Dilli Haat: An Insider’s Guide to Delhi’s Favourite Market 2026
Dilli Haat is an open air, pedestrian zoned cultural and handicraft market. It’s a popular tourist attraction, but locals love this market too.
A local guide brought me there on my very first day in Delhi back in 2016, and I’ve been going ever since. When I moved into my first Delhi apartment I bought rugs and cushions at Dilli Haat.
If it’s your first time in Delhi, this is one of the best spots to start your Indian adventure. It’s easy to navigate and more relaxed place to help you acclimate to the general madness of the city.
Dilli Haat INA: Overview
Dilli Haat is the most popular Indian handicrafts bazaar in Delhi. Artisans come from all over India for 15 days at a time. There’s always a great selection of crafts and cultural items from across the country.
There are 3 Dilli Haat markets in Delhi, but the best by far is Dilli Haat INA. This is the one everyone goes to, and the one I am talking about here.
It’s the best place to shop for souvenirs, gifts and decorative items in a relaxed, traffic free environment.
- Hours: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, open daily
- Cost: INR 100 (cash or UPI only)
- Location: Sri Aurobindo Marg, Kidwai Nagar, New Delhi
- No pets allowed
What to Expect
Once you pay the admission fee, you will walk through security and enter the market. The entire market is spread over 6 acres, but it doesn’t feel that big.
Dilli Haat is designed to look like a traditional village bazaar with thatched roofs, stone lattice work and laneways.
There are over 160 stalls and a large outdoor food court featuring foods from across India. Cultural shows and events are held throughout the year in the exhibition hall and on the outdoor stage.
Stalls are allotted on a 15 day rotational basis, so the crafts and artisans change all the time. There’s always something new to see. A few vendors have year round stalls, but the stock changes with the seasons.
Prices tend to be a little higher than in the specialty markets across Delhi, but I think the convenience of having everything in one place is worth it. Plus you can bargain!
Vehicles are not allowed in Dilli Haat, so you don’t have to worry about dodging cars, bikes or motorcycles. It’s very walkable, wheel chair accessible and there’s toilet facilities. There’s a small children’s playground at the back of the market.
Dilli Haat History
The name Dilli Haat comes from the Hindi word for market, ‘haat’, and the ancient name for Delhi, ‘Dilli’.
Dilli Haat first opened in 1994. It was a joint venture between Delhi Tourism and various government handloom and handicraft ministries. It’s a purpose built crafts bazaar designed to promote Indian handicrafts.
Remarkably, the market was built on a site being used as a drainage ditch and wasteland/garbage dump. It was a huge eyesore. There were a number of trees on the edges of the ditch which were preserved. That is why Dilli Haat INA is so shady.
Dilli Haat INA is one Delhi’s most successful urban reclamation projects.
How To Get To Dilli Haat
It’s very easy to get to Dilli Haat no matter where you are staying in Delhi.
The market is located next to the Dilli Haat INA metro station (Yellow and Pink lines, exit Gate 5), or you can take an Uber or auto rickshaw. Every driver knows Dilli Haat INA. The Delhi metro is excellent, don’t hesitate to use it.
If taking an Uber or auto rickshaw specify Dilli Haat INA. I once had an unscrupulous auto driver take me to a different Dilli Haat near the Bahai Lotus Temple, and another driver took friends of mine to Delhi Haat – an imposter shop in a completely different part of town.
What Else to do Near Dilli Haat
Delhi is a huge city and it makes sense to see other sites that are in the same area. Here’s a few that are very close to Dilli Haat:
- INA Market: Mainly a produce and meat market (they are famous for having very high quality stock), but it’s also an excellent place to pick up Indian spices or savoury dry snacks (namkeen) to bring back home. I prefer it to Khari Baoli, Old Delhi’s spice market.
- Darya Khan’s Tomb: Part of the Kotla Mubarakpur Complex group of tombs (built in the 15th and 16th centuries). The Bade and Chote tombs are also close. Very off the beaten path.
- Hauz Khas Village & Hauz Khas Fort: These are a little further than the 2 above, but they’re great sites, especially if it’s your first days in Delhi. Hauz Khas Village is a quaint urban village full of cafes, and unique shops. Hauz Khas Fort is a historic complex in Hauz Khas Village. It’s a very walkable area and a great spot for a meal if you didn’t eat at Dilli Haat.
- Deer Park: One of Delhi’s largest green spaces and nicest parks. I like to take the walking path around the royal Hauz Khas reservoir, and there’s a few well preserved historic tombs. It’s right next door to Hauz Khas Village.
Where To Stay Near Dilli Haat
Dilli Haat is centrally located in South Delhi. This is an excellent area to stay in for sightseeing. It’s also a greener and nicer part of the city. These are excellent hotels close to Dilli Haat:
- Hyatt Regency Delhi (luxury): 5 star hotel with the best hotel bakery in Delhi. The immediate area is busy, but you can easily explore the whole city from here.
- Thikana Delhi (mid-range): Excellent bed and breakfast in one of Delhi’s most exclusive neighbourhoods.
- Prakash Kutir B&B (budget): Best budget bed and breakfast in Delhi. It’s in an upscale residential neighbourhood near a good market.
Last Words on Dilli Haat: An Insider’s Guide to Delhi’s Favourite Market
Dilli Haat is the perfect spot to shop for Delhi souvenirs and momentos in a relatively stress free environment. It’s also popular with locals, which is always a good sign.
Delhi does have other markets which are more culturally authentic (Dilli Haat was built by Delhi Tourism), but if you’re new to the city or if it’s your first time in India, this is the best place to come.
