Shopping in Chennai
Discover 60 markets, shops, and shopping spots in Chennai, India. From local markets to specialty stores — curated from real traveler tips.
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Chennai Book Fair (annual)
10th Jan to 22nd Jan 2014, YMCA Grounds, Anna Salai, Nandanam. Location and dates may vary annually. If you happen to be in Chennai in January, Chennai Book Fair is an event not to miss. Plan to visit on a weekday as they attract lesser crowds and you can browse through the collections peacefully. If you pick a weekend or holiday, try to visit in the morning instead of the evening. Look through all the shops but it is usually better to skip the marquee stalls and visit the smaller ones which have books stacked all around. You will be rewarded with some great finds as these shops have lesser known but excellent titles from all around the world. Carry cash as many of the smaller shops do not accept credit/debit cards and cash also helps to bargain down the price of the books to some extent. On average, paperback novels in bargain shops cost ₹100 to ₹200. A budget of ₹3000 (around $50) should be enough to purchase a good collection of books.
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Spencer Plaza
Spencer is a Chennai landmark that dates back to colonial times. The original was destroyed in a fire, and the current building dates back to 1983. The new Phase III section even has a mock Indo-Saracenic atrium in the style of the original. One of the earliest shopping malls in India, it has slightly lost its charm with the arrival of swanky new malls, but it is still an excellent place to buy handicrafts, ethnic wear, Indian jewellery and books (it houses the largest Landmark bookstore in Chennai). There is a reasonably good food court on the 2nd level of Phase I and Phase III.
769, Anna Salai. Website -
Express Avenue
It is the second largest shopping mall in South India and features unique stores like Hamley's, Global Desi and Peekaboo, designer wear like Guess and Diesel and high-street chains like Body Shop, Tie Rack, Esprit and Lush. It has a few fine-dining restaurants and also one of the largest food courts in India. Escape Cinemas, a 40000 sqft, 8 screen multiplex is located on the 3rd floor. Local youth usually abbreviate the name to EA, from the huge sign on the building entrance.
Royapettah High Rd. Website -
Handloom Exhibitions
Year-round there is always a handloom exhibition profiling the work of one state or the other. These temporary installations (you'll have to check the local papers to find out where they set up) generally have a good selection of interesting fabrics and textile products. And there is always the option to bargain, which makes it a better bet than oft-overpriced retail stores. The Royapettah YMCA (across from Royapettah Hospital) has a regular handloom exhibition.
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Just Casuals
Nungambakkam, 1, Sterling Rd. A good place to head if you're in the mood for the Banana Republic/Abercrombie/Old Navy/Gap type stuff. They seem to get all the export rejects or overstocks. You'll find that all the brand tags are cut out due to some agreement with the manufacturer. The quality and prices are good, but unfortunately there's no bargaining possible.
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FabIndia
The Ilford House location at is probably the best in terms of choices and selections. This is the place to go for all your natural-dyed, hand loomed and hand made textiles. The prices have been going up the last few years, but FabIndia is the only source for this sort of textile in Chennai at any retail outlet.
3 Woods Rd Website -
Ampa Mall
A new shopping mall in Chennai with both western and Indian brands featuring in the shops. Most popular for its PVR Cinemas multiplex, Star Bazaar grocery store and one of the few McDonald's in the city. It also has a food court and a boutique hotel.
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Phoenix Market city
At Velachery with approximately 2.40 million square foot (including 0.45 million square foot of parking) of developable area. In addition to the usual Market City components, Market City Chennai is expected to include an IT park.
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Giri Stores
Adjacent to Kabaleeswarar Temple, (''opposite the Radha Silk Emporium, Mylapore Tank''). Hindu spiritual items like Rudraksha garlands, books, CDs & tapes for chanting, incense sticks, camphor and lamps.
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Chennai Citi Center
Opened in March of 2006, it houses mostly men's western-wear brands like Adidas, Louis Philippe, Parx and Zodiac. Has a good food court, an Indian restaurant, INOX cinema and a supermarket.
10, Radhakrishnan Salai Website -
Tanishq
From the house of Titan. Gold, Diamond and Platinum jewelery. Trendy collections, transparent pricing and clear billing. Tanishq also operates other outlets in Adyar, Anna Nagar and T.Nagar
100 Ft Bypass Road, Near Velachery Lake, Velachery Website -
Joyalukkas
T'Nagar. India's largest exclusive jewellery mall, housing the worlds largest jewellery showroom of international retailer Joyalukkas amongst other world renowned retailers.
39 North Usman Rd -
Co-Optex
State government operated store. Good place to buy authentic silk sarees and dhotis. They also sell other items like salwar sets, curtains, bedsheets, pillow covers etc.
No.350, Pantheon Road, Egmore, Chennai - 600008. Website -
Raymond shop
There are several outlets of Raymond shop around Chennai. Custom tailored shirts, suits and other wardrobe accessories for men.
162 Anna Salai Website -
Shoppers' Stop
This is one of the largest department stores in Chennai, and you can buy everything from clothes to shoes to books here.
2, Harrington Rd, Chetpet. Website -
Brass Tacks
77/13, Corporation Shopping Complex, C.P. Ramaswamy Rd, Alwarpet. Contemporary clothing from natural fibres for women.
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Stores on Doors
Online shopping service. Good quality grocery and farm-fresh vegetables and fruits with free same day delivery.
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N. Gopaldas
Jewellers since 1929, New No. 59, Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai, Mylapore. For exclusive diamond jewellery.
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Victoria Technical Institute
They have a huge display of handicraft items, paintings, wood carvings and metal work statues.
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Shanti Colony
Annanagar is a hub for "seconds" clothing as in the above description for "Just Casuals".
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Rasvihar
138 Luz Church Road, Mylapore, Chennai - 600 004. For exclusive contemporary jewellery.
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Vummidi Bangaru Jewellery
Nungambakkam, Features diamonds and gold. There is also a location T'Nagar.
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Revathy Stores
Small store with a wide variety of Kalyani and Indian hand-loomed sarees.
No. 7/8, RK Mutt Rd -
Jaipur Gems
Exclusive designer StarFire Diamond jewellery, authentic Jadau jewellery.
50 Cathedral Rd -
Sruthilayais
Mylapore, ☎ +91 44 2499 4045,+91 44 2498 2625. Musical instruments.
93 Royapettah High Rd -
Odyssey
Behind Gandhi Nagar Bus Stand, Adyar and Express Avenue,Royapettah
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Jugalkishore Jewellers
CP Ramaswaamy Road, Alwarpet. Traditional and antique jewellery.
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Radha Silk Emporium (Rasi)
Silk sarees, ethnic wear, arts & crafts in multiple locations.
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Kanishk
Usman Road, T'Nagar. Great value for money & wide range.
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Lakshman shruthi
Vadapalani Signal, Vadapalani. Musical instruments, CDs.
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Ispahani Center
An early shopping centre - has a cafe, bar & shops.
Nungambakkam Road. -
Bapalal Jewellers
Kakani Towers, Cathedral Road. Diamond merchants.
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Sapthaswara Musicals
Features Western and Indian musical instruments.
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Giggles
General books from a friendly shop keeper.
Connemara Hotel Binny Rd -
Alwar's Roadside bookshop
Opposite Kamadhenu theatre in Mylapore.
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Aarthi Thanga Maligai
Royapuram. Gold for reasonable prices.
60 East Kalamandapam Rd -
Narayana Pearls
Good collection. Kasi Arcade, T.Nagar.
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Prince Plaza
It has been featured in many movies.
Pantheon Road, Egmore -
Aishwarya Jewellery
Mylapore Tank. Gold and silverware.
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Ashvita - Arts and Artifacts
Art, jewellery, photo prints.
11 2nd St Radhakrishnan Salai, Mylapore. -
Raasi Art Gallery
Bakthavatsala Nagar, Adayar.
1 Anna Ave -
B.B Jewellery
Porur. Specializing in gold.
6/127 Arcot Rd -
Amethyst
They sell handicrafts.
Sundar Mahal, Padmavathi Rd, Jeypore Colony, Gopalapuram. -
Poombukar
They sell handicrafts.
108 Anna Salai, Plandmark -
Vardhrams and Son's Silks
Harington Rd, Chetpat.
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Manasthala
Terracotta ceramics.
12 Cenotaph Rd -
Crafts and Weaves
Handicrafts.
#1, 1st Main Road, CIT Colony, Mylapore. -
Jidoka Store
Handicrafts.
1st Lane, Nungambakkam High Rd -
Vimonisha Art Gallery
Handicrafts.
12 Khadar Nawaz Khan Rd -
Higginbothams
Anna Salai.
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Kennedys Book House
Anna Salai.
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Lakshmi Ethiraj Art Gallery
CIT Nagar.
70 1st Main Rd -
Poppat Jamals
Crockery.
Mount Rd Anna Salai -
Shilpi
Alwarpet.
29 C.P. Ramaswamy Rd -
Contemporary arts and crafts showroom
Alwarpet
41 CP Ramaswamy Rd -
Shruthi Musicals
Kilpauk.
10 Harleys Rd
Travel tips by Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA 3.0). Data may have changed — verify opening hours before visiting.
Shopping Guide for Chennai: Markets, Stores & Souvenirs
Shopping in Chennai is one of the best ways to experience the city's local culture beyond the usual tourist trail. Whether you're browsing open-air markets for fresh produce and local delicacies, hunting for antiques in backstreet shops, or searching for artisan crafts and design goods to take home, Chennai's shopping scene has something for every kind of traveler and every budget.
This guide covers 60 shopping spots in Chennai sourced from Wikivoyage — the traveler-written travel guide — ensuring you're getting recommendations from real visitors who've been there. Unlike algorithmically ranked lists, these are the shops, markets, and stores that travelers actually tell each other about.
Types of Shopping in Chennai
Chennai's shopping landscape includes several distinct categories. Markets are the heart of local commerce — weekly or daily gatherings where you'll find fresh food, second-hand clothing, handmade goods, and antiques at prices far below tourist shops. Specialty stores in Chennai often have decades of history and deep expertise — bookshops, wine merchants, tea rooms, craft suppliers, and independent fashion boutiques. Souvenir and gift shops vary widely in quality: the best ones in Chennai sell locally made products, while others sell identical mass-produced goods found in every city. This guide steers you toward the former.
Shopping Tips for Travelers in Chennai
- Visit markets early. The best stalls at Chennai's markets fill up fast. Arrive in the first hour of opening for the widest selection and freshest goods, especially for food markets.
- Carry local currency. Many independent shops and market vendors in Chennai prefer cash. Have small denomination local currency on hand to avoid problems at card-only or cash-only stalls.
- Check opening days carefully. Many specialist shops in Chennai close on Sundays and some close on Mondays or Wednesday afternoons. Always verify hours before making a special trip.
- Ask about provenance. When buying what appears to be locally made or artisan goods in Chennai, don't hesitate to ask where items are made. Genuine local products make far better souvenirs than imported look-alikes.
- Budget for customs limits. If you're traveling internationally, keep in mind duty-free allowances for your home country, especially for food products, alcohol, and tobacco bought in Chennai.
- Bargaining culture varies. In some markets in Chennai light bargaining is expected; in most established shops, the price is fixed. Follow local cues — if other shoppers are negotiating, it's acceptable; if prices are clearly marked, they typically aren't.
Best Souvenirs to Buy in Chennai
The most meaningful souvenirs from Chennai are the ones that can't be bought elsewhere — locally produced food and drink, handmade objects by local artisans, books published in the city or about the region, and items that reflect the city's distinct cultural identity. Avoid mass-produced miniatures and branded merchandise that you'll find in identical form in every tourist shop. Instead, focus on the specialty stores and markets listed in this guide where authentic local products are the norm.
Shopping Neighborhoods in Chennai
Like most cities, Chennai's best independent shopping is concentrated in specific neighborhoods rather than spread evenly across the city. Historic city centers and old towns tend to have the highest density of specialty shops, antique dealers, and design boutiques. Residential neighborhoods often host the best local food markets and everyday shopping that tourists rarely discover. This guide's listings span the city so you can plan your shopping around whichever neighborhoods you're already visiting.
Meet Fellow Travelers While Exploring Chennai
Solo travel and group shopping are not mutually exclusive. Many Nomax users find travel companions for market days, afternoon shopping strolls, or finding someone who knows the city well enough to point you to the best local stores. Download Nomax to connect with other travelers currently in Chennai — whether you want a market guide, a fellow bargain hunter, or simply someone to share the discovery of a great find.
Frequently Asked Questions: Shopping in Chennai
Where to shop in Chennai?
Chennai has 60 curated shopping spots including markets, specialty stores, and local boutiques. This guide covers the best places to shop, from open-air markets with local produce and handmade goods to bookshops, antique dealers, and souvenir stores. Use the Nomax app to connect with fellow travelers who can share their favourite shopping finds in Chennai.
What souvenirs to buy in Chennai?
The best souvenirs from Chennai are those that reflect the city's culture and craftsmanship — local food specialties, artisan products, books about the city or region, handmade ceramics or textiles, and locally produced beverages. Markets are the best place to find authentic souvenirs at fair prices. Other travelers on Nomax often share tips on where to find genuinely local products versus tourist-trap shops.
Are there any markets in Chennai?
Yes, Chennai has several markets listed in this guide including weekly food markets, antique fairs, and craft markets. Markets are excellent for experiencing local daily life and finding unique items you won't find in chain stores. Opening days and hours vary — check individual listings for current schedules before visiting.
What are the best specialty shops in Chennai?
Chennai has a range of specialty shops covering books, design, fashion, food and drink, antiques, and local crafts. Many of the shops in this guide are independent stores with deep expertise in their niche — a far better experience than mall shopping. The listings here are sourced from traveler community knowledge, so they tend to be the kinds of places locals actually recommend.
How do I find shopping companions in Chennai?
Download Nomax to instantly connect with other travelers in Chennai. Whether you want a local recommendation, a shopping companion for a market day, or someone who knows where to find the best local products, Nomax lets you chat with and meet fellow travelers in the city. It's free and available on iOS and Android.
Is it safe to shop in Chennai as a solo traveler?
Shopping in Chennai is generally safe for solo travelers. At markets, keep an eye on your belongings and use a secure bag. For valuable purchases, ask for receipts and check the return policy. When browsing late-evening markets, stick to well-lit areas. Connect with other travelers on Nomax for up-to-date safety tips from people currently in Chennai.
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