For every person living in Kolkata the name of New Market doesn’t need any introduction. And especially for shopaholics New Market Kolkata is a paradise for sure. However for people outside Kolkata the Market can be full of surprises. This is basically a street shopper’s paradise along with being a large flea market where you can find almost everything under the sun. The collection and variety of New Market has given it the status of a market that has everything and anything you need. And maybe that is the reason why people from all over the city and beyond visit here when they need something.
Moreover not just for important items the market is also famous for other things like dresses, jewelleries, accessories and so much more. Previously only a particular area was called the New Market but at present the adjoining areas and the street shops nearby all come under the New Market Area. This therefore makes the market even bigger and also makes it impossible to explore in one single day. You need a lot of time in hand to actually explore the New Market Kolkata shops. Keep on reading this article as here I will mention everything about New Market Kolkata. This will be a helpful read for you if you are planning a visit to New Market anytime soon.
New Market Kolkata
New Market Kolkata location: New Market Area, Lindsay Street, Dharmatala, Taltala, Kolkata
Timings: The New Market Kolkata timings are from 10 am to 10 pm on all days
Entry fee: There is no entry fee
How to Reach
By air
If you are travelling by air then the nearest airport to reach New Market Kolkata will be the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata. From there the New Market is located at a distance of 17.4 km. You can reach there in about 51 minutes. You can easily take a bus from the airport to reach the market. Or else for a more convenient travel you can opt for a cab or a yellow taxi as well to reach there.
By train
While travelling in a train the nearest railway station to reach the market is the Sealdah Station. From the Sealdah Station the market is 2.8 km away. It would take you about 14 minutes to reach there from the railway station. The Howrah Railway Station is also another major railway station to reach the market. From Howrah Station the distance of New Market Kolkata is about 4.9 km. You can easily reach New Market from there in about 20 minutes. From both the railway stations you can get regular buses to reach New Market. This is a popular area and there are multiple buses available to reach here. Or else you can also take a cab or hire a yellow taxi as well to reach the market.
By road
The Dharmatala area or the New Market area is one of the most crowded and busiest localities in Kolkata and so finding a bus to reach there is not much tough. You can actually find a lot of buses from various parts of the city to reach there. Both the private buses as well as mini buses are available to reach the New Market. Along with that you can also find AC Volvo buses from a few locations as well to reach the market.
For more convenient travel you can opt for a cab or a yellow taxi as well to reach there. You can also reach there in your own vehicle as well. However you will have to struggle a bit for parking. Even though paid parking is available in and around the market still the area gets really crowded and therefore gets full. So travelling in a public transport is actually better if you don’t want to get into the hassle of parking your car.
By metro
It would be extremely convenient to reach the New Market by metro as the area has many metro stations located nearby. The nearest metro station to reach New Market is the Esplanade Metro Station. From There the market is located only 400 meters away and you can simply walk up to the market to reach there in about 10 minutes. The Park Street Metro Station is also located near the market at a distance of 900 meters. It would take around 12 minutes to walk up to reach the market from the metro station. Other than that the Chandni Chowk Metro Station is also located at a distance of only 1.1 km. It would take you around 15 minutes to walk from the metro station to reach there. The Central Metro Station is also located nearby at a distance of 1.7 km.
Overview of New Market
When it comes to the best places for shopping in Kolkata there is hardly any other location that can beat the New Market Kolkata. And the fact that this is such a popular shopping destination in the city is because of the variety of items that it offers. From clothes, to accessories, electronics to jewelleries, bags to shoes, food to drinks, you name it and you can get it here. The New Market, even if it is called New, is actually an old market that goes back to 1874. The market just completed its glorious 150 years in January 2024.
Originally known as the Hogg Market, this market dates long back to the British era. There was a time when this market was basically a shopping spot to cater the needs of the British residents in the city. It is also the first ever municipal market in the city of Kolkata and it is very much a favourite spot for the city dwellers till date.
The main architecture of the market is unique and reflects old colonial charm. Architect R R Bayne designed the market that reflects a beautiful Gothic Style of Architecture. Named after the then chairman of Calcutta Corporation, Sir Start Hogg, the Hogg Market soon became a popular market in the city. The structure of the market looks magnificent as it is made with red bricks and has a clock tower as well.
At present there are more than 3000 shops and stalls here selling every sort of goods. It is one of the popular bustling markets that is crowded all year long. From fashion items to handicrafts to home décor or electronics this is like a one stop destination for anyone in Kolkata. If you have never visited this market then you are certainly missing out on something. So you must plan a visit to the New Market Kolkata to enjoy the true essence of shopping.
Things to buy in New Market
Clothes
For anyone looking for any kind of clothing items from ethnic to western wear or festive wear, bridal outfits, gym wear, sports wear, party wear you will find everything here. There are plenty of shops lined here that sell gorgeous sarees, lehengas, kurtis, dresses, jackets, jeans and more. You can visit the Sim Park Mall here to check out their collection as they have brands like Pepe, Wrangler, Levi’s and more. For sarees you can visit the Benarasi Kuthi, Indian Silk House etc. New Market Kolkata dresses are also quite popular for their trendy collection so you can check that out as well.
Accessories
When it is about Jewellery New Market Kolkata is one of the best options that you can choose. Here the jewelleries start from as low as a price of Rs. 10. You can find earrings here starting from Rs. 30 and the collection is huge. And if you wish to buy branded silver jewellery you can visit Chamba Lama which is an old shop here. Other than that some jewellery shops like Senco Gold, Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri, Anjali Jewellers are also located here. If you are looking for precious gold jewellery you can check these shops. However what catches most attention here is undoubtedly the street vendors. They have a huge collection of earrings, bracelets, rings and more.
Also they have a huge variety of hair accessories here that you can check out. Sunglasses, scarves, hats, watches are also popular buys here. The sunglasses are available for as cheap as Rs. 100 and they look very trendy, so check them out too.
Books
This market is also popular for books. You will find multiple bookstores here selling academic books, magazines, old books, newspapers, journals etc. Some of the popular choices are the Oxford Bookstore, Dasgupta & Co, Rupa Book Stall etc.
Bags and Shoes
Now this is again something that New Market Kolkata is famous for. Also the collection here is truly huge and attention seeking. Other than proper shops you can find street vendors here selling a variety of shoes and bags. Or else you can also visit shops like Sreelethers to check out their massive collection.
Places to eat in New Market
You cannot miss out on the Street food if you are visiting New Market Kolkata. And also the variety here will leave you spoilt for choices. From Phuchka, to Papri Chaat, Dahi Vada, Kulfi, Dosa, Idli, Chole Bhature, Vada Pav, Cutlets and Fries, Chowmin, Mughlai Paratha, Kathi Rolls the choice is huge. However other than the street food you will find some popular restaurants and cafes here as well so you can also check them out and I am mentioning some of them down below.
1. Nahoum & Sons
2. Aminia
3. Blue Sky Café
4. Basanta Cabin
5. Nizam’s
6. Hong Kong Restaurant
7. Wow Momo
8. Anadi Cabin
9. Burger King
10. Blue Sapphire
11. Rang De Basanti Dhaba
12. KFC
Wrapping Up!
As soon as someone mentions shopping New Market Kolkata is one of the first names that will come into the minds of people in Kolkata. And this is one such vibrant market that you definitely need to pay a visit to. You can check out the New Market Kolkata photos, to know how lively and exciting the atmosphere there is. But remember if you are buying something from the street vendors then polish your bargaining skills before making a visit there. So when are you planning a visit to the New Market? And let me know if this article on New Market Kolkata is helpful for you in planning a trip to this location.