Palaces are Udaipur dressed up for guests. The streets are Udaipur in its everyday clothes: honking autos, a cow parked mid-lane like it owns the place, shopkeepers calling out, and the smell of hot poha and fried samosas. If you want to know how this city really lives, walk.
Here are the streets and markets locals actually use, grouped so you can string them into a walk. Wear comfy shoes and leave some room in your bag.
One thing to know before you start: these aren't polished tourist bazaars. Some lanes are barely wide enough for a scooter and a person at the same time, signboards are mostly in Hindi, and shops open and close on their own schedule. That's exactly why they're worth it.
Inside the old city
Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower)
The old city's busiest junction, built around its clock tower. The lanes around it are packed with small shops selling bangles, imitation jewellery, cosmetics, wedding shopping and household bits, plus plenty of snack stalls. It's budget shopping at its best.
Go: in the evening, when the lights come on and the market is at full volume.
Nani Gali
"Nani Gali" means tiny lane, and it lives up to it. Near Jagdish Chowk, it's a slow, quiet stretch of old buildings, coloured doorways, antique and vintage décor shops, handicrafts and wall art. Small rooftop cafés nearby serve masala chai with a peek of the lake. It's the one we'd call a hidden gem.
Mukherji Chowk
Tucked into the old city lanes, Mukherji Chowk is known for traditional silver jewellery and gemstones, with small workshops where artisans make rings, anklets and necklaces. Ask about handmade or made-to-order pieces; many shopkeepers are happy to oblige.
Ganesh Ghati
Not a market at all, and that's the point. Ganesh Ghati is one of the old city's oldest residential pockets, all winding lanes, weathered haveli walls, little shrines, kids playing cricket and neighbours chatting on doorsteps. Go early in the morning with a camera and some manners, and grab breakfast snacks on the way.
Hathi Pol and Bada Bazaar
Hathi Pol, the "elephant gate", and the Bada Bazaar area are where craft shopping and local trade overlap: miniature paintings, puppets, textiles and everyday goods side by side. More on what to buy in our art and crafts guide.
Wholesale and fabric lanes
Maldas Street
Starting near Bada Bazaar and spilling into a maze of textile shops, Maldas Street is where Udaipur shops for weddings: sarees, suits, lehengas, dupattas, bridal sets. Good variety and fair deals, but it gets crowded. Keep some cash handy and your elbows friendly.
Dhan Mandi
Literally the "grain market", Dhan Mandi has grown into a big wholesale hub for fabrics, dry fruits, cosmetics, kitchenware and pooja items. It's not pretty and it doesn't try to be. Labourers unload sacks, shopkeepers shout prices and some stores look unchanged in decades. Great for people-watching, dangerous for your luggage allowance.
Just outside the old walls
Bapu Bazaar
Udaipur's all-in-one shopping street: clothes, footwear, cosmetics, mobile accessories, stationery, you name it. Street food stalls do brisk business in pav bhaji and dabeli. Look out for roadside vendors; they often have the most unusual finds.
Nada Khada
Near Gulab Bagh, Nada Khada is a working street rather than a tourist one: students, office-goers and traders passing through on their way towards the railway station and Chetak Circle. It's where you'll find honest, cheap poha, samosas and chai. Try the mini samosas with red chutney; locals swear by them.
Street-smart shopping
- Bargain with a smile. Start lower, meet in the middle, and walk away politely if it doesn't feel right.
- Carry small notes for snack stalls and autos, even though many shops take UPI.
- Ask about the making. Artisans love explaining their craft, and it helps you tell handmade from machine-made.
- Mind the traffic. Lanes are narrow and scooters appear from nowhere. Walk on the side and keep your bag in front.
Hungry after all that walking? Our food and cafés section has the snacks worth stopping for, and our one-day itinerary shows how to fit a market stroll around the big sights.
Quick answers
What is the most famous market in Udaipur?
Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower) and Bapu Bazaar are the best known for everyday shopping, while Hathi Pol and Bada Bazaar are popular for crafts and souvenirs.
Where can I buy silver jewellery in Udaipur?
Mukherji Chowk in the old city, where small workshops make traditional silver pieces and can often make items to order.
What is the best time to visit Udaipur's markets?
Evening, when shops are fully open and the lanes are lively. Mornings are better for quiet walks through residential lanes like Ganesh Ghati.
