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Illustration: a row of market stalls under hanging lanterns

Market, Delhi

Chandni Chowk

The old city's main street and the lanes off it: parathas, silver, spices, wedding cards and Jama Masjid round the corner. Most shops shut on Sundays.

Directions (opens Google Maps) Nearest metro on our map

What it is

Chandni Chowk was laid out in the 17th century by Jahanara, Shah Jahan's daughter, and it still runs from the Red Fort to Fatehpuri Masjid. The main road was rebuilt a few years ago with a stone-paved walkway and a central strip, and it is now closed to cars. The real shopping is in the side lanes. Dariba Kalan sells silver, Kinari Bazar sells wedding trim, and Khari Baoli at the far end is Asia's biggest spice market.

Along the way you pass Gauri Shankar Temple, Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib and the Sunehri Masjid. Paranthe Wali Gali is a short lane of paratha shops.

Getting there

Chandni Chowk station on the Yellow Line opens right onto the area. Lal Quila on the Violet Line is at the Red Fort end. The main road is a non-motorised zone from 9 am to 9 pm. Use cycle rickshaws or e-rickshaws in the lanes, and agree the fare first.

When to go

Weekday mornings, before eleven, are best. By afternoon the lanes are shoulder to shoulder. Diwali and wedding season are the busiest of all. Most of the market shuts on Sundays, though some food shops stay open.

Good to know

Wear comfortable shoes and keep your bag in front. Carry cash, since small shops prefer it. If you plan to buy in bulk, bring someone who knows the market.

More places in Delhi

MonumentRed FortShah Jahan's red sandstone fort at the head of Chandni Chowk. Since February 2026 it opens every day of the week, Mondays included.Lal Quila, Violet LineMonumentIndia GateThe war memorial arch at the end of Kartavya Path, with the National War Memorial beside it. Free, open all hours and packed on summer evenings.Central SecretariatParkLodhi GardenFifteenth-century tombs, old trees and wide lawns off Lodhi Road. Delhi's favourite morning walk, and free to enter.Jor Bagh, Yellow LineMonumentHumayun’s TombThe emperor Humayun's garden tomb from the 1560s, the model for the Taj Mahal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Open every day.Jangpura, Violet LineMarketDilli Haat, INAAn open-air crafts bazaar run by Delhi Tourism, with stalls from every state and a food court to match. Opposite INA Market and right by the metro.INA, Yellow and PinkFood streetHauz Khas VillageA medieval reservoir and Firoz Shah Tughlaq's madrasa, with cafes and bars squeezed into the old village behind them. Calm by day and busy at night.Hauz Khas, Green Park

All places to visit in Delhi