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Delhi is a bargain hunter’s dream. The city is famous for its markets which sell absolutely everything, often at remarkable prices. If you can master a few basic bargaining skills, you will get fantastic deals. There are excellent shopping malls in Delhi also, but I live in Delhi and have always found the best variety of goods are in the markets. These are my top picks for the best and cheapest markets in Delhi.
The Best and Cheapest Markets in Delhi: Quick List
If you’re in a hurry, here is a quick list of the very best and cheapest markest in Delhi:
- Sarojini Nagar Market – most popular budget market for clothing and accessories
- Dilli Haat INA – most tourist friendly, mainly handicrafts and souvenirs
- Central Market Lajpat Nagar – best for Indian clothing, accessories and street food
- Khari Baoli – Old Delhi’s famous spice market
The 25 Best and Cheapest Markets in Delhi
1. Sarojini Nagar Market
Best for: ladies western fashion, shoes, purses, belts, some men’s clothing, housewares, home decor items
Sarojini Nagar is the most popular market for budget shopping in Delhi, especially for women’s clothing. It is a treasure trove of incredible deals – I have picked up shirts for INR 100 and jeans for INR 300. It’s the most famous of Delhi’s cheapest markets.
If you have the stamina to look through a lot of stuff, you can find high end brand clothing and accessories at extreme bargain prices. This market tends to get excess stock, clothing with small defects and knock-off items.
This is the first market I bring my visitors to if they want great deals. They always love it and it’s hard to convince them to leave.
Insider tip: Sarojini Nagar has a fabulous produce market at the far corner of the market, a couple of lanes behind HDFC Bank. There’s also a very old Hanuman temple just off Lane D.
- Nearest Metro Station: Sarojini Nagar (Pink line), exit Gate 1
- Hours: 10:30 am – 9:00 pm; CLOSED MONDAY
- Nearby Sites: Dilli Haat INA, Nehru Park, National Rail Museum, Matka Market
- Where to Eat: Mahendra Sweet House & Bakers, Haldiram’s
2. Matka Market
Best for: terra cotta, pottery, plastic planters
Delhi’s best and cheapest of the pottery markets is tucked away on AK Roy Marg, a quiet street (by Delhi standards) close to Sarojini Nagar market.
The market sells a wide range of clay and plastic pots, religious statues, decor items, wind chimes and diyas (which make excellent souvenirs). Much of the pottery comes from other areas of India: blue pottery from Jaipur, thin Kagzi pottery from Rajasthan, and black pottery from Manipur. Whole trays of painted diyas sell for INR 120 and large ceramic pots for INR 400 but be prepared to bargain, especially if you look like a foreigner.
Most vendors are not the artisans (for that head over to Kumhar Colony, the potters’ village of Delhi) but they are knowledgeable since most are multi generational, family businesses.
- Nearest Metro Station: Bhikaji Cama Place (Pink line), exit Gate 2
- Hours: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm, daily (open later leading up to the festival of Diwali)
- Nearby Sites: Sarojini Nagar Market, Dilli Haat INA, Nehru Park, National Rail Museum
- Where to Eat: Mahendra Sweet House & Bakers, Haldiram’s
3. Dilli Haat INA
Best for: souvenirs, handicrafts, linens, rugs, Indian clothing
If you are looking for souvenirs or gifts for people back home, this is a great place to come. Dilli Haat is a purpose-built, pedestrian only handicraft market that features artisans and craftsmen from all over India. The selection is excellent and always different as artisans change every two weeks. Entrance fee is INR 100.
Because Dilli Haat is geared to tourists (although many locals shop here), bargain to bring prices down. Prices may be higher than in local street markets, but the convenience of having everything in one place, and being able to shop in a calm, traffic free environment makes it worth it.
Take a break from shopping and have a delicious lunch in the food court, which features food from all across India.
Insider tip: There are 3 Dilli Haat markets in Delhi. Make sure you go to the INA location, it is the largest and nicest by far. There is also a Delhi Haat INA shop in Saket – do not go there by mistake!
- Nearest Metro Station: Dilli Haat INA (Yellow or Pink lines), exit Gate 5
- Hours: 10:30 am – 10:00 pm; daily
- Nearby Sites: Sarojini Nagar Market, Safdarjung Tomb, Kotla Mubarakpur Complex
- Where to Eat: food court in Dilli Haat INA
4. Janpath Market
Best for: western and Indian clothing, handicrafts, fashion jewellery, belts, purses, shoes, home decor items
Janpath Market is four markets in one. There’s the main market, street market, Gujarati market and Tibetan market. It’s a great, centrally located shopping hub where you can pick up all kinds of clothing, household items and souvenirs.
The main market sells everything from clothing and accessories to household decor items. It’s one of the best cheapest markets in Delhi. Expect to see beautiful hand-embroidered Kutch style linens (Kutch is a region in the state of Gujurat) and shawls at the Gujarati market, ethnic jewellery and Buddhist items in the Tibetan market, and bargain clothing at the street market.
The Tibetan and Gujarati markets are an extension of the main market, located towards Tolstoy Road. The street market is on Connaught Lane, just off Janpath Road.
Insider Tip: Bring in old jeans and denim jackets to the Gujarati market and have them updated with hand-embroidery, patch work or decorative embellishments for a very reasonable price.
- Nearest Metro Station: Janpath (Violet line), exit Gate 2
- Hours: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm (some sections don’t fully open until 1:00 pm); CLOSED SUNDAY
- Nearby Sites: Jantar Mantar, State Emporiums on Baba Kharak Singh Road, Connaught Place, Pracheen Hanuman Mandir
- Where to Eat: The Atrium or 1911 Restaurant (both in the Imperial Hotel), Saravana Bhavan, Pind Balluchi
5. Palika Bazaar
Best for: western and Indian clothing, electronics, shoes, bags, belts, sunglasses
Conveniently located underneath the inner circle of Connaught Place, this market is full of budget friendly clothing and electronic goods. Personally, I find the underground location a little claustrophobic and vendors can be relentless, but if you’re okay with that and are willing to haggle you’ll find lots of great deals.
Take the time to check various shops for similar items – prices can vary widely, and bargain hard. Palika Bazaar is known for selling knock-offs, unlicensed software and movies, and counterfeit items, including electronic goods and watches. Check items carefully, especially if they are being passed off as genuine.
Even though it’s directly underneath Connaught Place, it’s one of the cheapest markets in Delhi. There are at least 200 shops in the bazaar, so pace yourself. When it gets a bit much just come up to street level for a break or a bite to eat.
There are several entrances to Palika Bazaar, but the main entrance gate is near Block F of the inner circle of Connaught Place.
- Nearest Metro Station: Connaught Place (Blue and Yellow lines), exit Gate 6
- Hours: 10:30 am – 8:00 pm; CLOSED SUNDAY
- Nearby Sites: Connaught Place, Jantar Mantar, Janpath Market
- Where to Eat: United Coffee House, Zaffran, Haldiram’s (all in the centre of Connaught Place)
6. Shankar Market
Best for: fabric by the metre, Indian clothing, custom tailoring
Shankar Market is one of the oldest and cheapest markets in Delhi, first established in 1956. Known as the fabric market, it’s the best place to buy fabric for custom made Indian clothing. There are about 50-60 shops selling fabric by the metre at very reasonable prices. There’s also a good selection of ready made clothing for men, women and children.
If you’ve never had a piece of clothing custom made, this is a great opportunity, and it won’t break your budget. There is so much selection in terms of colour, pattern and style, you can have anything made from the most casual kurta to a formal suit. Most shops have an in-house tailor, but if you prefer to take your fabric elsewhere, there’s a whole corridor of tailors within the market ready to do alterations or stitch something new.
Shankar Market is located in Connaught Place, on the outer circle near Road No. 6. It starts beside Parashar Food and then continues around the corner down the road and down the side lanes. The lanes are all numbered and well signed.
Insider tip: for lunch, eat at Parashar Foods which is right on the corner of the main road leading into Shankar Market. They have fabulous rajma chawal – the best in Delhi. It is super casual and you’ll have to eat on the street, but this will a very authentic Delhi experience!
- Nearest Metro Station: Barakhamba Road (Blue line), exit Gate 1
- Hours: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm; CLOSED SUNDAY
- Nearby Sites: Connaught Place, Agrasen ki Baoli, Devi Prasad Sadan Dhobi Ghat, State Emporiums on Baba Kharak Singh Road
- Where to Eat: Parashar Foods (very casual, no indoor seating but amazing rajma chawal)
7. Central Market Lajpat Nagar
Best for: Indian clothing, Indian wedding fashion, jewellery, dry fruit and nuts, street food
This is the favoured market of Delhiites wanting to shop for traditional clothing on a budget. All my Delhi girlfriends shop here. It’s the cheapest market in South Delhi for ethnic clothing.
Besides having a fabulous selection of casual and formal Indian clothing, there are many shops specializing in wedding outfits, jewellery and bangles that won’t break the bank. It’s also one of the best markets in Delhi for street food.
The market is a mix of branded ethnic wear shops and street vendors. Prices are lower with the street vendors and there’s more room to bargain, but the shops have a better selection – be sure to check out both. There are many tailors in the market, so it’s easy to get alterations done or a ready-to-stitch outfit sewn.
The shops located around the periphery of the market are more expensive and this is where a number of jewellers are located. Although not budget shopping, you’ll see some beautiful items, particularly spectacular Indian-style jewellery.
Take a break from shopping and eat at one of the famous food stalls – some of the very best street food in Delhi is here.
- Nearest Metro Station: Lajpat Nagar (Violet and Pink lines), exit Gate 5
- Hours: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm; CLOSED MONDAY
- Nearby Sites: Sri Sri Parthasarathi Mandir, Amar Colony Market, Kotla Mubarakpur Complex
- Where to Eat: food stalls in the market, Hira Sweets, Sagar Ratna
8. Amar Colony Furniture Market
Best for: repurposed and vintage furniture, home decor items
Amar Colony furniture market is Delhi’s go-to place for those in the know. It’s one of the cheapest furniture markets in all of Delhi.
It’s a little hard to find and a bit of a local secret – the market is tucked away down a path on the same street as Dhaniya da Dhaba, directly across from the shop at A-34. If you can’t find it, just ask one of shop keepers, everyone in the area knows it. It’s one of the cheapest furniture markets in all of Delhi.
The market is an Aladdin’s cave of affordable refurbished furniture, knick-knacks and home decor items. This is where you’ll find unique pieces, including antique and vintage oddities, renewed colonial style pieces, distressed items, mirrors, clocks, and paintings. There’s a lot of junk too, chairs with no seats, dis-assembled beds, tables missing legs, but keep looking and you’ll find some real treasures. Take a look in the lanes behind the shops where the carpenters and craftsmen do the restorative work.
Amar Colony is also famous for its street food. Immigrants, refugees and Indians settled in the area, and the food stalls reflect the diverse culture. Afghani style shawarma, mutton kababs, Tibetan laphing, sweet faluda, traditional Indian chaats – it’s all in a compact area adjacent to the furniture market.
Don’t miss the namkeen (dry, savoury snacks) at Standard Namkeen Corner. Namkeen are a staple of the Indian afternoon chai break, and make an excellent and cheap gift for foodies back home. The selection here is huge and there’s a large assortment of cookies for anyone with a sweet tooth.
- Nearest Metro Station: Moolchand (Violet line), exit Gate 1
- Hours: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm, daily (the furniture market – the food market will have later hours)
- Nearby Sites: Sri Sri Parthasarathi Mandir (ISKCON Temple), Bahai Lotus Temple, Central Market Lajpat Nagar, Kalkaji Mandir
- Where to Eat: food stalls in the market, Dhaniya da Dhaba, Leo’s Artisan Pizza
9. Khari Baoli
Best for: spices, herbs, dry fruit and nuts, tea
This market is on many tour itineraries and is the most well known of the Old Delhi markets. It’s Asia’s largest wholesale spice bazaar and exploring it will be an adventure for your olfactory senses and make for colourful pictures.
Shops on the main market road cater to tourists with convenient pre-packaged spices, teas, dried fruit and nuts. Prices in these shops tend to be higher than in local neigbourhood markets, but if you’re willing to explore the side and back lanes, there are smaller vendors with better prices who are more open to bargaining.
Insider tip: Don’t buy at the first spice shops you come across. The prices get better as you go deeper into the market.
- Nearest Metro Station: Chandni Chowk (Yellow line), exit Gate 1
- Hours: 11:30 am – 6:00 pm; CLOSED SUNDAY
- Nearby Sites: Red Fort (UNESCO), Chandni Chowk, Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir, Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib, Sadar Bazaar, Fatehpuri Masjid
- Where to Eat: Kake di Hatti, Shri Hari Sharnam
10. Chawri Bazaar
Best for: stationary, street food, brass deities, housewares, hardware items
Chawri Bazaar in Old Delhi is famous for two things, paper products and street food. It is one of the oldest and cheapest markets in Delhi, established in 1840 and it’s a crazy tangle of narrow lanes, overhead electric wires, and noisy, congested streets. Shopping in Chawri Bazaar is not for the faint of heart, but it’s an experience you won’t forget.
Every kind of paper product is available here: stationary, wedding invitations, even wallpaper. This is where I came looking for specialty paper when a friend wanted to publish a book. My favourite shop here is Matak Shatak on Chawri Bazaar Road because they have the most beautiful, traditional envelopes and stationary.
Apart from the vast selection of paper stock, my favourite reason to visit Chawri Bazaar is the street food. This is the place in Delhi for street food and features on numerous food tours, like my DIY Old Delhi street food walk. Some of the stalls have been in the same family for generations and are famous throughout the city.
The Delhi street food scene is one of the most amazing things about the city, but before you dive in follow my tips on how to eat street food safely.
- Nearest Metro Station: Chawri Bazaar (Yellow line), exit Gate 3
- Hours: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm; CLOSED SUNDAY
- Nearby Sites: Jama Masjid, Kathika Cultural Centre
- Where to Eat: street food stalls (the street food here is famous), Karim’s, Rehmatullah Hotel, Sikander Omelette
11. Sadar Bazaar
Best for: dishes, glassware, gift wrap, gift hampers, housewares, home decor items, Indian jewellery and bangles, make-up, toys
If you continue up Swami Vivekanand Marg from the spice market, you’ll end up in Sadar Bazaar. I’m not going to sugar coat it – this is a congested, noisy, dirty market, but you can find everything here and the prices are phenomenal. You won’t get better deals elsewhere in Delhi.
This is one of the oldest and cheapest wholesale markets in Delhi, but they cater to retail shoppers too. Sadar Bazaar doesn’t get tourists, unless they’ve gotten lost after shopping at the spice market. This is where the locals shop. It will be an experience you won’t forget.
The bazaar is made up of several smaller markets, and each lane seems to specialize in different consumer goods. You’ll find all kinds of household products, cosmetics, toys, electronics, toiletries, clothing, shoes, leather goods, gift items, dishes and stationary within the market. Sadar Bazaar is also known to carry counterfeit products, so check everything carefully.
Shopping here can lead to sensory overload, so take your time. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water and take breaks for chai or street food.
Insider tip: you can take a shared (not private) auto rickshaw back to Chandni Chowk or the metro after you’re done shopping – they’re pretty common in Sadar Bazaar and should be no more than INR 10 per person.
- Nearest Metro Station: Tis Hazari (Red line), exit Gate 2
- Hours: 11:30 am – 6:00 pm; CLOSED SUNDAY
- Nearby Sites: Chandni Chowk, Khari Baoli, Fatehpuri Masjid, Paharganj Market
- Where to Eat: Gurdev Punjabi Restaurant on Arakashan Road in Paharaganj
12. Kinari Bazaar
Best for: lace, beads, ribbon, buttons, trim, Indian wedding accessories, Indian wedding fashion
Famous as a lace and wedding market, shopping in Kinari Bazaar is literally walking down the path of history. During Mughal times the ladies from the Red Fort would come here to find beautiful lace and trim for their sarees and dupattas.
The bazaar is still a bustling hive of busy lanes. The selection of lace, trim, buttons and latkan (traditional hanging embellishments) is massive and unique. It’s utter paradise for crafters or anyone in the fashion industry, and one of the cheapest markets in Delhi for lace and trim.
You will also find all sorts of wedding finery, everything from lehengas and grooms’ turbans to decorative boxes for wedding invitations and silver garlands. Right next to Kinari Bazaar is the silver market, Dariba Kalan, where you can shop for all kinds of jewellery.
As with all markets in Old Delhi, be prepared for narrow lanes, crowds and sharing the road with rickshaws, delivery carts and motorcycles. This market gets incredibly busy during wedding season (November to February) and before major festivals – you may want to avoid it during those times.
- Nearest Metro Station: Chandni Chowk (Yellow line), exit Gate 1
- Hours: 11:30 am – 8:00 pm; CLOSED SUNDAY
- Nearby Sites: Red Fort (UNESCO), Chandni Chowk, Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir, Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib, Khari Baoli, Fatehpuri Masjid
- Where to Eat: Kanwarji Raj Kumar Bhatura Junction, Paranthe Wali Gali
13. Chor Bazaar
Best for: leather goods, men’s and women’s clothing, electronics, cameras, sports equipment
Chor Bazaar is the biggest flea market, and one of the cheapest markets in Delhi. You’ll find anything and everything here, but beware, it’s famous for selling stolen and fraudulent goods. It’s also well known for pick pockets – so keep a close watch on your personal belongings. Despite its reputation, there are incredible deals to be had if you bargain and go early in the morning before all the best items are gone.
This is very much a buyer beware market. But if you’re adventurous and love a good deal, you’ll enjoy (or at least appreciate) Chor Bazaar. Plus it’s in the heart of Old Delhi, close to many historic sites.
Avoid purchasing any electronics or camera equipment – not only will it likely be stolen, it will probably stop working within a day. Stick to clothing and anything that does not have electronic or mechanical parts.
Rejects and surplus stock of well know clothing and shoe brands end up at Chor Bazaar at a fraction of the cost in retail shops. Check items for defects before buying.
The market is next to Meena Bazaar, in front of the Red Fort (UNESCO) and is open Sunday only, when the other markets in Old Delhi are closed.
- Nearest Metro Station: Jama Masjid (Violet line), exit Gate 2
- Hours: 5:00 am – 5:00 pm; SUNDAY ONLY
- Nearby Sites: Jama Masjid, Gandhi Memorial (Raj Ghat), Daryaganj Sunday Book Market, National Gandhi Museum and Library
- Where to Eat: Karim’s, Qureshi Kabab Corner, Aslam Chicken
14. Daryaganj Sunday Book Market
Best for: books, including text books
The Daryaganj Sunday Book Market is legendary in Delhi. Known for its huge selection and bargain prices, it is a favourite of bibliophiles and students who come to purchase their text books at a fraction of the cost.
Bring a large bag or backpack and browse through hundreds of titles at the cheapest of the book markets in Delhi. Books are neatly stacked in piles or laid out on the ground, but not in any particular order. Unless there is a ‘fixed price’ sign or price per kilo (yes, books are sold by the kilo here) you are expected to bargain.
The market has relocated from the sidewalk of Asaf Ali Road to Mahila Haat across the street, even though there are still some book stores open at the original location. The market is open on Sunday only.
- Nearest Metro Station: Delhi Gate (Violet line), exit Gate 2
- Hours: 9:30 am – 9:00 pm (summer) and 10:30 am – 5:00 pm (winter); SUNDAY ONLY
- Nearby Sites: Raj Ghat (the Gandhi memorial), National Gandhi Museum and Library, Gandhi Darshan, Feroz Shah Kotla Fort, Shankar’s International Dolls Museum, Delhi Gate
- Where to Eat: Bhaja Govindam
15. Paharganj Market
Best for: souvenirs, boho style cloting, attar and incense, purses, backpacks
This area is famous for its low budget accommodation, restaurants and affordable shopping. It is commonly known as the backpacker area of the city. It’s also home to one of the cheapest markets in Delhi.
I wouldn’t recommend Paharganj as a place to stay (the neighbourhood is noisy and congested, there are better budget options elsewhere), but it is a haven for cheap shopping.
The Main Bazaar Road is full of stores selling everything at reasonable prices. This is where you can pick up Indian souvenirs, boho-style clothing like pants, ponchos and sweaters, attar (oil based perfume from natural sources), food items, jewellery, shoes, purses and back packs.
Nearest Metro Station: New Delhi (Yellow or Orange lines), exit Gate 1
Hours: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm; CLOSED MONDAY
Nearby Sites: Connaught Place, Jhandewalan Mandir, Karol Bagh Market, Palika Bazaar
Where to Eat: Krishna Rooftop Cafe, Sita Ram Diwan Chand
16. Monastery Market
Best for: men’s clothing, winter wear, shoes, wallets, electronics
This is one of the best markets in Delhi for cheap winter clothing like jackets, gloves, scarves, socks and woolen sweaters. You’ll also find backpacks, shoes, belts, jeans, leather jackets, electronic items and Tibetan Buddhist items.
Most items are ‘first copy’ knock-offs (supposedly a better quality knock-off) so check everything carefully, especially electronics.
The entrance to the market can be hard to find – it’s located under a busy flyover, but don’t worry if you miss it, there are several small lanes before and after the main entrance that also lead into the market. Be warned, this market is not the cleanest and the lanes were filled with flies the last time I was there.
Just up the main lane from the market is a lovely Buddhist temple, Ladakh Buddhist Vihara, with beautiful prayer wheels. It’s almost worth coming to the market just to see the temple (remove your shoes if you go inside).
- Nearest Metro Station: Civil Lines (Yellow line), exit Gate 3
- Hours: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm; CLOSED TUESDAY
- Nearby Sites: Ladakh Buddhist Vihara, Kashmiri Gate, Qudsia Bagh, Nicholson Cemetery, Majnu ka Tilla
- Where to Eat: Open Air Ladakh Restaurant (Leh Zakhang on Google), Garden Terrace Restaurant (at Maidens Hotel)
17. Majnu ka Tilla (Little Tibet)
Best for: western clothing, electronics, Buddhist and Tibetan items
Majnu ka Tilla is worth visiting, even without the budget shopping. This is Delhi’s Little Tibet, home to about 3,500 second generation Tibetan exiles.
The market sells a lot of electronic items, western clothing, shoes, wallets, belts and Tibetan artefacts of a Buddhist nature. If an item is branded, chances are it’s not authentic, so check everything carefully.
A lot of locals come here just for the restaurants, most of which feature Tibetan food, and to walk around the lanes strung with Tibetan prayer flags. One end of the market is enclosed in a courtyard with two lovely Buddhist temples you can visit (remove shoes before entering) and a stall with great Tibetan laphing, the spicy, vegetarian noodle dish.
- Nearest Metro Station: Vidhan Sabha (Yellow line), exit Gate 2
- Hours: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm, daily
- Nearby Sites: Monastery Market, Ladakh Buddhist Vihara, Qudsia Bagh
- Where to Eat: Lhasa Café, Taste of Tibet, Nirvana Thakali Kitchen, AMA Cafe (all in Majnu Ka Tilla)
18. Karol Bagh Market
Best for: western and Indian clothing, shoes, bags, belts, jewellery, Indian wedding fashion
Karol Bagh is one of the busiest and cheapest markets in central Delhi and has a great mix of local and international brand shops as well as street vendors. Some vendors even sell goods right from their vehicles. Keep in mind the market gets very noisy and crowded after dark; it becomes a mass of people and traffic.
You can find all kinds of clothing, accessories and home decor items in this thriving market. There are also a number of mid-range wedding fashion stores, like Frontier Raas.
There’s an excellent electronics market within Karol Bagh called Gaffar Market. Just about every kind of electronic item, accessory and gadget is available. Some items are used, be careful and check potential purchases carefully. There are also many phone and computer repair shops.
Insider tip: If you are looking for something to wear to an Indian wedding or formal event, Frontier Raas in Karol Bagh is the best place. They have beautiful clothes at the mid-price point. It’s my favourite shop for anything Indian and dressy.
- Nearest Metro Station: Karol Bagh (Blue line), exit Gate 1
- Hours: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm; CLOSED MONDAY
- Nearby Sites: Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir, Jhandewalan Mandir, Laxminarayan Mandir (Birla Mandir), Gaffar Market, Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal
- Where to Eat: Roshan di Kulfi, Ganesh Restaurant, Nirmal’s Momos Point
19. Gaffar Market
Best for: electronics, mobile phone covers, mobile screen repairs, casual clothing
Adjacent to the bustling Karol Bagh Market is the best place to get your mobile phone repaired or pick up accessories for electronics. If your phone screen is cracked or you need a new charger, this is the place to come.
Even though prices of mobile phones are much, much lower than in most retail shops, keep in mind a lot of the phones are second hand and may not have genuine parts. Personally, I would not buy a mobile or anything electronic here unless I knew the product very well and could spot a second hand or fraudulent item. However, this is a great spot for cheap connection cords, chargers, screen repairs and an endless choice of phone covers.
Gaffar Market is next to the very busy Karol Bagh Market, where you can pick up all kinds of wedding wear, clothing, household items and jewellery.
- Nearest Metro Station: Karol Bagh, exit Gate 1 or Jhandewalan, exit Gate 3 (both on the Blue line)
- Hours: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm; CLOSED MONDAY
- Nearby Sites: Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir, Jhandewalan Mandir, Laxminarayan Mandir (Birla Mandir), Karol Bagh Market, Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal
- Where to Eat: Roshan di Kulfi, Ganesh Restaurant, Nirmal’s Momos Point
20. Hauz Rani Market
Best for: ceramics of all kinds, live plants
This is one of my favourite markets to pick up small, colourful items for the house or as gifts. It’s not a big market, but there’s a lot packed into this hidden gem.
The market is on Press Enclave Marg next to the urban village of Hauz Rani. This is the place to find bright and colourful dishes, mugs, coasters, soap dispensers, flower pots and serving bowls. There’s also a selection of religious idols, festival items, earthen pottery lanterns and live plants.
Prices tend to drop further down the market, so bring your bargaining game and go to the very end for the best deals. Check items for small cracks and chips before purchasing.
- Nearest Metro Station: Malviya Nagar (Yellow line), exit Gate 1
- Hours: 10:30 am – 8:00 pm, daily
- Nearby Sites: Select City Walk Mall, Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, Satpula Bridge, Sheikh Yusuf Qattal’s Tomb, Khirki Masjid
- Where to Eat: PAUL, Mamagoto, Burma Burma Restaurant & Tea Room (all in Select City Walk Mall)
21. Kamla Nagar Market
Best for: ladies westerns and Indian clothing, some men’s clothing, shoes, bags, belts, fashion jewellery
One of the cheapest markets in Delhi, Kamla Nagar is vastly under rated. It’s often compared to Sarojini Nagar Market in terms of bargain hunting, but I think it may even be better. Because of its close proximity to the University of Delhi, it’s a favourite hangout of university students, so you know the shopping will be good and budget friendly.
The market is a combination of shops and street vendors that circle out from a central roundabout where Spark Mall is located. It’s a great place for ethnic and western style clothing as well as shoe shopping. Try Stelatoes or Delco Shoes, where you’ll find deals on shoes for every occasion. Just make sure to check everything carefully before purchasing.
- Nearest Metro Station: Vishwavidyalaya (Yellow line), exit Gates 3 or 4
- Hours: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm; CLOSED MONDAY
- Nearby Sites: Flagstaff Tower
- Where to Eat: Udupi Krishna Restaurant, University of Delhi canteen (you don’t have to be a student to eat there – it’s not fancy, but it’s cheap and good)
22. Rajouri Garden Market
Best for: western and Indian clothing, shoes, purses, belts, fashion jewellery, Indian wedding clothing
Rajouri Garden Market, also known as Block J Market, is a quieter (unless you go on a Sunday afternoon) and less expensive version of some of the trendy south Delhi markets, like GKI or Khan Market. It’s the best market in north-west Delhi.
This market has everything from large shops, roadside vendors, restaurants, bars and food stalls. Despite several malls being in close proximity, it’s the preferred place to shop for locals. Make sure you check out the shops in the lanes off the main market – there’s some wonderful, unique vendors and prices are usually better.
- Nearest Metro Station: Rajouri Garden (Blue or Pink lines), exit Gates 7 or 8
- Hours: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm; CLOSED WEDNESDAY
- Nearby Sites: Bharat Darshan Park
- Where to Eat: Haldiram’s, Atul Chaat, IKK Panjab
23. Nehru Place Market
Best for: electronics, computers, laptops, fabrics and trim
This is the IT hub of Delhi and Delhi’s largest electronics market. It’s basically an outdoor shopping arcade comprising of top brand retailers, smaller tech shops, repair shops and an excellent fabric market, specializing in fabrics by the metre and trim.
You’ll find all sorts of PCs, laptops, android phones, sim cards, digital cameras, printers, USB drives, batteries, televisions, video games, software and DVDs at Nehru Place Market.
Prices are higher at the larger, known retail shops but service and products are more reliable. The smaller, local shops deep within the market offer the best deals but may not be as reliable, so check everything carefully.
The fabric market is one of the very best in Delhi and the go-to market for many in the fashion industry. My fashion designer friend loves Knits & Weaves for fabric by the metre (two locations in Nehru Place Market), HP Singh for block prints, and Prakaash Creations for trim.
- Nearest Metro Station: Nehru Place (Violet line), exit Gate 2
- Hours: 11:00 am – 8:30 pm; CLOSED SUNDAY
- Nearby Sites: Bahai Lotus Temple, Sri Sri Parthasarathi Mandir (ISKCON Temple), Kalkaji Mandir, World Buddhist Centre
- Where to Eat: Epicuria Food Mall
24. Ghazipur Phool Mandi (Flower Market)
Best for: fresh flowers
This is India’s largest wholesale flower market and it’s a dream for photographers. The swaths of blooms are everywhere and make for stunning pictures. It also smells amazing! You will find flowers from India, South Africa, Holland, New Zealand and Thailand here.
The action starts early at 4:00 am, and the market is practically shut down by noon. If you want to see the place in full swing and get some great deals on flowers, go by 5:00 am.
Never accept the first price offered by vendors and bargain. This is the best of the cheapest flower markets, but the best prices are found deep in the market. The stands on the periphery are always more expensive.
Keep in mind this is a wholesale market. Most vendors do not want to sell less than 1/2 kg of flowers. Prices are higher during festival and wedding season, November to February.
The market floor can be wet, so wear appropriate foot wear. If you get hungry there are food stalls at Ghazipur Phool Mandi, but sanitation is not the best, use your discretion or stick to chai in a paper cup (chai wallas sometimes re-use single use clay cups).
Insider tip: The neighbourhood of Ghazipur has a reputation for being unsafe. My Indian friends were a little horrified I was going there alone. But the flower market is a bit removed from the main village and perfectly fine. Just avoid the main village if you’re alone or after dusk.
- Nearest Metro Station: Kaushambi (Blue line), exit Gate 2
- Hours: 3:00 am – 12:00 pm; daily
- Nearby Sites: Swaminarayan Akshardham
- Where to Eat: RBG Bar & Grill at the Park Inn by Radisson
25. Banjara Market (in Gurugram)
Best for: ceramic crockery, kitchen items, rugs, furniture, home decor items
Even though this market is situated in Gurugram (a suburb south west of Delhi) it’s worth the drive for the amazing deals and selection of ceramic kitchenware and dishes. The same pieces that are for sale in Zara and H&M are here at Banjara Market but at a fraction of the cost.
Banjara Market used to be in Sector 56, but relocated to Sector 62 behind JMD Empire, close to Golf Course Extension Road – just look for the crowds and tarps. The market is large and spread out. Wear comfortable shoes (it’s not on paved ground), avoid when raining, and give yourself plenty of time. It’s best to go is the morning before it gets hot because there’s not much shade.
Besides ceramics, there are all kinds of decor items such as lamps, mirrors, flower pots, frames, furniture and rugs. Items may have small defects, check everything carefully.
Insider tip: Don’t be put off by the initial price – you are expected to bargain and pay about a third of the original asking price.
- Nearest Metro Station: Sector 54 Chowk (Rapid Metro line), exit Gate 1
- Hours: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm, daily
- Nearby Sites: Museo Camera, ice skating at Ambience Mall Gurugram
- Where to Eat: food court at Bandara Market, Dhaba 65 in Emerald Hills
Things to Remember When Shopping at Delhi Markets
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring water
- Bring your own shopping bag – not all vendors have them
- Be prepared to try on clothes over what you are wearing – most shops will not have change rooms
- Markets are the most crowded in the evenings and on weekends
- Most markets close one day of the week which varies market to market
Tips for Bargaining
Bargaining is practically a sport in India and part of the cultural norm. Unless priced are posted or there is a ‘fixed price’ sign, you should barter. Many vendors automatically increase the price (sometimes drastically) for foreigners – your ability to get a great deal will depend on your bargaining skills. Here’s how to negotiate a better deal:
- Offer less than half the asking price
- Expect a better deal if buying multiple items
- If you and the vendor reach an impasse, take a moment and look around at other things – I have noticed my Delhi girlfriends often take a break while negotiating and then start up again
- Be friendly and polite, but firm
- Be prepared to walk away
- Don’t haggle over a few rupees – it probably means a lot more to the vendor than you
Getting Around Delhi
For covering longer distances, the Delhi metro is the best and cheapest way to get to the markets. It’s an extensive system that is efficient, clean and user friendly. Here’s everything you need to know about using the Delhi metro system.
Uber and Ola (two app based taxi services in Delhi) are also convenient, especially if carrying a lot of shopping.
Auto rickshaws are usually waiting by market and metro entrances. They are great for short distances, or to drop you at the nearest metro station. Be sure to negotiate the price before hopping in. Generally, a short trip of about 2-3 km is about INR 80 and longer trips INR 100 – 150, depending on distance.
The Wrap-Up on the 25 Best and Cheapest Markets in Delhi
Now you can see why Delhi truly is a shopper’s paradise; there is nothing you can’t buy! Visiting a market is also an authentic cultural experience. Round out your shopping at the cheapest markets with a snack from one of the market stalls, an auto rickshaw ride to or from the market, and you’ve got a truly iconic Delhi experience.
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Don’t forget travel insurance! It’s always a good idea to carry travel insurance just in case something goes wrong. I really like and use SafetyWing
