Are you looking for a place where you can find everything from gold and silver to dry fruits and artificial flowers? Do you want to explore the history, culture, and lifestyle of Hyderabad through its vibrant and bustling market?
If yes, then you should definitely visit Begum Bazar, the oldest and largest market in the city. In this article, we will guide you through the best ways to shop, travel, and enjoy in Begum Bazar. You will also learn about the nearby attractions, facilities, and residential options that make this area a great destination for tourists and locals alike.
What to Buy in Begum Bazar: A Shopper’s Paradise
Begum Bazar is a paradise for shoppers who love to bargain and buy a variety of products at wholesale prices. The market has over 15,000 shops that sell everything from gold, silver, pearls, and jewellery to dry fruits, spices, nuts, and sweets. You can also find artificial flowers, household items, antiques, furniture, stationery, cosmetics, and much more.
The market is especially famous for its gold and silver ornaments that are made by skilled craftsmen and sold at reasonable rates. You can also buy dry fruits such as dates, figs, apricots, almonds, pistachios, etc. that are imported from Afghanistan, Iran, and other countries. If you are looking for some colorful and festive decorations, you can check out the artificial flowers that are used for weddings, festivals, and ceremonies. You can also buy some household items such as utensils, crockery, cutlery, etc. that are made of brass, copper, steel, or aluminum.
The best part about shopping in Begum Bazar is that you can bargain for the best deals and get discounts up to 50% or more. However, you need to be careful about the quality and authenticity of the products and avoid getting cheated by some unscrupulous sellers. You should also be aware of the crowd and traffic that can make shopping a hectic and chaotic experience. Therefore, it is advisable to visit the market early in the morning or late in the evening when it is less crowded and more peaceful.
How to Reach Begum Bazar: The Best Ways to Travel
Begum Bazar is located in the heart of Hyderabad and is easily accessible by various modes of transport. You can reach the market by bus, auto-rickshaw, taxi, metro, or car. Here are some of the options:
Bus:
You can take a bus from any part of the city to Afzal Gunj Bus Stop, which is the nearest bus stop to Begum Bazar. From there, you can walk for about 10 minutes or take an auto-rickshaw to reach the market.
Auto-rickshaw:
You can hire an auto-rickshaw from any part of the city to reach Begum Bazar directly. The fare may vary depending on the distance and traffic conditions.
Taxi:
You can book a taxi from any online app or service provider such as Ola or Uber to reach Begum Bazar comfortably and conveniently. The fare may vary depending on the distance and traffic conditions.
Metro:
You can take a metro train from any station to Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS) metro station, which is the nearest metro station to Begum Bazar. From there, you can walk for about 15 minutes or take an auto-rickshaw to reach the market.
Car:
You can drive your own car or rent a car from any service provider such as Zoomcar or Revv to reach Begum Bazar easily and quickly. However, you may face some parking issues as the market does not have a dedicated parking space.
Timings of Begum Bazar: When to Visit
Begum Bazar is open every day from 10:30 am to 9:30 pm. However, some shops may close on Sundays or public holidays. The best time to visit the market is during the festive season when it is decorated with lights and flowers and offers special discounts and offers. Some of the festivals that are celebrated in or near Begum Bazar are:
Ramzan: This is the holy month of fasting for Muslims when they break their fast with delicious food items such as haleem, biryani, kebabs, etc. You can find these delicacies in many restaurants and stalls near Begum Bazar.
Diwali: This is the festival of lights when Hindus light lamps and candles and burst crackers to celebrate the victory of good over evil. You can buy some beautiful and colorful diyas, lanterns, and fireworks from Begum Bazar to decorate your home and enjoy the festival.
Dussehra: This is the festival of victory when Hindus celebrate the triumph of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana. You can witness the burning of huge effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad near Begum Bazar and join the celebrations.
Also check out: A Complete Guide For Shopping In Hyderabad
Tips for Travellers
When you visit Begum Bazar, you should also keep in mind some tips and suggestions to make your shopping experience more enjoyable and hassle-free. Here are some of them:
1. Carry enough cash as most of the shops do not accept cards or online payments.
2. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes as you may have to walk a lot and deal with the heat and dust.
3. Carry a water bottle and some snacks as you may not find many hygienic options in the market.
4. Be polite and friendly with the shopkeepers and customers as they may help you with some useful information or advice.
5. Be careful of your belongings and avoid carrying any valuable items as there may be some pickpockets or thieves in the crowd.
Nearby Areas of Begum Bazar: What Else to See and Do
Begum Bazar is not only a shopping destination but also a cultural and historical hub that offers many other attractions and activities for the visitors. You can explore some of the nearby areas of Begum Bazar that are rich in heritage, architecture, and cuisine. Some of them are:
Charminar:
This is the iconic landmark of Hyderabad that was built by Quli Qutb Shah in 1591. It is a four-sided monument with four minarets that stand 56 meters high. You can climb up the stairs to get a panoramic view of the city or visit the mosque inside the monument. You can also shop for some exquisite pearls, lac bangles, and perfumes from the shops around Charminar.
Naya Pul:
This is a bridge that connects Begum Bazar with Charminar. It was built by Nawab Mir Mahboob Ali Khan in 1901. It is a scenic spot that offers a view of the Musi river and the old city. You can also see some old buildings and monuments such as High Court, Salar Jung Museum, and Mecca Masjid from the bridge.
Fish Market:
This is a market that sells fresh fish and seafood near Begum Bazar. It is one of the largest fish markets in India that attracts thousands of customers every day. You can buy some exotic varieties of fish such as pomfret, prawns, crabs, etc. from the market or enjoy some delicious fish dishes from the nearby restaurants.
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Social and Retail Facilities of Begum Bazar: Where to Eat, Stay, and Relax
Begum Bazar is not only a place for shopping but also a place for eating, staying, and relaxing. The market has many social and retail facilities that cater to the needs and preferences of the visitors. Some of them are:
Hotels:
There are many hotels near Begum Bazar that offer comfortable and affordable accommodation for the visitors. Some of the popular hotels are Hotel Geetanjali, Hotel Rajdhani, Hotel Harsha, etc. These hotels have clean rooms, friendly staff, and good amenities.
Restaurants:
There are many restaurants near Begum Bazar that serve delicious and hygienic food for the visitors. Some of the famous restaurants are Shadab Hotel, Hotel Nayaab, Hotel Sohail, etc. These restaurants specialize in Hyderabadi cuisine such as biryani, haleem, kebabs, etc.
Cafes:
There are some cafes near Begum Bazar that offer refreshing drinks and snacks for the visitors. Some of the popular cafes are Cafe Niloufer, Cafe Bahar, Cafe Coffee Day, etc. These cafes have cozy ambience, friendly service, and tasty beverages.
Banks:
There are some banks near Begum Bazar that provide banking services for the visitors. Some of the well-known banks are State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, etc. These banks have branches and ATMs that offer cash withdrawal, deposit, transfer, and other facilities.
ATMs:
There are many ATMs near Begum Bazar that dispense cash and accept cards from various banks. Some of the popular ATMs are Central Bank of India ATM, HDFC Bank ATM, Tamilnad Mercantile Bank Ltd ATM, etc. These ATMs are located at convenient and accessible places in and around the market.
Best Residential Localities near Begum Bazar: Where to Live
Begum Bazar is not only a place for shopping but also a place for living. The market is surrounded by some of the best residential localities that offer good housing options for buyers and renters. Some of them are:
Goshamahal:
This is a locality that is close to Begum Bazar and has many apartments, independent houses, and commercial spaces. The locality has good connectivity, amenities, and security. The average property rate in Goshamahal is Rs. 4,500 per sq.ft.
Afzal Gunj:
This is a locality that is adjacent to Begum Bazar and has many old and new buildings, shops, and offices. The locality has a mix of culture, commerce, and education. The average property rate in Afzal Gunj is Rs. 5,000 per sq.ft.
Nampally:
This is a locality that is near Begum Bazar and has many hotels, hospitals, schools, and colleges. The locality has a blend of modernity and heritage. The average property rate in Nampally is Rs. 6,000 per sq.ft.
Living near Begum Bazar has its pros and cons. Some of the pros are:
- You can enjoy the convenience and variety of shopping in Begum Bazar anytime you want.
- You can experience the culture and history of Hyderabad through its monuments, festivals, and cuisine.
- You can access the transport facilities and social amenities easily and quickly.
Some of the cons are:
- You may face some noise and air pollution due to the traffic and crowd in Begum Bazar.
- You may have to deal with some safety and hygiene issues due to the lack of maintenance and regulation in Begum Bazar.
- You may have to pay higher property rates and taxes due to the high demand and popularity of Begum Bazar.
Begum Bazar is a place that offers a unique and unforgettable shopping experience for everyone. It is a place where you can find everything you need at wholesale prices. It is also a place where you can explore the history, culture, and lifestyle of Hyderabad through its attractions, facilities, and localities.
If you are planning to visit Hyderabad or looking for a new destination to shop, you should definitely consider Begum Bazar as your next stop. You will not regret it.
We hope this article helps you with your trip to Begum Bazar. If you have any questions or feedback, please let us know in the comments below. Thank you for reading and happy shopping!
