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The capital city of Delhi stands as an embodiment of culture, art and delectable dishes that will leave you wanting for more. Chandni Chowk in Delhi is the place to go if you want to experience the essence of old Delhi to its fullest. From shopping for in-vogue clothing items to eating delicious, finger-licking food, there are many things to do in Chandni Chowk. Established in the Mughal era, this is one of the oldest and busiest markets in India. The infamous market in the heart of old Delhi attracts both tourists and locals alike with the plethora of things it has to offer.
10 Things To Do In Chandni Chowk
Here is a handpicked list of things to do in Chandni Chowk to make the most of your experience:
1. Savour The Street Food
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Anyone who visits Chandni Chowk must not leave without getting a taste of the delectable street food and chaat options that the market has to offer. The various chaat corners in the area provide the authentic taste of Delhi’s original street food that will make you lick your plates clean. Some foodie favourite places to get your hands on this delicious street food are Natraj Chaat Corner, Shree Balaji Chaat Bhandar and Padam Chaat Bhandar. If you wish to experience the finest street food Delhi has to offer at a pocket-friendly price, Chandni Chowk is the place to go.
2. Sound And Light Show At The Red Fort
Photo: Sanket Mishra / Unsplash
The best way to immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Delhi is to go sightseeing on your visit to Chandni Chowk. The marvellous Red Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that provides a peek into the intricate architecture and history of the city. The fascinating light and sound show held at the fort perfectly pays homage to the historical monument that has stood through the rise and fall of various empires. It portrays the story of how the monument came to be and the Indian independence struggle via expert manipulation of light and sound. The cost ranges from ₹60-80 for adults and ₹20-30 for children.
3. Visit The Paranthe Wali Gali
Photo: Shahzaib Damn Cruze / Wikimedia Commons
The Paranthe Wali Gali is a small and congested district in Chandni Chowk with eating joints that specialise in Paranthas, giving it its name. It is one of the most iconic food places in Delhi attracting tourists and locals to get a bite of the flavours that originate out of its tiny kitchens. If you are looking for breakfast or lunch options in Chandni Chowk, visiting the Paranthe Wali Gali is a safe option to satisfy your cravings. Babu Ram Parantha, Pt. Kanhaiyalal Durgaprasad Dixit and Old Famous Jalebi Wala are some of the outlets to go to whenever you are in the district.
4. Experience The Sanctity Of Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib
Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons
In the bustling market of Chandni Chowk resides Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib. The Gurudwara stands as an embodiment of sanctity, attracting pilgrims from far and wide who come here to experience the feeling of divine peace. Being one of the nine historical Gurudwaras in Delhi, it stands to commemorate the martyrdom of the ninth Sikh Guru- Guru Teg Bahadur. You can listen to the melodious Kirtan after paying your respects at the Darbar Sahib and immerse in the feeling of spirituality that the place emits. The Gurudwara is open all hours of the day and is easily accessible by the Delhi Metro.
5. Shop In Dariba Kalan
Photo: Artem Beliaikin / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Chandni Chowk is famous for being a great shopping destination, providing an experience that is worth engaging in. Dariba Kalan, also known as Jeweller’s Street, is a street famous for selling heavy jewellery and trinkets. Apart from that, it is also a great place to get your hands on beautiful necklaces, anklets and nose rings. The place is also famous for finding authentic ittars and sweet perfumes. If you are an enthusiast of oxidised jewellery, this is the perfect place to find it in a great variety at affordable prices.
6. Buy Books At Nai Sarak
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If you are a geek for books or a hoarder of stationery items, Nai Sarak is your shopping haven. From used books to new ones, you can find whatever you are looking for in this age-old market. The place is also famous for providing stationary items at wholesale prices allowing stationary lovers to stock up on their favourite supplies. The place is very pocket-friendly and has everything ranging from academic textbooks to all the varied genres of books. If you are a book lover, we can promise you that Nai Sarak will not disappoint.
7. Discover The Majestic Jama Masjid
Photo: Martijn Vonk / Unsplash
In the heart of Old Delhi, Jama Masjid is one of the most magnificent mosques in India. Made during the reign of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, the mosque is designed to accommodate over 25000 worshipers in its courtyard. The place allows you to witness the intricate architecture of the Mughal era and marvel at its large domes adorned with sandstone and marble. The south minaret of the mosque provides a magnificent and picturesque view of the Delhi skyline. The mosque is open to tourists for the entire day except for prayer time.
8. Enjoy An Evening At A Rooftop Cafe
Chandni Chowk has several rooftop cafes and restaurants that provide a picturesque view of the Old Delhi skyline. You can enjoy a cup of tea while enjoying a panoramic view of the city or enjoy your favourite dishes while gazing at the night sky. Some of these cafes even offer a panoramic view of the moonlight square making for a picturesque image that remains etched in your memory forever. Lakhori, Rooftop Lounge and Exotic Rooftop Cafe and Restaurant are some of the options that you can explore.
9. Shop For Clothes
Photo: screaming_monkey / Unsplash
Another thing Chandni Chowk is famous for its pristine fabrics and a great collection of clothes. Kinari Bazaar located near Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib is the go-to place for buying premium decorative apparel for your clothes. Katra Neel in Chandni Chowk is famous for wholesale wedding clothes, footwear and jewellery. Apart from that, you can also find pristine men’s wear, curtains and furniture covers. The wide range of products is complemented by their pocket-friendly nature, making Chandni Chowk the perfect shopping destination.
10. Explore Mughlai Cuisine
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To add to the list of things Chandni Chowk is treasured for we have delectable and authentic Mughlai cuisine. The tiny kitchens of these narrow lanes produce bold culinary flavours that transport you through time. If you are a non-vegetarian, you must try the Mughlai food that Chandni Chowk has to offer. Some of the most famous Mughlai restaurants here are Karim’s, Al Jawahar and Sharbati Nihari Wale. You can find many more near Jama Masjid.
Chandni Chowk’s narrow lanes are a place where time seems to stand still. Whether you are experiencing the rich legacy and history or indulging in devouring some of the best food, something about this place just feels like home. Now that you have learnt about the magnificence of Chandni Chowk, plan your trip with Trip XL and get to experience what it has in store for you.
Cover Photo: Sergio Capuzzimati / Unsplash
