A hipster’s guide to travelling, shopping and dining in Delhi

Quaint cafés to individually crafted knick-knacks, these interesting markets in Delhi are perfect for the new age hipster traveller.

Delhi has a host of flea markets and curio bazaars that are both budget-friendly and chic. (Source: Nitin Pant/Flickr)

India has always been a haven for travellers on a budget with a quest for something different. For most world travellers, an Indian trip is quite wallet-friendly and loaded with myriad experiences – from spirituality in Varanasi to treks in Uttaranchal, from Ayurvedic treatments in Kerala to the colourful royals in Rajasthan, there is no dearth of things to do and people to meet.

Add to this the vibrant handicraft industry, and you have yourself a must-visit, must-shop list of flea markets, village bazaars and curio shops. All of which are well-established tourist magnets, and satisfying ones too. Add to this, the open-terraced cafés, funky bars and themed restaurants, and you’ve got yourself the perfect places for the new-age hipsters.

Yes, hipsters, and not hippies, are the new world travellers. These creative young minds with an edgy fashion sense and a curiosity to explore are migrating from the streets of Berlin, New York and London and flying over to the Indian subcontinent. While Mumbai has long held the title of being very youth-friendly with its chor bazaar, et al., Delhi has finally caught up, and how.

Travel expert Reshmi Roy, growth manager at Skyscanner India, lists down Delhi’s most hipster hotspots covered.

The Hipster Haven — Hauz Khas Village
Set against the backdrop of the ancient Hauz Khas Fort and the lake, Hauz Khas Village offers an eclectic mix of cafés and quaint shops that are sure to give you a hipster kick. There is no dearth of avant-garde collectibles at artsy shops and designer boutiques found in the area.
Shop for creative, one-of-a-kind home décor at Green the Gap, where you will find all manners of everyday items recycled into innovative and ecofriendly products. Afterwards, unwind with a good book over a hot cup of coffee at Kunzum Travel Café, this relaxed hangout works on an interesting pay-what-you-like policy and the free Wi-Fi is a bonus!

From Hippies to Hipsters — Paharganj
Located right next to the New Delhi Railway Station, the age-old hippie haven Paharganj is a cultural melting pot, with many European and American backpackers making the serpentine lanes and bylanes their temporary homes in Delhi. Paharganj offers cheap and friendly bars and restaurants, providing a welcome alternative to the TGIF-Bar-farmhouse wedding nightlife that has for so long defined the city.
Enjoy delicious Korean fare at The Shim Tur or live Bollywood music at Green Chilli restaurant and bar.

The Hipster Shopping Paradise — Janpath
The centrally located Janpath market is a Delhi hipster’s shopping paradise. Far from retail chains at Select Citywalk Saket or DLF Promenade, here you can browse through unique Tibetan artefacts, antique silverware and individually crafted jewelry pieces in precious and semi-precious stones.

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For the Wholesome Hipster — Shahpur Jat
The go-to destination for the health conscious hipster, Shahpur Jat is brimming with natural, organic and guilt-free menus. Greenr Store’s vegan and vegetarian dishes are a real treat or grab some organic muesli at Nourish Organic’s Café before diving into a day exploring the natural fabrics and edgy styles found at stores like Lila and Kanelle.

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