Chandni Chowk
Old Delhi's historic market street, laid out by Shah Jahan in the 17th century.
Delhi's oldest market, still fully alive.
Chandni Chowk has been Old Delhi's commercial artery since the Mughal era — narrow lanes packed with spice traders, jewellers, and some of the city's most famous street food, from stuffed parathas to jalebi fried fresh at the roadside. Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, anchors one end; the Red Fort sits close by.
It rewards walking slowly and eating as you go — this is a stop better experienced than photographed from a distance.
Best time & getting here.
Best Time to Visit
October–March, and early morning or evening to avoid the midday crowd and heat.
Getting Here
Chandni Chowk metro station on the Yellow Line drops you right at the market's edge.
Activities
Street food, Jama Masjid visit, spice and textile shopping, Red Fort nearby.
Good To Know
A cycle rickshaw through the narrowest lanes is worth doing once — the streets are too tight and crowded to drive.