Lucknow Shopping Guide
Chikankari embroidery, Zardozi gold work, natural Ittar perfumes, and Nawabi elegance. Discover the City of Tehzeeb's finest crafts.
What to Buy in Lucknow
Nawabi refinement meets artisan craftsmanship in every bazaar
Chikankari Embroidery
Lucknow's White-on-White ArtChikankari is Lucknow's most celebrated craft -- intricate hand embroidery dating back to Mughal times. Skilled artisans (mostly women) create delicate floral and paisley patterns using white thread on fine cotton, muslin, georgette, and silk fabrics. The craft involves over 30 distinct stitches, with each piece taking days to weeks to complete. It is a GI-tagged product unique to Lucknow.
Items & Price Ranges
Where to Buy
Aminabad, Hazratganj boutiques, Chowk, Janpath Market
Local Tip: Hold Chikankari fabric against light -- genuine hand embroidery shows stitches on the back side. Machine work is flat and identical on both sides. Aminabad has the widest range and best prices.
Zardozi & Gold Thread Work
Mughal Court EmbroideryZardozi (literally 'gold sewing') is the art of embroidering with metallic threads, sequins, and beads on luxurious fabrics. Lucknow's Zardozi tradition was patronized by Nawabs and features intricate paisley, floral, and geometric motifs. Today it adorns wedding wear, home furnishings, and accessories.
Items & Price Ranges
Where to Buy
Chowk, Aminabad, Old City workshops near Bara Imambara
Local Tip: Real Zardozi uses metal thread (heavier and shinier than plastic thread). Visit workshops near Bara Imambara to see artisans working. Wedding season (Oct-Feb) offers the widest selection.
Ittar (Natural Perfumes)
Nawabi Fragrance HeritageLucknow has been India's ittar capital since the Nawabi era. These are pure, alcohol-free perfumes extracted from flowers, herbs, and wood through traditional hydro-distillation (deg-bhapka method). Famous scents include Gulab (rose), Kewda (pandanus), Mitti (petrichor/earth), Shamama (complex spice blend), and Hina (henna flower).
Items & Price Ranges
Where to Buy
Aminabad perfume lane, Chowk, Yahiyaganj
Local Tip: Test ittar on your wrist and wait 15 minutes -- genuine natural ittar evolves and lasts hours. Synthetic perfumes fade quickly. Mitti (earth scent) ittar is unique to Lucknow and makes an unforgettable souvenir.
Nawabi Jewelry & Accessories
Royal AdornmentLucknow's jewelry tradition reflects Nawabi elegance -- intricate, detailed, and often featuring uncut stones and enamel work. Kundan, polki, and jadau styles are popular for bridal jewelry, while oxidized silver and artificial jewelry offer affordable elegance. Traditional accessories include the Lucknowi topi (embroidered cap) and ornate buttons.
Items & Price Ranges
Where to Buy
Aminabad, Yahiyaganj, Hazratganj jewelry shops
Local Tip: For authentic Nawabi-style jewelry, visit the old jewelers in Chowk area. For modern interpretations, Hazratganj has curated boutiques. Always check hallmark certification for gold and silver.
Lucknowi Kurtas & Garments
Tehzeeb in Every StitchThe Lucknowi kurta is a symbol of elegance across India. Known for its perfect fit, fine fabric, and subtle Chikankari or Zardozi embellishment, these kurtas represent the city's Nawabi refinement. Both men's and women's kurtas are crafted in cotton, linen, silk, and georgette with varying levels of embroidery.
Items & Price Ranges
Where to Buy
Aminabad, Hazratganj (Seva, Sabhyata), Janpath Market
Local Tip: For the best selection of men's kurtas, visit Aminabad during festival season. Hazratganj shops offer premium quality with air-conditioned comfort and fixed prices.
Sweets, Spices & Edible Souvenirs
Nawabi Culinary TreasuresLucknow's culinary heritage extends to packable souvenirs. The city is famous for kebab spice mixes, special biryani masalas, traditional sweets, and paan-related products. Seasonal specialties like Makhan Malai (winter) and Sharbats (summer) have devoted followings.
Items & Price Ranges
Where to Buy
Aminabad food lanes, Chowk, Nakhas bazaar, Hazratganj
Local Tip: Buy kebab masala from shops near Tunday Kebabi in Aminabad. For sweets, Hazratganj's Ram Asrey is a century-old institution known for its Malai Gilori. Pack everything in airtight containers.
Best Shopping Areas in Lucknow
From Nawabi heritage lanes to modern boutique boulevards
Aminabad
Bustling & authenticLucknow's oldest and busiest bazaar. A sprawling market with hundreds of Chikankari shops, fabric stores, perfumers, jewelry shops, and food stalls. This is where locals shop and prices are lowest. Expect narrow lanes, crowds, and authentic haggling.
Hazratganj
Elegant & modernLucknow's upscale shopping boulevard. British-era architecture houses modern boutiques, branded Chikankari stores (Seva, Sabhyata), bookshops, and restaurants. Air-conditioned comfort with fixed prices. The Lucknow equivalent of Delhi's Khan Market.
Chowk
Heritage & atmosphericThe heart of old Lucknow near Bara Imambara. A chaotic but fascinating area with traditional craftsmen, Zardozi workshops, ittar shops, and legendary food joints. The narrow lanes around Akbari Gate are packed with history and craft.
Nakhas Bazaar
Eclectic & surprisingAn eclectic market near Chowk known for antiques, traditional items, handicrafts, and curiosities. Also a major hub for dry fruits, spices, and household items at wholesale rates. Less tourist-oriented but great for unique finds.
Janpath Market & Government Emporiums
Organized & reliableModern shopping complex with Chikankari and handicraft shops at reasonable fixed prices. Gangotri (UP government emporium) nearby offers certified Chikankari. Good alternative if you prefer fixed-price shopping without bargaining.
Bargaining Tips from Locals
Eight rules that save our tourists money every single day
Shopping + Sightseeing Combo
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Full day local cab in Lucknow: ₹1,800 | From Delhi to Lucknow: ₹8,500 (one way)
Shopping in Lucknow: The Nawabi Craft Capital
Lucknow's shopping culture is inseparable from its Nawabi heritage. The city's artisans were patronized by Awadh's Nawabs for centuries, perfecting crafts that demanded patience, precision, and artistic sensibility. Chikankari embroidery alone involves over 30 distinct stitches -- each with its own name and purpose. When you buy Chikankari in Lucknow, you are purchasing from the world's only source of this delicate art form, directly supporting artisan families who have practiced this craft for generations.
The city's markets reflect its layered history. Aminabad, established in the Nawabi era, retains its old-world charm with narrow lanes packed with Chikankari shops where you can negotiate directly with merchants. Hazratganj, built during the British period, offers a more refined shopping experience with curated boutiques and fixed prices. Chowk, the oldest quarter, is where traditional Zardozi workshops and ittar distillers continue their centuries-old trades in the shadow of Bara Imambara.
For the best Lucknow shopping experience, a local cab is essential. The city's major shopping districts -- Aminabad, Hazratganj, and Chowk -- are spread across different parts of the city. Our Triveni Cabs drivers know the genuine artisan clusters, can help you avoid tourist markups, and ensure you visit the city's famous food spots between shopping stops. After all, in Lucknow, shopping and food are equally important cultural experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best thing to buy in Lucknow?
Chikankari embroidery is Lucknow's signature craft -- delicate white-on-white threadwork on cotton, muslin, and silk fabrics. Other must-buys include Zardozi (gold thread embroidery), Ittar (natural perfumes), Lucknowi kurtas, Nawabi-style jewelry, and the city's famous kebab spice mixes.
How do I identify genuine Chikankari?
Genuine hand-embroidered Chikankari has these marks: slightly uneven stitches (hand vs machine uniformity), the embroidery is done from the back of the fabric (hold it up to light), the thread work feels slightly raised, and patterns include traditional motifs like paisley, flowers, and jaali (lattice). A single hand-embroidered kurta takes 2-15 days to complete.
What are typical Chikankari prices?
Machine Chikankari kurtas: ₹300-800. Hand-embroidered cotton kurtas: ₹800-3,000. Georgette/chiffon Chikankari: ₹1,500-8,000. Heavy bridal Chikankari sarees: ₹5,000-50,000+. Chikankari dupattas: ₹300-3,000. Fabric per meter: ₹200-2,000. Hand Chikankari with Mukaish (silver wire) work is the most premium.
Where is the best Chikankari market in Lucknow?
Aminabad is the traditional Chikankari hub with hundreds of shops and wholesale rates. Hazratganj has upscale Chikankari boutiques (Seva Chikan, Sabhyata). Chowk has traditional artisan workshops. For factory-direct prices, visit the Chikankari clusters in Daliganj and Kakori area where artisans work from home.
What is Lucknow Ittar and where to buy it?
Lucknow Ittar (attar) is natural perfume extracted from flowers, herbs, and sandalwood through traditional hydro-distillation. Famous varieties: Gulab (rose), Kewda (screw pine), Mitti (earth scent), Shamama (complex blend), and Hina. Buy from Aminabad's perfume lane or established shops in Chowk. Prices: ₹100-5,000+ per tola depending on the flower oil used.
Is bargaining expected in Lucknow markets?
Yes, bargaining is standard in Aminabad, Chowk, and Nakhas bazaar. Start at 40-50% of the quoted price. In Hazratganj boutiques, prices are usually fixed but seasonal discounts are common. For Chikankari, compare hand vs machine work prices before bargaining -- the difference is significant.
What is Zardozi embroidery?
Zardozi is an ancient art of embroidering with gold and silver threads, beads, and sequins on heavy fabrics like velvet and silk. Lucknow is a major center for this craft. Items include sherwanis, sarees, cushion covers, wall hangings, and bridal wear. Prices range from ₹2,000 for small items to ₹1,00,000+ for bridal sherwanis.
What food items can I carry back from Lucknow?
Lucknow's edible souvenirs include: Tunday Kebabi's spice mixes, Makhan Malai (winter specialty, seasonal), Revdi and Gazak (sesame sweets), Lucknowi Paan ingredients, special Biryani masala, and dry fruit mixes from Aminabad. Sharmaji Ki Chai mix is also popular. Pack in airtight containers for travel.
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