Chandni Chowk: A Guide to Delhi’s Oldest and Most Vibrant Market

What are the best shopping destinations in Chandni Chowk?

What are the must-try street foods in Chandni Chowk?

What are the historical and cultural sites to visit near Chandni Chowk?

Follow-up questions: How long does it take to reach Chandni Chowk from different locations in Delhi? What are the transportation options available?

What are the must-visit attractions in Chandni Chowk?

Chandni Chowk market in Delhi is renowned for its rich heritage and vibrant atmosphere. Originally built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the market was designed to be a grand boulevard lined with elegant shops, reflecting pools, and a central canal that shimmered in the moonlight, hence its name, which translates to "Moonlit Square."

The market's narrow lanes are lined with centuries-old havelis (traditional townhouses) and bustling markets, creating a unique blend of old-world charm and modern-day commerce. One of the market's biggest attractions is its street food, which offers a tantalizing array of flavors and aromas. From the famous parathas of Parathe Wali Gali to the mouth-watering chaat of Natraj Chaat Bhandar, Chandni Chowk is a paradise for food lovers seeking to sample Delhi's culinary delights

History of Chandni Chowk

Chandni Chowk, which means “moonlit square” in Hindi, was founded by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. It was designed by his daughter Jahanara as a part of the imperial city of Shahjahanabad, which included the Red Fort and the Jama Masjid. Chandni Chowk was originally a wide avenue with a canal running through its center, reflecting the moonlight at night. It was lined with elegant mansions, gardens, and shops of the nobility and the merchants.

Over the centuries, Chandni Chowk witnessed many historical events and transformations. It was the scene of fierce battles during the invasions of Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Abdali in the 18th century.

It was also the center of the Indian independence movement in the 19th and 20th centuries, where many freedom fighters such as Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev, and Chandrashekhar Azad were hanged by the British. Today, Chandni Chowk is a bustling commercial hub that reflects the diversity and dynamism of Delhi.

Shopping at Chandni Chowk

Chandni Chowk is a shopper’s paradise, where you can find almost anything under the sun. From clothes to jewellery, from spices to dry fruits, from books to electronics, Chandni Chowk has it all. The market is divided into several streets and lanes, each specializing in a different type of product. Some of the famous streets and shops in Chandni Chowk are:

Dariba Kalan:

This is the street of silver and gold jewellery, where you can find exquisite designs and craftsmanship. Some of the popular shops here are Gulab Singh Johri Mal, Shri Ram Hari Ram Jewellers, and MM Jewellers.

Kinari Bazaar:

This is the street of zari and lace work, where you can find beautiful embellishments for your clothes and accessories. Some of the popular shops here are Om Prakash Jawahar Lal, Chawla Lace Emporium, and Lala Jagdish Prasad & Co.

Khari Baoli:

This is the street of spices and dry fruits, where you can find a variety of flavors and aromas. Some of the popular shops here are Mehar Chand & Sons, Jhaveri & Co., and Meghraj & Sons.

Nai Sadak:

This is the street of books and stationery, where you can find books on every subject and genre. Some of the popular shops here are Jain Book Depot, Goyal Book Store, and Aggarwal Book Company.

Chawri Bazaar:

This is the street of paper products and brassware, where you can find colorful papers, envelopes, cards, and brass idols. Some of the popular shops here are Jain Paper Mart, Ratan Lal & Sons, and Sharma Brass Products.

Shopping at Chandni Chowk can be a fun and rewarding experience if you know how to bargain well. You can also get some great deals if you buy in bulk or during festive seasons. However, you should also be careful about what you buy and avoid buying fake or low-quality products. You should also be aware of pickpockets and scammers who may try to cheat you.

Food at Chandni Chowk

Chandni Chowk is a foodie’s haven, where you can taste some of the best street food and delicacies in Delhi. The market offers a variety of cuisines and dishes that will satisfy your taste buds and appetite. Some of the famous street food and eateries in Chandni Chowk are:

Parathe Wali Gali:

This is the street of parathas (stuffed flatbreads), where you can find more than 20 types of parathas such as potato, cauliflower, cheese, banana, rabri (sweetened milk), etc. Some of the popular shops here are Pandit Gaya Prasad Shiv Charan Paratha Wala (established in 1872), Babu Ram Paratha Wala, and Kanhaiya Lal Durga Prasad Paratha Wala.

Nai Sadak:

This is the street of kachoris (deep-fried stuffed pastries), where you can find crispy and spicy kachoris filled with lentils, potatoes, onions, etc. Some of the popular shops here are Jung Bahadur Kachori Wala, Shyam Sweets, and Chaina Ram Sindhi Confectioners.

Chandni Chowk:

This is the street of chhole bhature (spicy chickpeas and fried bread), where you can find fluffy and soft bhature served with tangy and hot chhole. Some of the popular shops here are Sita Ram Diwan Chand, Chache Di Hatti, and Radhey Shyam Subhash Kumar.

Dariba Kalan:

This is the street of jalebis (deep-fried spiral sweets), where you can find thick and juicy jalebis dipped in sugar syrup. Some of the popular shops here are Old Famous Jalebi Wala (established in 1884), Jalebi Junction, and Laxmi Jalebi Corner.

Parathas at Parathe Wali Gali: This iconic lane is known for its stuffed parathas, served with a variety of mouth-watering fillings such as potato, paneer, and mixed vegetables, along with tangy pickles and chutneys.

Chaat at Natraj Chaat Bhandar: Natraj Chaat Bhandar is famous for its delicious and tangy chaat, including aloo tikki chaat, papdi chaat, and dahi bhalla, all topped with a medley of spices, chutneys, and crunchy sev.

Jalebis at Old Famous Jalebi Wala: This legendary sweet shop is renowned for its crispy and syrupy jalebis, which are best enjoyed piping hot and paired with a glass of cold milk.

Kachoris at Jung Bahadur Kachori Wala: Jung Bahadur Kachori Wala is known for its crispy and flavorful kachoris, stuffed with a spicy lentil mixture and served with a tangy potato curry.

Chole Bhature at Sita Ram Diwan Chand: Sita Ram Diwan Chand is a popular eatery known for its fluffy bhature (fried bread) served with spicy chole (chickpea curry), creating a perfect combination of flavors and textures.

Daulat ki Chaat: This unique winter delicacy is a must-try in Chandni Chowk. Made from whipped cream, saffron, and sugar, it is light as air and melts in your mouth.

Paneer Tikka at Aslam Chicken Corner: While known for its chicken dishes, Aslam Chicken Corner also serves delicious paneer tikka, marinated in a blend of spices and grilled to perfection.

Eating at Chandni Chowk can be a delightful and memorable experience if you love street food and have a strong stomach. You can also enjoy some of the hygiene, quality, and price of the food at Chandni Chowk. You should also try some of the other dishes such as kulfi (frozen dessert), chaat (savory snack), dahi bhalla (fried dumplings in yogurt), samosa (triangular pastry), etc.

Also check out: A Guide to Chandni Chowk - Travel Food Click Repeat

Attractions near Chandni Chowk

Chandni Chowk is not only a market but also a historical and cultural site that has many attractions and monuments nearby. You can visit these places along with Chandni Chowk to get a glimpse of the heritage and diversity of Delhi. Some of the attractions near Chandni Chowk are:

Red Fort:

This is the majestic fort that was built by Shah Jahan as the residence of the Mughal emperors. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the Mughal architecture and art. It also houses several museums and galleries that display the artifacts and relics of the Mughal era. The fort is open from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm every day except Monday. The entry fee is Rs. 35 for Indians and Rs. 500 for foreigners.

Jama Masjid:

This is the largest mosque in India that was built by Shah Jahan as a symbol of his religious piety. It is a magnificent structure that can accommodate up to 25,000 people at a time. It has three domes, four minarets, and a large courtyard that offer a splendid view of the city. The mosque is open from 7 am to 12 pm and from 1:30 pm to 6:30 pm every day. The entry is free but there is a charge of Rs. 300 for photography.

Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib:

This is the Sikh shrine that was built in memory of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh guru, who was beheaded by Aurangzeb for refusing to convert to Islam. It is a sacred place that attracts thousands of devotees every day. It also serves free langar (community meal) to everyone who visits it. The gurudwara is open 24 hours every day. The entry is free but donations are welcome.

Town Hall (Ghaziuddin Khan's Madrasa): This historic building was once a madrasa (Islamic school) and is now the site of the Delhi Public Library. It is known for its impressive architecture and cultural significance.

Fatehpuri Masjid: Another beautiful mosque in Chandni Chowk, Fatehpuri Masjid is known for its red sandstone architecture and tranquil courtyard. It's a great place to experience the spiritual side of Delhi.

How to Reach Chandni Chowk

Chandni Chowk is easily accessible by metro or road from different parts of Delhi. The nearest metro station is Chandni Chowk Metro Station, which is on the Yellow Line. You can also take a bus to Chandni Chowk from various bus stops such as Kashmere Gate, Red Fort, or Old Delhi Railway Station.

If you are driving by car, you can park your vehicle at Lahori Gate Parking Lot, which is near the Red Fort. You can also hire a cycle rickshaw or an auto rickshaw to reach Chandni Chowk from nearby places.

However, reaching Chandni Chowk is only half the battle. Navigating the crowded streets of the market can be a challenge for anyone who is not familiar with it. Here are some tips to help you explore Chandni Chowk without getting lost or overwhelmed:

You may also like to read: 11 Secrets of Chandni Chowk That Most Delhiites Don't Know About!

Use a map or a guide:

Chandni Chowk is a maze of streets and lanes that can confuse even the locals. It is advisable to use a map or a guide to find your way around the market and avoid missing out on anything.

Avoid peak hours:

Chandni Chowk is extremely crowded during peak hours, which are from 11 am to 7 pm. It is better to visit the market early in the morning or late in the evening when it is less crowded and more pleasant.

Be aware of pickpockets and scammers:

Chandni Chowk is also a place where you may encounter some pickpockets and scammers who may try to steal your money or belongings or sell you fake or overpriced products. You should be careful about your valuables and avoid falling for any tricks or traps. You should also be polite but firm with the vendors and rickshaw drivers who may try to hassle you or charge you more than the fair price.

Chandni Chowk is a place that will leave you amazed and enchanted by its charm and chaos. It is a place that will give you a glimpse into the soul of Delhi and its people. It is a place that you should not miss if you want to experience the real and raw Delhi.

So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Chandni Chowk today and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.

Chandni Chowk Reviews

Travel Food Click Repeat

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Basically, Chandni Chowk is a Market that worth a visit, if you want to go shopping or if you want to eat delicious street food or as a tourist if you want to explore the place to see the old and amazing monuments. Places to Visit For Shopping The best thing about Chandni Chowk is that there is a separate market for everything that you want to shop. And you can do that if you know which street is selling what. If you want to do the shopping for marriage, there are a lot of places in Chandni Chowk, where you can go. Dariba Kalan is famous for its silver jewelry, Kucha Mahajani is famous for its gold. In Katra Shahanshahi and Katra Neel, out of plenty of shops selling a vast variety of lehengas, sarees, sherwani, and kurtas, you can choose as per your requirement. Great place for wedding shopping, Kinari Bazaar, is selling fabrics, motifs for saris and kurtas, fancy varmalas and what not. Being specialized in the paperwork, Chawri Bazaar is a place where you can get printed wedding cards, from simple to fancy, in bulk. If you are here to buy fancy and decorative lights for your home, Bhagirath Palace is for you. Being Asia’s largest wholesale market for Electronic goods, Lajpat Rai Market you will find great stuff at cheap prices. Khari Baoli is a street entirely dedicated to all kinds of spices, herbs, dry fruits and nuts. Ballimaran Market is a place where you can find a wide variety of frames, sunglasses, and footwear. If you want to buy a camera and related essential accessory, Chandni Chowk has a place for you too. Kucha Choudhary Market is a place where you can find different types of cameras, from the point and shoot to DSLR to mirrorless, and accessory required for the same. Places to visit for Food If you are not at all interested in shopping and just want to explore this place for food, there are a lot of places available for you in or near Chandni Chowk as well. You can go for choley khulche to Lotan Choley Khulche in Chatta Shahji, Chawri Bazaar. With a lot of chilies and sour sauce to make it lip-smacking, it is great for a spice lover. my recommendation for you is that you should try up to medium spiciness, as it is going to be spicy enough. After this spicy experience, for some sweetness, you can go for jalebis to Jalebiwala, Dariba Kalan. The jalebis are made, by using pure khandasri sugar and fried in desi ghee. Dahi Bhalla and aloo tikki chat At Natraj Dahi Bhalla, are worth trying. Place known for its full-sized naans, Kake Di Hatti is a place where should go in Chandni Chowk. Here, my personal favorite is Butter Naan with Dal Makhani, Shahi Paneer, and a Soft Drink. Single Naan of this place is enough to fill up the stomach of 2 or 3 people. So, I suggest you should order accordingly. You can also try Rabri Faludas at Gainis Rabri Faluda. If you are a non-vegetarian, then you can go for mutton kurma and seekh kebab at and for changezi chicken and biryani at , Jama Masjid. You can go to Pandit Gaya Prasad Shiv Charan and Kanaihya Lal Durga Prasad at Paranthe Vali Gali purely famous for its different variety of paranthes. Here, you can eat stuffed paranthas deep fried in indigenous clarified butter (desi ghee), along with aloo-methi, kele-sonth ki chutney, and kaddu ki sabzi. Places for Spiritual Visit Apart from shopping and food, you can also do a spiritual visit in or near Chandni Chowk. It is a place where different religious places stay side by side and different religions people breathe together. Sri Digamber Jain Lal Mandir, which is an ancient and well-known Jain temple situated in Chandni Chowk, you must visit. Here the main statue is of Tirthankara Parshvanath (23rd Tirthankara of Avasarpani Era as per Jain Cosmology). The temple is famous for having a Bird Hospital, first of its kind in the world, treating approximately 15,000 different variety of birds in a year. The temple complex also has Jain Book Store, having a wide range of books based on Jainism. Also, you can go to Gauri Shankar Temple, which is located a few steps away from Sri Digamber Jain Lal Mandir. The temple inhabits the deities of Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati, just behind the Lingham, and also have the deities of their two sons Lord Ganesha and Kartikeya. During Shivratri and other festivities, the temple is beautifully decorated and visited by a large number of followers. Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib, which is a place of great reverence for the Sikh community is also a must visit. It is the place of martyrdom of Guru Teg Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru and hence having the historical significance. You can go to Sunehri Masjid and Fatehpuri Masjid, both situated in Chandni Chowk. Near Chandni Chowk, you can also go to Jama Masjid, which is one of the largest mosques in India. The courtyard of the Jama Masjid can accommodate 25,000 worshippers at a time. You can go to Central Baptist Church, one of the oldest church in North India, which has been built in the Roman Style. Even you can go to the St. Stephen’s Church, another structure from the same era, which situated in Khari Baoli, in Chandni Chowk. Also Read: A Day Trip in Agra | Taj Mahal and Agra Fort

Sahil Chauhan

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Chandu ke chacha ne Chandu ki chachi ko Chandni Chowkme chandni raat me chandi ke chamach se chatni chatai… Yeah you got it, it’s the popular tongue twister. Ever wondered why this popular tongue twister has connection with chutney (sauce) and Chandni Chowk. As we know that chatni is one of the important part of Indian food because of its rich spicy and tangy flavor which twists the tongue well. So, does the essence of Old Delhi’s CHANDNI CHOWK which is situated just opposite to the majestic “RED FORT” and near India’s largest mosque “JAMA MASJID”. Chandni Chowk is full of masaledaar aspects of life. It is the oldest and busiest markets, of Delhi. Criss-crossed by narrow streets with shops wrangling for space, this place gives a feel of old Delhi shopping. Since the 17th-century, this place is called a "shopper’s paradise" in Delhi. Shopping is fun here as the market is distributed in narrow streets which are filled with vibrant varieties of clothes, perfumes, electronics, jewelry and lifestyle goods. But one thing that makes it Delhi’s soul is its variety and authenticity in food. This market is segregated according to type of goods and trade done here such as Khari Baoli known to be Asia’s biggest spice markets and Chawari Bazaar where one can find hardware and copper products, and Kinari Bazaar which is the jewelry market. Also for food enthusiasts like me there is one street whole heartedly dedicated to them which is famous PARANTHE WALI GALI. One can also find various small and big food joints in the market while roaming in and around the market such as “Jung Bahadur Kachori wala”which is here since 1940’s, “Giani’s di Hatti” which is famous for its mouth watering faloodas, “Old Famous Jalebi Wala” and “Nataraj Dahi Bhalle wala”where one can have simple yet tasty chaat and yes how can I forget about GHANTEWALA, which is the one of the oldest sweet shops of the Chandni Chowk which started serving from Mughal Emperors and now to delhiites. It’s a popular visitor’s attraction known for its Sohan Halwa. Also for the fanatics of Mughlai Cuisine there’s a street wholly dedicated to them. In this market you can easily find the famous shop which serves various varieties of non-veg dishes be it changezi chicken, mutton Rogan josh or Famous Butter Chicken from "Aslam Chicken"any other lip-smacking dishes. Here one can stroll around and have a gaze on various old and picturesque havelis of Mughal Era which beautifully narrates the old and royal story of Chandni Chowk and Old Delhi when Mughals used to rule on this mighty city. These include Haveli Dharampura which will surely take you back in times of Mughal era of royalty. Other famous havelis include Chunnamal Haveli, and the iconic Ghalib ki Haveli which was the residence of Mirza Ghalib. In addition to its commercial aspect, it also has a religious side. You may wonder but its single stretch of road which is opposite to Red Fort has places of worship which belongs to 5 different religions. These are Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir (Jain), the Gauri Shankar Temple (Hindu), Sis Ganj Sahib Gurudwara (Sikh), Central Baptist Church (Christian), and Sunehri Masjid (Muslim) lined one after the other. While ascending from the temple, there is a four storied building standing which depicts a fine example of colonial architecture. Once this building hosts the court of Englishmen and after it was acquired by Delhi Bank in 1847 and now it’s the State Bank of India Office. Grandeur of Mughal emperors during their reign, oppression of later emperors like Aurangzeb, and also the National movement leading up to India's freedom Chandni Chowk in Delhi has witnessed this amazing variety of historical events in the span of about 300 years and due to all these Chandni Chowk has always been a landmark of Delhi.

Rajat Kumar

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Chandani Chowk is truly a place which is decorated with Chandani (moon light) if you visit there in night. The place which still holds the aura of old Delhi, you will still find people pulling hand carts, selling items on road, temples, busy streets. From chai ki dukan and street foods to McD, the iconic Paranthe Wali Gali, Red Fort, Jama Masjid to Jain Temples, this place is a melting pot of history and culture... It's very easy to reach here. The nearest metro station is Chandani Chowk itself and from there you just have to walk for a couple minutes and you are at the most iconic place of Delhi. The very first you will get to notice is the Gurudwara. If you have come here to taste the paratha, you need to pass through a narrow street and you are at the paratha shops. Standing at the chauk, you can experience the city still holding it's ancient aura where streets are crowded narrow. It is better to visit here without person vehicle else you will have problems in parking, also you won't be able to drive here in that congestion. You can have riksha, e-riksha or auto. How to reach Chandani Chowk? The easiest way to reach here is to get down at Chandani Chowk metro station on yellow line. Come out, take a short walk and you are at the famous Chandani Chowk. Things to do at Chandani Chowk Well, there are so many things to do here that you actually need to plan else you may forget anything. The very first thing is to visit Sish Ganj Gurudwara. Next is the iconic Paratha wali Gali. Feed your taste buds with the delicious lip smacking, around 70 varieties of parathas at one place. Next head to Daulat ki Chaat and enjoy this yummy delicious chaat. After this, let's come out of these narrow streets and take a walk to Red Fort. It will consume time, at least two to three years if you want to cover it properly. Also, you may have to wait for ticket as there will be long line at the counter. Then head to Jama Masjid through the market. If you are visiting on Sunday, you can also experience the famous Sunday Market. A moment of peace A moment of grace A moment of faith A moment of prayer That's what this place combines all at one. Where people come and pray for everyone's well-being. From kid to old, from poor to rich, from local to foreign, everyone comes here and spends some time. #travel #Delhi #jamamasjid #delhitourism #FoodRavel #travelgram #nomad #traveltales #vagabond #instatravel #travelphotography #wanderlust #travelblogger #globetrotter #traveltime #travellove #travelaround #travelalone #travelDelhi #Delhivisit @dfordelhi @sodelhi @indiatravelgram @condenasttraveller @natgeotravellerindia A post shared by FoodRavel (@food_ravel) on Jun 24, 2018 at 9:12pm PDT

Etika Agarwal

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I have been in Delhi for almost two decades now, but, never really got a chance to explore the city much beyond the usual places you are mandated to go, I mean school, college, work and some relatives. When I came across the page of SpinMonkey on facebook, there was an urge to really know more about the city, the places I had just heard about and never really gotten the time to explore. We never usually have time, things just keep accumulating to the “to-do list” and Anchit’s SpinMonkey helped me tick one of the to-do items from my list. I started off thinking “how will I manage to cycle so much?” and to my surprise it was easy, really easy. The way the entire tour has been designed has taken into consideration ample amount of rest and cycling such that one doesn’t feel exhausted after it. It leaves you with a huge grin on your face that you explored so much along with a fitness activity. Being in Delhi for so long, this was one of my best experiences of the city, it is absolutely safe to say that “it is must do for every new person in the city and the people who are tourists to the city”. It is an experience that stays with you and longs you for more. I started off my tour of Old Delhi, our very own “Delhi-6”. The lanes of the flower market which left me blooming with the fragrance they left to the lanes of “khari-bawli” which made me realize what we really mean my Indian spices. The heritage that we have been carrying with us, the Red Fort, Jain Temple being a house for birds, Sheeshganj Gurudwara, Jama Masjid, Fatehpuri, every religion in one lane is amusing. Chandni Chowk to Civil Lines being one pincode came to me as a startling reality. Oh and how can I forget the food, the mouthwatering food at old Delhi left me yearning for more. The entire experience of such beauty is best enjoyed when you’re cycling around the city. The experience of fresh air, the flowers blooming, the incense sticks offered at the sacred places, and of course the food could never be experienced any other way but the cycle. I have become a regular with them which had to happen, because the escapade is unmatchable. It is an absolute must for each one reading this to try!

Bhavik Sarkhedi

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One might wonder how chaotic this place seems yet offers a great and heartful Indian experience. Chandni Chowk is one of the oldest markets located in Old Delhi. It is a very crowdy and dense market flooded with street hawkers and shops. When it comes to the matter of varieties and affordability, this is the best market to roam around and shop in Delhi. The kaleidoscopic nature of this very old market even holds a historical significance. Once this market used to be crowded by the merchants from China, Turkey, Holland, and many other countries. You will encounter multiple options from clothing, jewellery, perfumes to electronics and medical equipment, allopathic medicines, spicy and delicious street food, and many more things, the list is endless indeed. Do not forget to bargain if you wish to visit Chandni Chawk. It truly reflects the Indian essence and is the epitome of Delhi’s vibrant culture. ● Kitty Su club If one is willing to enjoy the illuminated nightlife of this metro city and leave behind the monotonous life for a while, Kitty Su club is the best place to hang out. The only night club from India which has been in the list of DJ Mag's top 100 clubs of the world. With the beautifully spelled Indian history in the form of Khajuraho like sculptures with urban music and delicious food, no one can escape the feeling of delight. You can enjoy dancing on the beats of electro, pop, house, disco and more to be added in the list.