“Shopping in Kolkata – Discover the City’s Best Markets”

Most Recent Update : August 2025

Welcome to Kolkata, the City of Joy! This bustling metropolis is a treasure trove for shoppers. It offers a dazzling array of options for every taste and budget. The experience of shopping in Kolkata is a journey in itself. You can wander through colonial-era markets or browse in luxurious modern malls. This guide will explore the Best Places For Shopping in Kolkata. We will delve into the vibrant markets of Kolkata! and sleek shopping centers. Prepare for an unforgettable retail adventure.

Best places to shop in Kolkata

Kolkata’s shopping landscape is as diverse as its cultural tapestry. From traditional bazaars offering ethnic wear and handicrafts to contemporary malls housing international brands, the city has something for everyone. The best places to shop in Kolkata reflect the city’s unique character, blending the old with the new, and providing a vibrant shopping experience. Let’s dive into the top five shopping destinations in Kolkata and explore the treasures they hold.

New Market: The Heritage Shopping Destination

No shopping trip in Kolkata is complete without visiting New Market. Also known as Sir Stuart Hogg Market, it’s a place where history and commerce meet. This sprawling market has been a city landmark since 1874. It offers an incredible variety of goods. You can find everything here, from clothing and accessories to rare cheeses and fresh flowers. With over 2,000 stalls, exploring New Market is an adventure. The market is centrally located on Lindsay Street, making it easily accessible.

A Glimpse into History

New Market was originally built for the British residents of Calcutta. It was designed by Richard Roskell Bayne, an architect from the East Indian Railway Company. The market’s stunning Victorian Gothic architecture makes it a sight to behold. It was officially named Sir Stuart Hogg Market in 1903, after the then-chairman of the Calcutta Corporation. However, the name “New Market” has always been more popular among locals. Despite facing calamities over the years, the market has retained its old-world charm and continues to be a bustling hub.

What to Find in the Aisles of New Market

New Market is a true shopaholic’s paradise. You can find almost anything your heart desires within its labyrinthine alleys. For fashion lovers, the market offers a vast collection of apparel. You’ll find everything from trendy western wear and daily wear pajamas to exquisite bridal lehengas and traditional sarees. The market is also famous for its extensive collection of jewelry. You can find beautiful junk jewelry, oxidized silver pieces, and even high-end items at shops like Chamba Lama, one of the oldest in the area. Beyond fashion, you can shop for high-quality leather goods at Sreeleathers, discover unique home decor items, and even buy electronics. Don’t forget to explore the food section, where you can find delicious baked goods at the legendary Jewish bakery Nahoum & Sons, established in 1902.

Pro Tips for Your New Market Visit

Navigating New Market can be overwhelming for first-timers. The best approach is to take your time and explore its various sections. The market is divided into blocks, with similar items clustered together, which helps bring some order to the chaos. Bargaining is a common and expected practice here, so don’t hesitate to negotiate prices respectfully. The market is open from Monday to Saturday, generally from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and remains closed on Sundays. Be prepared for crowds, especially during festivals and weekends.

Gariahat Market: The Heart of South Kolkata Shopping

For an authentic street shopping experience, Gariahat Market is the place to be. Located in the heart of South Kolkata, this bustling market is famous for its incredible variety of goods, especially traditional Bengali textiles and sarees. It’s a vibrant, chaotic, and utterly captivating place that attracts shoppers from all walks of life. The market stretches along Gariahat Road, with countless shops and stalls lining both sides. It’s a place where you can find high-quality items and bargain-priced goods, often just a few steps from each other.

The Ultimate Saree Haven

Gariahat is renowned as the saree hub of Kolkata. It is home to some of the city’s most famous and trusted saree shops. Stores like Adi Dhakeswari Bastralaya, RMCA Basak, and Priya Gopal Bishoyee are institutions in themselves, offering a stunning range of sarees for every occasion. You can find everything from traditional Tant cotton sarees and Dhakai Jamdanis to opulent Banarasi silks and Baluchari sarees. Whether you are shopping for a wedding or looking for a lightweight daily wear saree, Gariahat offers endless choices. Many shops also offer beautiful hand-embroidered and hand-painted sarees.

More Than Just Textiles

While sarees are the main attraction, Gariahat offers much more. The market is a treasure trove of handicrafts, home decor, and accessories. You can find beautiful terracotta jewelry, colorful wooden bangles, and unique decorative items. The street stalls sell everything from trendy kurtis and dress materials to footwear and bags. Gariahat is also a fantastic place for food lovers. The area is dotted with street food stalls selling Kolkata’s famous phuchka, jhalmuri, and various fried snacks. You can also find several well-regarded restaurants and sweet shops in and around the market.

Navigating the Bustle of Gariahat

Shopping in Gariahat requires some energy and a willingness to embrace the chaos. The market is almost always crowded, so it’s best to visit on a weekday to avoid the heaviest rush. Be prepared to bargain, as it’s a key part of the shopping experience in the street stalls. Exploring the inner lanes can lead to discovering hidden gems and unique products. The market is generally open from Monday to Saturday, from around 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. It’s a place that truly captures the vibrant spirit of Kolkata’s street culture.

South City Mall: The Modern Retail Paradise

Shifting from the traditional to the contemporary, South City Mall on Prince Anwar Shah Road is one of Kolkata’s most popular and largest shopping destinations. This mall offers a complete entertainment and shopping experience under one roof. It caters to the modern shopper with its vast selection of national and international brands, a large food court, a multiplex cinema, and entertainment zones. It’s a favorite hangout spot for families and young people, especially on weekends.

A World of Brands

South City Mall is a paradise for brand-conscious shoppers. It houses anchor stores like Shoppers’ Stop, Pantaloons, and the popular bookstore Starmark. The mall was one of the first in the city to introduce a wide range of international brands like Zara, Vero Moda, Forever 21, and Marks & Spencer. You can find everything from high-end fashion and accessories to sportswear from brands like Adidas, Nike, and Puma. For ethnic wear, there are stores like Fabindia and BIBA. The mall also features a large Spencer’s hypermarket in the basement for all your grocery needs.

Entertainment and Gastronomy

Beyond shopping, South City Mall offers a plethora of entertainment options. It features a six-screen INOX multiplex for movie lovers to catch the latest blockbusters. For those with children, or the young at heart, the Timezone entertainment center provides hours of fun with arcade games and other activities. The mall’s food court is expansive, seating over 1,200 people and offering a wide variety of cuisines. You can find popular fast-food chains like KFC and Pizza Hut alongside fine-dining restaurants like Mainland China. Cafes like Starbucks provide a perfect spot to relax and recharge after a long day of shopping.

Planning Your Visit to South City

Located in a residential area of South Kolkata, the mall is easily accessible. It is open all week, typically from 10 am onwards. The mall is known for hosting various events and festivals throughout the year, adding to its vibrant atmosphere. It provides a comfortable, air-conditioned environment, making it a great escape from the city’s heat and a perfect destination for a day of family fun and retail therapy.

Quest Mall: The Pinnacle of Luxury Shopping

For those seeking the finest in luxury retail and fine dining, Quest Mall is the ultimate destination in Kolkata. Inaugurated in 2013 and located in the upscale Ballygunge area, Quest has redefined luxury shopping in the city. It brings together a curated collection of high-end international brands, many of which are exclusive to the mall in Kolkata. With its sophisticated ambiance and impressive architecture, Quest Mall offers a world-class shopping experience.

Home to International Luxury

Quest Mall is synonymous with luxury. It is the go-to place for shoppers looking for premium international brands. The mall houses iconic names like Gucci, Burberry, Jimmy Choo, Coach, Rolex, and Michael Kors. From high fashion apparel and accessories to luxury watches and jewelry, the choices are unparalleled in the city. The mall also features popular brands like Armani Exchange, Hugo Boss, and Calvin Klein, catering to a wide range of fashion preferences. The presence of these exclusive brands makes Quest a unique shopping destination in Eastern India.

A Culinary and Entertainment Hub

The luxury experience at Quest extends to its dining and entertainment options. The mall boasts an array of fine dining restaurants and casual eateries across its seven floors. Food connoisseurs can enjoy a meal at acclaimed restaurants like Yauatcha, Bombay Brasserie, and The Irish House. For entertainment, there is a six-screen INOX multiplex that offers a premium movie-watching experience. The mall also includes a dedicated children’s entertainment zone called Kool Kidz, making it a family-friendly destination. With over 130 stores and a sprawling 700,000 sq. ft of retail space, Quest provides a comprehensive and upscale lifestyle experience.

The Quest Experience

Conveniently located at the crossroads of premium residential areas like Ballygunge and Park Street, Quest Mall is easily accessible. It attracts a significant number of visitors, especially on weekends. The mall is open daily from 11 AM to 11 PM. It was designed with the vision of creating a high-street shopping experience within a mall, and it successfully delivers on that promise. For a day of indulgence, high-end shopping, and gourmet food, Quest Mall is unquestionably Kolkata’s premier choice.

College Street: A Paradise for Bibliophiles

A world away from the glitz of malls lies College Street, affectionately known as ‘Boi Para’ or the Colony of Books. This iconic 1.5-kilometer stretch is a haven for book lovers, boasting the distinction of being India’s largest book market and the world’s largest second-hand book market. It’s a place where you can find almost any book ever sold in Kolkata, from the latest bestsellers to rare first editions. The air here is thick with the smell of old paper and the quiet rustle of turning pages, a truly unique atmosphere.

The Legendary ‘Boi Para’

The history of College Street is deeply intertwined with Kolkata’s academic heritage. The street is lined with some of the city’s most prestigious educational institutions, including the University of Calcutta, Presidency University, and Sanskrit College. This academic environment gave birth to a thriving book trade. The street is filled with hundreds of makeshift stalls and established bookstores, some of which have been around for generations. You can find new books, often at a discount, as well as old and second-hand books at incredibly low prices. Bargaining is part of the culture here, and with a bit of searching, you might unearth some incredible literary treasures.

More Than Just a Book Market

College Street is not just about buying books; it’s about the experience. It is home to the legendary Indian Coffee House, a historic institution that has been a meeting place for intellectuals, writers, artists, and students for decades. Personalities like Rabindranath Tagore and Satyajit Ray were once patrons of this iconic ‘adda’ spot. The street is also home to many of Bengal’s renowned publishing houses. A walk down College Street is a journey through the cultural and intellectual history of Kolkata.

Tips for Your Literary Pilgrimage

When visiting College Street, be prepared to spend time browsing. The sheer volume of books can be overwhelming, but the joy is in the discovery. Don’t hesitate to ask the sellers for help; they are often incredibly knowledgeable. While many stalls line the street, there are also famous bookstores like Dasgupta & Co. Pvt Ltd, established in 1886. The area is easily accessible by public transport. A visit here is incomplete without stopping for a coffee at the Indian Coffee House and soaking in the atmosphere of intellectual debate and camaraderie.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which is the best market for budget shopping in Kolkata?

New Market and Gariahat Market are excellent choices for budget shopping. You can find a wide variety of clothes, accessories, and other items at very affordable prices, and bargaining is common.

Can I use credit cards in Kolkata’s street markets?

In most street markets like Gariahat and the stalls in New Market, cash is the preferred mode of payment. While some larger, established shops may accept cards, it is always advisable to carry sufficient cash for street shopping.

What is the best time of year for shopping in Kolkata?

The months from October to March are generally considered the best time to visit Kolkata for shopping. The weather is pleasant, and this period coincides with major festivals like Durga Puja and Christmas, when markets are at their most vibrant.

Where can I buy authentic Bengali sarees in Kolkata?

Gariahat Market is considered the hub for saree shopping in Kolkata. It has numerous renowned shops like Adi Dhakeswari Bastralaya and RMCA Basak that offer a vast collection of traditional Bengali sarees.

Is bargaining acceptable in Kolkata’s malls?

No, bargaining is not a practice in malls like South City Mall and Quest Mall. The prices in branded stores and outlets are fixed. Haggling is primarily reserved for street markets and bazaars.

Conclusion: Your Ultimate Kolkata Shopping Itinerary

Kolkata presents a shopping experience that is as diverse and full of character as the city itself. From the historic, bustling lanes of New Market to the saree paradise of Gariahat Market, the city’s traditional markets are a feast for the senses. They offer a chance to find unique items and practice your bargaining skills. For those who prefer a modern, air-conditioned environment, South City Mall provides a vast selection of popular brands and entertainment options. If luxury is what you seek, Quest Mall stands ready with its collection of high-end international labels. And for the intellectually inclined, the legendary College Street offers a literary journey like no other. These Best Places For Shopping in Kolkata ensure that every visitor, regardless of their budget or style, will find something to cherish. So, get ready to explore the vibrant markets and chic malls of Kolkata for an unforgettable retail therapy session! Visit the Kolkata Official Website for more information.

Published By :

Binu Lamba

Binu Lamba is a 29-year-old editor and fact-checker with 7 years of experience in travel content. He verifies all location details, hotel recommendations, and travel tips to ensure our guides are accurate, updated, and helpful for readers planning real trips.

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AI Assistant

Our AI writing assistant supports the creation of travel content under strict human supervision. All AI-generated posts are thoroughly reviewed, fact-checked, and updated by our team to maintain trust and accuracy in our travel recommendations.

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