Textiles: Pashmina shawls, block-printed cotton, Banarasi silk, khadi — best from government emporia on Baba Kharak Singh Marg
Handicrafts: Blue pottery, brass idols, papier-mâché, woodcarving, silver jewellery from Rajasthan and beyond
Spices: Saffron, cardamom, dried rose petals from Khari Baoli — Asia's largest wholesale spice market in Old Delhi
Books: Excellent second-hand bookshops at the Daryaganj Sunday book market (one of Asia's largest)
Gems & Jewellery: Dariba Kalan in Old Delhi is the city's traditional jewellery street, operating for over 500 years
Key Shopping Areas
Chandni Chowk: Wholesale fabrics, spices, jewellery, street food — Old Delhi's 400-year-old bazaar; closed Sundays
Dilli Haat (INA & Pitampura): Government-run craft fair with fixed prices; stalls from every Indian state — best for authentic crafts without bargaining
Lajpat Nagar Central Market: Fabrics, costume jewellery, wedding wear — popular with locals for value
Sarojini Nagar: Cheap export surplus Western clothing — extraordinary value for budget shoppers
Select CITYWALK (Saket): Best mall for Indian designer labels and international fashion brands
Bargaining Tips
Bargaining is expected at markets and informal shops but not in government emporia or fixed-price stores. Start at 40–50% of the asking price and negotiate upwards. A polite smile and willingness to walk away are your most effective tools.