Against the very preconceived notion of associating Agra with primarily the Mughal architecture, we bring to you a plethora of other wonders that the city withholds. These are undeniably those vibrant and essentially beaming markets of Agra. With its sheer local vibes, leather stores, marble shops, dress layouts, lip-smacking food joints, aromatic spice outlets, etc. the city undeniably is a replica of the heterogeneity and diversity that India as a country embodies.
Let us now have a look at some of the markets in Agra that one cannot afford to miss when in the city of Taj!
SADAR BAZAAR
Location | Sadar Bazar, Agra Cantt, Idgah Colony
Sadar bazaar is the heart of Agra for obvious reasons. This is the place where one can find probably every item ranging from leather boots, bags, belts, ethnic dresses, vegetarian and non-vegetarian food joints, Cafes, marble inlay items, junk jewelry, etc. This is one of the oldest markets in Agra and is home to age-old shops where you can find items suitable for every pocket. Apart from this what one shouldn’t ever miss is the famous ‘Chaat’ from ‘Chaat Bhandaar Sadar’. Even cafes such as Café Coffee Day can be visited if one is in the mood of finding a personal corner for work while sipping a cup of Cappuccino.
RAJA KI MANDI
Location | Professors Colony, Civil Lines
Well, this is the ‘Sarojini Market’ of Agra. This is the place where you can find all products related to clothing, beauty products, footwear, jewelry, local food, and whatnot. What makes it different from Sadar is the fact that unlike Sadar it isn’t home to some international brand showrooms and splendid cafes rather it’s a place where with proper bargaining you can buy stuff at very nominal prices. The advantage that this market holds is also its close location to the Railway Station.
SUBHASH MARKET
Location | Jama Masjid Rd
Subhash Market is one such place that is flooded with ample local products but the ones which are a must-buy are silk fabrics and especially the intricately woven silk sarees. So to all the ladies out there buying a silk saree from Subhash Bazaar is a must and along with that don’t forget to try some yummy street-style bhel! However, one should keep in mind that the market remains closed on Tuesday.
KINARI BAZAAR
Location | Kinari Bazar, Hing ki Mandi, Mantola
It is indeed a paradise for shopaholics because it offers everything from clothing to junk jewelry, from spices to shoes, and from marbles to showpieces. So spending quality time looking for the perfect item through these bustling lanes of the Bazaar is a good choice.
- SHAH MARKET
Location | Mahatma Gandhi Road, Nehru Nagar, Civil Lines
This is nothing but the go-to place for every gadget freak out there. It is the home to electronic shops, mobile repairing centers, second-hand mobile stores, and also some outlets for your daily needs products. So if any of your tech devices lags in the middle of your mesmerizing tour amidst the architecturally rich city of Agra, you know where to go.
FATEHABAD ROAD
Well, it’s not a market per se, but one of those areas in Agra which is home to some high-end hotel chains, food courts, and of course the core of Agra Handicraft and Marble Houses. So if you wish to buy the perfect gifts for your loved ones back home do visit these lavish showrooms which of course a little heavy on the pocket!
- NAULAKHA BAZAAR
Location | Fatehpur Sikri Rd, Sadar Bazar, Agra Cantt, Idgah Colony
Adjacent to Sadar this place offers some amazing shops for buying books and stationery. Even the grocery shops, beauty parlors, and street food stalls serving Desi Chinese make it an attractive spot for all.
HING KI MANDI
Location | Hing Ki Mandi
This place is famous for its beautifully embellished good quality and very affordable shoe market. So if buying a branded shoe pair from Sadar seems a little expensive, do visit this place for catering to the shoe fetish within you.
Now I am going to state some specific shops you could visit for buying the most famous materials of Agra.
SUBHASH EMPORIUM
More than 60 years old, this place showcases the best marble in Agra. The emporium houses some of Agra’s finest craftsmanship and marble handicrafts. They also have a huge array of inlay table tops, vases, boxes, plates, coasters, and many other things which will make you want to buy them all to adorn your homes.
Location | 18/1, Gwalior Road, Opp BSNL Office, Shahzadi Mandi, Agra
UNIQUE ARTS AND CRAFTS
This place houses great marble pieces, ornament items, and mirror work patterns intricately galvanized on showpieces, etc.
Location | 33/12A, Fatehabad Rd, Bagichi Binda Bhagat, Tajganj
MARBLE COTTAGE
As the very name showcases this place is a collection of some insane marble pieces ranging from small coasters to large living room tables and showpieces. Although a little on the expensive side this place is worth exploring and investing in for some amazing artifacts.
Location | Shop No. 7, Jasoria Enclave, Behind Domino’s Pizza Near GMB Sweet Shop, Fatehabad Rd
UP HANDICRAFT AND HANDLOOM CENTRE
This is one such emporium which was set up 2 decades back and homes marble items that will swoon you away, don’t forget to try your hand at bargaining to buy these beautiful reflections of Indian craftsmanship and skill.
Location | 181/1, Fatehabad Rd, Premises Hotel Amar Yatri Niwas, 15th Battalion PAC Quarters, Tajganj
LEATHER
TAJ LEATHER WORLD
Low-key store in a shopping arcade specializing in leather apparel, shoes, bags & accessories.
Location – Ground Floor, Shopping Arcade, B-28, Gopi Chand Shivhare Rd, Sadar Bazar, Agra Cantt, Idgah Colony.
LEATHER JUNCTION
Home to some affordable leather shoes and jackets.
Location – Ground floor shop no. 1 Opposite ganga ratan hotel, Front of Howard Plaza Hotel, Fatehabad Road.
CLOTHING
SURESH CHAND DINESH CHAND
Home to silk, polyester, and cotton sarees for all occasions. It has some really beautiful sarees for bridal clothing to some amazingly minimalist patterned sarees for the office as well.
Where | Anant Plaza, Mahatma Gandhi Rd, Ramnagar Colony, Civil Lines
WALK IN CLOSET
This is one absolute place for all young ladies out there! It is beautifully designed with lehengas, Kurtis, jackets, sarees, and skirts hung in a color-coded fashion. It is a visual treat to Walk- In- Closet.
Where | 7B, Taj Road Sadar Bazar
FOOD
- PANCHI PETHA
This is the most famous shop to buy the most famous sweets i.e. Petha and Dalmoth in Agra. The Petha is available in several flavors such as Chocolate, Saffron, Coconut, etc. And the Falmouth can also be customized as per preference
Where |Sadar Bazar
- AGRA CHAAT BHANDAAR
Located in the very famous ‘Chaat Gali’ in Sadar Bazar, this more than a decade-old shop offers some amazingly tangy collapse, tikkas, and savory pancakes.
Where| Sadar Bazaar
- MAMA FRANKY
Located in Sadar again this food joint had a humble beginning with just a shop and now is home to 3 subparts offering vegetarian North Indian delicacies, Chinese specifics, and Non-Vegetarian rolls and shawarmas.
Where| Sadar Bazaar
- SHEROES HANGOUT
This is that warm place where you can enjoy some amazing food served with utmost love by the staff all of whom are acid attack survivors. This is one place that shouldn’t be missed when in Agra.
Where |Taj Nagari Phase 1, R.K. Puram Phase-2, Tajanj.
- DEVIRAM SWEETS
This old shop is famous for its steaming hot sabzi and fluffy kachoris which are the essentials for a perfect Agra breakfast and the crispy samosas and crunchy jalebis for a wholesome Agra evening snack, to make your tour complete in all its essence.
Where| Pratapura, Agra
Therefore, Agra as a whole is much more than the ‘Monument of Love’ as everyone knows our Vanilla Cascade to be. The colorful markets of Agra are like a spectrum that offers every small and big thing in all price ranges. So next time when you decide to visit the city don’t forget to get some Leather boots, some ethnic Kurtis, a small marble replica of The Taj, Angoori Petha, and of course the Kachoris!
