Charminar Market: 15 Things To Buy In This Shopper's Paradise

To match with the wedding attire or not, Pearls are a must buy from the city of pearls, duh. Stroll in the lanes of Patthar Ghati known for glittery pearl shops for necklaces, bracelets and earrings made with the highest quality of freshwater pearls, cultured pearls and even natural pearls (they’re pretty rare, you know). If you need a custom  design, you can also buy them loose from the Charminar bazaar to make your own designs or find the designs right off your mind from Laxminayaran & Co.

Google rating: 4.9/5

Starting price: INR 600

Timing: 9 AM - 9 PM

Contact: 09490013971

Social handle: @axminarayanpearls_charminar

The first thing that pops into one’s head when spoken about Charminar is Laad Bazaar. The moment you step into the bazaar, you’ll be surrounded by pushcarts, large stores, and road-side baskets heaped with bangles of various designs and colours. Starting at a price of INR 30 (if you’re a pro at bargaining, the price might go down) and rising up to INR 1,000 depending on the type, you’ll find bangles that aren’t found anywhere else here. We spent a lot of time at Safa Bangles & Jewellers, check it out. 

Google rating: 4.2/5

Starting price: INR 250

Timing: 10 AM - 11 PM

Contact: 063013 34055

Social handle: @safa_bangles

The alleys of Laad Bazaar are a treasure trove for the ones with the knack of spotting offbeat or bohemian jewellery. We found beautiful maang tikkas done in white stones, red stones, pearl— you get the drift! These beauties can make all the difference to your ethnic outfits. While you’re at it, make sure to pick a boho statement neckpiece too. Our spot? Mandothiya Jewelers & Pearl Dealers.

Google rating: 4.7/5

Starting price: INR 400

Timing: 11 AM - 9 PM

Contact: 099894 03632

Social handle: @lepearlbymandothiya

Pearls are one thing, Charminar shopping is also known for boho, silver and party-wear jewellery pieces. Find kundan and polki sets, gem stone jewellery and even everyday wear earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets for college and office wear and even feathery boho style or imitation jewelry for your big events at Akshay Polki Dank Works. You can bargain from stall to stall to find the best deals.

Google rating: 5/5

Starting price: INR 350

Timing: 10 AM - 11 PM

Contact: 083285 48554

Girls, if you have been eyeing those suede pyjamas on international websites that refuse to deliver to Hyderabad, then let’s tick this concern off the list. Because right under the hood of Charminar, street vendors have a collection of them. Done in plain colours and floral prints, these PJs are bundles of joy. We think this calls for a Pyjama Party! Apart from street vendors, you can also visit Affan Fashion for more western wear. 

Google rating: 3.9/5

Starting price: INR 120

Timing: 10:30 AM - 11 PM

Contact: 097002 52833

Social handle: @affanfashion21

If your big day is marked on the calendar or you know someone who is getting hitched, the lanes of Charminar are one of the best places to find Hyderabadi-style khara dupatta with heavy work in bold colours along with trendy lehengas, shararas, ghagras, anarkalis, fancy sarees, sherwani, blazers and suits. Yes, the whole deal at affordable bargain prices. Material or ready to wear, you’ll find stand alone stores like Sultan Zari Palace that will attract you with great designs. 

Google rating: 4/5

Starting price: INR 600

Timing: 11 AM - 10 PM

Contact: 093965 72735

Social handle: @zari_palace

When the weather gets nippy in Hyderabad, shawls and scarves come out during the night. And where can you get the most exquisite designs for a steal? The Kashmiri stores at Charminar bazaar. From pashmina to kalamkari, they’re perfect for gifting or styling them on your own. We love the delicate floral designs and animal motifs that add a personal touch to our winter wear at Kashmir Handloom.

Google rating: 4.7/5

Starting price: INR 550

Timing: 11 AM - 9 PM

Contact: 096525 97144

If you have some Pinterest-y desi outfits in mind, head to Rajesh Silks House in Moti Galli. It’s a hidden gem for rich and ornate fabrics. Find stone work, embroidered, sequinned and laced dress materials and pure silk, tussar, chiffon, satin, georgette, brasso and brocade sarees, all at wholesale-friendly rates with options for retail and bulk purchases. 

Google rating: 4.3/5

Starting price: INR 800 for designer fabric

Timing: 9 AM - 9 PM

Contact: 096666 10666

Social handle: @rajeshsilkshouse

We found ornate metal sling bags with floral carvings here. These kitschy bags are perfect to carry with your ethnic wear or even for a night out. Found in most of the stores at Laad Bazaar, they are priced at INR 450. However, bargain your way. While you cannot carry your whole world in them, they’re perfect for holding your phone, cash or cards. For more options, Sitara Designer Bags has a great collection. 

Google rating: 4.2/5

Starting price: INR 400

Timing: 11 AM - 11 PM

Contact: 098667 15260

Social handle: @sitaradesignerbags

If the body mists by Forest Essentials are your thing, then you’re going to enjoy the fragrance of Hyderbadi attar. The fruity ones might be a tad bit strong, but the floral or the sandalwood ones can be quite refreshing. Do sample various scents and pick the ones that have floral undertones. We discovered a delicious spread of them at Shah Perfumes & Gems. The owner sits with a sweet sweep of attars, surma (powdered kohl), and several natural products for hair and skin care.

Google rating: 4.8/5

Starting price: INR 250

Timing: 11 AM - 9 PM

Contact: 093924 31122

Social handle: @shahperfumesindia

Stock up on juttis and shimmery wedges for as low as INR 100 to 200 at Nayapul Chappal Market. Really these are a steal! The footwear sold at Charminar are specifically made either for casual wear or weddings, often to complement ethnic wear. The goodness of the juttis is that they are found in all colours that match lehengas and sarees. 

Google rating: 4/5

Starting price: INR 150

Timing: 10 AM - 9 PM

Contact: 097002 22105

Nostalgia collectors, rejoice! If old coins are your thing, then you should make a quick visit to Ghansi Bazaar on Sundays. Spread on the footpath between Mecca Masjid and Charminar, the collection of coins on pavement stalls will stump you. There’s Indian annas, old rupee coins, and many other vintage ones that we haven’t seen before are put on a humble display — all we can say is, take your pick. If you're visiting on any other day, head to Paras Antiques near Darul Shifa to find some hidden teasure. 

Google rating: 4/5

Starting price: INR 850

Timing: 9 AM - 6 PM, Sunday Closed

Contact: 095424 24232

Social handle: @parasantiques

There’s no denying that Hyderabadi and Telugu cuisine is all about flavours, what if you could buy them and try recreating those mouthwatering recipes? During your Charminar shopping, you’ll find a number of spice stores that sell everyday and exotic spices in wholesale and retail prices. Not just cardamom, cinnamon sticks, cardamon, cloves, and more, do get your hands on dry fruits too like cashews, figs, dates and others. We recommend going to Safa Dry Fruits & Spices for wholesale deals. 

Pro Tip: Speaking of spices, check out these must visit food spots near Charminar.  

Google rating: 4.4/5

Starting price: INR 270 for 250 grams onwards

Timing: 10:30 AM - 11 PM

Contact: 090591 87300

Social handle: @safadryfruitsandspices

While walking through the tight lanes of Laad Bazar, distract yourself from the bangles and look for shops that sell brass and metal figurines. We recently found R Rangaiah & Sons and they have a good collection of almost everything. Add them as home decor or as an addition to your pooja room, you’ll find all sorts of animals and deities in many sizes which will also make for unique souvenirs and gifts. The best part? Compared to other areas, you’ll get a steal bargain here. Finding it on Google will be a bit tricky, but if you find a listing call God Statues on Google maps, that's the location. 

Google rating: 4.9/5

Starting price: INR 550

Timing: 8 AM - 10 PM

Contact: 040 6522 2630

Ocean Crockery & Houseware offers a wide range of glassware for everyday use and special gatherings. Find porcelain and ceramic pieces like dinner plates, bowls and even bone China options. Items for desserts, drinks and food, it’s perfect for shoppers who want wholesale prices that will shine on the tables. 

Google rating: 4.8/5

Starting price: INR 300

Timing: 10:30 AM - 9:30 PM

Contact: 098482 43214

Now, you can find all the above items and more in the by-lanes around Charminar. To reach the iconic place, you can take the metro to MGBS bus station and take an auto from there for a ten minute ride or get a cab and reach Charmiar directly. You can also take the city bus that stops at multiple places in old city, Charminar, being one of them.