Everybody loves Delhi for its street markets. But what comes to everyone’s minds when they think about street markets is either Janpath or Sarojini.Delhi has so much more to offer for street shopping, so much more. While most of Delhi people know about the likes of GK market and Dilli Haat, there exists a subdued market of Paharganj which even most Delhi guys are unaware of. It is a huge market with main business as manufacturing and exporting stuff to various countries and therefore, it holds treasures in enormous amounts. Here is a low down on what to find here:

Leather Satchels & Other Bags:

We all drool over those satchels on shopping websites but what if you find pieces that are not available anywhere else, are unique and the best part, they are totally inexpensive. A lot of these satchels actually fall within INR 700. Yeah, beat that!

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Quirky Statement Jewellery:

Here’s a true story: We asked in one of the shops for a particular necklace and expected the shopkeeper to quote aroundINR 700-800. Thought she will probably sell it for 400-500. Well, she said INR 300!!

There was a HUGE amount of neckpieces, earrings, cuffs, bangles etc available there, some of the stuff you get in other markets too, but that stuff was cheaper here. Some of the jewellery was totally unique and both the shops having those did not allow taking pictures (Had you seen those, you would have run to Paharganj straight away!). When in Paharganj, definitely visit Guru Handicraft Emporium and Jewel Junction (Directions at the end of the post). By the way, Jewel Junction is not cheap but amazing stuff it has got!

Clothes & Shoes:

Colorful woolens, the kind of dhoti pants that you always wanted, maxi dresses, kurtas, scarfs and there is one shop that has kind of formal tops too. Just try to figure out which are the shops that have a huge collection of the same kind (it basically ensures that they are selling manufactured products and not some second hand goods or something). This particular shop where I bought dhoti pants for INR 200 had a hanger from where I was supposed to select, and then the shopkeeper handed me over a packet that contained same dhoti pants. Yes, they already had lots of cellophane wrapped versions of the same dhoti pants (and every other piece in their store).

Essential Oil, Perfumes, Teas and Mores:

There are many emporiums keeping these for exporting. There is so much variety that you will be bowled over. There was also a shop selling imported food items.

Quirky Stuff:

Car-shaped or heart-shaped hooks and knobs, anyone? Mythological characters on locks? I bet you never expected to find small dibbis with zodiac signs on them as a set. Handcrafted bedsheets, anyone? And the most important, box clutches, extremely beautiful box clutches. Again, clicking a picture wasn’t allowed. The shop is Neha Handicrafts.

Tips to shop in Paharganj:

Get down at blue line metro station – RK Ashram Marg from Gate No. 2 and keep walking straight till you see a road. Turn right. The market begins from here, but skip the first few shops. If you lose enthusiasm on seeing them, continue further, don’t run back.
Avoid taking a rickshaw. If you walk, you will manage to explore more places.
Everything that mentioned above is available in numerous shops and this is market is on a straight road. Keep walking and keep looking around. You will find all the stuff that I mentioned.
Neha Handicrafts (box clutches) is on the right side of the road while Guru Handicraft Emporium and Jewel Junction (extremely good jewellery) are both on the left side. Jewel Junction is pretty far away.
The market goes on to become better as you go further but bargaining decreases.
Bargain everywhere though not every place will do that. Still try.
Go with company. Too much of hippy crowd and bars might get overwhelming. Nothing to worry though.
Try going in the mornings and afternoons. You won’t choose a hippy place in late evenings for shopping unless you are in a hippy mood yourself, yeah?. Plus, Old Delhi is a charm in winter mornings and noons. Sunday brunch anyone?
Places to eat: Sam’s café bar (keep walking straight in the market, you will find it), Sitaram ke Choley Bhaturey(ask anyone around you to reach here). As Paharganj is very famous among foreigners, it offers a lot of cuisines at cheap rates. Look around and you will find something new.

Last but not the least, when Old Delhi calls you, be there. For everything vintage, everything beautiful

STREET MARKETS IN DELHI : PAHARGANJ DIARIES