Dilli Haat — An open-air crafts and food market with rotating stalls from across India's states. Fixed-ish prices, good quality, and the easiest single place to buy regional handicrafts. There are branches at INA and elsewhere.
Chandni Chowk — Old Delhi's market district, subdivided into specialist lanes. Kinari Bazaar for trimmings and wedding materials, Dariba Kalan for silver, Nai Sarak for books and stationery, Khari Baoli for spices (Asia's largest spice market, a genuine sensory experience). Crowded and intense; go in the morning.
Janpath and Connaught Place — Street stalls on Janpath sell clothing, jewellery and handicrafts at negotiable prices; Connaught Place's inner and outer circles carry established brands and long-running stores.
Sarojini Nagar — Delhi's best-known bargain market for clothing, much of it export surplus. Extremely cheap if you're willing to dig and haggle. Very crowded at weekends.
Karol Bagh — Large general market, strong for clothing, electronics and jewellery.
Lajpat Nagar Central Market — Popular for textiles, ethnic wear and household goods.
Government emporia on Baba Kharak Singh Marg — Each Indian state runs an emporium here selling authentic regional crafts at fixed prices. Reliable quality, no bargaining, excellent for carpets, textiles, wood and metalwork.
Khan Market — Upmarket, with bookshops, boutiques, cafés and speciality food.
Malls — Select Citywalk in Saket, DLF Promenade and Emporio in Vasant Kunj cover international brands. Emporio is the luxury end.
What to buy — Textiles and pashmina, carpets and dhurries, silver jewellery, brass and copper, marble inlay work, spices, tea, and miniature paintings.
Caution — Be sceptical of anyone who offers to take you to a "government emporium" that isn't on Baba Kharak Singh Marg, and of extremely cheap "pashmina". Commission-driven shop touts are common around tourist areas.