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Street markets in India are not only for shopping but they are the living testimony of India's rich culture and heritage. The need for shopping transcends all demographics: men and women of all ages and walks of life, students to business professionals, housewives to students, and office workers to housewives. Even if we don't enjoy it, it's still necessary for us to go out and get what we need.
As soon as we set foot outside of our city, we usually enquire about the best places to buy a speciality of that place at a reasonable price. India's street markets are unique in that they require negotiation regardless of location or type of product purchased. Street markets are the source of everything you could possibly need in the modern period including the most fashionable clothing as well as the coolest accessories.
Things to Remember during Street Market shopping
All the street markets allow bargaining, hence the sellers elevate their prices considering the buyer's bargain power. So don't be shy during bargaining.
Tourists place's street markets are flooded with brokers, buying as per their advice usually resulting in higher price purchases. Go directly to the shop you like.
Be aware of pickpocketing
In most of the street markets, the quality of products is good, however, there are always some bad sellers. Check your product thoroughly before paying.
Generally, you will get a better deal during closing time.
Try to understand how local people are negotiating or buying items, and follow their methods.
Avoid pick seasons, as these street markets will be overcrowded.
Check out these authentic Indian Street Markets
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Commercial Street Market of Bangalore
Bangalore's Commercial Street is located in Tasker town at Shivaji Nagar near the MG road. It's one of the city's busiest and most popular street markets.
There are numerous stalls selling the best deals on clothing, antiques, accessories, books, and other collectables. The neighbourhood is a favourite hangout for students and residents alike. It has a fair price for a wide variety of items and is conveniently located. It shouldn't be a surprise that there are many places to eat in the area, from Bhutta to Bhel Puri, Pani Puri to Sev Puri. Commercial Street is easy to rationalise even if you don't have a good cause to go.
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Sarojini Nagar Street Market of Delhi
Sarojini Nagar street market is located near the Safdarjung Airport. It is also known as the South Market or SN. It offers all the latest trends and fashions at prices that are unbelievable. Most Delhiites couldn't even imagine doing their shopping without it. Everything is so accessible and there are so many choices.
Depending on your budget, it's possible to find almost anything, including cotton apparel, fashionable bags, cosmetics, home furnishings, sweaters, footwear, or other accessories. South Delhi's Sarojini Nagar Market is a popular destination for students, tourists, and locals. This street market gets crowded every weekend.
To get the best deal, you must learn the art of haggling as most of the shops overpriced their items at the beginning. There are also some good confectionary shops available offering delicious snacks. Though item quality is reasonable, however, there are also some low-quality materials available. The price of the goods is easy to be carried away by, but one requires patience and discretion when purchasing them.
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New Market of Kolkata
The New Market is situated on Lindsay Street, besides Free School Street. Despite its name, New Market is actually a very old market. Sir Stuart Hogg Market is one of the best shopping destinations in Kolkata.
Thousands of people flock to the site every day to buy various items from cakes, fruits, garments, silver jewellery, clothes, toys and many more. The red-brick Gothic structure of this bazaar is a reminder of its former grandeur. Monday to Friday, the market is open until 6.30 pm, whereas on Saturday it's open until 2.30 pm. However, the market stays closed on Sundays.
Fashion Street of Goa
Fashion Street in Goa is located at Mapusa. It is one of the most lively street markets in town. Buyers can find clothes, shoes, accessories, and swanky items. People are negotiating hard with the sellers between all the stalls displaying numerous items.
You can find everything on the fashion street from belt bottoms to jeans and hats to tank tops at an affordable price. Pickles, dried fish, and Goan chorizo, among other local delicacies, can be found here.
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Police Bazar Street Market of Shillong
Police Bazar is the main street market area of Shillong that is located a short distance from the Shillong Bus Stand in Meghalaya. Shoppers can choose from various options available on the site. Handicrafts and artistic products made from bamboo and cane are the main attractions of this Bazar.
The shop displays a large selection of cotton and silk fabrics including clothing items and other goods. There is no question that the products are arranged thoughtfully to catch the viewer's eye. Even so, the bazaar is a great place to visit and purchase some useful and interesting goods.
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Arpora Saturday Night Bazar of Goa
It is located in Arpora, North Goa, 4 km from Anjuna beach and 3.5 km from Baga beach. Enjoy strolling through this street market as you listen to music, try different culinary delights, and browse through colourful shops.
The market is known for everything from tiny handcrafted items, and gipsy boxes to outstanding leather products. A wide range of other products such as jewellery and branded goods are also available. Beyond the market stalls, there is an almost unlimited choice of local and international cuisine.
The atmosphere, with its beautiful mix of people, aromas, flavours, and colours, as well as live music, is truly unforgettable. Night bazaars are held between Arpora and Anjuna Downtown area Resorts during holiday seasons like Christmas and New Year's Eve. Having attracted so many locals, internationals and tourists, the marketplace is an ideal example of Goa's global culture.
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Dharmatala Street Market of Kolkata
Dharmatala Street is located at Esplanade, starting from Dorina Crossing to Park Street in Kolkata. It is yet another iconic street market in the heart of the city. People flock here for all the latest fashion items and current fads.
Along its length, the street is dotted with businesses selling kurtas, jholas, chappals, sunglasses, trousers and possible everything that you may be looking for. The area is truly a cluster of low-cost hotels and eateries. Foreign visitors, globetrotters, and philanthropists from across the world visit numerous streets of this neighbourhood in search of economical lodging.
This street market is an excellent spot to buy souvenirs, clothing, and other everyday products. There are also stalls providing cheap train or air tickets and sightseeing trips at reasonable prices.
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Colaba Causeway Street Market of Mumbai
Colaba Causeway is well-known for two things: shopping and dining.
One of Mumbai's best-known shopping street markets, Colaba Causeway is a hotspot for trendy accessories and clothing. Fort, Mumbai's financial and commercial centre, is a short walk away. Colaba Causeway is also close to the Taj Mahal Hotel, and the Gateway of India.
In addition to strolling down the streets, you may also enter one of the boutiques and explore the latest styles in clothing, shoes, purses, and jewellery.
Shaheed Bhagat Singh Road is the official name of the Colaba Causeway, which connects Colaba with Old Woman's Island. The colonial-era buildings run the entire street, and each one has its distinct character. Some of Mumbai's most renowned and World Famous restaurants can be found in Colaba Causeway.
Colaba Causeway is also home to one of the few upstanding theatres today, Regal Cinema.
It's impossible to resist the charm of Colaba Causeway street market. The Colaba Causeway is a must-see on any Mumbai tour.
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Dhalgarwad Street Market of Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, a fascinating city steeped in mythology and history, is a year-round destination where you can relax and enjoy a variety of shopping opportunities. Ahmedabad has a wide variety of shopping options for all budgets and interests.
During the wedding season, families flock to Ahmedabad's Dhalgarwad street market, where they may get the best selection of sarees, such as Mangalgiris, South Cotton, and Jaipur Prints, which may be purchased in the shops. Ahmedabad's Dhalgarwad Market is a well-known destination for locals and tourists.
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Johari Bazar Street Market of Jaipur
Rajasthan is known for its beautiful palaces, huge sand wadis, and colourful culture. It is also known for its colourful and busy bazaars, which complement its traditions and culture. As the name "Johari" suggests, there are many different kinds of jewellery available in the market for you to purchase. This street market's uniqueness is enhanced by the exhibition of traditional items, joyful music and haggling.
The most popular and traditional type of jewellery in the bazaar is Kundan work and Meenakshi. As you go around the market, you're tempted to pick up some jewellery as a memento of your trip. This market is a must-see during your visit to this magnificent city. Apart from jewellery, you can purchase woodblock printing, and metal and leather items from this market.
