans, buttons, pom-poms, sequins, and more. You can find unique pieces in even the smallest of shops, it’s just that you need to search a little. It is recommended to carry the material of your cloth for matching to ease the selection process from a plethora of options. Moreover, the shopkeepers here assist you with their expertise. After a shopping spree, you can head to Paranthe Wali Gali for drool-worthy food.
Location: Katra Shah N Shah, Old Delhi, Delhi, 110006
Timings: 11:30 am to 7 pm, closed on Sundays
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2. Chawri Bazaar
The first-ever wholesale market in Delhi, Chawri Bazaar, is popular for buying wedding invites, brass & copper articles, electrical items, vintage musical instruments, paper products, and hardware. People who have a wedding to prepare for, come here to buy wedding cards, which have a wide range, from minimal to fancy, bright to light, to suit everyone’s preferences. People have labelled it as a go-to-market for wedding invites. While enjoying the best shopping in Chandni Chowk, you can gorge on the famous Daulat ki Chaat and Kulle ki Chaat.
Location: Adjacent to Jama Masjid
Timings: 11:30 am to 6 pm, closed on Sundays
3. Katra Neel
Image Credit: Ramesh lalwani for Wikimedia Commons
Named after Neel Kanth Mahadev, Katra Neel was initially a market for indigo traders and manufacturers. ‘Neel’ in ‘Katra Neel’ means ‘blue’ in English, further indicating indigo, a whitening agent. Today, this wholesale market is a one-stop shopping location for wedding outfits, footwear, and jewellery. All the men out there need not be disappointed as many shops here sell menswear. Apart from wedding trousseau, you can find fabrics for curtains and furniture covers, which, in a way, also sort your post-wedding home decor requirements. You can buy stuff here without burning a hole in your pockets, as the items are priced so low.
Location: Chandni Chowk, Delhi 110006
Timings: 10 am to 7 pm, closed on Sundays
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4. Dariba Kalan
Stocked up with all the accessories to complement your outfit, Dariba Kalan was once known as “Jeweller’s Street.” The intricate metalwork of gold and silver jewellery depicts a work of fine craftsmanship, and that too at pocket-friendly prices. From heavy pieces to trinkets, you will find necklaces, anklets, rings, nose pins, and more. Apart from jewellery and precious stones, you can also buy ittar and add fragrances to your existing perfume collection. The place is best for street shopping in Chandni Chowk and those fond of oxidised jewellery and aroma must pay a visit. A fun fact for Bollywood buffs: The word “Dariba Kalan” was used in the song Kajra Re from Bunty Aur Babli.
Location: Kinari Bazar Road, Near Bhavana Trading Company, Dharampura, Chandni Chowk, Delhi 110006
Timings: 11 am to 9 pm, closed on Sundays
5. Bhagirath Palace
Asia’s largest wholesale market for electronic goods, Bhagirath Palace, is like that song which will lighten up your world like nobody else, in a literal sense. The vendors in the market sell lamps and lights, suitable not only for Diwali nights, but also for other festive occasions and daily use. Fairy lights, chandeliers, night lamps, light bulbs, and more, you name it, and you will find everything here. The prices are budget-friendly and the designs are appealing. Bhagirath Palace is among the famous places in Chandni Chowk as it is the go-to-market for localities with any kind of electrical requirements.
Location: Chandni Chowk, Chhippy Wada, New Delhi, Delhi 110006
Timings: 11 am to 8 pm, closed on Sundays
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6. Nai Sarak
Nai Sarak in English translates to “the new road,” which doesn’t stand true to its name, as its architecture and construction are quite ancient. The rustic look your sight witnesses while entering the market is what exhibits the typical Old Delhi charm. The market set up at Nai Sarak is known as bookworms and stationery hoarders’ paradise. You will get all kinds of books, from fourth-hand to brand new, from academic to fiction & non-fiction. Similarly, stationery items and art supplies can be bought at wholesale prices. These wholesale stationery shops in Chandni Chowk are pocket-friendly for students and they prefer bulk purchasing.
Location: Chandni Chowk, New Delhi 110006
Timings: 11 am to 6 pm, closed on Sundays
7. Khari Baoli
Considered one of the largest wholesale spice markets in Asia, Khari Baoli caters to all your flavouring requirements. The market is a one-stop shop for nuts, imported spices, premium masalas, dry fruits & plums, haldi, aam papads, herbs, makhanas, and more at an affordable price. ‘Khari’ means ‘salty’ and ‘Baoli’ means ‘stepwell.’ Hence, the market is named after a stepwell, which no longer exists. Also known as the Old Delhi Spice Market, the vendors here also sell bags of rice and tea by kilo. People with sensitive noses must carry a cloth or mask as the smell of chilly powder or any other spice may lead to sneezing.
Location: Near Fatehpuri Masjid
Timings: 11:30 am to 6 pm, closed on Sundays
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Retail therapy is always fun to indulge in, and shopping in Chandni Chowk will prove it! From clothes, footwear and jewellery to books, spices, and lights, you can get it all here. So, next time you plan a trip to Delhi, don’t forget to spare a day or two to explore this market and buy some amazing stuff to show off to your friends.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Shopping In Chandni Chowk
What is the best time to shop in Chandni Chowk?
It is recommended to shop during the morning, as with time, the place gets crowded. Most shops open around 10 a.m., so you can get there accordingly.
On which day Chandni Chowk market is closed?
Chandni Chowk remains closed on Sundays. Additionally, it remains closed on national holidays like Diwali, Janamasthmi, Eid, and others.
How to reach Chandni Chowk?
If you are travelling by Metro, get down at Chandni Chowk Metro station on the Yellow line. Also, if you are travelling by violet line, get down at Lal Qila Metro Station. From there, you can either walk or take a rickshaw to get to the main market. Additionally, you can reach by taxi or bus from any part of the city.
Does Chandni Chowk have car parking?
Yes, you can park your vehicle in Gandhi Maidan opposite Sisganj Gurudwara. Another option is to park at some metro station in Delhi and board a metro to get down at Chandni Chowk Metro Station.
Where can I shop in Chandni Chowk?
Depending upon what you want to shop for, some of the places to shop in Chandni Chowk are- Kinari Bazaar, Chawri Bazaar, Nai Sarak, Katra Neel, Bhagirath Palace, Dariba Kalan, and Khari Baoli.
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