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Beyond shikara rides on the Dal Lake and exploring the historical Mughal Gardens, shopping in Srinagar is an activity that caters to the interests of every traveller. Local crafts, textiles, and street food joints, there’s a lot to explore here. On a trip to Srinagar, one must set aside a few days to dedicatedly explore the varying markets that line the streets of the capital city. Visitors can buy souvenirs to take back home, order furniture to be delivered, or even splurge on the local Pashmina shawls & scarves. With so much to do and so many things to buy, being aware of the popular markets around Srinagar surely makes the exploration easier.
10 Top Markets For Shopping In Srinagar
Irrespective of whether one is a seasoned collector or a casual shopper, Srinagar’s markets have something to cater to everyone’s likes, budget, and interests. Here is a list of some popular markets in Srinagar:
1. Lal Chowk
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When talking about popular markets in Srinagar, Lal Chowk is undoubtedly one of the best places to start with. Featuring narrow lanes and hidden shops, this particular market is a haven for shoppers. Some of the lanes are quite crammed with shops selling everything from traditional Kashmiri handicrafts to modern clothing. However, you will find gems in those spots, especially if you want to buy from the local artisans at a much more affordable price. Ensure that you bargain while purchasing the pashmina shawls, hand-woven carpets, and paper-mâché items. While shopping, stop by the Amina Kadal, a historic bridge located in Lal Chowk.
Address: Lal Chowk, Srinagar
Timings: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Must Buy: Pashmina shawls, Kashmiri carpets, paper-mâché items, copperware, and dry fruits
Suggested Read: Shopping In Kashmir
2. Polo View Market
Photo: PKM / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One of the famous shopping places in Srinagar that deserves a shoutout is Polo View Market. This is a tourist’s favourite spot since you get to indulge in a curated selection of Kashmiri handicrafts. There are a variety of shops in the market specialising in selling shawls, stoles, woollen garments, and embroidered fabrics as well. Compared to the bustling Lal Chowk market, Polo View market in Srinagar is a lot less crowded, enabling you to have a more comfortable shopping experience. You can even get a live demonstration of some of the Kashmiri crafts, adding to the experience.
Address: 35, Polo View Road, Srinagar
Timings: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Must Buy: Pashmina shawls, woollen garments, embroidered fabrics, and souvenirs
3. Residency Road
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Third on the list of the best markets in Srinagar is Residency Road. This three-lane avenue is one of the oldest markets in Srinagar, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage. This historic marketplace has narrow alleyways lined with shops selling spices, traditional wear, and everyday essentials. You can also find a lot of shops selling modern fashion attire, accessories, etc. This upscale area houses renowned Kashmiri stores like Kashmir Shawl Factory and Government Arts Emporium, known for their high-quality shawls and handicrafts.
Address: Residency Road, Srinagar
Timings: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Must Buy: Pashmina shawls, Kashmiri handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs
Suggested Read: Best Food In Kashmir
4. Khanyar Market
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One of the most underrated but one of the best shopping places in Srinagar is the Khanyar Market. It is one of the oldest markets which still has the old-world vibe and you can feel the same as you walk through the market and witness the shops lining the side of the road. The market is filled with small and narrow alleys with unique markets that not many tourists visit so it isn’t surprising that it is a local heavy spot. You can also explore Khanyar to discover hidden gems like antique shops tucked away in corners and family-run stores selling authentic Kashmiri spices.
Address: Khanyar, Downtown Srinagar
Timings: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Must Buy: Spices, traditional clothing, everyday essentials, and antiques
5. Zaina Kadal Market
Photo: Abeera khurshid1 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
For tourists looking for budget-friendly treasures to commemorate their trip to Srinagar, consider visiting Zaina Kadal Market. The market is located near the historic Zaina Kadal Bridge, so you get to immerse yourself in the history of the place and the experience too. This vibrant market also has an extensive selection of clothing, footwear, and accessories at affordable prices. One of the main attractions in this market lies in their Kashmiri shawls made using pure pashmina wool. You do have to put your bargaining skills to the test to secure a good purchase.
Address: 3RV4+QM9, Sokalipora, Srinagar
Timings: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Must Buy: Budget-friendly shawls, embroidered clothing, footwear, and accessories
Suggested Read: Shopping In Pahalgam
6. Hari Singh Street
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Want to indulge in some street shopping in Srinagar and a lot of food exploration? If yes, then add Hari Singh Street to your itinerary the next time you are in Srinagar. This hidden gem is usually not on the radar of tourists but it is a must-visit for every foodie traveller. You won’t necessarily find a lot of shops to buy items from but you will find several cafes, restaurants and bakeries. Most of them specialise in serving authentic Kashmiri cuisine including Rogan Josh, Haakh, Kashmiri Kahwa, Chaat, etc. When in the local bakeries, try their freshly baked Kulcha and Lavasa with the entrees you order.
Address: Hari Singh Street, Downtown Srinagar
Timings: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Must Buy: Kashmiri cuisine and freshly baked bread
7. Floating Market On Dal Lake
Photo: Slyronit / Wikimedia Commons
The Floating Market on Dal Lake is one of the most unique shopping experiences in Srinagar. This market takes place on boats and shikaras where most of the vendors sell their items on smaller boats. You can buy local Kashmiri crafts and staples. But, the best part is that you get to eat food like kebabs, rolls, chaat, tea, etc. while exploring the floating market. The vendors also sell fresh produce, fruits, flowers, vegetables, handicrafts, etc. from their boats. It is truly an immersive experience where you get to experience the vibrant local culture around you.
Address: Dal Lake, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
Timings: 5:00 AM – 7:00 AM
Must Buy: Fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers, and handicrafts
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Kashmir
8. Kashmir Government Arts Emporium
Photo: Dvellakat / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This is a state-run government shop in Kashmir that sells a wide range of traditional Kashmiri products. The main intent behind this emporium is to promote the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir through its exquisite collection of handicrafts, textiles, and artwork. You can find a variety of items that are staples to Kashmiri culture including Pashmina shawls, carpets, papier-mâché items, walnut wood carvings, etc. Also, every product that you buy from here is certified for authenticity and quality, which is a bonus. The prices are fixed since it’s a government store, so you can’t bargain here.
Address: Residency Road, Lal Chowk, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
Timings: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Must Buy: Pashmina shawls, carpets, paper-mâché items, and walnut wood carvings
9. Hazratbal Market
Photo: Adeelyousuf00 / Wikimedia Commons
If you are visiting Hazratbal Shrine, make sure to stop by the market adjacent to it. Hazratbal Market is quite a popular destination among locals and tourists alike. You get to immerse yourself in the vibrant market scene, try the local street food and splurge on different types of traditional Kashmiri handicrafts, clothing, and jewellery. You can also find vendors selling fresh produce that you can consider buying. Hazratbal Market is particularly famous for its selection of saffron and dry fruits, which are of the highest quality.
Address: Hazratbal Road, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
Timings: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Must Buy: Saffron, dry fruits, traditional sweets, and handicrafts
Suggested Read: Shopping In Jammu
10. Nehru Park On Boulevard Road
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Nehru Park, a sprawling park on the banks of Dal Lake, offers a scenic shopping experience. The majority of the tourists visit to explore the beauty of the gardens inside the park. However, stepping out takes you to Boulevard Road, which is a bustling market spot in Srinagar. Here, you’ll find kiosks selling souvenirs, shawls, and other trinkets. The options aren’t as extensive as the other markets, however, it’s still worth adding to your travel plans. One positive thing about shopping from Boulevard Road is the lack of crowd. It’s very laid back, which ensures a comfortable shopping experience.
Address: Boulevard Road, Srinagar
Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Must Buy: Souvenirs, shawls, and trinkets
Shopping in Srinagar is something that one must set aside a few days for on a trip to Kashmir. From traditional Kashmiri handicrafts to delectable local cuisine, each market offers a unique experience. For tourists interested in exploring the diverse markets in Srinagar, Kashmir, sort out all the travel bookings with TripXL and avail the best deals and discounts. Save money on your bookings to later splurge on a shopping spree.
Cover Photo: Abhi Grover / Pexels
