What to Buy in Chandni Chowk: Lane-by-Lane Shopping Guide
Spices in Khari Baoli, silver and attar in Dariba Kalan, trims in Kinari Bazaar, fabric in Katra Neel: what to buy in Chandni Chowk, buying tips and timings.
Chandni Chowk is really a cluster of specialist wholesale markets. Buy spices and dried fruit in Khari Baoli, silver jewellery and attar (traditional perfume oil) in Dariba Kalan, wedding trims and sequins in Kinari Bazaar, fabric in Katra Neel, and wedding cards and paper in Chawri Bazar. Most shops open around 10 AM and close by about 8 PM, and the bazaar is largely shut on Sundays.
The trick is to pick one or two markets for what you want, rather than trying to see everything. Each lane runs off the main avenue between Red Fort and Fatehpuri Masjid; see the Chandni Chowk guide for a simple route.
What to buy, lane by lane
| Market | What it sells | Good for visitors? |
|---|---|---|
| Khari Baoli | Spices, dried fruit, nuts, tea | Yes. Small packs of whole spices make great gifts; see the Khari Baoli guide |
| Dariba Kalan | Silver jewellery, silver decorative items, attar | Yes. Delhi's "silver street"; the attar shop Gulab Singh Johri Mal dates to 1819 |
| Kinari Bazaar | Gota, zari and zardozi trims, lace, ribbons, sequins, wedding accessories | Yes, if you sew or craft. Trims are sold by the metre |
| Katra Neel | Silk, satin, crepe, cotton and muslin fabric | Yes, if you want fabric to have tailored |
| Chawri Bazar | Wedding cards, paper goods, some brass and copper | Maybe. Fascinating to see; handmade paper and a few brass items make light souvenirs |
| Nai Sarak | Textbooks, stationery and exam books | Mostly no, unless you like browsing book stalls |
| Bhagirath Palace | Medical equipment, medicines and electrical goods | No. A trade market |
Buying tips for each market
Spices (Khari Baoli)
Buy whole spices rather than powders: they keep their flavour much longer. Ask for 100–250 g sealed packs, and avoid cheap "saffron". Check your home country's rules on bringing in plant products.
Silver (Dariba Kalan)
Silver is sold by weight plus a making charge. Ask for hallmarked pieces and the weight on the bill, and compare a couple of shops before buying anything expensive. Cheaper "German silver" and white-metal jewellery look similar but are not silver; ask if you are unsure.
Attar (Dariba Kalan)
Attar is alcohol-free perfume oil sold in small glass bottles. Try a few on your wrist and wait a few minutes before choosing. Small bottles travel easily in hand luggage within liquid limits.
Trims and fabric (Kinari Bazaar and Katra Neel)
Prices vary widely with the quality of the zari or fabric. Ask for a small sample length first, and confirm whether the price is per metre or per roll.
When to go and how to get there
- Best time: weekday late morning, after shops open and before the afternoon peak.
- Closed: most shops close on Sunday.
- Metro: take the Yellow Line to Chandni Chowk and use Gate No. 5 for Khari Baoli, Sis Ganj Sahib and Paranthe Wali Gali. For Chawri Bazar, use Chawri Bazar station.
- Carrying purchases: bring a foldable bag and keep valuables in front; see how to avoid pickpockets.
- Food breaks: parathas, jalebi and kulfi are a few steps away; see the Old Delhi food walk.
If you want fixed prices and less chaos, compare Chandni Chowk with Dilli Haat and Delhi's other markets.
“I want to buy spices, a silver bracelet and some attar in Chandni Chowk tomorrow. Which lanes should I visit and in what order?”
FAQ
What is Chandni Chowk famous for buying?
Spices and dried fruit at Khari Baoli, silver jewellery and attar at Dariba Kalan, wedding trims at Kinari Bazaar, fabric at Katra Neel and wedding cards at Chawri Bazar.
Is Chandni Chowk market open on Sunday?
Most shops are closed on Sunday. Visit between Monday and Saturday for shopping.
Is Chandni Chowk cheap for shopping?
Yes. Many shops are wholesalers, so prices are low, especially for spices, trims and fabric. Silver is priced by weight, so compare shops before buying.
Where can I buy silver in Chandni Chowk?
In Dariba Kalan, a lane off the main avenue near the Red Fort end, known as Delhi's silver street.
Sources and verification
Checked on 26 October 2026.
- Delhi Tourism: Old Delhi shopping – the markets and what they sell
- WanderOn: guide to shopping in Chandni Chowk – Dariba Kalan silver and Kinari Bazaar trims
- Maps of India: shopping areas in Chandni Chowk – Katra Neel, Chawri Bazar and Nai Sarak
- Chandni Chowk market timings and closed day (zingbus.com)
- DMRC station and gate locations workbook (dated 23 August 2026) – Chandni Chowk Gate No. 5