Shopping in Delhi

Shopping in Delhi is fun. Be prepared to haggle and remember that everything, apart from goods stocked in government-run shops, is open to negotiation.

Key areas

One of Delhi's most upmarket shopping areas is Khan Market. Expect international brands from Reebok and Adidas to alluring ethnic stores. Among the best are Amrapali, a jewellery emporium, and Anokhi, specialising in hand-printed fabrics and modern ethnic wear. Located in south Delhi, Hauz Khas Village has upmarket furniture, antiques and art shops, along with hip boutiques. The government-run Central Cottage Industries Emporium, on Janpath is well stocked with a wide assortment of handicrafts, textiles and jewellery. The State Emporiums on Baba Kharak Singh Marg showcase products from all over India. And the outer circle of Connaught Place features rows upon rows of restaurants and shops.

Markets

The bazaars that surround Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi offer a colourful, heaving and chaotic slice of Delhi life. This is the Old Town's famed shopping strip leading off to a labyrinthine maze of shops selling everything from fish and poultry to second-hand household products, gemstones, turbans, textiles and even spare car parts. Main Bazaar at Paharganj is the place to pick up cheap t-shirts and more. The covered Gadodial Market is the wholesale spice market, a riot of colour and smells, while Chawri Bazaar is packed with shops specialising in wholesale paper ware as well as copper and brass figurines.

Shopping centres

Select Citywalk is a sprawling behemoth in Sakhet stocking everything from clothes to homeware. Landscaped exteriors, a cinema, restaurants, bars and cafés offer additional distractions. Other shopping malls in Delhi include Ansal Plaza near the South Extension and Metro Walk Mall, which features an amusement park.

Opening hours

Most shops in Delhi tend to open around 1000 and close between 1800 and 1900. Some shops close on Sunday.

Souvenirs

While nearby cities are known for their handicrafts (Agra for marble, Jaipur for jewels), Delhi’s shopping is somewhat less focused on locally-made goods but it is still a paradise for shoppers. You can find artisan crafts from all over India – sarees, jewellery, khadi (homespun cotton) and home goods – in Delhi’s many markets and shops. Also look out for gemstones, carpets, antique furniture, handicrafts, fabrics and spices.

Tax information

VAT is charged at a standard rate of 12.5% in India – officially. However, in practice, it's only likely that you'll pay this, except in the more expensive shops, hotels and restaurants.