Your Guide to Shopping in the City of Nizams! Where to Shop From and What to Buy in Hyderabad (2019)

Hyderabad is said to have come into existence in 1978 and is also known as the “city of nawabs”, for once being the seat of the ruler of this state, which was once a large and princely province. `It is the capital of the South Indian state, Telangana. This historic city is noted for its many ancient monuments, mosques, temples, and bazaars. It is located on the banks of the Musi river and Hussain Sagar Lake. Hyderabad city, otherwise known as Hyderabad district, is now one of the most tech-savvy cities in India. It covers an area of around 217 square km, the smallest in terms of area, but has the highest human density among other cities in the state.

Hyderabad originally meant the ‘lion city’. It was named so to honor the conqueror Caliph Ali Ibn Abi Talib, who was otherwise known as Haydar and is said to have lion-like bravery in battles. Secunderabad and Hyderabad were once called the twin cities but now has grown into a single metropolis.

Hyderabad is also popularly known as the city of pearls. During the 19th century, it had flourished as the global center for the trade of rare diamonds and natural pearls. The city has seen various stages of industrialization since the 20th century and has also established its developments in the field of research, manufacturing as well as education.

Apart from the many historical and ancient sites of attractions that lure tourists, there are other reasons as well why Hyderabad is a famous shopping destination among travellers. This city was one of the most popular trade hubs in the yesteryears. Many of Hyderabad’s historical and traditional bazaars are still open for business. Hyderabad is renowned for its street shopping experience, especially in exquisite jewellery, pearls, embroidered clothing, and its distinctive cuisine. So, if you are in Hyderabad for a reason, we suggest you impart some time for shopping too because there is a lot that you can’t miss!

Hyderabad blends the old and the new in perfect proportions. You can see centuries-old bazaars and glitzy modern malls, all functioning side by side, to cater to shopaholics of all kinds! We are sure you would find no reason to get disappointed while shopping here - there is a lot to choose from! Shopping in Hyderabad is one of the best ways of discovering the historic city.

Shopping in Hyderabad is indeed a delight for all shoppers alike. You can lay your hands on the latest cutting-edge gadgets or famous international brands in the super malls scattered all across the city. Being one of the prominent in IT developed states and one of the most tech-savvy places of all, Hyderabad has much in store for the technology-curious shopper. Also, you can find anything from world-renowned fashion labels to global restaurants in these malls. If you have a high budget and can’t wait to splurge it over holidaying in Hyderabad, then we suggest you do some shopping here!

You would probably be thinking that it would be most convenient to shop around in the airconditioned malls in Hyderabad, especially during the summer months. But trust us on this one, you have to visit the streets of Hyderabad once! Street shopping in Hyderabad is insanely popular among tourists that it has become an indispensable item on the itinerary of global tourists visiting here. Keep reading as we give you a gist of all the excitement in street shopping on the best of bazaars in Hyderabad.

Laad Bazaar also known as "Choodi Bazaar" is one of the oldest among the bazaars in Hyderabad. It is said that this street was built for the wedding of Nizam Quli Qutb Shah. It’s a wonder that the bazaar has retained its festive charm till date. As the name suggests, Laad Bazaar is famous for its speciality bangles made from lacquer. Lacquer bangles are decorated and embellished with stones and gems. Apart from bangles, you can also find shops selling dupattas, pearls and silks sarees here.

Location: West of Charminar
Timings: 11 am to 10.30 pm

Begum of all the bazaars in Hyderabad, this market has plenty to offer! This Hyderabad commercial space has been in the business for the last 150 years! Begum Bazaar has both retail as well as wholesale shops selling a variety of items like tobacco, household commodities, dry fruits, clothing, shoes, jewellery, perfumes and a whole lot of other things! There is a lot to discover here and awesome bargains to avail from. Begum Bazaar is, however, famous for Bidriware and Bidri studded jewellery. It is an ancient metal handicraft art laid on silverware.

Location: Near Afzal Gunj
Timings: 10 am to 11 pm (some shops remain closed on Sunday)

At Nampally Market, you will get to experience street shopping at its best! Diverse yet unique merchandise at prices that perfectly fits your budget. If you are looking for blingy ethnic stuff, then this is where you have to be. The market is stocked up with footwear, bags, bangles, jewellery, clothes, electronics, dry fruits and many other items. If you happen to visit Hyderabad during January and mid-February, then you better not miss the Numaish Exhibition held here. This famous exhibition is promised to offer you anything possible at discounted rates.

Location: Nampally
Timings: 10 am to 11 pm

If you want to enjoy shopping and witness the historical heritage of Hyderabad at the same time, then this is the place you want to be at! Built during the reign of the seventh Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan, this granite structure is a proud evidence of the rich heritage of Hyderabad. MoazzamJahi Market is lined up with shops selling everything from fruits, vegetables and meat to even attar (local perfume). Don't forget to visit the famous Karachi bakery here.

Location: Abids
Timings: 10 am to 11:30 pm

This market has been in existence for around 200 years now. Earlier known as residency market (during British rule in India), this market is now a shopping hub for latest fashion wear for women. Dazzling salwar suits, silk sarees, footwear, hair accessories and bags for women are a highlight of this place. Do not forget to check out this place if you are looking for something to gift a woman - there are plenty of options to be found here.

Location: Koti
Timings: 10 am to 6 pm

This is an arts and crafts village set up in 1992, to promote the cultural heritage of artisans from in and around Hyderabad. The shops here sell ethnic handcrafted products that showcase the authentic culture of the state. Shilparamam is sure to please anyone looking for ethnic jewellery, fabrics or ornate handcrafted stuff.

Location: Madhapur
Timings: 10.30 am to 8 pm

A significant part of the population in Hyderabad is still engaged in the art of creating pearl jewellery, a skill known to them since generations. Thus, making Hyderabad a niche market for pearls. It is no wonder that the place is still famously known as the “city of pearls”. You can get good quality pearls from leading jewellery shops or from local retailers at the markets in the old city.

Pochampally or the Ikkat design is an evergreen design. This traditional weave design is available in cotton and silk fabrics in various colours and patterns. The price range varies according to the material and the design. If the weaving process intrigues you, then we say you head to Pochampally village located just 45 km away from the city.

Visit Laad Bazar to witness the wide variety of bright lacquer bangles sold here. The bangles adorn bold colour and designs. Any woman would be mesmerised by the glittery work embellished on the bangles with gem and glasswork.

This is a traditional wear mostly worn on wedding ceremonies or glam functions. The dupatta consists of a long fabric that is heavily embroidered. Khada Dupatta is typical Hyderabad attire and would be a great gift for your loved ones.

Kalamkari is an art of hand printing on fabric using special pens or tools. The kalamkari has made great waves in the fashion industry in recent years. You can pick up authentic kalamkari prints embossed on fabrics or paintings from any of the major shopping bazars in Hyderabad.

It is said that the best quality of Bidriware is produced in Hyderabad. Bidri is a metal handicraft technique used on silverware. You can find bhidriware in the form of jewellery, boxes, pen stands and home décor pieces.

This particular sweet is found only in the city. Made of paper-thin layers of rice, this sweet has a filling of coconut and sugar/jaggery. Although you can buy paper sweet from many places in Hyderabad, you have to visit Pulla Reddy to get the authentic ones!

These are fruit cookies that literally melt in your mouth. Head to the original outlet of Karachi Bakery to get the best of these sweets.

Gongura is basically a green leaf used as a souring agent in Hyderabadi dishes. Gongura pickle is one of the tastiest gifts that will let you savour the goodness of Hyderabad in the true essence.

Many authentic places sell this yummy treat. Paradise, Hyderabad House and Bawarchi are some of them. There are even outlets in the airport who will pack this delectable souvenir without any issues.