Chandni Chowk Market : Explore More with this Detailed Tour Guide

Old Delhi is full of wonders, and Chandni Chowk tops this list. From housing some of the unique architecture belonging to the bygone era to being the oldest and busiest market, this place forms an integral part of Old Delhi. Besides, it is the end destination for every shopaholic and food lover. Whether it is a traditional dress or kitchen accessory, you will get almost everything here at Chandni Chowk Market Delhi. So, before planning the trip, let us give you a walkthrough of certain interesting facts you should know about this gem of North India.

During the 17th century, Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal emperor, ascended Delhi’s throne. After his coronation, he shifted the capital from Agra to Shahjahanabad, now known as Old Delhi. It was during this time that Chandni Chowk came to life. Built by his beloved eldest daughter, Jahanara, in 1650, Chandni Chowk initially comprised a square and a central lake overlooking the majestic Red Fort. The canal supplying water from Yamuna is tributary to the Red Fort passed through this square and added to its aesthetic appeal. Apart from this, there was a 1.3 Km long stretch of wide pavement lining the canal where locals used to spend hours, lost in conversations.

According to the tales, it is believed that during full moon nights, the square and its central lake shimmered brightly under the silver rays of the moon. Hence, it was often called “The Moonlit Square” in the colloquial language. Merchants from all over Asia and Europe came and settled here to start their businesses. Chandni Chowk gradually emerged as the busiest market in the-then Delhi, housing over 1500 shops shaped as a half-moon.

There is no doubt that Chandni Chowk shopping perhaps occupies the top position in the list of activities to do in Old Delhi. But going straightaway into the market with a clear idea about the galis and bazaars means getting lost in the humongous crowd that never seems to grow small in size. The entire market is divided into several sub-sections, each housing stalls and shops of specific types. Dariba Kalan is known for being the largest jewelry market in Old Delhi, where you can get different types of accessories, including silver jewelry, kundan sets, gold-plated jewelry, and many more. If you are a book lover, explore the roadside stalls of Nai Sadak, where you will get books of all types and from different times. Kinari Bazaar is yet another hotspot in Chandni Chowk, where you will get different types of embellished fabrics, zari-work laces, festive textiles, fabric accessories, and so on. Khari Baoli is known as the spice heaven in Old Delhi, filled with hawkers selling whole and powdered spices from India and other parts of the world.

The Chandni Chowk market is famous for a lot of things, and food is certainly one of them. Here, you will get authentic North Indian street foods for which Delhi is so famous. Apart from this, there are shops selling dishes from other cuisines. If you are suddenly craving the age-old Parathas, dripping in oil and served piping hot, visit the all-time famous Paranthe Wali Gali. Here, you can dig into the delicacies of different types of Parathas served with various sabjis and condiments. Take advantage of the famous Kulhad wali lassi that forms the perfect accompaniment after having such a heavy meal. Old Delhi is quite famous for desserts, and the Old Famous Jalebi Wala in Chandni Chowk draws most of the crowd with its piping hot jalebis and delicious rabdi. If you are craving something exotic and full of flavors like Mughlai, no other place will be as good as The Karim’s here in Chandni Chowk. Another famous food shop in this market is the Natraj Dahi Bhalle, from where you can enjoy Indian chaats like Dahi Bhalle and Aloo Tikki.

After exploring the shops in Chandni Chowk, you can make a detour and explore some of the best tourist attractions of Old Delhi. After all, this place was once a social hub during the old times, and you cannot miss the cultural vibes thriving vibrantly in the air. You can start your trip by visiting the Red Fort, which is the closest tourist spot to the market. Marvel at the grandeur of this majestic structure, which stood witness to some of the most important historical events in India. Jama Masjid is also another famous tourist spot you can visit. It is the largest mosque built during the reign of the fifth Mughal emperor in 1644. The mosque is so huge that it can house 25000 devotees at a time. The Gauri Shankar temple and Shri Digambar Jain Meru Mandir are the two most famous religious spots near Chandni Chowk, which attract lots of worshippers every year. While exploring the place, do not forget to climb to the rooftop of the Gadodia Palace, from where you can catch some of the spectacular views of the skyline.

Chandni Chowk keeps its doors open for tourists and locals alike for the entire year except on Sundays. So, you can visit this place at any time without worrying about encountering a closed market. If you are visiting Old Delhi during the summer season, try and avoid going to the market during the daytime, as that would be quite uncomfortable, courtesy of the scorching Delhi heat. After sundown, the place gets more crowded as several shops open after 5 PM. So, be prepared to witness a humongous crowd after dusk. Also, try to avoid visiting the place during monsoons, as heavy showers create a mess in the narrow alleys.

Chandni Chowk is well-connected to the rest of Old and New Delhi through metro corridors. The nearest metro station to this place is the Lal Quila metro station, serving on the Violet line of the metro. You can also avail metro on the Red line as Shastri Park metro station is located in close vicinity to the market. Located on the Yellow line of Delhi’s metro corridor, the Chandni Chowk metro station is the most popular.

The Chandni Chowk market is the paradise of foodies and shopaholics of all kinds. With more than 1500 shops scattered across the entire “Moonlit Square," you cannot miss the hustle-bustle and vibrant atmosphere of this place. On top of this, if you are staying at Bloom Boutique | Connaught Place Area or the Bloomrooms @ Janpath , Chandni Chowk will be the closest. You can reach the market within half an hour at the top, saving a lot of time and effort in travel. Besides, these hotels are known to offer an exquisite experience to all the guests, owing to world-class facilities and exclusive rooms.