Chandni Chowk Guide: 10 Best Lanes To Shop From In Delhi's Favourite Market

205029 Interested |
430K  Views

The streets of Chandni Chowk need no introduction. This part of Delhi is known, not just around the country, but around the world, and rightly so—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 and 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: 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, where you can exit from gate number 5, which is closest to the “Katra Bazaars” (main road), and Chawri Bazar on the yellow line, where you can exit from gate number 3, which is closest to Nai 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.

Tips For Visiting Chandni Chowk: The Chandni Chowk markets in Delhi are shut on Sundays except for a few food spots and shops. The market is especially busy during festive and wedding seasons, so you should visit as early as possible in the day if you wish to avoid the crowds. Pickpocketing is quite common, especially in the narrow lanes, so be mindful of your belongings. Also, bargaining isn't a myth here, so bring your A-game for the same!

Here's A List Of Shopping Destinations In Chandni Chowk

Dariba Kalan

A 17th-century market, Dariba Kalan is a lane full of jewellers selling gorgeous silver jewellery that costs 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 at this Chandni Chowk market for sure!

Recommended Stores: Jain Silver Arts Jewellery, Shri Ram Hari Ram Jewellers, Roop Jewellery House

Timings: 11 AM – 7 PM, closed on Sundays

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

Pro-Tip: 28 Indian Jewellery Brands For All Budgets And Styles

Nai Sarak

Nai Sarak 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 of wholesale prices.

Recommended Stores: All India Book House, Ashoka Book Depot, Paper House

Timings: 11 AM – 8 PM, closed on Sundays

Bhagirath Palace

Touted as Asia’s largest wholesale market for electrical and electronic goods, Bhagirath Palace in Chandni Chowk, Delhi 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. Bargaining is the key here, so don't be shy about quoting a lesser price for unbranded stuff.

Recommended Stores: Rastogi Electricals, Sachdeva Light, Aakriti Electricals

Timings: 11 AM - 7 PM, closed on Sundays

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

Katra Neel

A wholesale market for clothes of all kinds, 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 menswear as well! The best thing about this market is that you will find clothes and fabrics at every price point. 

Recommended Stores: Navprit Textiles, Aarekhi, Chandra Fashions, Om Parkash Jawahar Lal

Timings: 11 AM - 8 PM, closed on Sundays

Pro-TipTop 12 Fabric Markets in Delhi for Affordable Wholesale Fabrics

Kucha Choudhary Market

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

Recommended Stores: Modern Camera Care, Kandhari Flash Experts, Rattan Studio

Timings: 11 AM - 8:30 PM, closed on Sundays

Ballimaran Market

You’ll find lots of footwear stores here at the street at Ballimaran Market. Juttis, sandals, sneakers, you will find anything and everything here at super-affordable prices. The lane is also famous for glasses, but we’d recommend checking for the quality of the plastic frames—some of them might turn out to be quite flimsy.

Recommended Stores: Asiad Market, Ruby & Ruby Opticians, Trident Enterprises

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.

Recommended Stores: Sohan Lal Gupta & Co, Misra Brothers, Vintage Crafts

Timings: 10 AM - 8 PM, closed on Sundays

LBB Tip: If you’re going there in the morning, you can feast on Bedmi Puri and Nigori Halwa from Ram Swaroop Halwai.

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 accoutrements and fancy varmalas. The place is packed around festivals and the wedding season. Considering it is a very narrow lane,  plan your visit accordingly.

Recommended Stores: Aggarwal's, Meerut Gota Store, Anpurna Zari House

Timings: 10:30 AM - 8 PM, closed on Sundays

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.

Pro-Tip: Know more about this market here.

Khari Baoli

Located at the western end of Chandni Chowk, Khari Baoli in Chandni Chowk 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 nothing in terms of spices and condiments (even the exotic kind) you can’t find here.

Recommended Stores: Shyam Stores, DilliGrocery, Hari Singh & Sons

Timings: 10 AM - 8 PM, closed on Sundays

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

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. Go early in the morning to get the freshest stuff! 

Recommended Stores: Shri Balaji Trading Co., Sawan Dry Fruits

Timings: 9:30 AM - 8:30 PM, closed on Sundays

img-user-ipsitanayak
713 Followers

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