When you think of a metropolis like Chennai, the first thing that comes to mind is that it can’t be a tourist destination, right? But, that’s where you would be wrong! Thanks to its gorgeous beaches, grand temples, peaceful churches, historical sites, national parks, museums and so much more, Chennai is actually a perfect place to unwind as a tourist. Add to that the many shopping avenues that are loved by both locals and tourists and what you have is a quintessential travel destination that offers you a bit of everything. Check out these top 9 shopping places in Chennai that are perfect to satisfy your craving to get some shopping done!
Shopping Places in Chennai:
Pondy Bazaar | Thyagaraya Nagar |
Sowcarpet Market | Sowcarpet |
Ritchie Street | Chintadripet |
T.Nagar | T.Nagar |
Georgetown | Georgetown |
Burma Bazaar | Parry’s Corner |
Cotton Street | Pantheon Road |
Panagal Park | T. Nagar |
Parry’s Corner | Georgetown |
1. Pondy Bazaar, Chennai
One of the most popular places to shop in Chennai, Pondy Bazaar offers a variety of things to buy. The list gets even bigger if you are a woman or shopping for one. Silk sarees, trendy kurtis, artificial jewelry, accessories and so much more is offered at this market that you will find yourself spoilt for choice. Apart from these things, you can also buy mobile cases and home appliances. And once you have shopped to your heart’s content at Pondy Bazaar, you can step inside one of the many restaurants in the area and sample a few local dishes.
- Location: Sir Thyagaraya Road, Thyagaraya Nagar, Chennai
- What to buy: Clothes, accessories, footwear
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2. Sowcarpet Market, Chennai
Sowcarpet is one of the oldest neighborhoods of Chennai with narrow roads and old buildings. And in those narrow streets of Sowcarpet you will find one of best shopping places in Chennai. This market is known to sell north Indian style fashion, especially duppattas and lehengas. There are also cute stores selling boho dresses, sling bags, fun jewelry and other things that you are bound to fall for.
- Location: Sowcarpet, Chennai
- What to buy: Lehengas, dresses, accessories
3. Ritchie Street, Chennai
Running since the year 1970, Ritchie Street is one of the oldest markets of Chennai. The place is known as a gadget-lovers heaven with all sorts of electronic goods like mobile phones, computers, CCTV cameras, and music equipment available at great prices here. However, you may find lower-quality or fake products being sold here too. Therefore, it is advised to take a local along when planning to shop at Ritchie Street.
- Location: Chintadripet, Chennai
- What to buy: Electronics
4. T. Nagar, Chennai
Thyagaraya Nagar or T. Nagar market is yet another vibrant shopping place in Chennai that is ideal for women shoppers. Colorful clothes, especially saris can be found at dirt cheap prices here. This market is also known for selling gold jewelry. If you are not looking to buy either of the aforementioned items, you can check out the hordes of kurtis, western clothes, and accessories at T.Nagar market.
- Location: T.Nagar, Chennai
- What to buy: Clothes, jewelry
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5. Georgetown, Chennai
Mostly frequented by locals, Georgetown Market is one of those places where you can find most things at one location. Since the market caters majorly to wholesale businesses and locals with everyday items, it’s not a typical shopping destination for a tourist. However, it is one of the oldest markets and neighborhoods and that’s what attracts tourists to Georgetown market.
- Location: Georgetown, Chennai
- What to buy: Everyday stuff
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6. Burma Bazaar, Chennai
Run by the immigrants of Myanmar, since the year 1969, Burma Bazaar is counted among one of the best street shopping places in Chennai. The local stores here sell perfumes, gadgets, plastic goods, stationary, clothing items and so much more at affordable price (if you have good bargaining skills).
- Location: Parry’s Corner, Chennai
- What to buy: Plastic goods, household items
7. Cotton Street, Chennai
A far cry from the usual street markets of Indian cities, Cotton Street is one of the most unique shopping places in Chennai. The market is smaller in comparison with other Chennai markets and is known for selling top-quality cotton fabric. You will find the famous Gaza Cotton and Madras checks here easily. The cotton fabric found here isn’t just for making clothes. In fact, they are ideal to use as curtains and bed spreads too.
- Location: Pantheon Road
- What to buy: Cotton fabric
8. Panagal Park, Chennai
A lesser-known market, Panagal Park Market is located near well…Panagal Park. The lush surrounding of this market makes shopping here for sarees and jewelry a delightful experience.
- Location: T. Nagar
- What to buy: Sarees, gold jewelry
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9. Parry’s Corner, Chennai
Parry’s Corner market sprawls across streets to offer a range of cool things! Flowers, stationery, paper, saris and dress materials are some of the things that can be bought here. The best thing about this market is that most of the things sold here have their own dedicated street. For example, Bunder Street only sells paper products while Badrian Street is known for fresh flowers. Sarees and other fabrics can be found at Godown Street. Once you are done exploring the other streets of Parry’s corner, head down to Mint Street for some lip-smacking street food.
- Location: Georgetown, Chennai
- What to buy: Anything and everything
With so many markets to explore and things to buy in Chennai, the shopaholic in you must already be excited, right? So, why wait any further, get your wallet and head out for a memorable shopping experience!