Khan Market History, Hidden Gems, Best Time to Visit and Photography
Located at
Khan Market
Delhi
Brief Description of Khan Market
Khan Market, located in central Delhi, is one of the most upscale and iconic shopping districts in India. Known for its high-end boutiques, bookstores, cafes, and international brand outlets, it caters to both elite shoppers and diplomats. Despite its exclusivity, it retains a charming, old-world feel with a mix of modernity and nostalgia.
Description of Khan Market
Khan Market is a U-shaped market with two parallel lanes featuring a blend of luxury brands, designer boutiques, quirky bookshops, home decor stores, and some of the best cafes and restaurants in Delhi. It is a favorite among locals, expatriates, and tourists alike for its premium shopping experience and relaxed atmosphere. The market is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with several popular bars and lounges.
Khan Market is more than just a commercial hub—it is a cultural hotspot. From traditional Indian clothing stores to international beauty brands, from authentic street food to gourmet dining, it offers a little bit of everything.
History of Khan Market
Established in 1951, Khan Market was named after Khan Abdul Jabbar Khan, the elder brother of freedom fighter Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan. Initially designed to accommodate refugees from the Partition of India, the market gradually evolved into one of the most prestigious shopping areas in Delhi.
Over the years, Khan Market has transformed from a simple shopping complex into one of the costliest retail locations in the world. Despite its modern upgrades, it has retained its old-world charm, making it a beloved landmark of Delhi.
Best Time to Visit Khan Market
- Evening (4 PM – 9 PM): The market comes alive with vibrant energy, making it a great time for shopping and dining.
- Winter Months (October – March): The pleasant weather enhances the experience of exploring cafes, bookstores, and boutiques.
- Weekdays: Weekends tend to be crowded, so visiting on weekdays ensures a more relaxed shopping and dining experience.
Things to Do in Khan Market
- Shopping – Explore designer boutiques, high-end fashion brands, handicrafts, and bookstores like Full Circle and Folio.
- Café Hopping – Enjoy gourmet coffee and delicious treats at places like Perch Wine & Coffee Bar, Big Chill Café, and Town Hall.
- Book Browsing – Visit Bahrisons Booksellers, one of Delhi”s oldest and most loved bookstores.
- Street Food & Bakeries – Try local snacks at Khan Chacha (famous for kebabs) and L”Opéra (for French pastries).
- Luxury Shopping – Find premium brands like Good Earth (home décor), Forest Essentials (ayurvedic skincare), and Nicobar (designer wear).
- Nightlife & Bars – Enjoy a cocktail at Perch or SodaBottleOpenerWala.
Top Attractions in Khan Market
- Bahrisons Booksellers – A legendary bookstore with a vast collection.
- Khan Chacha – Famous for its North Indian kebabs and rolls.
- Full Circle Bookstore & Café Turtle – A cozy bookstore with a rooftop café.
- Good Earth – Luxury home décor and lifestyle products.
- Perch Wine & Coffee Bar – Ideal for wine and coffee lovers.
Nearest Attractions to Khan Market
- India Gate (2 km) – A historic war memorial and a great picnic spot.
- Lodhi Garden (1.5 km) – A serene park with Mughal-era tombs, ideal for morning walks.
- Humayun”s Tomb (4 km) – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its Mughal architecture.
- National Museum (3 km) – Showcasing India”s rich cultural heritage.
- Janpath & Connaught Place (4 km) – A lively shopping and dining hub.
- Pragati Maidan (3 km) – A venue for exhibitions and cultural events.
Photography at Khan Market
- Best Spots for Photos:
- The charming bookshops like Bahrisons Booksellers and Full Circle.
- Vibrant cafés with aesthetic interiors like Perch Wine & Coffee Bar and Big Chill Café.
- Street shots capturing the blend of modern and heritage architecture.
- Colorful storefronts and boutique displays.
- Photography Tips:
- Early mornings or evenings provide the best lighting.
- Avoid clicking photos inside private stores unless permitted.
- Night photography looks great with neon lights from bars and restaurants.
Entry Fee for Khan Market ??
- Free Entry: There is no entry fee to visit Khan Market.
- Timings:
- Open: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Closed: Sundays (some shops may remain open).
Safety Tips for Visiting Khan Market ??
- Beware of Pickpockets – Keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas.
- Avoid Overpriced Shops – Some shops may overcharge tourists; compare prices before buying.
- Be Cautious at Night – While generally safe, avoid deserted alleys late at night.
- Use Authorized Parking – If driving, park at designated areas to avoid fines.
- Beware of Scams – Some people might offer “great deals” on luxury items; always buy from reputable stores.
- Stay Hydrated in Summer – Delhi”s heat can be intense, so carry water if visiting during the day.
Famous Food in Khan Market ???
- Kebabs & Rolls – Khan Chacha ????
- Must-try: Chicken tikka roll, mutton seekh kebab.
- Pizza & Pasta – Big Chill Café ????
- Must-try: Four cheese pizza, Penne vodka pasta.
- French Pastries – L”Opéra ???
- Must-try: Opera cake, macarons, almond croissants.
- Parsi & Bombay Street Food – SodaBottleOpenerWala ????
- Must-try: Berry pulao, bun maska, Irani chai.
- Wine & Coffee – Perch Wine & Coffee Bar ???
- Must-try: Espresso martini, cheese platter.
- Asian Cuisine – Town Hall ????
- Must-try: Sushi platters, Thai curries, dim sums.
- Healthy & Vegan – Fig & Maple ????
- Must-try: Smoothie bowls, avocado toast, fresh salads.
How to Reach Khan Market ??????
By Metro ?? (Best Option)
- Nearest Metro Station: Khan Market Metro Station (Violet Line) – Just a 5-minute walk to the market.
- Alternative Metro Station: Central Secretariat (Yellow Line) – Take an auto or taxi from here (~10 mins).
By Car/Taxi ??
- Easily accessible via Lodhi Road and Humayun Road.
- Book an Ola/Uber for hassle-free travel.
By Bus ??
- Nearest bus stop: Khan Market Bus Stop (connected to major Delhi routes).
- DTC buses like 620, 423, 450, and 502 pass through the area.
By Auto-Rickshaw ??
- Autos are easily available from India Gate, Connaught Place, and Lodhi Garden.
Parking at Khan Market ?????
- Khan Market Parking Lot: Paid parking is available near the entrance.
- Multi-Level Parking (MCD Parking): Located nearby for better space availability.
- Private Valet Parking: Some restaurants and shops offer valet parking services.
- Tip: Parking can be crowded during peak hours, so prefer metro or cabs.
Nearest ATM to Khan Market ??
- HDFC Bank ATM – Inside Khan Market.
- ICICI Bank ATM – Near the main entrance.
- SBI ATM – Just outside the market.
- Axis Bank ATM – Within walking distance.
Nearest Hotels to Khan Market
Luxury Hotels
- The Lodhi (5-star, 2 km) – Premium luxury with spa and pool.
- Taj Mahal Hotel (5-star, 2.5 km) – Elegant stay with fine dining.
- The Oberoi, New Delhi (5-star, 3 km) – Lavish suites and world-class service.
Mid-Range Hotels
- The Ambassador, New Delhi (4-star, 1 km) – Comfortable stay near Lodhi Road.
- Bloom Boutique (3-star, 2 km) – Stylish boutique hotel near Connaught Place.
Budget-Friendly Hotels
- Hotel Ahuja Residency (3-star, 1.5 km) – Good budget option near Lodhi Colony.
- Hosteller Delhi (Budget Stay, 3 km) – Perfect for backpackers and solo travelers.
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