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If you are looking for a one-stop shop to get all your Delhi shopping done, have a cultural experience and grab some delicious food – look no further! Dilli Haat has all of that. 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 took me to Dilli Haat on my very first day in Delhi in 2016, and I’ve been going there ever since. This is one of Delhi’s best ‘soft landing’ spots for visitors – an easy, relaxing place to help acclimatize to the general madness of the city.
Visiting Dilli Haat: Overview
Dilli Haat is a popular outdoor Indian handicrafts bazaar in South 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.
This is an excellent place to shop for souvenirs, gifts and decorative items in a relaxed, traffic free environment.
Hours: 10:30 am to 10:00 pm, daily
Cost: INR 100
Location: Sri Aurobindo Marg, Kidwai Nagar, Delhi, New Delhi
Nearest metro station: Dilli Haat INA (Yellow or Pink lines), exit Gate 5
What to Expect
Once you pay the admission fee, you will walk through security and then 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 at the outdoor stage.
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.
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.
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.
How To Get To Dilli Haat
It’s very easy to get to Dilli Haat no matter where you are staying in Delhi.
It’s located beside the Dilli Haat INA metro station, or you can take an Uber or auto rickshaw (if you’re only a few kilometres away). Dilli Haat is well known – every driver knows it.
If taking an Uber or auto rickshaw make sure you specify Dilli Haat INA – I once had an unscrupulous driver take me to a fake Dilli Haat shop near the Bahai Lotus Temple, and another driver took friends of mine to Delhi Haat – another imposter shop.
The Delhi metro is excellent, by the way. Don’t hesitate to use it – it’s the fastest and easiest way to get across the city. It’s very user friendly, but you can read more about how to use the Delhi metro here.
Where To Stay Nearby
Dilli Haat is centrally located in South Delhi. This is an excellent area to stay in for exploring Delhi. It’s a greener and nicer part of the city . These are my favourite hotels nearby:
📍Prakash Kutir B&B (budget) – If you’re looking for super clean, well located, budget friendly accommodation, stay here. This is South Delhi’s best bed and breakfast. It’s family run, near a metro station, and within walking distance of a market with shops and restaurants.
📍Bungalow 157 (mid-range) – This is a wonderful Delhi boutique hotel in a quiet residential neighbourhood. Each floor has 3 guestrooms and shared living room and kitchen. You can walk to shops and restaurants. A home cooked breakfast is included.
📍Leela Palace New Delhi (luxury) – The Leela Palace is Delhi’s most beautiful luxury 5 star hotel and an exceptional property. It’s in one of the greenest areas of Delhi, close to many historic monuments and attractions. There’s a pool, spa, gym, restaurants and lounges.
FAQs
Here are common questions about visiting Dilli Haat:
What is Dilli Haat famous for?
Dilli Haat is Delhi’s most famous handicraft bazaar. Artisans from across India come to Dilli Haat to sell handloom and handicraft items.
On which day is Dilli Haat is closed?
Unlike most of Delhi’s markets, Dilli Haat is open 7 days a week.
How far is Dilli Haat from the metro station?
Dilli Haat is beside Gate 5 exit of Dilli Haat INA metro station. It is only a few minutes walk away.
The Wrap-up on Dilli Haat: An Insider’s Guide to Delhi’s Favourite Market 2024
Dilli Haat is the perfect spot to shop for Delhi souvenirs and momentos in a relatively stress free environment. Delhi does have other markets which are more culturally authentic (Dilli Haat was built by Delhi Tourism, after all), but if you’re new to the city or if it’s your first time in India, this is the best place to come. Even Delhiites love coming here!
Looking for More? You Might Also Like…
- Where to Buy Authentic Gifts and Souvenirs in Delhi
- How to Buy a Real Pashmina
- 29 Amazing Things to do in Delhi by a Local
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
