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The vibrant market of Chandni Chowk in Delhi is a popular destination for shopping. Read about the places to visit in Chandni Chowk to know about the top hotspots in this bustling market. The name literally translates to “moonlight square” which is a name from the Mughal Era. This area was built in 1650 and served as a new capital for Shah Jahan. The market has undergone renovations to protect the original architectural and cultural heritage. Make sure to head to these places to visit in Chandni Chowk on your next trip to Delhi and take away some of the best jewellery, textiles and devour the amazing street food.
10 Places To Visit In Chandni Chowk
In this market, you will find an array of vibrant textiles, jewellery and other designer products. Here are the best places to visit in Chandni Chowk:
1. Red Fort
Photo: Raman28-2 / Wikimedia Commons
Red Fort is a historically significant monument in Delhi which served as the official residence for Mughal Emperors in that era and is a place of great importance. It was built when Shah Jahan decided to move his capital from Agra to Delhi. The design of this fort is designated to Ustad Ahmad Lahori, who also designed the Taj Mahal. In 2007, it became a UNESCO world-heritage site. Over the years, the fort has undergone several architectural renovations in order to preserve its beauty.
Best Time To Visit: October – February
Time Required: 2 – 3 hours
Entrance Fee: ₹35 for Indian tourists and ₹500 for foreign tourists
Location: Netaji Subhash Marg, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi
2. Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib
Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons
Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib is an auspicious Sikh shrine in Chandni Chowk which was built to commemorate the martyrdom of the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur. Initially, it was built as a small shrine but underwent several expansions and stands as a big Gurdwara in today’s time. The gurdwara features a beautiful prayer hall, known as Darbar Sahib, where the holy scripture of Sikhism – Guru Granth Sahib is also housed. The gurdwara not only serves as a religious site, but also serves the community through free meals (langar).
Best Time To Visit: October – March
Time Required: 1 – 2 hours
Location: Chandni Chowk Rd, Maliwara, Chatta Pratap
3. Jama Masjid
Photo: Muhammad Mahdi Karim / Wikimedia Commons
The Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India which was commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and completed in 1656. Today, it serves as a major tourist attraction and draws visitors from all over the world. The eastern gate has 35 steps and was reserved for the Mughal emperor, while the northern and southern gates have 39 and 33 steps respectively. The masjid has three gateways, three domes, four towers and two 130-foot tall minarets.
Best Time To Visit: October – March
Time Required: 2 – 3 hours
Entrance Fee: ₹300 for photography
Location: Meena Bazaar, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk
4. Gauri Shankar Temple
Photo: Ningreat / Wikimedia Commons
Gauri Shankar Temple in Chandni Chowk is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The temple is approximately 800 years old and attracts a large number of devotees every year. The temple was constructed by Apa Ganga Dhar, a Maratha soldier who was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. He built this temple after sustaining a severe injury in a battle. According to legend, he recovered miraculously after vowing to build the temple.
Best Time To Visit: March – June, October – February
Time Required: 1 – 2 hours
Location: Chandni Chowk Rd, Old Delhi, New Delhi
5. Paranthe Wali Gali
Photo: Ravi Dwivedi / Wikimedia Commons
Paranthe Wali Gali is a haven for foodies in New Delhi and offers a rich cultural experience for everyone. The market is particularly known for paranthas from where it gets its name. This Indian staple can be easily found at every other stall or shop in this market. The shops remain open for all seven days of the week from 9 AM to 11 PM, but it is recommended that you avoid going from 1 PM to 4 PM due to the excessive crowds.
Time Required: 1 – 2 hours
Location: Paranthe Wali Gali, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi
6. Nai Sarak
Photo: John Crane / Wikimedia Commons
Nai Sarak in Daryaganj is one of the oldest and largest book markets. It was originally established in the 1970s by publishers from Lahore, when they started setting up their offices in Daryaganj. The market is typically known for its extensive collection of academic and educational books, available at wholesale prices. Nai Sarak remains open from 11 AM till 8 PM on weekdays and Saturdays, but remains closed on Sundays. Nai Sarak is also surrounded by various other famous markets including the Sunday Market, Jagadamba Puri Market and Mehta Market.
Time Required: 1 – 2 hours
Location: Daryaganj, New Delhi
7. Fatehpuri Mosque
Photo: Indrajit Das / Wikimedia Commons
Fatehpuri Mosque in Chandni Chowk is a historically significant landmark built in the 1650s by Fatehpuri Begum, one of Shah Jahan’s wives. Today, this mosque is an active place of worship and celebrates major Muslim festivals such as Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Zuha, attracting large crowds of devotees. The mosque remains open for devotees throughout the day for 24 hours and it is suggested that the best time to visit is during early morning or evening hours to experience the surreal serenity in the surrounding aura.
Time Required: 1 – 2 hours
Location: Western end of Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi
8. Kinari Bazar
Photo: Jon Connell / Wikimedia Commons
Kinari Bazaar is another vibrant market in the Chandni Chowk region of Old Delhi. It is known for its extensive range of bridal clothes and jewellery. The most popular visiting hours are around 11 AM to 12 PM, when over half of the visitors tend to start their shopping. It is recommended that you use public transport to reach Kinari Bazaar due to a limited parking space. You can find various bus stops nearby to help you easily reach the location.
Location: Behind the Sunehri Masjid in Chandni Chowk
9. Mehta Market
Photo: Ravi_Sharma1030 / Shutterstock / Image For Representation Only
Mehta Market in Chandni Chowk is a vibrant and bustling area known for its shopping and cultural significance. The market is renowned for its traditional Indian shopping experience, featuring a wide array of products, from textiles to electronics. The market is easily accessible and is located in the heart of Chandni Chowk. It is recommended that you visit during the morning when the crowd is less as it tends to get more crowded later in the day.
Time Required: 2 – 4 hours (may vary depending on your needs)
Location: Near Hanuman Mandir, Chandni Chowk.
10. Chor Bazaar
Photo: PradeepGaurs / Shutterstock / Image For Representation Only
Chor Bazaar in the Jama Masjid area of Old Delhi is a vibrant market known for its eclectic mix of antiques, vintage items, and unique collectibles. The best time to visit is during the early morning hours typically starting from 5 AM till 8 AM when the best items are available for purchase. The nearest metro station is Jama Masjid Metro Station on the Violet Line, which is just a short walk from the market.
Best Time To Visit: November – February
Time Required: Around 2 – 3 hours
Location: Meena Bazaar, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi
Chandni Chowk is a beautiful market located in the heart of Delhi which is a must-visit destination on your next visit to Delhi. There are many places to visit in Chandni Chowk where you can find an array of bridal materials, culinary delicacies and other traditional products. You can immerse yourself in the history of this region and have an unforgettable experience. Plan your trip to New Delhi with TripXL for an experience of a lifetime!
Cover Photo: PradeepGaurs / Shutterstock
