New Delhi, the bustling capital of India, is a haven for expats and digital nomads who crave the excitement of urban exploration alongside their work. The city’s markets are a vibrant tapestry of culture, color, and commerce, offering everything from exotic spices to handcrafted jewelry. Whether you’re furnishing your new apartment, hunting for unique souvenirs, or just soaking up the local atmosphere, these markets are must-visit destinations. Here are some of the best markets in New Delhi that provide a glimpse into the heart of Indian bazaar life.
Dilli Haat
Location: Sri Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi
Type of Market: Craft and Food Market
Open: Daily, 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Dilli Haat is an open-air market that offers an eclectic mix of crafts, food, and cultural activities. Designed to resemble a traditional village market, it hosts artisans from across India, providing them with a platform to showcase their crafts. The market is also known for its variety of regional cuisines, making it a perfect spot for food enthusiasts.
We Recommend: Trying the momos from the Sikkim or Nagaland food stalls, or picking up some exquisite handloom sarees that reflect the rich textile heritage of India.
Khan Market
Location: Rabindra Nagar, New Delhi
Type of Market: Upscale Retail and Food Market
Open: Daily, 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Khan Market is a favorite among expats and well-heeled locals, known for its high-end shops, bookstores, and cafes. Despite its compact size, it offers a diverse shopping experience, from designer boutiques to Ayurvedic health stores. The market is also surrounded by some of the city’s best restaurants and street food joints.
We Recommend: Visiting Full Circle Bookstore for a wide selection of books, followed by a relaxing cup of coffee at Café Turtle located on the bookstore’s top floor.
Chandni Chowk
Location: Old Delhi
Type of Market: Traditional Street Market
Open: Daily, 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)
Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest and busiest markets in Delhi, offers a sensory overload with its narrow lanes and endless variety of goods. From spices and fabrics to electronics and jewelry, this market has it all. It’s a great place to experience the hustle and bustle of Old Delhi and to practice your bargaining skills.
We Recommend: Sampling the street food, especially the parathas from the famous Paranthe Wali Gali, or buying some traditional Indian garments and intricate costume jewelry.
Sarojini Nagar Market
Location: Sarojini Nagar, New Delhi
Type of Market: Flea Market
Open: Daily, 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Sarojini Nagar Market is a paradise for bargain hunters, offering a wide array of clothing, accessories, and household items at throwaway prices. The market is especially popular for its export surplus garments, which means you can snag branded clothes for a fraction of their original price.
We Recommend: Digging through the piles of clothes to find designer labels at incredibly low prices, and don’t miss out on the trendy street-style accessories.
Lajpat Nagar Central Market
Location: Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi
Type of Market: Retail and Street Market
Open: Daily, 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Lajpat Nagar Central Market is a bustling shopping area known for its affordable fashion, textiles, and home decor items. It’s a great place to shop for Indian ethnic wear, including salwar kameez, lehengas, and accessories. The market also has a good selection of street food stalls.
We Recommend: Getting a custom-tailored Indian outfit from one of the many tailors, or picking up some traditional Indian bangles and earrings.
Paharganj Main Bazaar
Location: Paharganj, New Delhi
Type of Market: Budget Shopping and Tourist Market
Open: Daily, 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Paharganj Main Bazaar is known for its eclectic vibe, attracting backpackers and budget travelers from around the world. The market is lined with shops selling clothes, books, music, and handicrafts, often at prices much lower than elsewhere in the city. It’s also a good spot to find inexpensive guesthouses and cafes.
We Recommend: Exploring the myriad of bookshops for second-hand books or purchasing some unique silver jewelry from the local artisans.
Janpath and Tibetan Market
Location: Janpath, Connaught Place, New Delhi
Type of Market: Street Market
Open: Daily, 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
The Janpath and Tibetan Market is a vibrant marketplace that offers a mix of modern and traditional goods. Here, you can find everything from trendy clothes and accessories to handicrafts and souvenirs. The Tibetan section of the market is particularly known for its beautiful Tibetan jewelry, arts, and crafts.
We Recommend: Picking up some colorful Tibetan prayer flags or trying on some bohemian-style clothing and accessories.
Sundar Nagar Market
Location: Sundar Nagar, New Delhi
Type of Market: Art and Antique Market
Open: Daily, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)
Sundar Nagar Market is a quaint market known for its art galleries, antique shops, and tea houses. It’s a great place to find unique items such as silver jewelry, handicrafts, and art pieces. The market has a serene and laid-back atmosphere, making it a pleasant escape from the city’s chaos.
We Recommend: Browsing the antique shops for some rare finds or enjoying a quiet afternoon at one of the tea houses with a selection of fine teas.
