About Chandni Chowk

In the heart of Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk is one of the oldest and busiest shopping areas with shops of spices, dried fruit, silver jewelry, and vivid saris. In the narrow side streets, you will find tiny shops selling essential oils, stationery, and traditional Indian sweets. Very close to it is the vast Mughal-era Red Fort which now has a museum complex, and the 17th-Century Jama Masjid is a huge red-sandstone mosque with towering minarets. The narration of Chandni Chowk starts from the foundation of Shahjahanabad by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Cars, cycle rickshaws, hand-pulled carts, pedestrians, and animals all compete for space here. The area here is messed up, crumbling and jam-packed, but completely fascinating as well.

Must See

  • Red Fort and the colorful markets
  • Best for shopping
  • Street food
  • Varieties of shops for souvenirs

How to reach

Chandni Chowk is a station on the Yellow Line of the Delhi Metro. It is also walking distance to the Old Delhi Railway Station of Indian Railways.

Tips

  • You can choose from a number of hotels and places to stay in Chandni Chowk.
  • Don’t miss the Paranthe Wali Gali or chaat from Natraj!
  • Keep yourself hydrated. 
  • Getting lost in the intricate markets of Chandni Chowk is an adventure.
  • Everyone is super friendly and quick to point out if you go towards a dead end.
  • Chandni Chowk is a huge shopping, trading, area of narrow street alleys.
  • You will find special areas for trade as well as retail too.
  • You can buy books, electronics, brass, and metal cookware, decorations for festivals, cloth, clothes, wedding gowns, jewelry and more in each of their own areas.
  • Be careful of electrical wires hanging precariously overhead.
  • Not good if you are afraid or can't stand crowds, noise, unusual smells, people brushing against you.
  • This place is not for kids and the elderly who may need services suddenly.
  • Dress modestly to blend in as much as possible.
  • It is very close to the Red Fort.
  • Be aware of thieves.
  • The narrow streets are congested by people traveling in all the directions at all times.
  • Traffic is heavy but that gives you time to have a look around at the fascinating array of color, textures everywhere.
  • Hang on tight to your belongings as petty crime is supposed to be quite abundant.
  • The market lacks cleanliness and washrooms for ladies.
  • Don’t let the sellers trick you into buying something that you don’t want.
  • Be sure to visit in the morning because it gets super busy by noon and the rickshaws cannot navigate down the crowded streets after midday.
  • A lot of foreign tourists come here to get a feel and taste of real India.

Visit Time

Monday: - 9:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Tuesday: - 9:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Wednesday: - 9:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Thursday: - 9:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Friday: - 9:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Saturday: - 9:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sunday: - 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Time Icon

Waiting Time

10 minutes

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

No

 

Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

More than 3 hours

 

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Weather

Mist 10.02°C

 

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