Visiting Dilli Haat – New Delhi, India: What to know BEFORE you go!

Dilli Haat is a permanent open-air market in New Delhi, India that features rotating vendors on a two-to-three week rotating basis. This is a paid-entrance open-air market that also includes a food court. When I lived in New Delhi, India, I absolutely loved going to Dilli Haat – I’d go every few weeks when the vendors changed. Here is everything you need to know about visiting Dilli Haat in New Delhi, India before you go!

Dilli Haat – Quick Overview

As mentioned above, Dilli Haat is an open-air market that charges admission, with vendors from all over India selling their wares. The vendors change every few weeks. The market is run by both the Indian government and the India Tourism Buerau – vendors are vetted for quality. Because Dilli Haat charges admission, you are much less likley to encounter your typical tourist scams as you might in the local markets. The vendors may call out to you to visit their stall – either ignore and keep walking, say no thanks or, if you’re interested in their handicrafts, walk over and check ’em out.

Hours: 11am – 9pm daily

Admission: Foreigners pay Rs100 to enter (it’s roughly $1 USD). Indian Nationals pay Rs30.

Some vendors may take credit cards (using a Visa with no foreign transaction fee is the best bet), but many times their card readers don’t work correctly. It’s best to have plenty of rupees on hand!

How much time to spend at Dilli Haat? It depends on how much you like shopping. My first visit, I was here for about 2 hours.

How to get to Dilli Haat

You can easily reach Dilli Haat via Uber or autorickshaw – every driver will know where Dilli Haat is. Or, you can take the Delhi Metro to the INA Market stop, which is just across the street from Dilli Haat. (The Delhi Metro system is amazing and modern – don’t be afraid to use it!)

Visiting Dilli Haat

Dilli Haat is divided into stalls from the different states and regions of India. As mentioned before, the vendors are vetted for authenticity of their wares – whereas if shopping in a local market, you’ll need to know what you’re buying (especially if you’re purchasing cashmere!).

However, you’ll pay a price for the convenience of everything under one roof (well, rather, no roof since it’s an open-air market!) the prices you’ll find at Dilli Haat will be higher for the same things found at local markets in India. I didn’t find the prices outrageous or anything – in fact, I bought a LOT OF STUFF at Dilli Haat – and I probably didn’t get the best bargain as I could’ve but in the end, I was happy with my purchases. The thing is, India is a huge country and as a tourist, it’s unlikely you’ll be visiting every region or state, so the convenience of being able to purchase handicrafts from all over the country in one place is pretty sweet.

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The food court area has the same variety as the craft goods – you’ll find Indian food from all over the country! There are lots of delicious items to try here, but again, you’re going to pay more for the food here vs. in a local market (but much less than at a fancy restaurant).

As always, be cautious when consuming street food, even in Dilli Haat! Avoid uncooked vegetables and drinks that aren’t bottled, or you may come down with a case of Delhi Belly.

What can you buy at Dilli Haat?

Ahh! All kinds of stuff! I spent way too much money here during my time in New Delhi. You’ll find all kinds of things – rugs, scarves, Christmas ornaments, clothing (I loved the long maxi skirts!), jewelry, jewelry boxes, purses and bags, towels, shoes – it’s a ton of fun!

Can you bargain at Dilli Haat?

You sure can! I never paid the first asking price of an item. Most vendors don’t have price tags on their merchandise, so you’ll need to ask how much. From there, you can bargain. Vendors are especially willing to work with you if you are buying multiple items. I bought a bunch of cashmere blankets from a vendor at a great price because I was buying 10 blankets at a time!

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If the vendor doesn’t like the price you suggested, just walk away. As you’re walking away, they may change their mind and accept your price.

Dilli Haat in New Delhi India – Final Thoughts

Dilli Haat was one of my favorite places to go in New Delhi India and I loved shopping there. Granted, sure, I wasn’t getting the cheapest prices, but for the variety and authenticity of the crafts — all in one spot — from vendors all over the country, it is definitely a worthwhile experience. Yes, you’ll find some o the same items in local markets, but as a tourist, your time is limited. If you love shopping, you’ll definitely have to add Dilli Haat to your Delhi itinerary.