The Ultimate Shopping Guide for Hyderabad: Exploring the City’s Traditional Bazaars and Street Markets (2024)
A vacation in Hyderabad isn’t just about Monuments and Food, instead, Hyderabad’s shopping opportunities are equally exciting, and you cannot miss them.
Also known as the ‘City of Pearls’ and ‘City of Nizams’, Hyderabad attracts thousands of tourists annually. Something is amazing about this city that one cannot resist coming here, even again and again. And what visitors cannot miss on their Hyderabad trip are the unending shopping opportunities.
The magnificent city of Hyderabad has an extravagant opportunity for shoppers. From Tradition Bazaars which are also the heritage of Nizam’s city, to famous street markets, iconic shopping stores, and modern malls, Hyderabad has it all. Offering an unending shopping opportunity, Hyderabad has always been a hot choice amongst South Indian travelers. And since that isn’t enough, people from all across India reach Hyderabad for their wedding shopping, especially when they want a unique touch.
The Ultimate Shopping Guide for Hyderabad: Exploring the City’s Traditional Bazaars and Street Markets
A shopping tour in the ‘City of Pearls’ is what a true Shopaholic deserves. Hyderabad truly is a charm for all those who want to indulge in traditional shopping. From world-class pearl jewelry to traditional clothing, footwear, handicraft, home décor, and much more, shopping options here never actually end.
Since Hyderabad’s marketplace is huge, a visitor or a tourist in this city can get confused. However, here we have an insight into ‘Hyderabad’s Shopping Opportunities’ from the perspective of locals. If you are new to Hyderabadi Market, take Tips from our recommendations below.
9 Traditional Bazaars and Street Shopping in Hyderabad
1. Laad Bazaar
If there’s a street shopping destination in Hyderabad that you cannot miss, it is the Laad Bazaar. This traditional shopping market in Hyderabad is located near Charminar, the iconic centerpiece of the ‘City of Nizam .’ Also popularly known as Choori Bazaar (Choori means Bangles), this legendary destination is also the oldest marketplace in Hyderabad.
According to claims, Laad Bazaar was formed during his wedding and dates back its origin to the times of Quli Qutub Shah. Quli Qutub Shah named the market after his daughter ‘Lead .’ Since its establishment, Laad Bazaar has been a popular stop for wedding apparel, bangles, ethnic silver jewelry, and more such things. On your visit to Laad Bazaar, you can shop for handicrafts, kalamkari, silk, perfumes, silverware, bidriware, dupattas, laces, and rare antique pieces. When in Laad Bazaar, make sure you shop for sarees and traditional Khara dupattas.
Market Timing: Everyday 11 am to 10:30 pm
Location: Char Kaman, Ghansi Bazaar, West Corner of Charminar
Tips: Heavy Bargaining is the key to shopping in Laad Bazaar.
Laad Bazaar is often crowded due to its popularity. The best time to shop here is early when the market opens. To avoid the rush, do not visit during the peak evening hours.
Also, Laad Bazaar is best explored on foot or via motorcycle. Avoid coming here via car or taxi since navigation/ parking can get too difficult.
2. Shilparamam Village
Shilparamam is a craft village that offers a unique shopping experience in Hyderabad. Since the 1990s, Shilparamam Village has encouraged traditional art and craft and is quite popular among tourists. The marketplace features some 15 beautifully decorated huts themed for selling different products. This handicraft market is more likely an exhibition from where one can shop. Shoppers can get their hands on handicrafts, daily-use items, natural fabric, traditional eco-friendly paintings, metalware, earthenware, wooden carved items, fashion jewelry, and much more. To visit the Shilparamam Village, one has to pay a small entry fee.
Market Timings: 10:30 am to 8:30 pm
Location: Hi-Tech City, Madhapur, Hyderabad
Tips: Do not miss the recreational areas, museums, and events when visiting Shilparamam Village.
Enjoy boating in the nearby human-made lake.
Bargaining can be a task here; thus, avoid indulging in it the most. Since all the products sold here are handmade, respect the hard work and pay wisely.
3. Begum Bazaar
Begum Bazaar is where you can enjoy the historical richness of Hyderabad. It is one of the largest and oldest operating markets in Hyderabad. This huge commercial market feature wholesale and retail shops and shopping here is quite an interesting experience. The marketplace has everything you can think of and is truly a one-stop shopping destination in Hyderabad. Regular buyers and retailers, and wholesalers from all across India visit Begum Bazaar and shop here. Shoppers can buy Bidriware, gold, silver, dry fruits, cosmetics, kitchenware, perfumes, footwear, clothes, handicraft, artificial jewelry, and more. You name it, and Begum Bazaar has it all.
Market Timings: 10 am to 11 pm. Closed on Sundays
Location: Fish Market, Afzal Gunj
Tips: Heavy Bargaining is the key to shopping here.
Since the market gets crowded, take care of your belongings.
Do not miss buying Bidriware from Begum Bazaar.
4. Jummerat Bazaar
Also known as ‘Chor Bazaar,’ the Jummerat Bazaar is Hyderabad’s oldest flea market. This shopping street is the ultimate destination where you can find unique and antique items. The marketplace usually has stolen items, some of which can also be very precious. It is similar to the famous Chor Bazaar market in New Delhi. Shoppers can find a good range of kitchen tools, home equipment, home décor, good old furniture, and more such items. Jummerat Bazaar is also popular for its cheap and affordable shopping opportunities.
Timings: Dawn to Dusk every Thursday
Location: Near Begum Nagar, Gowsala Nagar, Chudi Bazaar
Tips: Bargain as low as you can.
Check the items well before you shop for them. A lot of things here can be in their worst condition; thus, do not get fooled.
Make sure you take good care of your belongings in the ‘Chor Bazaar.’
Do not invest in electronics.
5. Perfume Market
For a fragrance lover, Perfume Market is a delightful place to visit in Hyderabad. This marketplace sits somewhere between Moti Chowk and Laad Bazaar and is always packed with locals and tourists. From vibrant natural fragrances to fragrant oils and high-end perfumes, you can find a large variety here. The perfume market is also famous for local fragrances known as ittar/attar. If you are an ittar lover, you can find supreme quality products here, and that too for a very reasonable price. The vendors fill tiny to large bottles right in front of you and provide the best quality products. The perfume market is known for its narrow lane and age-old family-owned shops. Shopping here is undoubtedly a delightful experience.
Timings: 10 am to 9:30 or 10 pm
Location: Laad Bazaar, near Charminar
Tips: Do shop for Bakhoor and Arabic Perfumes.
Ask the vendors to customize perfumes using your favorite fragrances.
6. Shahran Market
Shopping destinations in Hyderabad are unlimited, and Shahran Market is another one among the lots. Shahran Market is popular for women’s clothing, specially Burqa.
Shoppers can find a range of clothing here that too in a very affordable price range. From sarees to salwar suits, Kurti, hijab, abayas, and more, options here are truly endless.
Timings: 5 am to 12 pm every Thursday
Location: Near Charminar
Tip: Apart from shopping, do try Haleem when visiting Shahran Market in Hyderabad.
7. Charminar Bazaar
As popular as Hyderabad’s Laad Bazaar, the Charminar Bazaar is another exciting shopping place. The rustic charm of this marketplace makes it stand out from modernism.
Despite how much developed Hyderabad has seen, the authenticity of Charminar Bazaar was never hampered. This marketplace is famous for clothing and jewelry. However, what draws shoppers the most here is the Barsa Pearl embellished with gold and silver.
Timings: 9:30 am or 10 am till evening
Location: Charminar Road, Char Kaman, Ghansi Bazaar, Hyderabad
Tips: Char Minar Bazaar has a lot of traffic; thus, it is advisable to walk around.
8. Koti Sultan Bazar
Possibly the oldest market in Hyderabad, Koti Sultan Bazar, is another popular place to stop at. For numbers, this marketplace is nearly 2 centuries old. Back then, it was popular as a Colonial market, and no matter whether the title changed or not, the charm remained the same. Shoppers can get their hands on a range of products, including precious stones, silver junk jewelry, traditional footwear and clothing, décor items, and much more.
Timings: 10 am till evening or Night
Location: Koti
Tips: Heavy Bargaining is the key to shopping in Koti Sultan Bazar
9. Nampally
Nampally is basically an exhibition (Numaish) landmark in the Tech city of Hyderabad. Though it is a permanent market, what attracts people the most here is the exhibition during the month of January and February. You can shop for a range of products, including footwear, bangles, clothes, handbags, jewelry, homeware, wallet, and handicrafts.
Shopping at Nampally can be done at a remarkably affordable price. You can fill your bags here without actually emptying your pockets.
Timings: 10 am till late at Night.
Location: Nampally, Hyderabad
Tips: Consider taking loose money for a comfortable shopping experience here.
When visiting Nampally, do try the variety of local Hyderabadi food there.
Other Popular Local Markets in Hyderabad
- Moazzam Jahi Market: Visit here for vegetables, fresh chicken and goat meat, dry fruits, and more such eatables here. Ice Creams here, too, are worth trying.
- Tobacco Bazaar: Unlike its name, Tobacco Bazaar deals in Chiffon, poochampally, brocade, kurtas, dupattas, salwar kameezes, and more.
- Abids Street: This marketplace is popular for traditional craftwork, gadgets, clothing, and a lot more.
- Pot Market: A visit here allows you to shop for pots, assorted utensils, and more.
- Sunday Book Bazaar: Whether you are a reading enthusiast or a student, visit this marketplace for a refreshing experience. You can find second-hand books, rare, out-of-print books, old printed editions, and much more.
Top 6 Shopping Malls/Modern Malls in Hyderabad
Along with the traditional bazaars and street markets, Hyderabad also boasts a range of modern shopping destinations, which we know as ‘Malls .’ Throughout Hyderabad are several small and large Malls from where you can shop for affordable as well as branded goods.
Here are a few popular Malls in Hyderabad that you must checkout
1. Inorbit Mall, Mindspace, Madhapur
Inorbit Mall is one of the largest Malls in Hyderabad and, therefore, a must-visit. Whether you are looking for a local outlet or a luxury international brand, Inorbit Mall has it all. In addition, the Mall also features a separate gaming zone, artificial football turf, a multiplex, several restaurants, and more.
2. South India Shopping Mall, Margadarsi Colony Kothapet, Dilsukhnagar, Hyderabad
If you are looking for clothing for a special occasion, do not miss visiting the South India Shopping Mall in Hyderabad. This fashion store has a range of men’s and women’s apparel. In addition, you can also shop for a range of accessories.
3. City Center Mall
One of the oldest malls in Hyderabad, the City Center Mall is another must-visit place for shopping enthusiasts. From clothing to footwear, accessories, home items, and more, there are a lot of shopping options available. City Center Mall also features SMAAASH on the fourth floor of the Mall, cinema halls, and the SVM Bowling and Gaming Arena. The restaurants here also make it an exciting dining destination.
4. Sarath City Capital Mall
Last but not least is Hyderabad’s biggest Mall, the Sarath City Capital Mall. This humungous Mall is nestled in Gachibowli – Miyapur Road in Gachibowli. For shoppers, it has more than 400 national and international brand outlets. The Mall features eight floors, each of which is full of options. In addition to shopping, the Mall also has Sky Zone – Trampoline Park, Ski Capital – Snow theme Park, Sarath City Capital Mall Tridom – Indoor Adventure Park, and two grand food courts.
5. GVK One Mall
GVK One Mall is one of the most popular shopping destinations in Hyderabad. This modern mall is located in the heart of the city and offers a wide range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options for visitors. GVK One mall boasts of a wide range of international and national brands, including clothing, footwear, accessories, electronics, and much more. The mall also features a number of high-end luxury brands, making it a popular destination for fashion-conscious shoppers.
In addition to its shopping options, GVK One Mall is also home to a number of dining options, from quick bites to fine dining. The food court features a range of cuisines and there are also several standalone restaurants, cafes and bars. The mall also has a multiplex for movie enthusiasts. GVK One Mall provides a great shopping experience with all its amenities and it is a must-visit place for the shoppers and entertainment seekers in Hyderabad. With its central location, it is easily accessible by public transport and cars. It is also a great place to relax, unwind and spend an enjoyable day with family and friends.
6. Hyderabad Central
Hyderabad Central is another popular shopping mall in Hyderabad that offers a wide range of shopping and entertainment options. The mall features a wide range of international and national brands, making it a popular destination for fashion-conscious shoppers. It also has a variety of product categories like clothing, footwear, accessories, electronics, home decor, and much more.
One of the unique features of Hyderabad Central is the presence of a large bookstore, which is a great spot for book lovers. The mall also has a food court that serves a variety of cuisines and a multiplex for movie enthusiasts. The mall has a great ambiance and is perfect for a family outing. It has a central location and is easily accessible by public transport and cars. Visitors to the mall can also take advantage of the valet parking service. With its wide range of options for shopping, dining and entertainment, Hyderabad Central is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a great shopping experience in the city.