Delhi, India's sprawling capital territory, is a city where ancient monuments stand beside ultramodern malls and Mughal gardens shadow gleaming corporate towers. As one of the world's most populous cities, Delhi offers an intoxicating blend of history spanning 3,000 years, from Iron Age settlements to British colonial architecture. The city serves as the political, cultural, and commercial heart of India, drawing millions of visitors annually to its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, vibrant street food scene, and legendary bazaars.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Pashmina Shawls
Ultra-fine Kashmiri shawls made from Changthangi goat wool. A genuine pashmina is incredibly soft and lightweight. Quality varies enormously – be skeptical of very cheap 'pashmina' which is often synthetic. Best bought at Cottage Industries Emporium (Janpath) or reputable shops in Khan Market.
Price: ₹2,000–25,000 ($24–300) for genuine pashmina
Where: Cottage Industries Emporium, Khan Market, Dilli Haat, Santushti Shopping Complex
Silver Jewelry
Old Delhi's Dariba Kalan (Silver Street) in Chandni Chowk is Asia's most famous silver jewelry market. Intricate Rajasthani and Mughal-inspired designs, sterling silver goods, and tribal jewelry. Prices are per gram plus making charge.
Price: ₹500–10,000 ($6–120) depending on weight and design
Where: Dariba Kalan (Chandni Chowk), Dilli Haat, Khan Market boutiques
Block-Printed Textiles
Hand block-printed fabrics from Rajasthan and Gujarat – tablecloths, bedcovers, scarves, and kurtas. Traditional motifs using natural dyes printed using carved wooden blocks. Lightweight and packable.
Price: ₹300–3,000 ($3.60–36)
Where: Dilli Haat, Lajpat Nagar Central Market, Anokhi (Khan Market), FabIndia (multiple locations)
Indian Spices and Chai
Khari Baoli in Old Delhi (Asia's largest spice market) is the definitive source for authentic Indian spices – cardamom, saffron, star anise, turmeric, and blended masalas. Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiri teas are also excellent gifts.
Price: ₹100–2,000 ($1.20–24) depending on spice and quantity
Where: Khari Baoli Spice Market (Old Delhi), The Wishing Chair (Khan Market), Neemrana's (fixed price shops)
Madhubani Paintings
Traditional folk paintings from Bihar with distinctive geometric patterns, mythology scenes, and natural motifs in bright natural colors. Painted on handmade paper or cotton fabric.
Price: ₹500–15,000 ($6–180) for larger works
Where: Dilli Haat (Bihar stall), Crafts Museum Shop, Cottage Industries Emporium
Brass and Bronze Figurines
Hand-cast brass and bronze figurines of Hindu deities, elephants, and traditional decorative objects. South Indian Tanjore craft and Rajasthani brasswork are both available in Delhi.
Price: ₹500–20,000 ($6–240)
Where: Cottage Industries Emporium (Janpath), Hauz Khas antique shops, Mehrauli antique district
Dhurrie Rugs
Flat-woven cotton rugs in geometric patterns, traditionally made in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Durable, lightweight, and easy to transport when rolled. Available in multiple sizes.
Price: ₹1,500–20,000 ($18–240) depending on size
Where: Dilli Haat, Lajpat Nagar, Santushti Shopping Complex, Jaipur-brand stores in South Delhi
Jute and Khadi Products
Eco-friendly jute bags, khadi (hand-spun cotton) clothing and fabrics, and handloom textiles. Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan near Connaught Place is the government-run source for authentic khadi.
Price: ₹200–3,000 ($2.40–36)
Where: Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan (CP), FabIndia, Dilli Haat
Kashmiri Embroidery (Zari/Zardozi)
Intricate gold and silver thread embroidery on silk, velvet, and fabric. Used in sarees, salwar kameez, bags, and home furnishings. A centuries-old art form.
Price: ₹1,000–30,000+ ($12–360+) for garments
Where: Santushti Shopping Complex, Kinari Bazaar (Old Delhi), Khan Market boutiques
Sandalwood Products
Sandalwood incense sticks (agarbatti), sandalwood oil, carved sandalwood boxes, and beauty products. High-quality sandalwood from Karnataka has a distinctive fragrance.
Price: ₹200–5,000 ($2.40–60)
Where: Cottage Industries Emporium, Forest Essentials stores, Dilli Haat
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Chandni Chowk
One of Asia's oldest and most iconic markets, dating to the 17th century Mughal era. A labyrinthine network of lanes with separate sections for textiles, electronics, wholesale goods, spices, books, and wedding supplies. Chaotic, vibrant, and utterly unlike any modern mall experience.
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:30AM–8PM (closed Monday)
Look for: Textiles and sarees · Electronics and components · Street food (paratha wali gali, Jalebiwala) · Silver jewelry (Dariba Kalan) · Wedding supplies
Khari Baoli
Asia's largest wholesale spice market, operational since the 17th century. The air is thick with the aroma of cardamom, saffron, and chili. Wholesale and retail spices, dried herbs, nuts, seeds, and Ayurvedic ingredients.
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 10AM–8PM
Look for: Spices (all varieties) · Dried fruits and nuts · Herbal products · Teas · Cooking essentials
Kinari Bazaar
Delhi's wedding market – a dazzling display of embroidered ribbons, golden trims, plastic flowers, costume jewelry, bangles, and bridal accessories. Not much for regular tourists but fascinating to witness the sheer spectacle of Indian wedding preparation.
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 10AM–7PM
Look for: Embroidered ribbons and trim · Costume jewelry · Bangles · Bridal accessories · Religious decoration supplies
Dariba Kalan
Old Delhi's historic Silver Street, a lane near Chandni Chowk market dedicated entirely to silver jewelry, silverware, and gold jewelry. Oldest jewelry market in Delhi, operating since Mughal times.
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 11AM–8PM
Look for: Sterling silver jewelry · Gold jewelry · Silver antique objects · Precious and semi-precious stones
Dilli Haat
A government-managed open-air crafts market where artisans from all 28 Indian states sell their regional handicrafts and food on rotating monthly assignments. Fixed prices – no bargaining. India's best single source for authentic state-specific souvenirs and handicrafts.
Hours: Daily 10:30AM–10PM
Look for: State-specific handicrafts from all India · Block-printed textiles · Tribal jewelry · Traditional art · Regional food stalls
Sarojini Nagar Market
Delhi's most popular budget fashion market, famous for export surplus (factory leftovers from international brands at a fraction of original prices) and affordable trendy clothing. A weekend institution for Delhi college students.
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 9:30AM–8:30PM (closed Monday)
Look for: Export surplus clothing · Affordable fashion · Bags and accessories · Western-style clothing
Lajpat Nagar Central Market
A sprawling neighborhood market popular with Delhi locals for clothing, household goods, fabrics, and everyday essentials. Less tourist-focused than Dilli Haat or Chandni Chowk – good for authentic local shopping experience.
Hours: Daily 10AM–8PM
Look for: Indian clothing (salwar kameez, kurtas) · Fabrics by the meter · Household goods · Spices and kitchen supplies · Bangles and accessories
Hauz Khas Village
A chic enclave of boutique fashion stores, art galleries, independent designers, and concept stores set among medieval ruins overlooking a lake. Delhi's most fashionable shopping destination for unique Indian designer pieces.
Hours: Daily 11AM–10PM (stores) / later for restaurants and bars
Look for: Independent Indian fashion designers · Concept stores · Vintage and upcycled clothing · Art prints and crafts · Bohemian jewelry
Khan Market
Delhi's most prestigious and expensive per-square-foot market. Home to upscale bookstores (Bahrisons Books, Faqir Chand & Sons), gourmet food shops, designer boutiques, and the famous Perch wine bar. Beloved by diplomats, journalists, and Delhi's intellectual elite.
Hours: Daily 10AM–9PM
Look for: Books · Gourmet food · Designer boutiques · Specialty coffee · Wine
Mehrauli
Delhi's antique and heritage zone near Qutub Minar. A cluster of upscale galleries and antique dealers selling genuine Indian antiques, vintage furniture, heritage objects, and quality reproductions.
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 11AM–7PM
Look for: Antique furniture · Heritage Indian objects · Old coins · Vintage textiles · Sculpture reproductions
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad)
The historic city built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. Contains Chandni Chowk, Khari Baoli, Kinari Bazaar, and Dariba Kalan. The original commercial heart of Delhi with the most authentic and atmospheric shopping experience in the city.
Best for: Spices, silver jewelry, wholesale textiles, authentic Indian goods
South Delhi Markets
South Delhi encompasses Hauz Khas Village (boutique/designer), Lajpat Nagar (everyday Indian goods), Sarojini Nagar (budget fashion), and Defence Colony Market (neighborhood essentials). The most livable and accessible shopping zone for tourists staying in South Delhi.
Best for: Fashion, Indian clothing, local market experience
Connaught Place (CP)
Central Delhi's historic commercial circle with flagship stores, chain restaurants, and central shops. Home to Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan, Cottage Industries Emporium on Janpath (nearby), and government-run craft shops.
Best for: Official government craft emporiums, branded stores, central location
Khan Market and Santushti
Delhi's upscale, curated shopping districts. Khan Market for premium books, gourmet food, and boutiques. Santushti Shopping Complex (behind Ashoka Hotel) for high-end handicrafts, designer saris, and luxury goods in a garden setting.
Best for: Luxury handicrafts, premium books, designer Indian fashion
DLF Cyber Hub (Gurgaon)
Modern mixed-use development in Gurgaon with upscale international brands, restaurants, entertainment, and services. More of an experience destination than a traditional shopping area. 30 minutes from central Delhi.
Best for: International brands, dining, entertainment
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Select Citywalk
Delhi's most popular and well-regarded mall with an excellent mix of international and Indian brands, multiple dining options, PVR cinema, and a clean, comfortable environment. Consistently voted India's best mall.
Hours: Daily 11AM–10PM
DLF Emporio
India's premier luxury mall housing Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Burberry, and other international luxury brands alongside Indian luxury designers. Mumbai South Bombay and Delhi's elite shop here.
Hours: Daily 11AM–9PM
Ambience Mall
One of India's largest malls with locations in both Vasant Kunj (Delhi) and Gurgaon. Comprehensive retail with international brands, extensive food court, bowling, gaming zones, and a 14-screen PVR cinema in Gurgaon.
Hours: Daily 11AM–10:30PM
DLF Mall of India
India's largest mall by total area, located in Noida (30 min from central Delhi). Five floors with 330+ stores, entertainment zones, ice skating rink, and an impressive food court spanning multiple cuisines.
Hours: Daily 11AM–10PM
Vasant Square Mall
Mid-sized community mall in South Delhi with a good mix of everyday brands, restaurants, and Big Bazaar supermarket. More relaxed and less crowded than Select Citywalk. Good for practical shopping.
Hours: Daily 10:30AM–10PM
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Start at 40–50% of the initial asking price in open markets (Chandni Chowk, Sarojini Nagar, Lajpat Nagar) – sellers expect significant negotiation and have built wide margins into their opening price
Use the 'walking away' technique: state your final price firmly and begin to walk away – in most cases the seller will call you back and agree to your price or close to it
Never appear too eager or interested in a specific item before negotiating; browse multiple items casually, then express interest to bargain from a position of indifference
Compare prices at 2–3 shops for the same item before committing to buy; Delhi's markets have many competing sellers and prices vary significantly between stalls
Dilli Haat and Cottage Industries Emporium operate on fixed prices without bargaining – use their prices as your baseline reference when bargaining in other markets
Avoid bargaining in malls, brand stores, and establishments with clearly displayed price tags – fixed price is indicated by price tags and means no negotiation is expected or appropriate
Shopping with a rickshaw driver or auto driver introduces their commission into the price – choose your own shops independently rather than accepting driver 'recommendations'
Buying multiple items from the same vendor significantly increases your bargaining leverage – group purchases earn better discounts
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Duty Free Allowance: Travelers to India may bring up to ₹50,000 ($600) worth of goods duty-free. Items beyond this value must be declared at customs. Foreign currency above $5,000 must be declared on arrival.
Export Restrictions:
- Antiques over 100 years old require an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) export certificate – purchase only from dealers who provide this documentation
- Wildlife products (ivory, endangered species materials) are strictly prohibited – severe penalties apply
- Satellite phones require special permission
- Items made from protected bird feathers or animal skins require CITES documentation
Gst Refund: India currently does not operate a tourist GST refund scheme (unlike many other countries). Tourists pay the same Goods and Services Tax as residents. All purchases include GST (5–28% depending on product category) with no refund on departure.
Currency Export: Foreign currency may be exported up to $5,000 (or equivalent). Indian Rupees may not be exported; exchange remaining INR before departure at the airport's authorized money changers.
Receipts: Keep receipts for all significant purchases, particularly jewelry, antiques, and high-value items, for customs declaration purposes and to prove purchase date/value.
Shipping: International shipping of purchases is available through Blue Dart, DHL, and FedEx with offices in most shopping areas. Reliable for handicrafts and textiles. Shipping costs often exceed item value for small purchases.