Countless fancy malls and trendy shopping centers popped up in the busiest areas of popular cities in India in the last few decades, yet they fail to overshadow the humble local markets (our desi bazaars) that have existed for ages in every nook and cranny of the country. Street shopping in India is still a thing! Traditional bazaars best represent the cultural diversity of a place and shopping at these local markets is a unique experience, which leaves you satisfied; if only you know where to get high-quality products at the best possible price and possess great bargaining skills.
Best places for street shopping in India:
- Sarojini Market, Delhi
- Johari Bazaar, Jaipur
- New Market, Kolkata
- Laad Bazaar, Hyderabad
- Anjuna Flea Market, Goa
Sarojini Market, Delhi
Ask any Delhiite for the best shopping market in the city, you are most likely to hear Sarojini Market, which they fondly call SN. A one-stop shopping destination in Delhi, the huge Sarojini Market has them all – clothes, cosmetics, jewelry, home furnishings, and other accessories. This is one such Indian bazaar that can get anyone on a shopping spree. It is here that you get the best of what is trending in the fashion world at unbelievably dirt-cheap prices.
Johari Bazaar, Jaipur
Situated close to the iconic Hawa Mahal, Johari Bazaar is one of the best places for jewelry shopping in India. This local market is lined with hundreds of glittering shops, where you can find an array of traditional Indian jewelry apart from exquisite Rajasthani-style Kundan and Meenakari jewelry. ‘Johri’ is a Hindi word for ‘jeweler’ and this market, as its name suggests, is a hub for vendors trading in gold, silver, diamonds, precious, and semi-precious stones as well as pearls.
New Market, Kolkata
A very old market packed with over 2000 small stalls and stores selling a diverse range of products, New Market (formerly Sir Stuart Hogg Market) is another great place for street shopping in India. Moreover, the colonial architecture of the New Market adds to the charm of this place. From traditional Bengali saree and jewelry to authentic spices and fresh flowers to brassware and trinkets; there’s a lot in store for you at New Market. And maybe, the one thing that you have always wanted for yourself is just waiting for you to be discovered at these street shops in India.
Laad Bazaar, Hyderabad
Hyderabad is popular for Charminar, and Charminar for bangles. Laad Bazaar, also called Choodi Bazaar, is unarguably the best place to buy bangles in Hyderabad. A colorful market tucked away in the narrow lanes surrounding Charminar, this historic bangle bazaar attracts several tourists; especially at night when the dazzle of the shimmering bangles stacked neatly in the stores is unavoidable. Women absolutely love the sheer variety of bangles available here, such as lacquer, glass, and stone-studded bangles among others.
Anjuna Flea Market, Goa
One of the most vibrant places in Goa, Anjuna Flea Market is a shopping destination like no other! It is also called Wednesday Flea Market as it is open only on Wednesdays. But the one day that it is open, it is teeming with locals and foreigners alike, moving from stall to stall, amazed at the variety of things on sale. You can pick your perfect souvenir from clothes, embroidery, beaded necklaces, fancy jewelry, hats, bags, electronics, footwear, handicrafts, spices, mirrored accessories, and knick-knacks. You can literally shop here till you drop and for some instant energy, grab a hot chocolate or snacks from street food stalls. Live music performances from local bands add to the unique vibe of this famous flea market.
