In the city of nawabs, there are as many things to buy as there are to eat. Explore Lucknow's various markets and shops like a true local while hoarding some truly unique and beautiful pick-ups from your travels.
If we had to compare, we would call Hazratganj the Connaught Place of Lucknow. With the architecture and area plan closely resembling the heart of Delhi, Hazratganj makes for a great shopping spot in Lucknow.
What to buy: Chikankari outfits, hand-woven saris and khadi
Go into the city's old town with its cramped lanes and overflowing shops and buy something fragrant and shiny. You are sure to indulge your olfactory senses with a treat of scents from the bustling ittar shops. Or take a look at the little knick-knacks for decorating your home or office space.
What to buy: Zardosi fabric, ittars (perfumes), decorative items, chikankari garments
This market is always jostling with a steady stream of people. Take your bargaining game with you when you shop at any of these little shops. Street shopping is done right, with the market boasting a variety of clothes, antique jewellery, and other souvenirs that you can get your hands on.
What to buy: Exclusive aromatic spices, fabric, vessels, antique jewellery
Known to be one of the most famous markets in Lucknow, Aminabad will have you master your art of bargaining for sure. Items ranging from household and clothing to second-hand books, all at exceptionally low prices. Besides all that, the market's Gadbadjala has bangles of every colour you can think of.
What to buy: Hosiery, bedsheets, embroidered fabrics, footwear
This 200-year-old market in Lucknow's old town area sits unassumingly surrounded by a throng of eager shoppers. You will be amazed to find insanely low prices and second-hand products in this flea market. Clothes galore, miniature sculptures, and wall paintings will keep you wanting more at this market in Lucknow.
What to buy: Wooden crafts and miniature sculpture, handicrafts, and zardozi garments
Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, is rich in history, culture, and architectural heritage. Nearby attractions include the historical city of Kanpur (known for its industrial and historical significance), the sacred city of Ayodhya (revered as the birthplace of Hindu deity Rama), the ancient city of Varanasi (one of the oldest living cities in the world), the wildlife sanctuaries like Dudhwa National Park (offering tiger sightings), and the historical sites of Sravasti and Kushinagar (important Buddhist pilgrimage centers), to name a few. Within a shorter distance, you can explore places like Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary and various smaller towns with their own historical or cultural significance.
Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (LKO) has good flight connectivity with major metropolitan cities in India. Lucknow Junction (LJN) and Lucknow Charbagh (LKO) are major railway stations with frequent train services from across the country. The city also has a well-developed network of highways and is easily accessible by bus and private vehicles.
The best time to visit Lucknow is generally during the winter months (October to March). During this period, the weather is pleasant with comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for sightseeing and exploring the city's historical monuments and gardens.
This story was first published on February 28, 2023; and it has since been updated.