Delhi is a shopper’s paradise with markets sprouting in every nook and corner. These markets have something to offer to everyone, be it a bargain hunter, a snooty rich customer, a discerning shopper or a buyer with a purpose. People from neighbouring States are known to visit Delhi with specific shopping motives for marriages, trousseau shopping and even bargain shopping. Most of Delhi markets are open on Sundays and closed on Mondays.

Among the most recent and latest markets that have developed in erstwhile residential areas are those like South Extension market (known popularly as South Ex), Greater Kailash I and II markets (more familiar as GKI and GKII), Vasant Vihar market and the Tilak Nagar market. These markets offer various products ranging from apparel to consumer durables. Having originated in the recent past during the multi-national boom, these markets have large showrooms of the latest branded products available in India. However the presence and popularity of the local shops cannot be ignored. As is common in all the markets in Delhi, these hubs also have many traditional Indian snacks and savoury stands for bhel puri, and gol guppas and also up market eat outs like Mc Donalds, Pizza Hut etc saluting the penchant for delectable food among the people.

Okhla Mandi and Azadpur markets are wholesale vegetable and fruit markets and the freshest fruits can be bought at the cheapest rates in these markets. Mehrauli offers similar convenience and facilities for food grain products. To obtain household items at throwaway prices Sadar Bazaar is the best option. Though crowded and humming with continuous negotiations, this market not only deals with regular household items but also has to offer great deals on other products like toys, imitation jewelry and stationery.

Two markets which have found recognition in Delhi due to their proximity to college campuses are Kamala Nagar and New Friends Colony Community Center. These are close to the Delhi University North Campus and Jamia Milia Islamia University and are a regular hang out places for students.

Among the major business centers of the city are Chandini Chowk, Connaught Place (popularised as CP) and Nehru Place. Set in old Delhi, Chandini Chowk is the oldest market in the city. It has a distinct north Indian flavour and is home to shops that offer exquisite sarees from all over India to shoes, clothing, leather goods and electronic items also. If you are hesitant about bargaining, then Chandini Chowk is not the place for you. Connaught Place, though logically planned with three circles and 8 radiating lanes, will leave you perplexed. Built in Victorian architectural style, this market is the hub of commercial and retail activity.

Well known for its shops selling computers and computer accessories, at Nehru Place one finds many people who come to this market from various other parts of the country to buy these in bulk. One part of Nehru Place has also been dedicated to non computer related items like dressmaking and textiles.

The best markets in the city where you can buy great stuff at throwaway prices are Pallika Bazaar, Janpath and Sarojini Nagar. The secret of being able to come away with a steal is the art of being able to pick out a winner from among a pile of seemingly trashy items. Pallika Bazaar is an underground market near Connaught Place, it is most famous for electronic items and secretly pirated material. Strikingly similar to the originals, the fake branded items are touted with great pomp and show at the outlets where the salesmen compete for each and every customer. At Janpath one can find an array of footpath stalls which sell t-shirts, shorts and other clothes for regular wear at rock bottom prices. Other stalls also deal in various items of art and craft ranging from rugs to key chains to earthenware. Sarojini Nagar is the local area for shopping for the employees of the Government who reside there. Though the market has large showrooms of branded products also, it is most famous for street side shops which sell garments for all people – kids, men and women, old and young. There is also the Tibetan market where one can find a lay out of Himalayan art and craft. These include musical instruments, artifacts, beads and spurious branded jeans and other apparel.

A market with the quintessential flavour of Delhi, Karol Bagh is primarily a residential area converted into a bustling market. It is probably the fastest growing market of Delhi and has expanded into many by lanes from the main Ajmal Khan Road. It is most famous for its clothes and shoes. Apart from the branches of the most popular trousseau shops and stores of branded garments, it is also famous for its Punjabi vegetarian snacks like aloo tiki and chole bhatura and the typically Indian cold dessert, kulfi. It transforms into the biggest street market in Delhi on Mondays when shops are officially closed.

Another old market which exudes the spirit of Delhi is the Lajpat Nagar. It has a large all-encompassing collection of garments and fabric, laces, buttons and many other accoutrements. It is known for its comprehensive availability of all kinds of requirements under the sun. A typical and well known feature of the market is the Tibetan women who sell steamed momo’s.

The two up scale but ethnic markets of Delhi, which attract large crowds, are Dilli Haat and Hauz Khas. Dilli Haat, spread over 6 acres, is a food court and crafts market combined in one and is located in the center of the city. It has stalls which represent the various states of India and different vendors are allotted this space to exhibit the variety of handicrafts that they may have to offer. Among other things, the vendors sell sandalwood and rosewood, carved artifacts and furniture, leather and camel hide footwear, woven/painted/embroidered/block printed fabric, gems and beads, brassware and earthenware. Haus Khas Village is located in an elite south Delhi locale and houses exclusive boutiques and creative hubs. It has some of the best restaurants in the city for those who want to dine after a tiring day of shopping.