Chandni Chowk Market: Vibrant Shopping, Street Food, And Local Culture

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The streets of Chandni Chowk need no introduction. This part of Delhi is known not just around the country, but around the world, and with good reason too—the charm of the place (and the prices) are certainly unmatchable.

Being pretty expansive (and very, very crowded) on all days of the week, finding your way around this area can be quite intimidating. From lehengas and sarees to spices and herbs of all kinds to stationery items and books, you can find anything you need if you know which street sells what, and for that we are here to help you out so read on!

How To Reach Chandni Chowk: Metro is the most convenient mode of transport if you don't want to spend hours in traffic. The closest metro stations are Chandni Chowk on the yellow line, exit from gate no. 5, which is closest to the “Katra Bazaars” (main road), and Chawri Bazar on the yellow line, exit from gate no. 3 which is closest to Nayi Sadak. You can even reach Lal Quila, or Jama Masjid metro stations which are on the violet line closest to the Red Fort and Jama Masjid.

Dariba Kalan

A 17th century market, Dariba Kalan is a lane full of jewellers selling gorgeous silver jewellery that cost at least 25 per cent less than what you’d find in any other market. From nose-pins, earrings, neckpieces, and anklets, to silverware and utensils, your silver needs will be sorted here.

Shopping Tip: Not just silver—you’ll find kundan and meenakari jewellery, plus shops selling attars, perfumes, and oils too here.

LBB Tip: Check out our picks of silver shops at Dariba Kalan here.

Timings: 11 AM – 7 PM

Closed On: Sunday

Nai Sadak

Nai Sadak is a haven for anyone looking for books and stationery items—for students and professionals in particular. From fourth-hand college books and textbooks for competitive exams, to brand new fiction and first edition Hindi non-fiction, there’s plenty here for most people’s needs. Plus, if you’re a hoarder of writing and art material (even of the foreign variety), you’ll find great happiness here, because, wholesale prices.

Shopping Tip: Ashoka Book Depot, Paper House, Aggarwal Book Centre, Nawnit Book Depot, Gian Book Depot, New Book Centre and College Book Store are a few of the famous spots.

Timings: 11 AM – 8 PM

Closed On: Sundays


Bhagirath Palace

Touted as Asia’s largest wholesale market for electrical and electronic goods, Bhagirath Palace has got a lot to offer—from basic light fixtures to fancy decorative lights that can take center stage in your living room or can be placed in your garden, you’ll find them all here, and at dirt cheap prices.

Shopping Tip: Bargaining is the key here so don't be shy from quoting a lesser price for unbranded stuff.

LBB Tip: Check out our picks of light stores worth checking out here.

Timings: 11 AM - 7 PM

Closed On: Sundays

Katra Neel

A wholesale market for cloth of all kind, this is where you’ll find the first Raymond franchise from Old Delhi. You’ll also find plenty of shops selling lehengas, saris, and salwar suits here, plus plenty of menswear too! Some stores to check out are Navprit Textiles, Aarekhi, Chandra Fashions, Meenakshi Creations, Sumit Jain & Sons and of course, the OG shop Om Parkash Jawahar Lal for the most exquisite bridal wear.

Shopping Tip: The best thing about this market is that you will find clothes and fabrics at every price point. 

Timings: 11 AM - 8 PM

Closed On: Sundays

Kucha Choudhary Market

Opened in the mid-1970s, Kucha Choudhary Market, known colloquially as the photo market, in Chandni Chowk is a photographers dream. You can get every type of camera (vintage, DSLR, or Polaroid) and essential accessory you could ever imagine around every corner.

LBB Tip: Our guide here for the market tells exactly which shop to head to for what!

Timings: 11 AM - 8:30 PM

Closed On: Sundays

Ballimaran Market

You’ll find lots of opticians here at the street at Ballimaran Market. While we can’t say too much about their eye-testing skills, you’ll find a huge variety of frames and sunglasses for crazy cheap. We’d recommend checking for the quality of the plastic frames though—some of them might turn out to be quite flimsy.

Shopping Tips: You can find vintage sunglasses and watches here, plus footwear of all kinds. PS, they sell copies of all designer brands in case that's what you are looking for.

Timings: 11 AM - 8:30 PM

Closed On: Sundays

Chawri Bazaar

Specialising in paper products, Chawri Bazar is where you should head if you want to get wedding cards printed in bulk {and at a wholesale cost}. There are hundreds of shops selling all kinds of invitation cards—from super simple to super fancy. We suggest you go with the final copy of what you want printed on the cards, because there’s a long line of customers at the printers’, who will then help you decide the font and style to go with the card you’ve selected.

Shopping Tips: If you’re going there in the morning, you can feast on Bedmi Puri and Nigori Halwa from Ram Swaroop Halwai. Oh, and you can get some fancy crockery and mason jars here too.

Timings: 10 AM - 8 PM

Closed On: Sundays

Kinari Bazar

Ideal for wedding shopping, Kinari Bazaar is a galli selling fabrics, zari borders, Parsi borders, ribbon laces, motifs for sarees and kurtas, and latkans too. Not just that though—there are tons of tiny shops selling party favours, wedding accoutrement and fancy varmalas.

Shopping Tips: The place is packed around festivals and wedding season so plan your visit accordingly.

LBB Tip: This lane connects to the ever famous Paranthe Wale Galli, where you’ll find plenty to eat. And don’t miss out on stupendous paani puris at Padam Chaat Corner while you’re there.

Timings: 10:30 AM - 8 PM

Closed On: Sundays

Khari Baoli

Located at the western end of Chandni Chowk, Khari Baoli is a street entirely dedicated to all kinds of spices, dried fruits, nuts, and herbs. From amlas, makhanas, red and green chilis, and dried mulberries & plums, there’s really nothing in terms of spices and condiments (even the exotic kind) you can’t find here.

Shopping Tip: It's suitable to buy here in quantity of kgs since the shopkeepers are not so keen on selling small quantities.

LBB Tip: This market has been operating since the 17th century, and if you’re curious, you might get a mini master class on the origin of your favourite spice here!

Timings: 10 AM - 8PM

Days Closed: Sundays


Fatehpuri Market

This one’s a wholesale trade centre for khoya and paneer. You’ll find plenty of eateries like parathas, kulfi, aloo puri, chole bhature, and more. You’ll even find prayer items and materials required for wedding rituals.

Shopping Tips: Go early in the morning to get the freshest stuff. 

Timings: 9:30 AM - 8:30 PM

Closed On: Sundays

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An urban yogini with a serious fetish for yoga, wholesome living, and homegrown indie brands.