Chandni Chowk, Delhi: How To Reach, Best Time & Tips

INR ₹

Chandni Chowk Overview

Chandni Chowk’s inception has its roots lying in the period of the reign of Shah Jahan. The emperor found the city of Shahjahanabad (now known as Old Delhi) in order to relocate his Mughal Capital to this place from Agra. Initially, Chandni Chowk was just positioned as an arcade, which featured a pool of clear water in its heart that sparkled when the moonlight fell over it.

Various shops were positioned around the arcade in the shape of a half-moon, whose placement was done for the emperor’s daughter, Jahan Ara Begum to purchase her favorite things. The spot saw the gathering of merchants and traders from across the nation who came here to sell a plethora of things. The initial days of the inception of Chandni Chowk had gained a lot of popularity for silver traders, who came in a huge number to sell silver. According to popular beliefs, this could be a possible reason the hub was called Chandni Chowk as ‘Chandi’ is the Hindi name for silver.

- Location: Chandni Chowk is situated near the railway station of Old Delhi.

- Timing: Chandni Chowk can be visited from 9.30 AM to 8 PM, throughout the week except on Sunday.

Known for its historical significance, host of shops, chaos, and delicious local food, Chandni Chowk is counted among the most ancient marketplaces in Purani Dilli (Old Delhi in English). Established back in the seventeenth century by the Indian Mughal ruler, Shah Jahan, the place offers a nice sight of the Fatehpuri Mosque and is located on the opposite of the Red Fort.

The bustling shopping lane of Chandni Chowk is lined by porters and hawkers, showcasing the scenery of a bazaar of the medieval period. The place is a crucial historical site and is popularly known as the market that sells all kinds of products. Starting from its establishment, Chandni Chowk has always been known as the Shoppers’ Hub in India.

Shopping at this place is super fun and exciting since the whole marketplace is categorized into multiple narrow streets, with each one selling an abundance of different varieties of jewelry, clothes, shoes, bags, electronic devices, household essentials, décor items, figurines of Gods and Goddesses, and accessories.

Furthermore, as Chandni Chowk happens to be a wholesale marketplace so shoppers can expect to receive huge discounts and offers on almost all the products. This market is also a paradise for retailers. Apart from being an amazing shopping hub, Chandni Chowk is also a true haven for foodies.

The place houses many eateries selling mouth-watering Indian snacks and street foods such as Chole Bhature, Dahi Bhalle, Gol Gappe, Daulat Ki Chaat, Aloo Chaat, Kulfi, Kebabs, Ram Ladoo, and Chole Kulche.

History of Chandni Chowk

Chandni Chowk’s inception has its roots lying in the period of the reign of Shah Jahan. The emperor found the city of Shahjahanabad (now known as Old Delhi) in order to relocate his Mughal Capital to this place from Agra. Initially, Chandni Chowk was just positioned as an arcade, which featured a pool of clear water in its heart that sparkled when the moonlight fell over it.

Various shops were positioned around the arcade in the shape of a half-moon, whose placement was done for the emperor’s daughter, Jahan Ara Begum to purchase her favorite things. The spot saw the gathering of merchants and traders from across the nation who came here to sell a plethora of things.

The initial days of the inception of Chandni Chowk had gained a lot of popularity for silver traders, who came in a huge number to sell silver. According to popular beliefs, this could be a possible reason the hub was called Chandni Chowk as ‘Chandi’ is the Hindi name for silver.

Today the original shops and the reflecting pool have been taken over by a multitude of small and big shops selling different kinds of products. The narrow lanes and chaos retain the historical mark even today.

How To Reach

Chandni Chowk is located at an approximate distance of around 17 kilometers from the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi and is well-connected to it.

So, once you take an airplane and land at the airport, you can easily take a local taxi or hire a cab to reach the market of Chandni Chowk in no more than 45 to 50 minutes. Tourists also prefer taking the metro to reach the destination in a very cost-effective way.

Best Time To Visit

Chandni Chowk can be visited any time of the year as the markets and food joints here are open all 365 days, except on Sundays. That being said, it is advisable to avoid visiting the place during the summer afternoons in order to prevent the scorching heat.

It is suggested to visit Chandni Chowk during the evening hours as the place looks immensely beautiful and inviting with elegantly lighted up shops and bustling streets. You can also visit the place during the morning hours when the crowd is less and a peaceful shopping is most expected.

Other Essential Information

- Location: Chandni Chowk is situated near the railway station of Old Delhi.

- Timing: Chandni Chowk can be visited from 9.30 AM to 8 PM, throughout the week except on Sunday.

Tips for Visiting Chandni Chowk

1. Be careful about your purse and belongings when roaming through the busy streets of Chandni Chowk.

2. Beware of touts and duplicate items while shopping.

3. Carry your water bottles as walking through the crowded streets can be immensely tiring.

4. Do not miss out on the chance of bargaining. You can easily get your chosen products at excellent deals.

5. Wear slippers or sandals to the market as many shops would not allow you to enter without removing your footwear at their doors.

6. Many shops in the market do not allow you to take photographs. So, ask for permission prior to clicking pictures.

Chandni Chowk FAQs

For what Chandni Chowk is famous?

Chandni Chowk in Delhi is famous all over the world for its bustling street markets and delicious food joints. The place is flocked by tourists as well as locals who love to indulge in shopping and relishing on the local street foods of Delhi.

The major attractions of Chandni Chowk are – Chor Bazar, Fatehpuri Market, Chawri Bazaar, Khan Omelette Corner, and Kake Di Hatti.

Is Chandni Chowk open on Sunday?

No, Chandni Chowk is open on all days of the week, except on Sundays. The last day of the week is an off day for the markets situated in this place. Hence, if you are planning to visit Chandni Chowk, make sure that you choose a day between Monday to Saturday for shopping, roaming, and binge eating.

Who built Chandni Chowk?

Chandni Chowk was established in Delhi by the great Mughal ruler Shah Jahan back in 1650 CE. According to popular beliefs, the marketplace was developed for the Mughal Princess Jahanara Begum, the favorite daughter of the emperor, who loved to shop. Initially, the place had a total of 1,560 shops, a majority of which sold silver jewelry and silverware.

How old is Chandni Chowk?

Chandni Chowk in Delhi is over 400 years old. Established by Shah Jahan back in the seventeenth century, it is counted among the most ancient markets in the country. The place boasts a great historical significance even today and is known as a classic example of the marvelous architecture adopted by the Mughal emperors of India.

Is Chandni Chowk open on Saturday?

Yes, the markets and food joints of Chandni Chowk are open on Saturdays. However, they remain closed on Sundays and Saturdays happen to be the last working day of the week for the shopkeepers of the place. So, if you are planning to pay a visit to Chandni Chowk during the weekend, make sure you go to the place on a Saturday.

Which of the following delicacies is Chandni Chowk in Delhi famous for?

Chandni Chowk in Delhi is famous for all kinds of local Indian delicacies including:

- Paratha
- Lassi
- Kachoris
- Chole Bhature
- Daulat Ki Chaat, Papdi Chaat, Aloo Chaat, Samosa Chaat, and Tikki Chaat
- Gol Gappe
- Dahi Bhalla
- Halwa
- Jalebi
- Tikka and kebabs
- Chole Kulche
- Falooda
- Ram Ladoo
-Lauki and Gajar barfi