The Ultimate shopaholic's guide to unique markets in Delhi

Delhi is a shopaholic's paradise, offering everything from high-end malls to bustling street markets. For those looking to avoid the generic big-box stores and discover some of the city's hidden shopping gems, Delhi's unique markets are a must-visit. These vibrant bazaars offer an assault on the senses, with crowds of people, colours, and smells intermingling as shoppers hunt for handicrafts, antiques, spices, and more.

From Chandni Chowk's labyrinth of narrow lanes to the artsy boutiques of Shahpur Jat, Delhi's markets reflect the city's rich culture and heritage. This shopaholic's guide will highlight some of the top unique markets that should be on every Delhi visitor's itinerary.

1. Chandni Chowk

Chandni Chowk is Delhi's iconic historical market, located in the Old Delhi area. Dating back to the 17th-century Mughal era, this densely crowded bazaar captures the essence of authentic Indian street shopping. The chaotic maze of narrow alleys is filled with food stalls emitting mouth-watering aromas, tiny shops overflowing with vibrant saris, and electrical wires hanging overhead.

Chandni Chowk is primarily known for its wholesale clothing and textile stores, but it also offers leather goods, bicycles, paper products, toys, jewellery, and more. Be sure to sharpen your haggling skills before visiting, as bargaining is the norm here. Don't miss stopping at the famous Paranthe Wali Gali for some delicious stuffed flatbreads. Chandni Chowk is sensory overload at its finest!

• Top finds: Saris, fabrics, street food
• Top local food to try: Paratha at Paranthe Wali Gali, street food like chaat
• Drive time from The Hosteller Delhi: 30-45 minutes (13.9 km)

Chandni Chowk Delhi | Credits: saik.manisha, Instagram

2. Dilli Haat

For a more orderly and air-conditioned bazaar experience, head to Dilli Haat in Delhi. This spacious open-air market was created by the Delhi Tourism Authority to showcase handicrafts and cuisines from all over India. The vendors rotate every two weeks, giving shoppers an ever-changing selection. Wander through the stalls, browsing colourful textiles, ornate jewellery, wooden toys, horn crafts, and more.

After working up an appetite, grab some authentic regional dishes like Hyderabadi biryani or Goan prawn curry from the food stalls. With cultural performances held here most evenings, Dilli Haat is a great place to soak up India's incredible diversity all in one place. Don't forget to bargain!

• Top finds: handicrafts, ethnic clothing, jewellery
• Top local food to try: Hyderabadi biryani, prawn curry
• Drive time from The Hosteller Delhi: 20 minutes (11.1 km)

Dilli Haat | Credits: riddhima_paul, Instagram

3. Hauz Khas Village

Nestled around the historic Hauz Khas complex, this upscale neighbourhood has become a hub for indie boutiques, galleries, and cafes. The vibe here is artsy and bohemian, with narrow streets lined with chic designer stores, vegan bake shops, and ethnic home decor retailers. While the shopping at Hauz Khas Village is decidedly more expensive than other markets, it offers high-quality contemporary Indian fashion, antiques, and handicrafts you won't find elsewhere.

Make sure to weave through the back alleys to discover hidden gem boutiques like Buttons & Stitches that customise denim jackets. Refuel at one of the many trendy cafes before heading home with unique finds.

• Top finds: contemporary Indian fashion, handicrafts, antiques
• Top local food to try: Baked goods from vegan cafés and boutiques
• Drive time from The Hosteller Delhi: 20-30 minutes (13.4 km)

Hauz Khas market | Credits: Canva

4. Janpath Market

For bargain shoppers, Janpath Market is not to be missed. Located near Connaught Place, this long outdoor street market offers everything from clothing to home goods at extremely affordable rates. Be prepared to sift through piles of items to uncover great finds. If you have the time, walk the entire length of the market to get the full experience. Janpath has a youthful vibe, with rows of street stalls selling funky T-shirts, printed fabric, traditional embroidered footwear called juttis, and more.

Don't be afraid to dig deep and haggle to get the best deals here. The crowds get thick on weekends, so try to visit Janpath Market during the week if possible. You'll surely leave with bags full of budget-friendly buys.

• Top finds: embroidered juttis, printed kurtis, embellished fabric
• Top local food to try: Chole bhature, aloo chaat, kulfi
• Drive time from The Hosteller Delhi: 25-35 minutes (10.4 km)

Janpath Market | Credits: maria_maldur, Instagram

5. Lajpat Nagar Central Market

Located in South Delhi, Lajpat Nagar Central Market is a bustling complex of shops organised neatly into sections: housewares, footwear, textiles, jewellery, clothing, and more. Unlike the chaotic bazaars of Old Delhi, Lajpat Nagar has a more organised feel, with stores lining the indoor corridors. Shoppers will find reasonably priced saris, kurtis, home linens, brassware, and sweets at fixed rates here.

Be sure to pop into Anokhi and Fabindia for high-quality textiles and block-printed clothing. For traditional bridalwear, Ritu Kumar is a great stop. Refuel with aloo chaat, chole bhature, or kulfi from one of the street food vendors lining the outer rim. Lajpat Nagar Market offers one-stop shopping for both apparel and housewares.

• Top finds: kurtis, saris, home linens, sweets
• Top local food to try: Street food like aloo chaat, chole bhature, kulfi
• Drive time from The Hosteller Delhi: 20 minutes (4.7 km)

Lajpat Nagar Central Market | Credits: Canva

6. Mehar Chand market

Tucked away in a residential neighbourhood of New Delhi, Mehar Chand Market is home to exclusive designer boutiques and jewellery stores frequented by Delhi's elite. The narrow lanes here are ideal for leisurely strolling and window shopping in the latest Indian high fashion. Look for couture creations by JJ Valaya, Ashish N Soni, and Tarun Tahiliani, along with extravagant diamond and gemstone jewellery.

Mehar Chand Market also offers custom tailoring, exotic home decor items, and exquisite handicrafts. While the prices are sky-high, the people watching and window shopping can't be beat. Treat yourself to a buffet lunch at the iconic Eau de Monsoon restaurant after working up an appetite.

• Top finds: designer clothing and jewellery, luxury home decor
• Top local food to try: Chole kulche
• Drive time from The Hosteller Delhi: 20 minutes (8.8 km)

Mehar Chand market | Credits: Canva

7. Sarojini Nagar market

No shopaholic's guide to Delhi is complete without Sarojini Nagar Market, one of the city's most renowned budget shopping destinations. This sprawling complex of street stalls is packed with trendy apparel and accessories priced unbelievably low. Be prepared to dig through heaps of clothing to uncover hidden gems. T-shirts here can cost as little as ₹300-500, while dresses and jeans typically go for ₹600-900. You'll also find a terrific selection of imitation jewellery, handbags, and shoes.

Visit mid-week to avoid the worst crowds. With thousands of vendors peddling such amazing deals, Sarojini Nagar Market truly feels like a shopper's paradise. Just be sure to polish up those bargaining skills before hitting the stalls!

• Top finds: trendy clothing, costume jewellery, footwear
• Top local food to try: Local snacks from food stalls
• Drive time from The Hosteller Delhi: 25 minutes (10.8 km)

Sarojini Nagar market | Credits: harshakandhari, Instagram

8. Shahpur Jat

For offbeat and alternative shopping, check out the quiet lanes of Shahpur Jat in New Delhi. Nestled among urban ruins, art galleries, and creative studios, this neighbourhood offers a treasure trove of independent boutiques and custom design stores. Browse quirky home decor at The Paper Shop, then pop into Nimai to shop handcrafted jewellery and pottery. If you're looking for one-of-a-kind clothing and accessories, shops like Obataimu and Pero will delight.

The vibe here is relaxed and artistic, perfect for while away an afternoon getting lost down side alleys and chatting with store owners. Don't miss having lunch at Kunafa Kitchen for contemporary Arabic cuisine. Shahpur Jat is ideal for finding items you won't see anywhere else in the city.

• Top finds: handmade pottery, custom clothing, gallery exhibits
• Top local food to try: Contemporary Arabic cuisine at Kunafa Kitchen
• Drive time from The Hosteller Delhi: 27 minutes (8.7 km)

Shahpur Jat | Credits: michiyomikage, Instagram

9. Khan Market

Khan Market is an upscale shopping and food hub located in central Delhi. This U-shaped market contains narrow lanes packed with luxury brand stores, chic boutiques, renowned restaurants and lively cafes. Shop for designer clothing, bespoke jewellery, shoes, books, and housewares from brands and more. Stop for a indulgent brunch or coffee break at buzzing spots like Big Chill Cafe, Town Hall, or The All American Diner. Khan Market has a sophisticated vibe and is a favourite among Delhi's elite and expat crowds for a day of leisurely shopping and dining.

• Top finds: High-end clothing, accessories, housewares, books
• Top local food to try: Brunch and coffee shops, restaurants like Big Chill Cafe
• Drive time from The Hosteller Delhi: 30 minutes (7.9 km)

Khan Market | Credits: myhomeiskhan, Instagram

10. Connaught Place

Connaught Place is a must-visit attraction in the heart of Delhi, renowned for its colonnaded streets lined with shops, restaurants and bars. The Inner Circle houses upscale stores like Fabindia, Anokhi and The Shop filled with local handicrafts and textiles. Head to the Outer Circle to browse street stalls selling trinkets, accessories, and snacks at Janpath Market.

Refuel with tasty local bites like chole bhature, pani puri and kebabs from the food vendors dotting the outer rim. Visit Palika Bazaar, an underground air-conditioned market below Connaught Place, to peruse clothing, accessories, electronics and more. Connaught Place exudes old-world charm and is a prime spot to experience the cultural heart of Delhi.

• Top finds: Handicrafts, clothing, street food
• Top local food to try: Local snacks like pani puri, samosas and kebabs
• Drive time from The Hosteller Delhi: 20-30 minutes (11 km)

Connaught Place | Credits: Canva

11. Gaffar Market

In the Karol Bagh neighbourhood of Delhi, Gaffar Market offers bustling old-school bazaars spread across a grid of streets. It's renowned as a leading destination for women's clothing, with over 5000 shops selling suits, saris, lehengas, accessories and more at wholesale rates. Bargain hard as you browse sparkling chaniya cholis, embroidered fabrics and trendy dresses.

Gaffar Market is also famous for its delectable street food stalls dishing out snacks like chole bhature, golgappas, and chaat. Take a break from shopping to dig into piping hot samosas, kachoris and South Indian fare. With its crowded lanes and jostling shoppers, Gaffar Market gives a taste of traditional Indian bazaars. Don't forget to hone those negotiation skills!

• Top finds: Traditional women's ethnic wear, street food
• Top local food to try: Street food like chole bhature, golgappas
• Drive time from The Hosteller Delhi: 45-55 minutes (14.8 km)

Gaffar Market | Credits: Canva

12. Palika Bazaar

Located beneath Connaught Place, Palika Bazaar is a shopping hub offering affordable clothing, accessories, electronics and knick-knacks. The air-conditioned bazaar spans over 1 km across various blocks labelled A to L. Comb through mounds of merchandise to find great deals on bags, watches, clothing, homewares, and mobile accessories.

When you need a break from shopping, head up to the Courtyard to sample street food favourites like chole bhature, pani puri, and kebabs from the food stalls. With shops staying open until late, Palika Bazaar is popular for getting great bargain buys conveniently under one subterranean roof.

• Top finds: Clothing, electronics, inexpensive accessories
• Top local food to try: Local snacks from food stalls on upper level
• Drive time from The Hosteller Delhi: 25-30 minutes (10.8 km)

Palika Bazaar | Credits: j.prachi_08, Instagram

Relax at the best & the most affordable spot!

After a long day of shopping and exploring Delhi's incredible markets, you'll want to rest your head at a comfortable, welcoming place. Look no further than The Hosteller Delhi, an ideal choice for a memorable stay in the heart of the capital city. As a top-rated hostel in Delhi, The Hosteller offers a unique blend of comfort, affordability, and a vibrant social atmosphere. Conveniently located in the bustling centre of Delhi, it provides easy access by metro to all the iconic landmarks, cultural hotspots, and dynamic markets showcased in this shopaholic's guide.

Whether you're a solo backpacker or exploring with friends, The Hosteller Delhi, with its comfy pods and common rooms, ensures an affordable, safe, and unforgettable experience in this captivating metropolis. Book your stay today!