Chandni Chowk, Delhi’s Old City bazaar, is one of the city’s oldest and busiest markets. This bustling bazaar lies in the heart of Old Delhi’s heritage, with narrow lanes, colorful shops, and a rich history at every turn. International travelers feel immersed in a swirl of colors, spices, and sights upon entering. Founded in 1650 by Emperor Shah Jahan, Chandni Chowk still pulses with life and old-world charm.

Historical Background

This market began in 1650 when Emperor Shah Jahan built the grand capital of Shahjahanabad. His daughter, Princess Jahanara, designed the market’s layout. A reflecting pool at the center gave Chandni Chowk its name. By night, that water reflected the moon. The name means “moonlight square” in Urdu.

The bazaar had three main lanes of shops on each side of the pool. It originally contained over 1,500 shops. Shoppers could browse jewelry, silverware, and delicate fabrics under the moonlight.

A busy street scene in Delhi's Chandni Chowk, featuring a prominent white Hindu temple complex with traditional spires, street vendors, and pedestrians under a hazy sky. — A view of a traditional Hindu temple, likely the Gauri Shankar Mandir, towering above the lively street activity of Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi.

Mughal-era Heritage

Under the Mughal Empire, the market served as the capital’s commercial heart. Royal processions traveled from the Red Fort to the Fatehpuri area along this main street. The broad avenue allowed crowds to gather and shop at thousands of stalls.

Shah Jahan built the massive red sandstone Red Fort at one end of the market. It served as his palace and fortress. Silk, spices, jewelry, and metalwork thrived here, fueled by the empire’s wealth. Nobles and merchants strolled the lanes to buy fine cloth, embroidered fabrics, and pearls. Because Chandni Chowk had many silver shops, people once nicknamed it “Silver Street.”

The market housed temples, mosques, and a Sikh gurudwara, reflecting Delhi’s diverse culture. At the time of Shah Jahan, Chandni Chowk stood as the grandest market in India. It bustled day and night with traders and shoppers from all over the empire.

British and Post-Independence Changes

After the British took over Delhi, they built a new Town Hall 1863 at the market’s edge. They also replaced the old moonlit pool with a tall clock tower called Ghantaghar in the 1870s. Chandni Chowk grew crowded as rail travel and a new railway station drew more people here.

In 1911, the British moved the capital to New Delhi. This slowed some royal visits, but the market remained busy. It became known more as a local commercial hub than an imperial center. In 1947, India won independence. New Delhi took on modern shops and offices, but Chandni Chowk kept its old charm. Narrow alleys filled with street stalls and traditional markets continued to thrive. The area later gained attention as a heritage site, and Delhi’s government redeveloped the market as a heritage trail with wider walkways and guided tours.

Key Landmarks

Red Fort – A UNESCO World Heritage site at the market’s east end. Shah Jahan built this massive red-sandstone fort. It’s Lahori Gate opens to the market once the route for royal processions. Visitors can tour the fort’s palaces, halls, and gardens.
Jama Masjid – India’s largest mosque looms above the bazaar at the western end of the market. Built by Shah Jahan, its broad courtyard and tall minarets overlook Chandni Chowk. You can climb a minaret to enjoy panoramic views of Old Delhi.
Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib – A historic Sikh temple on the main road. It designates the location where Guru Tegh Bahadur was martyred. The golden dome and marble courtyard welcome visitors of all faiths, and the free community kitchen (langar) serves simple meals to everyone.
Fatehpuri Masjid – A red sandstone mosque at the western edge of Old Delhi, opposite Fatehpuri Market. Built in 1650 by Shah Jahan’s queen, Fatehpuri Begum, it offers a quiet courtyard where you can rest and admire Mughal architecture after exploring the lanes.
Heritage Town Hall – A 19th-century colonial building on Chandni Chowk Road. This neoclassical structure now houses Delhi’s Municipal Council. Its tall columns and arched windows are a reminder of the area’s British-era changes.
Bazar Gates and Lanes – The market itself is the landmark. It branches into famous bazaars like Dariba Kalan (for jewelry), Kinari Bazaar (for fabrics and lace), and Nai Sarak (for books). Walking these historic alleys is attractive, as old signs and shopfronts show the bazaar’s heritage.

The grand red sandstone and white marble facade of Fatehpuri Masjid in Old Delhi, featuring a central arched entrance, minarets, domes, and a serene courtyard with a pool. — The imposing entrance and minarets of Fatehpuri Masjid, an exquisite 17th-century mosque located at the western end of Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi.

Guided Tours

Visitors can explore this market on guided tours tailored for international travelers. Many tours include an English-speaking guide and private transport. Common options include:

Rickshaw or Tuk-Tuk Rides: Zip through narrow lanes in a cycle rickshaw or auto-tuk-tuk. Guides often start near the Red Fort or at a mosque. They point out shrines, markets, and historic buildings along the way.
Walking Heritage Tours: Stroll with a guide through Chandni Chowk’s alleys. These tours stop at temples, mosques, and the Sikh gurudwara. The guide explains each site’s history and shares stories of Old Delhi life.
Food Tours: Chandni Chowk is famous for its street food. Some tours let you sample snacks from top shops. You might taste spicy chaat, sweet jalebi, or crispy parathas as you walk. Guides find the best restaurants, ensure hygiene, and often negotiate on your behalf.
Luxury Private Tours: For a more comfortable pace, book a private car tour. These include hotel pickup, air-conditioned travel, and personalized stops. A private guide can arrange exceptional experiences, like seeing artisans at work or visiting a shop.
Photography Tours: A photo guide leads you to picture-perfect spots. They show you photogenic corners, vibrant markets, and architectural highlights. They also advise on getting the best angles in crowded streets.
Shopping Tours: Guided shopping tours focus on quality finds. A guide leads you to authentic spices, fabrics, and crafts stores. They help ensure quality and fair prices.

Many travelers appreciate these guided options. They make the maze-like streets easy to navigate. Tours often include hotel pickup and drop-off. Some even combine the bazaar visit with nearby attractions. Having a guide also helps with translation and bargaining.

Local Food Highlights

Chandni Chowk is as popular among travelers for its food as for its shops. The old market has legendary eateries serving mouth-watering dishes. Here are some top foods and where to find them:

Stuffed Parathas: In Gali Paranthe Wali, a narrow lane of Old Delhi, shops fry hot parathas on iron griddles. These are flatbreads stuffed with fillings like spiced potato, paneer (cheese), or minced meat. Each parantha comes with tangy chutney, pickles, and yogurt. It is a hearty breakfast or lunch. The street’s paratha shops date back to the 1800s.
Crispy Jalebis: Head to the Old Famous Jalebi Wala in Dariba Kalan for sweets. Here, bright orange spirals of jalebi fry in ghee until crisp. The sweet fritters soak in sugary syrup for a tangy taste. Locals often eat jalebi with potato curry (aloo sabzi) as a filling breakfast.
Mughlai Kebabs and Curries: Enjoy classic Mughal-style dishes in the lanes near Jama Masjid. Places like Karim’s and Al-Jawahar serve juicy kebabs, biryanis, and curries. You can find mutton seekh kebabs (spiced minced lamb) and chicken tikkas grilled over charcoal. Your guide can point out the best spots for meat lovers.
Chaat and Street Snacks: The market has many chaat stalls selling spicy snacks. Try samosa chaat, aloo tikki (potato patties), and papdi chaat, topped with yogurt and chutney. Shops like Natraj and Shiv Mishtan Bhandar are famous nearby. They serve potato curry with fluffy puri bread, often with crispy jalebi.
Kachori and Samosa: You will also find vendors selling spicy kachori (lentil-filled fried pastries) and samosa (potato-filled triangles). These come with tangy potato mash or green mint chutney. They make for a quick, tasty bite while you shop.
Sweet and Dairy Treats: Don’t miss the old sweet shops. Annapurna Bhandar is known for ras malai (cottage cheese dumplings in sweet milk) and peda. Sindhi Sweet House sells laddoos (nutty sweets) and ghevar (a crunchy dessert). Giani’s Ice Cream offers creamy kulfi (Indian ice cream) and falooda drinks.
Spice Teas and Lassis: Try a cool lassi (sweet yogurt drink) or masala chai after spicy food. Some stalls brew tea with their spice blend. Sipping tea or lassi can be a relaxing pause amid the chaos of the bazaar.

Each of these foods has a history in Old Delhi. Local families have run many shops for generations. Your guide will help you order safely and explain the traditions behind each dish. Enjoying these authentic treats is a must on any Chandni Chowk visit.

A vibrant dry fruit and nut shop in Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi, displaying large mounds of various nuts, dried fruits, and spices in red bowls, with customers and vendors present. — Heaps of colorful dried fruits, nuts, and spices entice shoppers at a dry fruit vendor in the bustling alleys of Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi.

Shopping Guide

Chandni Chowk is a paradise for shoppers. You can find almost anything here, often at wholesale prices. Here are the top markets and what to buy:

Khari Baoli (Spice Market) – This is Asia’s largest spice market, just off the bazaar. Rows of shops sell every spice, herb, tea, and dry fruit you can imagine. Stock up on saffron, cardamom, turmeric, or preserved mango. Buy nuts and dried fruits like pistachios and apricots. The colors and aromas here are incredible.
Dariba Kalan (Jewelry Market) – This narrow lane is famous for jewelry. Vendors sell silver ornaments and imitation gold jewelry. You will also find antiques and fine craftsmanship. It’s the place for delicate kundan and filigree work. Bargaining is expected, so feel free to negotiate on the price.
Kinari Bazaar (Fabric and Lace Market) – Step into Kinari Bazaar to find fabrics, ribbons, and sequined trim. This is where tailors and brides-to-be shop for saree borders, lace, and beads. If you want cloth by the meter for dresses or suits, Kinari has cotton, silk, chiffon, and net in vibrant colors. Tailors nearby can stitch custom garments for you.
Fatehpuri Market (Sarees and Garments) – Near Fatehpuri Masjid lies Fatehpuri Market. This square is filled with shops selling Indian dresses and hand-embroidered fabrics. You can pick up churidar-kurta sets, sherwanis, or elegant silk sarees. The market suits chikan-embroidered cotton (done then) and Kashmiri shawls.
Nai Sarak (Books and Stationery) – If you love books, head to Nai Sarak. This street has dozens of bookstores and paper shops. You will find textbooks, novels, calendars, and art prints. Stationery items like notebooks and pens are sold at local prices. It’s an old-school book market in the middle of the bazaar.
Sitaram Bazaar (Dry Fruits and Sweets) – This lively market is great for nuts and sweets. Shops here sell almonds, cashews, raisins, and candied fruits. Sweet shops offer traditional snacks like chikki (nut brittle), laddoo, and kaju roll (cashew barfi). Packets of tea and spices are also available.
Clothing and Textiles – Shops sell ready-made kurtas, linens, and silk throughout the market. Many have tailors on-site who can alter clothes for you. You can order custom-made suits, jackets, and shirts with local embroidery. Colorful scarves, shirts, and dhotis (men’s wraps) are easy to find. Quality varies, so compare shops for the best fabric.
Local Crafts – Some shops stock traditional crafts. Look for brass incense holders, carved wooden boxes, and silver spoons. Block-printed fabrics and leather goods can be found if you look carefully. For souvenirs, choose a reputable shop or one recommended by your guide.
Bargaining and Quality – Bargaining is part of the experience. Start by offering a low price and meet in the middle. Examine items closely and compare prices between shops. To ensure quality, ask to see hallmarks on jewelry or taste a sweet sample. Your guide can introduce you to trusted vendors if you prefer assurance.

Chandni Chowk offers everything from daily essentials to luxury fabrics. Traders stock fresh arrivals daily today, so this bazaar still supplies gold, spices, and textiles to Delhi. For an authentic luxury experience, arrange for a guide to show you the best shops and help with purchases.

Nearby Attractions

Chandni Chowk sits amid a rich cluster of Delhi’s landmarks. Here are places you can add to your itinerary, all within a short distance:

Red Fort (Lal Qila) – A short walk east along the bazaar brings you to the Red Fort. Tour its magnificent Mughal architecture and learn about Delhi’s royal history. The evening sound-and-light show at the fort is popular with visitors.
Jama Masjid – Visit the Jama Masjid at the western end of the market. Climb one of its two minarets for stunning city views. It’s busiest during Friday prayers, but you can visit outside prayer times. The mosque’s courtyard can hold thousands of worshippers.
Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib – Located on the main road of Chandni Chowk, this Sikh shrine offers a peaceful escape. Experience Sikh hospitality as volunteers serves langar (free meals) to all. The marble floors and golden cupola make it a beautiful stop.
Fatehpuri Masjid – Across from Fatehpuri Market, this 17th-century mosque offers a quiet courtyard to sit and admire the Mughal design. It’s one of the largest mosques in Delhi and a nice break from the crowds.
Delhi Town Hall and Central Baptist Church – These colonial-era buildings stand near the market. Delhi Town Hall (now a municipal building) and the neo-Gothic Central Baptist Church reflect 19th-century Delhi under British rule. Their grand facades contrast with the bazaar’s narrow lanes.
Raj Ghat – A bit south of the bazaar by the Yamuna River, Raj Ghat is Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial. The simple black marble platform marks where he was cremated in 1948. It’s a serene garden spot and a place of reflection. Gandhi’s wife, Kasturba, and other leaders also have memorials here.
Agrasen ki Baoli – A hidden stepwell near Hailey Road (about 2 km from Chandni Chowk). It’s an ancient tank with stone stairs and archways, now open as a quiet historical site. Its pool is dry, but the structure is atmospheric.
Old Delhi Heritage Walk – Check if Delhi Tourism or Guides organize heritage walks. These may start or end in the Chandni Chowk area and cover Shahjahanabad’s key sites, often with storytelling.
Modern New Delhi – For modern contrast, Central Delhi and Connaught Place are 4–5 km south. There you will find wide boulevards, shopping malls, and government buildings. It’s a quick cab ride from the bazaar and shows the city’s later era.

Each of these sites highlights a different era of Delhi’s history. Together with Chandni Chowk, they create a rich itinerary for travelers interested in India’s past and present.

Practical Tips for Travelers

Go Early: The market is busiest in the late morning and early evening. Try visiting before 10 am to see the bazaar, waking up with fewer crowds. Early morning is cooler, too.
Dress and Behavior: Wear modest clothing (cover shoulders and knees) to respect local customs, especially at mosques or temples. Take off your shoes or cover your head when entering a religious site.
Stay Hydrated and Eat Wisely: Carry bottled water as you wander the bazaars. When you try street food, stick to popular, busy stalls—high turnover usually means fresher ingredients. Use napkins or bottled water to clean your hands before eating.
Carry Cash: Most vendors only accept cash. Keep smaller bills for purchases. Avoid flashing large amounts of money. (ATMs are available but may have long lines.)
Keep Belongings Safe: Carry bags in front of you in crowded lanes to avoid pickpockets. A secure crossbody bag or money belt is a good idea. Keep your passport and valuables in your hotel or a safe place, and carry photocopies instead.
Plan Your Route: It helps to sketch an itinerary. For example, enter the market via the Red Fort at one end, then walk westward through the lanes. This way, you won’t miss Jama Masjid or Fatehpuri Masjid on the other end. Guided tours often cover multiple sights efficiently.
Be Patient and Enjoy: Chandni Chowk can feel chaotic. Relax and take it all in at your own pace. This experience is more than efficiency—it’s about soaking up the atmosphere. Sip a chai at a sidewalk stall or pause under a fan at a shop if you need a break. Walking in a small group or with a guide can make the visit more comfortable.

Chandni Chowk rewards curious travelers. You can safely and comfortably explore its lanes with a guide and a spirit of adventure. This living market will leave you with unforgettable tastes, sights, and memories of Old Delhi.

Chandni Chowk: Exploring Old Delhi’s Historic Market