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From Tibetan Trinkets To Woollen Wonders: Explore Shimla's Best Street Markets

Shimla, Queen of Hills is not only an epitome of the hill stations and the colonial grandeur but also a shopping destination! The handicrafts and woolens, the jewelry and the souvenirs are all that you can find in the city's bustling markets. If you are a seasoned shopper or a purist by nature, Shimla's bazaars will make your shopping experience a joy. So here is a list of the shopping streets and markets of Shimla where you can shop till you drop without breaking the bank. 1. The Mall Road If we talk about Shimla shopping, The Mall Road is at the top of the list. The street is one of the city's major shopping districts, and is constantly bustling. Filled with modern and old fashion boutiques, you'll find anything from woollen cardigans to handcrafted wooden souvenirs here. – Don't miss eating the street food while shopping around. Famed for: Cotton clothes, jewellery, books, souvenirs. When to go: Night time when the lights are magical. Tip: Be polite and some stores might reduce the price for you. Quick facts Location: Central Shimla Hot items to purchase: Pashmina shawls, Himachali caps, and embroided bags. Nearby places of interest: Christ Church, Scandal Point. 2. Lakkar Bazaar The Lakkar Bazaar is a heaven for the lovers of wooden crafts. Like its name implies ('Lakkar' in Hindi means wood), this market mainly sells wooden products for home decor and small gifts. It's also stocked with warm woolens and odd things to buy for someone. Wooden Crafts, winter Wear. Recommended Visit: In the afternoon when the line is small. Tip: Look out for hand-made walking sticks – tourists love them. Quick facts Location: Near Ridge Road Favorite purchases: Wooden toys, carved boxes, and shawls. Remarks: The market is also known for Tibetan carpets and wooden furniture. 3. Lower Bazaar Lower Bazaar: If you're looking for a place to shop with minimal expenses, it's your place. It is not as sexy as The Mall Road but has some amazing discounts on your day-to-day wear, shoes and accessories. This bustling market also has a lot of small restaurants that serve authentic Himachali cuisine. Acclaimed for: Affordable prices and everyday brands. Recommended time to go: Early morning hours if you prefer a more tranquil experience. Advice: Bring cash, because some shops may not take cards. Quick facts Location: Below The Mall Road Favorite purchases: Woollen scarves, socks, and local snack food. Recommendation: Visit the 'chana madra' stalls at the market. 4. Tibetan Market In terms of color and specialties, Shimla's Tibetan Market beats the rest. This market sells Tibetan products, from delicate jewellery and prayer flags to woollens. The pashmina shawls and thick sweaters here are great. Famous for: Tibetan ceramics and woollen clothing. The best time to visit: Late afternoon when most stores are open. Tips for the day: Deal openly and respectfully. Quick facts Location: Near The Mall Road Bestsellers: Tibetan beads, prayer wheels and carpets. Fun Fact: The market also has vendors selling yummy momos and thukpa. 5. Himachal Emporium Looking for authentic Himachali handicrafts? Himachal Emporium is your destination. This shop, run by the state government, provides quality goods at affordable prices so that you can get the best for your money. Whether it's Chamba rumals or Kangra paintings, you'll get them all here. Famous for: Genuine artwork and set prices. When to go: During store hours for an unhurried shopping experience. Tip: Bring a Himachali cap as a special memento. Quick facts Location: Near The Mall Road Favorite purchases: Chamba rumals, Kangra paintings and woolen shawls. A plus: Better quality because it's a government-owned shop. 6. Sanjauli Market A bit far from the tourist hubs, Sanjauli Market is an offbeat shopping place that mixes local and modern products. It has everything from new outfits to fresh foods – this market is open for both the residents and visitors. Famous for: Affordable clothing and fruits. The best time to visit: Early morning for produce or late night for shopping. Tips: Head to the local bakeries for freshly baked goods. Quick facts Location: Sanjauli town, approximately 4 km from Shimla. Hot swag: Hot dresses, bags, and neighborhood fudges. Bonus: A great place to visit if you want a more local feel. 7. Shimla's Weekly Bazaar Shimla's small traders and local craftspeople come every week to market their wares at the Weekly Bazaar. It is a perfect market to purchase fresh fruits, crafts, and traditional Himachali clothes. It's also a wonderful way to absorb local culture. Famous for: Local vegetables and Himachali garments. Visit best in the morning so that you don't get crowds. Pro-tip: Use plastic bags when shopping. Quick facts Location: Various spots across Shimla Popular purchases: Authentic jewelry, Himachali garments, spices. Fun fact: The bazaar is an international cosmopolitan marketplace featuring local stallholders from the villages surrounding it. Wrapping It Up Shimla's bazaars and markets are not just places to buy goods; they are portals into the cultural life of the city. Every market, be it buying wooden sarees at Lakkar Bazaar or having street food at Lower Bazaar, has its own tale to tell. So slip on your walking boots, pack a tote bag and start exploring Shimla's pulsing mall culture you won't regret it!