Charminar Market: 10 Things To Buy In This Shopper's Paradise

Nostalgia collectors, rejoice! If old coins are your thing, then you should make a quick visit to Ghansi Bazaar on Sundays. Spread on the footpath between Mecca Masjid and Charminar, the collection of coins on pavement stalls will stump you. There’s Indian annas, old rupee coins, and many other vintage ones that we haven’t seen before are put on a humble display — all we can say is, take your pick. 

The first thing that pops into one’s head when spoken about Charminar is Laad Bazaar. The moment you step into the bazaar, you’ll be surrounded by pushcarts, large stores, and road-side baskets heaped with bangles of various designs and colours. Starting at a price of INR 30 (if you’re a pro at bargaining, the price might go down) and rising up to INR 1,000 depending on the type, you’ll find bangles that aren’t found anywhere else here.

Girls, if you have been eyeing those suede pyjamas on international websites that refuse to deliver to Hyderabad, then let’s tick this concern off the list. Because right under the hood of Charminar, street vendors have a collection of them. Done in plain colours and floral prints, these PJs are bundles of joy. We think this calls for a Pyjama Party!

We found ornate metal sling bags with floral carvings here. These kitschy bags are perfect to carry with your ethnic wear or even for a night out. Found in most of the stores at Laad Bazaar, they are priced at INR 450. However, bargain your way. While you cannot carry your whole world in them, they’re perfect for holding your phone, cash/cards. 

If the body mists by Forest Essentials are your thing, then you’re going to enjoy the fragrance of Hyderbadi attar. The fruity ones might be a tad bit strong, but the floral or the sandalwood ones can be quite refreshing. Do sample various flavours and pick the ones that have floral undertones. We discovered a delicious spread of them right outside the entrance to Mecca Masjid. The owner sits with a sweet sweep of attars, surma (powdered kohl), and several natural products for hair and skin care.

The alleys of Laad Bazaar are a treasure trove for the ones with the knack of spotting offbeat or bohemian jewellery. We found beautiful maang tikkas done in white stones, red stones, pearls… you get the drift! These beauties can make all the difference to your ethnic outfits. While you’re at it, make sure to pick a Boho statement neckpiece too.

Stock up on juttis and shimmery wedges for as low as INR 100 to 200. Really these are a steal! The footwear sold at Charminar are specifically made either for casual wear or weddings, often to complement ethnic wear. The goodness of the juttis is that they are found in boundless colours that match lehengas and sarees. 

If your big day is marked on the calendar or you know someone who is getting hitched, the lanes of Charminar are one of the best places to find Hyderabadi-style khara dupatta with heavy work in bold colors along with trendy lehengas, shararas, ghagras, anarkalis, fancy sarees, sherwani, blazers and suits. Yes, the whole deal at affordable bargain prices. Material or ready to wear, you’ll find street stalls and stores in malls that will attract you with great designs. 

To match with the wedding attire or not, Pearls are a must buy from the city of pearls, duh. Stroll in the lanes of Patthar Ghati known for glittery pearl shops for necklaces, bracelets and earrings made with the highest quality of freshwater pearls, cultured pearls and even natural pearls [they’re pretty rare, you know]. If you’re a custom design girlie, you can also buy them loose from the Charminar bazaar to make your own designs. 

Pearls are one thing, Charminar shopping is also known for boho, silver and party-wear jewellery pieces. Find kundan and polki sets, gem stone jewellery and even everyday wear earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets for college and office wear and even feathery boho style or imitation jewelry for your big events. You can bargain from stall to stall to find the best deals.

When the weather gets nippy in Hyderabad, shawls and scarves come out during the night. And where can you get the most exquisite designs for a steal? Charminar bazaar. From pashmina to kalamkari, they’re perfect for gifting or styling them on your own. We love the delicate floral designs and animal motifs that add a personal touch to our winter wear.

There’s no denying that Hyderabadi and Telugu cuisine is all about flavors, what if you could buy them and try recreating those mouthwatering recipes? During your Charminar shopping, you’ll find a number of spice stores that sell everyday and exotic spices in wholesale and retail prices. Not just elaichi, cinnamon sticks, cardamon, cloves, and more, do get your hands on dry fruits too like cashews, figs, dates, etc.

Pro Tip: Speaking of spices, check out these must visit food spots near Charminar.  

Now, you can find all the above items and more in the by-lanes around Charminar. To reach the iconic place, you can take the metro to MGBS bus station and take an auto from there for a 10-min ride or get a cab and reach Charmiar directly. You can also take the city bus that stop at multiple places in old city, Charminar, being one of them.