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Simply put, historic New Market is a Kolkata shopping institution. Its

sprawling undercover maze of stalls offers almost everything imaginable.
The market can be overwhelmingly crowded and chaotic (particularly
before festivals) but if you're after a bargain, or even just an unforgettable
experience, it's not to be missed.

Pros
 Incredible variety of goods.

 Cheap prices.

 Great for bargain shopping.

Cons
 Can get crowded and hot. It's only partially air-conditioned.

 Very dirty and smelly in parts. The meat section isn't cleaned
properly.

 Parking space and toilets are lacking.

 Pickpockets and beggars operate in the area.

 Foreigners are sometimes harassed to pay two or three times more

for items.

 Difficult to find your way around without a guide.

 There are many touts, which are a nuisance.

 Fake items are sold, and it can be hard to determine the quality.
Always ask for a bill after purchasing a product.

Quick Facts
 The main entrance is on Lindsay Street, Kolkata, just off
Chowringhee Road.
 Open 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Monday to Friday, and until 2.30 p.m. on
Saturday. It's closed on Sunday.

 Over 2,000 stalls.

 Guides are available for hire for a nominal fee.

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All the Details

New Market has the honor of being Kolkata's oldest and most well known
market. It was built in Victorian Gothic style by the British in 1874 (it's
grand facade resembles Staint Pancras station in London), and started off
as the Sir Stuart Hogg Market, named in honor of the then Commissioner.
It's still often fondly referred to as Hogg's Market. The market's iconic red
brick clock tower was installed later on, in the 1930s, after being shipped
over from England.

In its early days, New Market had a distinctly upper class British air about
it. However, it has well and truly evolved into something completely Indian.
These days, the whole commercial area around it is referred to as New
Market. Be prepared to deal with unruly crowds and use your best
bargaining skills! Shopkeepers are rather ruthless and adept at convincing
shoppers to pay much more than the market value of items.

 Read: Tips for Haggling at Markets in India

New Market is renowned for the variety of goods it has on offer. Shoppers
are treated to more than 2,000 stalls selling everything from clothing to
cheese and fruit, feathers and flesh. Unfortunately a terrible fire burned
down part of the building in 1985. However, it's been reconstructed and
this new part of the market houses mostly garment sellers, including many
beautiful sari shops. The building is sadly prone to catching fire. A number
of subsequent fires have happened, including major fires in 2011, 2013, and
2015.

Due to New Market's size, it's a good thing that its stalls are grouped
according to the type of goods they sell. However, finding your way around
can still be a navigational nightmare. Those who are after something
special, shouldn't pass up the services of one of the many guides (known as
coolies) that congregate around the market entrances. They live and
breathe the market, and can effortlessly lead you to the best goods for the
best price. Alternatively, it's possible to go on a walking tour of New Market
such as this one offered by Kolkata Magic.

If you aren't interested in getting assistance, be prepared for the touts and
guides to be relentlessly annoying and persistent, to the point of ruining
your shopping experience.

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Vegetarians, or those who have a weak stomach, are well advised to avoid
the squeamish slaughterhouse that is the meat section, in the division
between New Market's east and west wings. It's likely to change the way
you view meat forever.

Although New Market is only open until 8 p.m., after the stalls have closed
the surrounding area comes alive under the glow of lights with people
eating, drinking chai (tea), and chatting. It's well worth hanging around to
soak up the atmosphere. In addition, there are plenty of tasty restaurants in
the vicinity in case you're hungry!

Hunt for bargains at one of Kolkata’s oldest markets, an indoor arcade with
food, clothing and handicraft stalls that’s been serving the city for over 135
years.
Crowded, chaotic and colorful, New Market is a busy and enormous labyrinth of more than 2,000 stalls and
shops, many under one roof. Come here to find a vast range of merchandise from cheap clothing and expensive
jewelry to fresh fruit and seafood.

New Market dates back to 1874. For many years, it was known as Sir Stuart Hogg Market after the then
Chairman of the Calcutta Corporation. His name can still be seen above the entrance of this grand Victorian-
Gothic building. The massive arcade has survived two fires in its history and remains one of Kolkata’s most
popular shopping destinations.

Give yourself at least a couple of hours to explore the market. Haggling is the norm here, so bargain hard to get
the best prices. Many of the stalls are grouped into sections according to the goods they sell, but it can still be
difficult to find your way around.

If you need something specific and don’t want to browse aimlessly, ask one of the guides, known as coolies.
They can be found congregating near the entrances. For a modest and negotiable fee, they will lead you through
the crowds to where you want to go.

Stop for something to eat at one of the restaurants or step outside the market complex and try some tea and
crispy bhelpuri from a street vendor. Treat yourself to marzipan and fruitcake at Nahoum and Sons. This popular
confectioner has been trading in the same New Market spot since 1902.

New Market is open every day except Sunday and operates from midmorning to early evening. On Saturdays, it
closes in the early afternoon. New Market is close to the center of Kolkata and is easily reached by taxis and
numerous bus services. The nearest railway station is within a few minutes’ walking distance. Metered car
parking is available in the underground parking plaza.