Chandni Chowk Map
Explore Old Delhi's historic bazaar with our comprehensive guide to Chandni Chowk's famous lanes, markets, food streets, and heritage sites
About Chandni Chowk
Chandni Chowk is one of the oldest and busiest markets in India, located in Old Delhi. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century, this historic market runs from the Red Fort to the Fatehpuri Mosque. The name "Chandni Chowk" means "Moonlit Square," referring to the reflection of moonlight in the canal that once ran through the area.
Established
1650 by Emperor Shah Jahan
Length
1.5 km from Red Fort to Fatehpuri Mosque
Metro Station
Chandni Chowk (Yellow Line) & Jama Masjid (Violet Line)
Best Time
Morning hours (10 AM - 1 PM)
Famous Markets and Lanes
| Market/Lane | Specialty | What to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Dariba Kalan | Jewelry Market | Gold, silver jewelry, traditional ornaments |
| Kinari Bazaar | Wedding Market | Zari, laces, ribbons, wedding accessories |
| Katra Neel | Fabrics | Sarees, dress materials, traditional fabrics |
| Chawri Bazaar | Paper & Stationery | Wedding cards, paper products, brass items |
| Nai Sarak | Books | Educational books, stationery |
| Khari Baoli | Spice Market | Asia's largest spice market, dry fruits |
| Ballimaran | Shoes | Footwear, traditional juttis |
| Bhagirath Palace | Electronics | Electrical goods, lights, wiring |
Famous Food Spots
Chandni Chowk is a food lover's paradise with legendary eateries serving authentic Delhi street food:
- Paranthe Wali Gali: Famous for stuffed paranthas since 1875
- Karim's: Legendary Mughlai restaurant near Jama Masjid
- Natraj Dahi Bhalle: Famous for dahi bhalle and aloo tikki
- Old Famous Jalebi Wala: Crispy hot jalebis since 1884
- Ghantewala Halwai: Historic sweet shop (closed but iconic)
- Haji Shabrati Nihari Wale: Famous for slow-cooked nihari
- Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi: Traditional kulfi faluda
- Chaina Ram: Famous for its sindhi sweets
Heritage Sites Nearby
- Red Fort (Lal Qila): UNESCO World Heritage Site at eastern end
- Jama Masjid: One of India's largest mosques
- Fatehpuri Mosque: At western end of Chandni Chowk
- Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib: Historic Sikh temple
- Gauri Shankar Temple: Ancient Hindu temple
- Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir: Oldest Jain temple in Delhi
How to Reach Chandni Chowk
By Metro
- Chandni Chowk Metro: Yellow Line - Right at main market
- Jama Masjid Metro: Violet Line - Near Jama Masjid and Karim's
- Lal Qila Metro: Violet Line - Near Red Fort
By Road
Chandni Chowk is accessible via Netaji Subhash Marg, SP Mukherjee Marg, and Lothian Road. Parking is available at Red Fort parking lot.
Chandni Chowk FAQs
Morning hours (10 AM - 1 PM) are best to avoid crowds. Avoid Sundays when many shops are closed. The market is most vibrant during wedding and festival seasons.
Yes, Chandni Chowk is generally safe. Keep belongings secure due to crowded lanes. Walking is recommended as the streets are narrow. Be prepared for bargaining.
Chandni Chowk is famous for wholesale shopping (especially wedding items), street food (paranthas, chaat, jalebis), jewelry (Dariba Kalan), and its historic Mughal-era architecture.