The colourful and vibrant atmosphere of Delhi markets can make shopping a lot of fun. Delhi has both pricey malls and local markets where you can shop to your heart's delight. From expensive shopping to budget shopping; the city has got it all.
There's a part of Delhi called 'Old Delhi' which is famous for mouth-watering foods. However, not many are aware that along with food it is a shopper's paradise with an array of things to buy, such as books, stationery, saris, silver jewellery, electronics, toys and much more. If you can keep up with the crowd and chaos, put on your sports shoes and head out to Purani Dilli because there’s certainly a lot more on offer than just food.
Stock up on spices and dry fruits at Khari Baoli
A lot of us might not be aware that Khari Baoli is Asia's largest wholesale spice market selling all kinds of spices, nuts, herbs, rice and tea. This place is known for its wholesale groceries and best prices. Most of the shops here are centuries old and they can tell you some interesting trivia about spices. You can find almost everything here for your next recipe. Khari Baoli lies just behind Fatehpuri Masjid and is not difficult to locate. If you feel lost, just ask anyone or take a whiff to find out if you are somewhere nearby.
Tip: If you have a sensitive nose or are allergic to certain spices, carry a scarf or a handkerchief to cover your nose. Otherwise you will surely go home with a running nose.
Head to Kinari Bazar for ethnic knick-knacks
This place is a paradise for brides-to-be or for anyone who has a wedding coming up in the family. This huge wholesale market is a must-visit if you have been looking for laces, tassels, borders, fancy trousseau packaging, sehras, turbans or buttons. This blingy lane is heaven for tailors, costume designers & fashion designers. There are also many boutiques and shops where you can get lehengas, gowns, Anarkali suits, fabrics and a lot of other Indian wear.
Tip: This market is best suited for every pocket. Brush up on your bargaining skills.
Get some hidden treasures at Chor Bazaar
Chor Bazaar is located behind Jama Masjid, near Jama Masjid metro station. You'll see auto parts all around you. If your car parts have been stolen, you might just find them here. If you are lucky enough you might get some nice deals at throwaway prices. This market is for auto lovers where you can get parts which are not easily available. This crowded and chaotic bazaar comes to life on Sundays and is full of cheap, second-hand, surplus clothes and other things like mobile phones, gym equipment and even utensils. If you love antique things, you can surely find something for yourself here.
Tip: Many products sold are damaged, so check them thoroughly before buying. Reach early on Sunday morning to get the best deals.
For the book lovers - Daryaganj
What better way to spend winters than snuggling in a blanket with a hot cup of tea and pile of novels to finish. If you don't want to spend too much on a book, head to Daryaganj's famous Sunday book market and stock up on books from novels, biographies, encyclopedia, comics etc. The books are available for a very cheap price and for as low as Rs. 20 per book or Rs. 100/Kg.
Tip: This market is set up only on Sundays and make sure you reach by 9.30 a.m. to explore the place.
Gather varieties of ittar to smell spectacular
Nothing is better than long-lasting, sweet fragrance and we totally rely on ittar and essential oils to make us smell nice and fresh all day long. Chandni Chowk has innumerable shops entirely dedicated to perfumes, incense sticks, soaps, candles and aromatic oils. One of the oldest shops in Chandni Chowk is the 200-year-old Gulab Singh Johrimal that sells perfumes, essential oils, ittar and more. The shop also has incense sticks, aromatherapy sets, room-fresheners, diffusers and other accessories such as small glass perfume bottles. Once you get out of here, I am sure you will feel good and smell good as well.
Tip: Get a box of varied scents that come in small bottles.
Love silver jewellery? Head to Dariba Kalan
Silver jewellery and oxidized jewellery is trending these days. It's not essential to pair them with suits or sarees only; they go perfectly well with dresses or simple jeans and a t-shirt as well. These accessories help complete an overall ethnic look. This market is full of precious stones, bangles, nose rings, earrings, anklets, rings, heavy neck pieces and bracelets. You can find a lot of options in Dariba Kalan to accessorize.
Tip: These shops sell all kinds of silver and stone-studded jewellery. You could buy something related to your sun-sign.
Budget shopping at Nai Sadak
Chawri Bazaar is full of shops that sell notebooks, pens, drawing sheets, colours, books, planners and other miscellaneous that come under stationery. Nai Sadak is brimming with office and school supplies, ranging from expensive to cheap. You can even find college books at very reasonable prices. Whether it’s the latest international bestseller or a second-hand textbook that you're lookinfg for, Nai Sadak will not disappoint you.
Tip: If your bargaining skills are on point, then you might be in for some freebies.
Shopping for the little ones
If you want to pamper your kids with loads of toys but are tight on budget, head to Delhi's biggest wholesale market, Sadar Bazaar. This place is heaven for kids. You can find everything from remote controlled cars, stuffed toys and rattles to sports equipment like cricket bats, badminton racquets, skates at very affordable rates. There are fancy showpieces for home décor, wrapping sheets and artificial flowers as well.
Tip: Try controlling yourself or you might just end up buying a lot of stuff.
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