Where to Shop in Delhi: Souvenirs, Markets & Bargaining
Dilli Haat, the Janpath emporium, Janpath market, Sarojini Nagar and Chandni Chowk compared: what to buy where, closing days, metro gates and how to bargain.
For souvenirs and handicrafts in Delhi, start at Dilli Haat INA, where stalls from every Indian state sell crafts at mostly fixed prices for a small entry fee, and the Central Cottage Industries Emporium on Janpath, a government-run store with fixed prices open daily. For bargain shopping, go to Janpath market and Sarojini Nagar; for spices, silver and Old Delhi atmosphere, go to Chandni Chowk. Check closing days before you go: Sarojini Nagar shuts on Mondays and most Chandni Chowk shops shut on Sundays.
Delhi's main markets compared
| Market | Best for | Prices | Bargaining | Closed | Nearest metro |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dilli Haat INA | Handicrafts, textiles and regional food from across India | Fair, mostly fixed | Little; politely at some stalls | Open daily | Dilli Haat–INA, Gate No. 1 or 5 |
| Central Cottage Industries Emporium, Janpath | Quality crafts, shawls, carpets and gifts | Fixed, higher | None | Open daily | Janpath or Rajiv Chowk |
| Janpath market | Cheap clothes, bags, jewellery and Tibetan crafts | Low, but quoted high | Expected | Open most days | Janpath or Rajiv Chowk |
| Sarojini Nagar | Very cheap clothes and export surplus | Very low | Expected | Monday | Sarojini Nagar, Gate No. 1 |
| Chandni Chowk | Spices, silver, wedding trims, sweets | Wholesale | Gentle | Sunday for most shops | Chandni Chowk, Gate No. 5 |
| Khan Market | Bookshops, designer homeware, cafes | High, fixed | None | One day a week (check before going) | Khan Market |
| Lajpat Nagar Central Market | Ethnic wear, fabric and accessories | Low to mid | Expected | Monday | Lajpat Nagar |
| Malls (Select Citywalk Saket, DLF Promenade) | International brands, air-conditioning | Fixed | None | Open daily | Saket |
Where to buy what
| Souvenir | Best place |
|---|---|
| Pashmina and wool shawls | Central Cottage Industries Emporium or Kashmiri stalls at Dilli Haat, where quality is easier to trust |
| Block-printed textiles and cushion covers | Dilli Haat, Janpath, and fabric shops in Lajpat Nagar |
| Spices, tea and dried fruit | Khari Baoli, Old Delhi; see the Khari Baoli guide |
| Silver jewellery | Dariba Kalan, Chandni Chowk; see what to buy in Chandni Chowk |
| Cheap jewellery, bags and clothes | Janpath market and Sarojini Nagar |
| Books and stationery | Khan Market bookshops and the Sunday book market at Mahila Haat near Daryaganj |
| Sweets to take home | Old Delhi sweet shops or big chains; see traditional Delhi sweets |
Dilli Haat INA: what to know
Dilli Haat is an open-air crafts market run by the Delhi government, with stalls rotated between craftspeople from different states and a food court serving regional dishes. Delhi Tourism lists it as open daily from 11 AM to 8 PM, with an entry ticket of about ₹30 for adults, ₹20 for children and ₹100 for foreign visitors. It hosts craft festivals through the year; see the Dilli Haat festival and visitor guide.
Take the Yellow or Pink Line to Dilli Haat–INA and use Gate No. 1 or 5, which DMRC signs towards Dilli Haat. There are separate Dilli Haats at Pitampura and Janakpuri, so check the address if you are going for an event.
How to bargain without stress
- Know which places bargain. Government emporia, malls and shops with printed price tags do not. Street markets and many small shops do.
- Ask the price, then offer much lower. At Janpath and Sarojini, starting at a third to half of the first price is normal; settle somewhere in between.
- Stay friendly and be ready to walk away. Often the best price arrives as you leave.
- Buy several items from one stall for a better overall price.
- Check quality before paying: zips, stitching and, for shawls, the label and feel. "Pure pashmina" at a street-market price usually is not.
“I have one afternoon for souvenir shopping in Delhi and want fixed prices. Should I go to Dilli Haat or the Janpath emporium, and how do I get there from Connaught Place?”
FAQ
Where is the best place to buy souvenirs in Delhi?
Dilli Haat INA for crafts from all over India at fair prices, and the Central Cottage Industries Emporium on Janpath for fixed-price, quality gifts.
Which is better, Sarojini Nagar or Janpath?
Sarojini Nagar is cheaper and bigger for clothes, but more crowded and closed on Mondays. Janpath is smaller, closer to Connaught Place and better for bags, jewellery and Tibetan crafts.
Is Dilli Haat open every day?
Yes. Delhi Tourism lists Dilli Haat INA as open daily from 11 AM to 8 PM, with a small entry fee.
Which Delhi markets are closed on Monday?
Sarojini Nagar and Lajpat Nagar Central Market are generally closed on Mondays. Most Chandni Chowk shops are closed on Sundays instead.
Can I bargain in Delhi?
Yes, in street markets like Janpath, Sarojini Nagar and Lajpat Nagar. Not in government emporia, malls or shops with fixed price tags.
Sources and verification
Checked on 26 October 2026.
- Delhi Tourism: Dilli Haat INA – hours and entry fee
- Wikipedia: Central Cottage Industries Emporium and Culture and Heritage: the emporium's opening hours
- magicpin: which Delhi market is closed on which day
- Sarojini Nagar market timings and weekly off (triphippies.com)
- DMRC station and gate locations workbook (dated 23 August 2026) – Dilli Haat–INA, Sarojini Nagar and Chandni Chowk gates
Market closing days can change around festivals. Check before you travel.