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). Verify opening hours before visiting.
Shopping Guide for Chennai: Markets, Stores & Souvenirs
Shopping in Chennai is one of the best ways to experience local culture beyond the usual tourist trail. Whether you're browsing open-air markets for fresh produce and local specialties, hunting for antiques in backstreet shops, or looking for handcrafted souvenirs to bring home, Chennai's shopping scene has something for every kind of traveler.
This guide lists 60 shopping spots in Chennai sourced from Wikivoyage — the community travel guide written by real travelers. These are the shops, markets, and stores that visitors actually recommend to each other.
Shopping Tips for Travelers in Chennai
- Visit markets early for the best selection at Chennai's food and craft markets.
- Carry local cash — many independent vendors and market stalls prefer cash over cards.
- Check opening days — many specialty shops in Chennai are closed on Sundays or have limited weekend hours.
- Ask about local products — the best souvenirs are made locally, not imported for tourist shops.
- Use Nomax to connect with travelers currently in Chennai who can share real-time shopping tips.
Meet Fellow Travelers in Chennai
Download Nomax to see other travelers currently in Chennai. Find a market companion, share shopping discoveries, or join city activities organized by the traveler community. Free on iOS and Android.
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 in Chennai, from open-air markets to specialist shops. Use Nomax to connect with fellow travelers who can share shopping tips.
What souvenirs to buy in Chennai?
The best souvenirs from Chennai are locally produced food and drink, handmade crafts, books about the city, and artisan goods. Markets are the best place to find authentic products. Check listings in this guide for specialty shops and markets in Chennai.
Are there markets in Chennai?
Yes, Chennai has several markets in this guide including food markets, antique fairs, and craft markets. Opening days and hours vary by market — check individual listings before visiting.
Is Nomax free to use in Chennai?
Yes, Nomax is completely free. Download it on iOS or Android to connect with travelers currently in Chennai, join activities, and get shopping recommendations from people who know the city.
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